Blue Knights Motorcycle Club
Wisconsin IX
Manitowoc Chapter
By-Laws
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this organization shall be "Blue Knights Motorcycle Club - Wisconsin IX" (Chapter). The organization shall be affiliated with Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Inc. (International).
ARTICLE II - PURPOSES
The purposes of this organization are to provide for the mutual assistance, enjoyment, entertainment, education, physical, mental and social benefit of its members and the general public; to promote, and advance the sport of motorcycling and the safety of motorcycling, to serve the interests of the motorcycle owners and users; to promote by example and any other acceptable means, safe use, operation and enjoyment of motorcycles; to develop a fraternal spirit between law enforcement personnel and the general public.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. There are five membership classifications:
(1) Regular members
(2) Associate members
(3) Honorary members
(4) Special honorary members - Chapter Chaplain
(5) Life members
The membership classification definitions shall be the definitions currently accepted by the International.
Section 2 A person is accepted into membership upon meeting the International's requirements, payment of dues, signing the Chapter By-Laws and attendance at a meeting. No vote shall be required to accept any new member who meets the requirements
Section 3. There shall be no hang-around, probationary, or probate status.
ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS
Section 1. The officers of the Chapter shall be the President, the Vice President, the Secretary-Treasurer and the Immediate Past President.
Section 2. The officers shall constitute the Executive Board.
Section 3. The Chapter shall have four directors.
Section 4. The officers and directors shall constitute the Board of Directors.
Section 5. The term of office shall be two years.
Section 6. The election shall be held in the first meeting of the year in odd numbered years. The officers shall be elected by a majority of all votes cast. If no majority is obtained the lowest vote getter is eliminated. The board of directors shall be elected by the four highest vote totals. The new electees shall take office upon the adjournment of the election meeting.
Section 7. If there is a vacancy of any office the Board of Directors shall choose a member to fill the office until the next regular election.
ARTICLE V - DUTIES OF OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. The President shall be the executive head of the Chapter. The President shall preside at all meetings and shall be held responsible to the Board of Directors and the membership. The President shall act as the Chapter's representative on the Board of Governors.
Section 2. The Vice President shall perform all duties of the President during the absence of that officer. The Vice President shall be responsible for member and guest conduct at all Chapter meetings and gatherings. The Vice President is in charge of recruitment and retention of membership.
Section 3. The Secretary-Treasurer shall record the minutes of the meetings and shall have charge of all Chapter correspondence, records, and history. The Secretary-Treasurer shall handle all moneys, collect all dues, keep the checkbook and another accounts, and pay all bills.
Section 4. The Executive Committee shall conduct the business of the Chapter whenever the membership or the Board of Directors is not in session.
Section 5. The Board of Directors shall oversee the operations of the Chapter. They may view any documents or records of the officers. They are to set policy for the Chapter and direct the officers to execute that policy.
ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS
These By-Laws may be proposed for amendment at any regular or special meeting. Any amendment needs to be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the members present at two successive meetings.
ARTICLE VII - DUES
Section 1. Each member shall pay annual dues as established by the International and the membership. Dues must be paid when due or be subject to late fees as established by the International.
Section 2. The dues may be changed by a two thirds vote of the members present at any regular or special meeting.
ARTICLE VIII - MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular meetings shall be held monthly May through September. Additional meetings may be called by the President. Meeting times and places are to be set by the President. (Jan 3, 2015 amended)
Section 2. A special meeting may be called at any time by the President, Board of Directors or application of 50 % of the membership. Members shall be notified of all meetings by the Secretary-Treasurer.
Section 3. The official means of notification of meetings and Chapter business shall be by e-mail. Members shall keep a current e-mail address (if any) on file with the Secretary-Treasurer.
Section 4. A quorum is established by the presence of two members of the Board of Directors and a regular member.
(Jan. 4, 2005, amended from two officers and a regular member)
ARTICLE IX - PARLIAMENTARY LAW
Unless otherwise provided, this organization shall be governed by the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order.
ARTICLE X - COMMITTEES
The Executive Board, the Board of Directors, or the membership may establish committees as needed.
ARTICLE XI - ROAD CAPTAINS
The President may appoint members to the position of "Road Captain". This shall be approved by the Board of Directors. The Road Captains serve at the pleasure of the President. Road Captains shall be responsible for all Chapter rides. They shall be responsible for the route, safety, and staffing of all Chapter rides.
ARTICLE XII - SALARIES
The officers shall receive no salaries. They may be reimbursed for Chapter expenses.
ARTICLE XIII - CLUB COLORS
Section 1. The Chapter colors shall consist of:
(1) a back top rocker "BLUE KNIGHTS"
(2) a centered International Blue Knights back-patch
(3) a back bottom rocker "WISCONSIN IX"
(4) on a black leather vest
(5) a black leather jacket or a blue leather vest as established by the International may be substituted or
(6) on a blue or black denim or cloth vest or
(7) as allowed by the Board of Directors.
(Sept. 8, 2005, 6 & 7 added by amendment)
Section 2. The International or Chapter patch may be worn on the front left breast.
Section 3. All additional items affixed to the Chapter vest shall be approved by a member of the Executive Committee.
Section 4. The wearing of the colors represents the Chapter to the pubic. It is to be worn with pride and not in any fashion that brings disrespect to the wearer, the Chapter, or the International. Colors may not be worn by any member attending any function sponsored by or supported by any outlaw or 1% club.
Section 5. Colors remain the property of the Chapter and may not be transferred without permission of the Executive Board.
ARTICLE XIV - DISCIPLINE
Discipline of any member shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors. Any action of the Board of Directors may be appealed to the entire membership.
ARTICLE XV - SUPREMACY CLAUSE
This Chapter shall abide by the Constitution and By-Laws of the International. If any portion of the Chapter By-Laws are found to be in conflict - the International rules shall prevail.