Constitution and By-Laws
of the Central Iowa Chapter of the NWA
Article I: NAME/ADDRESS (Amended on October 5, 2006)
This local chapter shall be called the Central Iowa Chapter of the National Weather Association, herein referred to as the "Chapter." The Chapter post office address will be listed as P.O. Box 1512, Ames, Iowa 50014.
Article II: MISSION
The mission of the Central Iowa Chapter of the National Weather Association is to support and promote excellence in operational meteorology through research, forecasting, broadcasting and education. We will work to provide a medium for all persons interested in weather, and will work to build relationships between all who work with and study meteorology throughout Central Iowa and surrounding states.
Article III: MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to anyone interested in operational meteorology and who agrees to abide by the requirements of these Bylaws. Membership of the Central Iowa Chapter of the National Weather Association shall include the geographic areas across all of Iowa. Membership in the National organization of the National Weather Association is strongly encouraged, but not required.
Article IV: MEMBERSHIP DUES
Annual dues of ten (10) dollars shall be paid to the Central Iowa Chapter of the National Weather Association, due at the first meeting of the calendar year.
All memberships will expire at the end of the first meeting of a calendar year.
All members will be extended all membership privileges over a grace period of 30 days after the first meeting of each calendar year.
Membership privileges will begin immediately after dues are paid in full for the calendar year.
Article V: ELECTIVE & APPOINTIVE OFFICERS
Elective officers of the Chapter are President, Vice-President (Programs), Secretary (Publicity) and Treasurer (Membership). These officers shall perform those duties prescribed by these Bylaws and must be members in good standing, and will encompass the Executive Committee. All officers are elected for a term of one year, and may be re-elected.
The President shall:
1.) Preside over all general meetings and Executive Committee meetings.
2.) Report directly to the Executive Director and/or President of the national organization of the National Weather Association.
3.) Enforce due observance of the By-laws.
4.) Decide all questions of order.
5.) Sign all official documents (except checks) on behalf of the Chapter.
6.) Perform all customary duties pertaining to the office of President.
The Vice-President shall:
1.) Assume all duties of the President at any general meeting or Executive Committee meeting should the President be absent.
2.) Assume the Office of President should that office become vacant.
3.) Gather information and contacts regarding Chapter field trips and general meeting locations.
4.) Perform all customary duties pertaining to the office of President.
The Secretary shall:
1.) Keep a record of all proceedings of each general meeting and meetings of the Executive Committee.
2.) Maintain all official Chapter records.
3.) Keep a roll of members in good standing.
4.) Publish any notices to members as required by these By-laws, and write a column to the national organization of the National Weather Association for publishing in their monthly newsletter.
This column will consist of Chapter updates and future meetings.
The Treasurer shall:
1.) Receive and receipt all monies paid to the Chapter.
2.) Keep an accurate account of all monies received and expended and shall pay no bills without authorization as defined in Article X of these Bylaws.
Article VI: ELECTIONS (Amended on October 27, 2003)
Elections of officers will be conducted during the regularly scheduled September meeting.
Nominations will be presented to the membership during the month of August.
The nominee receiving the most votes shall be elected.
Votes must be cast in person.
Any vacant office (except the President) shall be filled by action of the Chapter members.
Any vacated office will be subject to the same voting procedures outlined above.
Officers will serve from October 1 to September 30.
Article VII: VOTING PROCEDURES
All members in good standing of the local Chapter are eligible to vote. A quorum for a general meeting is defined as 10 members, or one-fourth of the current membership, whichever is less.
Article VIII: OTHER COMMITTEES
The Chapter may form various committees for the purposes of controlling the varied activities of the Chapter. Each committee leader shall keep regular records of its proceedings and report the same to the Chapter.
Article IX: MEETINGS
The Chapter will have no less than six general meetings each year, at a place and time to be designated by a two-thirds majority by those members who cast votes.
Special meetings may be called by majority vote of the executive committee.
All meeting minutes will be available on the chapter web site or in writing through the Secretary by request within (14) days of the meeting.
Meeting minutes will include details on the next chapter meeting.
These details will include, but are not limited to: Date; time; location and purpose of the next meeting.
“Roberts Rules of Order, Revised Edition” shall govern, in applicable cases and where they are consistent with Bylaws and any special rules of order the Chapter may adopt. (http://www.constitution.org/rror/rror--00.htm)
Article X: NON-PROFIT FINANCES/POST OFFICE BOX
Expenditures of the Chapter less than fifty (50) dollars may be authorized by a majority of the Executive Committee or members in attendance at a general meeting.
Expenditures of the Chapter in the amount of fifty (50) dollars or more shall require the majority approval by members in attendance at a general meeting.
The Chapter is organized and operated exclusively for non-profit purposes, and no part of its earnings shall inure to the benefit of any member.
A member of the Executive Committee shall be responsible for a key to the post office box, and in turn, checking this box at least once every two weeks, or once weekly during the Severe Storms Conference registration period.
Article XI: ALCOHOL POLICY
Adopted On the 25th day of March, 2002
The Central Iowa Chapter of the National Weather Association prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, sale, possession or use of any drug(including alcohol) by chapter members or annual conference attendees under Iowa's legal drinking age of 21. Our chapter seeks to encourage and sustain a learning environment respecting individual freedom and promoting the health, safety and welfare of all members and conference attendees.
1.) The Central Iowa Chapter prohibits:
(a.) The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of twenty-one on any property being used for chapter events.
(b.) The intentional and knowing, selling or intentional and knowing furnishing(as defined by Iowa law) of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of twenty-one on property being used for chapter events.
2.) The Central Iowa Chapter permits:
(a.) The lawful keeping and consumption, in moderation, of alcoholic beverages on property being used for chapter events by persons of legal drinking age(21 years or older.)
(b.) Students and guests twenty-one years of age or older to consume alcohol in the privacy of their own room.
However, under-age students or guests are prohibited in the room where an open container of alcoholic beverages is present.
The only exception to this would be in a restaurant setting with a certified bartender present to I.D.
3.) The Central Iowa Chapter officers, as assigned by a majority chapter vote, have the authority and responsibility to govern the use of alcohol in areas they are using for chapter events, and to approve or disapprove of plans designed to ensure(at events where alcohol will be served in such areas) only legal-age individuals will have access to such alcohol. Furthermore, those hosting such events in the privacy of their room must take steps to ensure that the acquisition, distribution and consumption of alcohol otherwise complies with applicable law and chapter policy. It is the responsibility of the host to ensure that all persons are of legal drinking age.
4.) The Central Iowa Chapter supports the enforcement of all chapter, local, state and federal policies and laws by retail and wholesale distributors of alcohol on or near a chapter event.
5.) All Chapter members and conference attendees are expected to comply with applicable local, state and federal laws regarding the possession, use or sale of alcohol or drugs, whether on or off chapter event property.
6.) Violations of Chapter policy will include, but not be limited to:
(a.) Under-age consumption and/or possession, disorderly conduct resulting from use of alcohol and/or exhibiting false identification to enter any event/facility where alcohol is served.
(b.) When someone under the age of twenty-one purchases or attempts to purchase, or has an alcoholic beverage in their control or possession.
The violator will be handed over to authorities, and may be charged and convicted in an Iowa criminal court.
7.) Any chapter members found to have aided in, or willingly knowing of underage consumption of alcohol will be dismissed as a chapter member immediately, pending an investigation into the matter.
Iowa's twenty-one-year-old drinking age applies to everyone---patrons, agents, employees and the licensee's family members.[Iowa code sections 123.47 & 123.49(2)(h)] violators of this policy will be subject to the state of Iowa disciplinary procedures.
Article XII: DISSOLUTION
Upon dissolution or disbandment of this organization, all funds and properties in excess of liabilities and expenses of dissolution will be distributed as determined by a majority of the active members.
Article XIII: AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS
Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed by any Chapter member. Amendments must be presented to the Executive Committee in writing, and will be considered for adoption during any regular or special meeting at which a quorum is present. This is provided all members have been notified of the proposed amendment at least 10 days in advance of the meeting date.
The adoption of a proposed amendment shall require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all members who cast ballots.
Article XIV: October 27, 2003 Officer Amendment
The executive committee of the Central Iowa NWA shall consist of the following officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. These officers shall be members in good standing and be elected by a majority of chapter members, also which must be in good standing.
In the event that active participation in the chapter is lacking, one or more of the officer positions may be combined as deemed necessary and appropriate by the present members of the executive committee. Combinations of officer positions are valid for one year and should be re-assessed att the next officer election period.
By-laws drawn up, passed, and amended on this 5th DAY OF OCTOBER, IN THE YEAR 2006, by the Central Iowa Chapter of the National Weather Association.
PDF Copy of the Central Iowa National Weather Assocation ByLaws