Charter and By-Laws of the
Sec. 1 The name of this organization shall be “The Cape Cod Astronomical Society” (CCAS).
Sec. 1 To promote education and science by encouraging research, study, and investigation in the field of astronomy.
Sec. 2 To engage in astronomical observation.
Sec. 3 To foster and develop interest in all phases of astronomy and further education therein.
Sec. 4 To facilitate the exchange of thought and information among members, students, and interested persons.
Sec. 1 All persons interested in fulfilling the objectives of this society may become active members upon payment of dues described in Section 2 of this article.
Sec. 2 The dues of this society shall be set by the membership and are due and payable during July and running one full year thereafter.
Sec. 3 The current dues fee schedule is as follows:
Full Year Member $30
Student Member $15
Seasonal Member (6 month) $15
Spouse of Member No Charge
Sec. 1 The officers of the CCAS shall be president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. These officers shall be elected at the July meeting. The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of recommended candidates at that meeting. Nominations shall also be accepted from the floor if seconded and then accepted by the nominee. All contested offices will be voted on by ballot. If there is only one candidate for an office, a voice vote will be taken. The term of office shall be one full year beginning at the end of the July meeting and ending at the end of the following July meeting.
Sec. 2 The Nominating Committee consists of three members with the chairman appointed by the president.
Sec 3. Any vacancy occurring in any office will be filled by the Executive Board subject to the approval of the general membership.
Sec. 4 In accordance with Article 5 of the cape Cod Astronomical Foundation Articles of Establishment, the CCAS shall annually elect one CCAF Trustee to a five-year term.
Sec. 1 The president shall preside at all meetings of the CCAS and the Executive Board. The president will appoint special committees and perform all other duties pertaining to the office.
Sec 2 The vice-president will preside in the absence of the president and will serve as an aide to the president. In the event of any extended absence of the president, the vice-president will assume the duties of the president until the successor has been duly elected.
Sec 3 The secretary will keep a record of the minutes of all meetings of the Society and of the executive board.
Sec 4 The treasurer will have charge of all funds belonging to the Society and will collect all dues and keep an account of the same. The treasurer will keep an accurate record of receipts and expenditures and will pay out funds only in such manner as authorized by the Society or the Executive Board.
Sec. 1 A formal
monthly meeting will be held on the first Thursday of each month beginning at
Sec. 2 In addition, informal meetings may be held at such times and places as may be announced by a member of the Society.
Sec. 3 One fifth of the membership will constitute a quorum at any meeting.
Article VII. Executive Board
Sec. 1 The Executive Board shall consist of the
elected officers plus one or more members appointed by the president with
elected officers' approval.
Sec. 2. The Executive Board duties will be to transact
business as may be referred to it by the Society, to approve the plans of other
committees, and to present reports at regular meetings of the Society.
These by-laws may be amended at any regular
meeting of the Society by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present,
provided they constitute a quorum and that e-mail notice of the proposed
amendments is sent at least one week in advance of the general meeting to all members
who have provided a valid e-mail address. However, only a simple majority vote
is required to amend the fee schedule in Article III, Sec. 3.
Sec. 1 ‘Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the conduct of the Society at its business meeting only if questions are raised concerning procedure.
Sec. 1 Dissolution shall require that the members be notified by e-mail at least 3 weeks prior to the vote.
Sec. 2 Having a quorum present, CCAS may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority vote of those members. This vote must include designation of a beneficiary/organization
Sec. 3 Upon dissolution the members, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all liabilities of the Society, shall dispose of all assets in the manner that will benefit an organization whose interests and goals are compatible with the Society.