MARCUS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I:

The name of this organization shall be the Marcus Historical Society.

ARTICLE II:

The purpose of this organization shall be to preserve for public benefit, education and enjoyment, the historical heritage of our community.

ARTICLE III:

Any person regardless of age, or residence, may become a member.  Said member pledges to help further the purpose of the Marcus Historical Society.  Membership is non-discriminatory.

ARTICLE IV:

The affairs of organization shall be managed by an Executive Board comprised of five members.

ARTICLE V:

The Marcus Historical Society shall meet regularly once per month in an open meeting.  The directors may set meeting times and locations which are agreeable to all board members.

ARTICLE VI:

This constitution may be amended by two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any regular meeting, provided that the proposed amendment has been read at a previous meeting and made available to the general membership by posting on the website at www.MarcusHistoricalSociety.org and at City Hall.

MARCUS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I:               MEMBERSHIP

Sec. 1              Membership shall consist of those who have paid their annual dues.  Any member who is current with their dues is considered a member in good standing.

ARTICLE II:             EXECUTIVE BOARD

Sec 1               The Executive Board shall consist of five members elected for a two-year term by the membership.  These members will be elected on a rotating basis with three members running for a two-year term one year, and two members running for a two-year term the next year.  The Board will be elected from a general election conducted through a mailing to the members in good standing of the Marcus Historical Society.

Sec 2               The Executive Board shall elect its own officers from amongst themselves each October as follows:

A.     President – presides over meetings

B.     Vice-President – takes President’s duties in absence of President

C.     Secretary – keeps a written record of each meeting and conducts correspondence on behalf of the Society

D.     Treasurer – responsible for maintaining financial records of the organization, paying bills upon approval, and presenting a financial report at the meetings

Sec 3               The Executive Board may appoint committees as necessary from the entire membership.  The duties of such committees may include, but are not limited to:

A.     Historian

B.     Public Relations

C.     Nominations and Elections

Sec 4               When a vacancy occurs on the Executive Board, a new board member shall be elected by the Executive Board to fill out the remainder of the term vacated.

ARTICLE III             DUES

Sec 1               Yearly membership dues shall be determined upon recommendation of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE IV             MEETINGS

Sec 1               The Executive Board may cancel meetings conflicting with special events and may call alternative or special meetings as it deems advisable.

Sec 2               The meetings shall be open to, but not restricted to, Marcus Historical Society members.

ARTICLE V               BUSINESS OF THE MARCUS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Sec 1               The Executive Board shall handle the business of the organization at regular meetings of the membership using the following procedure:

A.     Call to order and roll call

B. Reading of the previous minutes

C.  Reports of Secretary, Treasurer and Committees

D.     Old Business

E.      New Business

F.      Adjournment

Sec 2               A written record of all meetings of the Marcus Historical Society shall be kept and made available for inspection by the membership.

ARTICLE VI             VOTING

Sec 1               A quorum of the Executive Board shall
                        consist of three members.

Sec 2               All members in good standing present at any regular meeting may make, second, and vote on motions.

Sec 3               All motions made and voted upon will be passed by simple majority, with the exception of constitutional amendments, which require a two-thirds vote of voting members present.

ARTICLE VII            ELECTIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Sec 1               The nominations committee shall present no less than the required number of candidates for election to the Executive Board.  A brief description of the individual shall be included with the nomination.  In the event there are fewer than the required number of candidates needed to fill the vacant seats, write-in spaces shall be provided on the ballot.  Even when there are more than the required number of candidates running for election, write-in spaces shall be provided on the ballot.

Sec 2               Members are encouraged to serve on the Executive Board, and may submit nominations to the nominating committee prior to elections.

Sec 3               The list of nominees shall appear in ballot form, along with write-in spaces, in the Annual Newsletter.

Sec 4               The due date for ballots is to be printed on the ballot.

ARTICLE VIII          PUBLICATIONS

Sec 1               The Marcus Historical Society shall publish no less than once a year a newsletter.  Said newsletter shall be mailed to all members in good standing.

ARTICLE IX             MEMORIALS

Sec 1               The Marcus Historical Society Board may arrange memorials as the board deems appropriate to honor members who have made contributions of their time, talent, and other resources to the Marcus Historical Society.

ARTICLE X               DISSOLUTION

Sec 1               Should the Marcus Historical Society at any time permanently cease to function, assets shall be distributed to one or more tax exempt organizations, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.  Such distribution shall be at the determination of the Executive Board.

STANDING RULES

1.  Treasurer shall pay all utilities as they are billed.  (Adopted June 2007)

2.  Secretary shall send condolences on behalf of the Society in the case of a death of a Society member or family member of a Society member.  (Adopted June 2007)