* * * This policy was last amended and approved on the 12th day of January, 2005 * * *

1. Purpose

2. Eligibility

3. Classes of membership

4. Dues

5. New Members

6. Obligations of Members

7. Amendments

8. Quorum

9. Fiscal Year and Budget

FRENCH BROAD e‘N’pire NTRAK CLUB, Inc.

PO BOX 456

Lake Lure, NC  28746

I. Purpose

The purpose of the French Broad e‘N’pire NTRAK Club is to foster an appreciation of the history and operations of railroading in the southeastern region of the United States through the creation of a modular miniature rail transportation system set in the Southern Appalachian mountains.  The miniature railroad is intended to be displayed to the general public at open houses and public shows and selected segments of the population such as scouts and other youth groups, senior citizens, adult education participants, civic groups and the like through organized presentations.

II. Eligibility

Membership in the French Broad e‘N’pire NTRAK Club is open to anyone with an interest in the history of railroading and the hobby of model railroading in general and N scale model railroading in particular.  There are no age, race or gender restrictions, however children under the age of 16 may only join as family members and may participate in club meetings and activities only when accompanied by an adult member of the family unless specifically authorized by the club.

III. Classes of Membership

There are three classes of membership: Regular, Family and Associate.  Family membership shall be available to spouses and minor children of any regular member.  Associate membership shall only be available to people who wish to participate from time to time in club activities, particularly train shows, who live more than 50 miles from the club house or who for good reason cannot attend club meetings on a regular basis.

IV. Dues

Dues shall be $60 per year for regular members and $30 per year for each family member, payable in advance in April of each year.   Associate members are not required to pay dues.

V. New Members

1.      New members must pay one full years dues upon joining.  After one calendar year, they will pay the remainder of the second year of membership, prorated at $5 per month until the following April at which time the full yearly dues will be paid thereafter.

2.      There will be a trial period of two months after a member joins during which the prospective member can determine if membership is desirable and the club will determine the prospective member meets the approval of the club.  At the third business meeting after joining, the club will vote to accept or reject the prospective member.  If the member is rejected or decides not to continue membership during the trial period, the remainder of the initial years dues will be refunded.  After the trial period, no reimbursement will be made except by vote of the club.

3.      New members will not vest in the assets of the club until the completion of the third year of membership, after which the member will receive an equal share of the clubs assets upon the dissolution of the club.

VI. Obligations of Members

1.      Regular members are obligated to participate in club meetings and activities to the best of their ability and personal schedules.  If it is determined by vote of a majority of the club that a member is not doing so, the membership shall be terminated. All regular members are required to purchase an approved club shirt for wear at train shows and other public club activities.  Associate members are not obligated to participate in club meetings and activities, but are required to purchase an approved club shirt.

2.      If it is determined by vote of a majority of the club that a member is not suitable for continued membership for any lawful reason, the membership shall be terminated.

3.      Failure to pay dues for a period of three months after the due date will be cause for termination of membership.

4.      Any individual who’s membership is terminated or who resigns for any reason shall forfeit all rights of membership, including any share of the assets of the club.

VII. Amendments

These by laws may be amended from time to time as the membership deems necessary. Members shall be notified of any proposed amendments not less than seven calendar days before any regular meeting and a majority of the quorum at that meeting must vote in the affirmative before the amendment shall take effect.

VIII. Quorum

A quorum of members for the purpose of conducting the business of the club shall consist of not less than 50% of the active regular members of the club.  The officers of the club shall determine whether a regular member is “active” or not to establish the existence of a quorum.  Active members not in attendance may be polled by telephone or email to participate in any vote.

IX.  Fiscal Year and Budget

The fiscal year of the club shall be from December 1 through November 30.  There shall be adopted by the regular members an annual budget at the first meeting in December.  Said budget shall include an estimation of revenues and expenses projected for the coming fiscal year and shall list available funds and any capital reserve as of the beginning of said fiscal year.

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