|
|
Post by russ on Nov 3, 2010 6:22:14 GMT -5
I'm lost on "Roberts Rules". Don't worry. The chair needs to follow that, and there needs to be a few people who can help make sure he/she does. The rest of us just need to follow the cues. "I have no problem participating at higher levels, however I have some limitations." Probably none of us can make every meeting. I think you would just have to figure out exactly what your availability would be, then let everybody know if you want to be on the GC. "On the other hand. Within the day I have alot of time for contacting people and discussing different subjects via email or telephone." Looks like even if you can't serve on the GC, you might be a key player on one or more committees. |
|
|
|
Post by gipsie on Nov 3, 2010 7:52:37 GMT -5
I think that would come in handy. I don't think we need to be too fanatical or formal about the process, but I think following that process is important, at least in order to be sure that everybody get's their say, not just the people who have the gift of gab. I agree, Russ. The process is also important when a disagreement comes about, whether it be who is in the chair or was elected to the board, what to do with funds or something as simple as when the next meeting is. If the "process" is followed, then the argument dwindles a lot faster, lol. I'll hit the attic today and look for the book. And if by some odd chance I can't find it (or I have a bout of laziness, which is more likely), I will hit the bookstore or thriftstores. |
|
|
|
Post by HamiltonLJ on Nov 3, 2010 16:02:50 GMT -5
About the name I'd hate to limit it to South Jersey. Of course the focus at hand is Wharton! Plus I like the way NJTLC rolls off the tongue. Just my 2 cents!
|
|
|
|
Post by russ on Nov 3, 2010 18:58:32 GMT -5
About the name I'd hate to limit it to South Jersey. Of course the focus at hand is Wharton! Plus I like the way NJTLC rolls off the tongue. Just my 2 cents! 10-4. I like to get a little TLC whenever I can. |
|
|
|
Post by russ on Nov 4, 2010 7:39:28 GMT -5
I just googled "trail lovers coalition" to see if the name had any strong connotations, and the most prominent thing that came up was the Long Island TLC. Check out the survey results they have posted: www.litlc.org/stewardship/survresults.htm |
|
|
|
Post by russ on Nov 10, 2010 21:21:57 GMT -5
Thinking about our upcoming meeting and agenda. Seems like we will need to discuss the bylaws, the organization name, and the number of representatives of the various interest groups. Here's my proposal:
1. 4WD motoring
2. Canoeing and Kayaking
3. Cross-country skiing
4. Dirt Bike Riding
5. Fine Arts (e.g., Photography, Painting)
6. Geocaching
7. Hiking, Backpacking, and Camping
8. Horseback Riding
9. Hunting, Fishing, & Trapping
10. Mountain Biking
11. Natural History Activities (Birding, Botany studies, etc.).
Looks like we will definitely have reps for #1, #5, #6, and #11. Anyone know if we can get reps for the other groups? I haven't heard back from the Outdoor Club of South Jersey, but I am keeping my hopes up. They are the best bet for #'s 2, 3, 7, and 10.
|
|
|
|
Post by gipsie on Nov 11, 2010 9:54:49 GMT -5
I have some input for 2, 7 and 9 too, lol..... I do those more than geocaching, hehe.
I know a couple of people who would be great for the coalition. I may be able to bring one to the next meeting if it is OK with you all. He is a kayaker who grew up in these woods...
I spoke to Tom Neigel from the Outdoors club when he camped with us Halloween weekend. I know he is definitely interested and I can reach out to him if need be. He is a friend. Should I tell him about the meeting?
|
|
|
|
Post by gipsie on Nov 11, 2010 10:04:35 GMT -5
And BTW...what time are we meeting in Wednesday?
|
|
|
|
Post by russ on Nov 11, 2010 10:35:41 GMT -5
I have some input for 2, 7 and 9 too.... That's great, but ideally we would get one person per interest group. Of course most of us have multiple interests, and we can always weigh in on any topic we want to. I know a couple of people who would be great for the coalition. I may be able to bring one to the next meeting if it is OK with you all. He is a kayaker who grew up in these woods... Of course. Anyone who is interested is welcome. I spoke to Tom Neigel from the Outdoors club ... I know he is definitely interested and I can reach out to him if need be. ... Definitely! Let's get him on board! |
|
|
|
Post by russ on Nov 11, 2010 10:36:24 GMT -5
And BTW...what time are we meeting in Wednesday? I believe we agreed on 7:00. |
|
|
|
Post by B!lly Jones on Nov 14, 2010 16:51:41 GMT -5
yes 7pm
|
|
|
|
Post by russ on Nov 15, 2010 16:53:46 GMT -5
I would prefer to attach the document, so that all the formatting would be intact, but I can't see how to do that. Give me a swift kick if I am overlooking something obvious--happens to me from time to time.... In any case, here is the most up-to-date version of the bylaws draft:
DRAFT—11/15/10
THESE BYLAWS ARE ACCEPTED AND APPROVED BY THE SOUTH JERSEY RECREATION ALLIANCE/NEW JERSEY TRAIL LOVERS COALITION THIS ___ DAY OF _ IN THE YEAR 2010.”
ARTICLE I. NAME
A. This organization shall be known as the “South Jersey Recreation Alliance”/“New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition.”
ARTICLE II. PURPOSES
A. The South Jersey Recreation Alliance/ New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition is organized for the purposes of:
1. Developing and maintaining a spirit of cooperation, courtesy, and consideration among all the people of diverse recreational interests in South Jersey, by
a. Creating a membership that reflects a wide variety of outdoor recreational interests.
b. Meeting regularly to maintain good lines of communication.
c. Seeking constructive ways to resolve issues that may arise due to the various needs and preferences of the different users of our open spaces.
2. Promoting an ethic of guardianship for the open spaces of South Jersey, by
a. Promoting conservation of the natural resources of South Jersey.
b. Participating in and supporting volunteer activities for the betterment of the open spaces in the local area.
c. Providing social, recreational, and educational activities for its membership.
d. Promoting safe, sensible, and responsible operation of motorized vehicles.
e. Developing and maintaining trail systems for motorized and non-motorized use.
f. Helping authorities, when called upon, in emergencies or for other urgent needs.
B. This organization shall operate without profit, and shall be nonpartisan and nonsectarian.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
A. Qualifications for membership in the South Jersey Recreation Alliance/ New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition are as follows:
1. Applicants for membership must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Applicants must participate in, or have an active interest in one or more of the recreational activities listed under Article VI, A.
3. All members must conduct themselves in a respectable and orderly fashion, in or out of activities of the organization.
4. Any member may be subject to expulsion upon a decision of the Governing Committee after appropriate deliberations by the same (see ARTICLE X).
B. Application for membership shall be made to the Governing Committee, and will be accepted at any time during the year.
C. Membership will not be limited by number.
D. There are no membership dues.
E. Members shall promptly notify the Membership Secretary of any change of home address, mailing address, or phone number.
ARTICLE IV. AFFILIATIONS
A. Any organization whose mission and conduct are consistent with the purposes and standards of conduct of the South Jersey Recreation Alliance/ New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition is eligible to become affiliated with the South Jersey Recreation Alliance/ New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition.
B. The South Jersey Recreation Alliance/ New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition reserves the right to strike from its list of affiliated organizations any organization that, in the judgment of the Governing Committee, does not maintain purposes and standards of conduct consistent with those of the South Jersey Recreation Alliance/ New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition.
B. Application for affiliation shall be made to the Governing Committee, and will be accepted at any time during the year.
C. Affiliated organizations are encouraged to support the purposes of the South Jersey Recreation Alliance/ New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition and encourage their members to become members of the Alliance/Coalition.
D. Members of affiliated organizations are not members of the South Jersey Recreation Alliance/ New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition merely by virtue of the affiliation.
ARTICLE V. MEETINGS
A. The Regular Meetings shall be held monthly, normally on the third Wednesday evening of each month.
B. The agenda of the Regular Meetings shall include:
1. Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting.
2. Reports from any committees that worked.
3. Any pertinent reports from Governing Committee members.
4. Elections and results (if any).
5. Discussion on any matter pertinent to the organizational goals.
C. The Annual Meeting shall be held on or near the spring equinox.
D. The date and agenda of the Annual Meeting may coincide with that of the regularly scheduled Regular Meeting but shall include the Annual Elections.
E. The Governing Committee may hold additional meetings during the year as needed. All meetings will be open to the general membership and will be announced as much in advance as possible to the general membership. In order for the Governing Committee to conduct business or make decisions, there must be at least six Governing Committee members present.
F. The agenda of any meeting shall be drawn up by the Governing Committee and shall reflect, to the extent reasonable and practical, any and all matters that have been brought to its attention by the general membership.
F. Any changes to the meeting dates shall be made and announced well in advance by the Governing Committee.
ARTICLE VI. ADMINISTRATION
A. The Governing Committee shall consist of eleven members, each of which shall primarily represent one of the various recreational interests in South/ New Jersey. The number of interests and representatives is subject to review and revision by the Governing Committee at any time. Provisionally, the eleven interests recognized by the South Jersey Recreation Alliance/ New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition are:
1. 4WD motoring
2. Canoeing and Kayaking
3. Cross-country skiing
4. Dirt Bike Riding
5. Fine Arts (e.g., Photography, Painting)
6. Geocaching
7. Hiking, Backpacking, and Camping
8. Horseback Riding
9. Hunting, Fishing, & Trapping
10. Mountain Biking
11. Natural History Activities (Birding, Botany studies, etc.).
B. Members of the Governing Committee must be members of the South Jersey Recreation Alliance/ New Jersey Trail Lovers Coalition.
C. Governing Committee members shall be selected by a simple majority vote of the general membership at the Annual Meeting
D. The term of office for Governing Committee members is one year. There is no limit on the number, consecutive or not, of terms of office a Governing Committee member may serve.
ARTICLE VII. DUTIES AND POWERS OF GOVERNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
A. The duties of all the Governing Committee members are as follows:
1. Conduct the day-to-day business of the organization.
2. Regularly promote the purposes of organization.
3. Continually promote good will and cooperation among all the members of the Alliance/Coalition.
4. Continually promote responsible use of open spaces during all recreational activities.
5. Strive for objectivity when evaluating the impacts of recreational activities on open spaces.
6. Continually educate one’s self and others about the natural resources represented by open spaces.
7. Be creative and resourceful in addressing problems related to protection of open spaces and recreational opportunities.
B. The Governing Committee shall select from among its own members, by simple majority vote, a Chair, Vice Chair, Recording Secretary, Membership Secretary, and any other distinct positions of duty that are deemed necessary.
C. The duties of the Chair shall be as follows:
1. Preside over all meetings.
2. Be present at all events when possible.
3. Carry out the policies and decisions of the entire membership and the Governing Committee.
4. Maintain such records as may be pertinent to the organization.
D. The duties of the Vice Chair shall be as follows:
1. In the absence of the Chair, serve in that capacity.
2. Assist the Chair in carrying out the goals and administration of the organization.
E. The duties of the Recording Secretary shall be as follows:
1. Record the minutes of the meetings.
2. Maintain a copy of such minutes and a copy of any other documents as requested by the Chair.
F. The duties of the Membership Secretary shall be as follows:
1. Maintain a complete file of all memberships.
2. Receive and promptly distribute to the other Governing Committee members copies of all applications for membership.
G. Decision-making
1. The Governing Committee will work for consensus concerning all matters that require a decision on behalf of the organization.
2. Any member of the Governing Committee may make a motion for a vote by the Governing Committee to decide any matter for which consensus may not be reached.
3. Any matter voted upon by the Governing Committee is to be resolved by a simple majority vote.
H. In the event of a vacancy in any office, the Governing Committee shall appoint a member to fill the un-expired term until the next general election.
I. In the case of a Governing Committee member taking an extended leave of absence, it is at the discretion of the Governing Committee to appoint a temporary replacement either to fill the unexpired term or to serve until the return of the elected Governing Committee member on leave.
ARTICLE VIII. ELECTIONS TO THE GOVERNING COMMITTEE
A. Elections will be held every year at the Annual Meeting.
B. Newly elected positions become effective one month after the date of the election.
C. Voting will be done in person, by secret ballot and absentee ballot.
D. All ballots must be counted and checked by an election committee.
E. A simple majority vote will decide the election to a position.
ARTICLE IX. CHALLENGE TO REMOVE A MEMBER
A. Any member, with due cause, may challenge the membership of any other individual. A written challenge must be delivered to the Chair, and must include all allegations and the basis for the challenge.
B. Upon receipt of the written challenge, the Chair shall promptly notify and fully inform the rest of the members of the Governing Committee and the challenged individual. The Governing Committee will then fully investigate the challenge and meet to render a decision within 8 weeks of reception of the challenge by the Chair.
ARTICLE X. CHALLENGE TO REMOVE A GOVERNING COMMITTEE MEMBER FROM OFFICE
A. Any member, with due cause, may challenge the position of any of the Governing Committee members. A written challenge must be delivered to the Chair, and must include all allegations and the basis for the challenge.
B. Upon receipt of the written challenge, the Chair shall promptly notify and fully inform the rest of the members of the Governing Committee. The Governing Committee will then fully investigate the challenge and meet to render a decision within 8 weeks of reception of the challenge by the Chair.
ARTICLE XI. EVENTS
A. All events must be conducted in an orderly manner with safety as the primary concern.
B. All members and guests participating in an event shall abide by pertinent laws and regulations of the State of New Jersey and by the laws, regulations, ordinances, and rules of the city, county, or property concerned.
ARTICLE XII. RULES & PROCEDURES FOR MEETINGS
A. Robert's Rules of Order, revised edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure.
B. Voting on any issue other than elections by the membership at a regular membership meeting will be by hand vote. A motion may be called for a secret ballot when deemed necessary.
ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS
A. These By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote at a Regular Meeting. Any proposed amendment must be presented to the membership, in writing, at the Regular Meeting preceding the meeting in which the vote is to be taken.
B. Proposed By-Law changes must also be readily available to the members in digital form one month prior to the meeting during which they are to be voted on.
|
|
|
|
Post by gipsie on Nov 17, 2010 23:23:02 GMT -5
UPDATE...
GREAT meeting guys! I feel we got a lot accomplished in some ways.
In the next few days I will be doing a few things....
I will:
1) transcribe the minutes and post them in a new thread called "Minutes". I would like to ask the moderator to lock this thread so it can be dedicated to nothing but the minutes. I could also use some of my webspace to create a site that just contains minutes and info on projects and stuff and leave a link here. Let me know how you want to handle that.
2) go over the by-laws and "condense" them. Will need as much input as possible there as possible.
3) create a map and project summary on our idea for 1/4 mile and post it here.
4) contact a couple of people I know that have connections with Enduro and Equestrian groups and see if we can get a couple of extra people from those groups.
Per our discussions tonight, I can also reach out to some people I know that have extended knowledge about the history of the pines and the flora and fauna to "educate", but that is up to you guys where you wanna go with that.
|
|
|
|
Post by mudboy on Nov 18, 2010 7:38:05 GMT -5
Sorry for not making it. My one son steven came up with a "yeast infection" while we took him to the pediatrician we had them both get their 6 month shots. There was no way I was leaving them with a sitter with the pain they were in. i would like to be caught up on last nights discussion though.
|
|
|
|
Post by gipsie on Nov 18, 2010 8:26:41 GMT -5
Sorry for not making it. My one son steven came up with a "yeast infection" while we took him to the pediatrician we had them both get their 6 month shots. There was no way I was leaving them with a sitter with the pain they were in. i would like to be caught up on last nights discussion though. Dave, I will have the minutes up later today. |
|
