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Lake Charles Yacht Club

(Established 1964)

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By-Laws

Table of Contents

 

Article I. Purpose

Article II. Official Address

Article III. Membership

Section A Applications

Section B Membership Committee

Section C Section C Denial of Application

Section D Section D - Determination of Type

Subsection (i) Types of Memberships

Subsection (ii) Definition of Membership Types

Section E Membership Rights. Privileges. & Responsibilities

Section F Limitations

Article IV. Establishment of the Governing Board

Section A Composition

Section B Duties of the Governing Board

Section C Limitations on the Duty of the Governing Board

Article V. Officers

Section A Executive Officers

Section B Terms of Office

Subsection (i) Limitations on Terms of Office

Section C Executive Officer Responsibility

Section D Duties of Executive Officers

Subsection (i) Commodore

Subsection (ii) Vice Commodore

Subsection (iii) Rear Commodore

Subsection (iv) Secretary

Subsection (v) Treasurer

Subsection (vi) Harbor Master

Subsection (vii) Race Committee Chair

Subsection (viii) Groundskeeper

Subsection (ix) Social Chair

Subsection (x) Newsletter Editor

Subsection (xi) Other Club Officials

Article VI. Election of Executive Officers

Section A Nominating Committee

Section B Election Process

Section C Presentation of Executive Officers

Article VII. Filling Vacancies

Section A Commodore

Section B Vice Commodore

Section C Secretary, Treasurer, Harbor Master

Section D Groundskeeper, Race Committee Chair, Social Chair, Newsletter Editor

Article VIII. General Membership Meetings

Section A Frequency

Section B Special Membership Meetings

Section C Annual Meeting of the General Membership

Section D Notice of Meetings

Section E Conduct of Meeting

Section F Voting

Subsection (i) Privilege

Subsection (ii) Quorum

Subsection (iii) Proxy and Vote by Mail

Article IX. Dues, Fees, and Assessments

Section A Purpose

Section B Dues

Section C Fees

Subsection (i) Initiation Fee

Subsection (ii) Deposit Fee

Subsection (iii) Storage Fees

Section D Special Assessments

Section E Determination and Approval

Section F Enactment of Changes

Section G Exclusions

Section H Delinquency

Section I Suspension of Membership & Club Privileges

Section J Forfeiture of Member Property

 

  1. Purpose

    2. The stated purpose of the Lake Charles Yacht Club is to encourage the sport of sailing throughout its membership, to establish and maintain a yacht club facility that fosters both competitive and pleasure sailing and provides for social relationships among its members.

  2. Official Address

    3. The Lake Charles Yacht Club is located at 1305 North Lakeshore Drive in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The official mailing address is Post Office Box 727, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70602.

  3. Membership
      1. Applications

        2. The Lake Charles Yacht Club will consider all membership applications submitted without regard to the race, sex, creed or national origin of the prospective member. Approval for club membership will be based on enthusiasm for the sport of sailing, formal consideration of the membership committee, and payment of all required fees.

      2. Membership Committee

        3. The Membership Committee will be appointed by the Commodore from among the Board Members. The Committee shall be composed of at least three persons and shall include the Secretary and the Treasurer. The Commodore will appoint the Chairman. All requests for membership will be submitted by the Membership Chairman to the Committee. All applications must be acted upon, either approved or disapproved, within thirty (30) days of the Chairman’s request. Action by the Committee shall be in writing.

      3. Section C Denial of Application

        4. Should a membership application be disapproved by the Committee, the applicant may request a hearing by the Committee. This request must be made, in us tine, within thirty (30) days of the Committee’s initial decision Requests of this nature must be made through the Membership Chairman.

      4. Section D - Determination of Type

        5. Membership in the Lake Charles Yacht Club will be one of six (6) types. The Membership Committee will determine at the time of membership application which specific type of membership applies to the individual being considered. five (5) of the six (6) membership types are dues paying. The sixth type of membership, a non-paying membership may be granted by the General Membership upon request of the Governing Board.

        1. Types of Memberships

          2. The six (6) types of memberships in the Lake Charles Yacht Club are: (I) Family including qualified juniors/students. (2) individual Adult. (3)) Independent Junior. (4) Independent Student. (5) Non-resident, and (6) Lifetime.

        2. Definition of Membership Types
          1. Family Membership: A Family membership in the Lake Charles Yacht Club consists of an Individual adult and the Immediate Family. The immediate family consists of a legal spouse and minor children of die individual adult and/or legal spouse Minor children between the ages of 8 and 18 will be considered Junior Members. Having readied the age of 18 and before the age of 23, a Junior member may’ be reclassified as a Student member if still a dependent of the individual adult or legal spouse and a bona fide student with a schedule of 12 academic hours in college or its equivalent. Reclassification to Student member must be approved by the Governing Board
          2. Individual Adult Membership: An individual adult membership in the Lake Charles Yacht Club is open to all persons of the age of majority and not a full time student with a schedule of at least 12 academic hours in college or its equivalent
          3. Independent Junior Membership: An Independent Junior Membership in the Lake Charles Yacht Club is available to responsible persons between the ages of 8 and 18 and who is not the dependent of an individual member or included in the immediate family of a family membership.
          4. Independent Student Membership: An Independent Student membership in the Lake Charles Yacht Club is available to responsible persons of the age of majority who are bona fide full time students with a minimum schedule of 12 semester hours in college or its equivalent and who is not the dependent of an individual member or included in the immediate family of a family membership. Independent Student Members have no upper age limit.
          5. Non-Resident Membership: A Non-Resident Membership in the Lake Charles Yacht Club is restricted to individuals who are domiciled more than fifty (50) miles from Lake Charles. A non-resident member may not store a boat or other property at the club,
          6. Lifetime Membership: A Lifetime Membership may be granted to individual, for extraordinary service over a period of years. by nomination of the Governing Board and approval of the General Membership.
      5. Membership Rights. Privileges. & Responsibilities
          1. Access to Grounds and Facilities: Each membership described Article Ill - Section D. Subsection (iii), I - 6 shall be assigned a key, upon payment of initiation and deposit fees, providing access through the gate, and into the clubhouse. into the Sunfish locker located under the bar on the clubhouse use pavilion, and into the men‘s and women‘s restrooms. Each member should lock the restrooms, clubhouse, and the gate if they seem to be the last one leaving the grounds for the day. Members should not worry about locking other member’s inside the grounds all members should have a key. Members should be aware of any suspicious activity. Report any problems to the Vice-Commodore
          2. Participation in Club Activities: All members possess a standing invitation to all club parties, races, regattas, and other social functions as announced in the club newsletter. Club parties may also be general membership meetings where a members vote can affect the direction of the club.. All members should consider participation. Members are encouraged to bring guests to club activities. Guests are prospective members! Members may also afford themselves use of the grounds and facilities for family picnics or cookouts. Members and guests should clean up alter themselves.
          3. Use of Club Boats all members are encouraged to use the club’s Sunfish, Optimist, and Flying Scot. A member's safety and proper maintenance of the boats are of concern, therefore before using a club boat a member must be "checked out" by the One Design Chairman. Some of the club boats are restricted for race purposes only. Members must learn about the dub boats from the One Design Chairman. Treat these boats as if they were your own. Report any damage to a board member so it can be fixed The club, its directors, and members are not responsible for injury sustained on -a club boat. Member may use the club boats at their own risk.
          4. Boat and Trailer Storage: The Club has both wet slips and dry slips available for the use of its members. Dry slips include both beach launched and tailored locations. Trailer space is also available for the owners of boats located in wet slips. Members should follow the rules set forth in wet slip and dry slip agreements. Report any problems to either the Groundskeeper or HarborMaster. Use of these facilities are at the members own risk. The club retains the right to correct any unsafe condition regarding proper moorage or storage of any boat or trailer. The member will be billed for materials used in the correction.
          5. Club Leadership: Individual adult members, including spouses, are encouraged to participate in the club’s leadership by expressing their interest in the elected and appointed offices. When properly elected or appointed under the By Laws of the Lake Charles Yacht Club, a member’s voice can provide direction for the future.
      6. Limitations
          1. Voting Rights: Members are encouraged to vote on all issues properly submitted to the general membership. However, only one vote will be allowed for each membership type, as described in Section III, Section D, Subsection (ii), 1 -6. Junior Members and Student Members, as part of a Family Membership, do not have voting privileges.
          2. Boat Storage:
            1. All owners of any boat stored either in a wet slip or on club grounds must be members of the Lake Charles Yacht Club.
            2. Independent Junior Members may not store a boat in a wet slip or a boat in excess of 2O feet in length overall in storage on the grounds of the Lake Charles Yacht Club.
          3. Junior & Student Members: The Junior and Student Memberships are established to encourage young people to develop an active interest in all aspects of sailing with emphasis on racing. Junior Members and Student Members cannot serve in any elected or appointed office of the Lake Charles Yacht Club. If properly elected or appointed, a Junior Member or a Student Member, may represent an organized fleet or similar body, in an unofficial capacity before the governing board of the Lake Charles Yacht Club.
  4. Establishment of the Governing Board
      1. Composition

        2. The Governing Board shall consist of: the Commodore, the Vice Commodore, the Rear Commodore, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Groundskeeper, the Harbor Master, Race Committee Chair, the Social Chair, and the Newsletter Editor. The Governing Board shall be elected by the General Membership on an annual basis.

      2. Duties of the Governing Board
          1. The basic duty of the Governing Board of the Lake Charles Yacht Club will be to manage the affairs of the club within these established By Laws.
          2. Other Duties of the Governing Board may promulgate and enforce such rules as it deems fit and proper for the proper administration, discipline, and financing of the Lake Charles Yacht Club. Such enforcement shall be fairly and uniformly administered.
      3. Limitations on the Duty of the Governing Board
          1. General: The assets of be Lake Charles Yacht Club, both real and personal may not be pledged, assigned, or hypothecated without prior notice and approval by two thirds (2/3) of the voting membership present at a duly constituted regular or special membership meeting.
          2. Fees and Dues: The Governing Board of the Lake Charles Yacht Club is responsible for the financial health of the club. The board may discover, explore, propose, and recommend to the general membership changes in the structure of fees and dues. Proposed changes must be announced in the club newsletter at least 30 days prior to a vote of the general membership. The approval by a minimum two thirds (2/3)of the voting members present at a duly constituted membership meeting will effect the proposed change.
          3. Special Assessments: The Governing Board of the Lake Charles Yacht Club may discover, explore, pro pose, and recommend to the general membership the establishment of special assessments. The purpose, collection, and use of a special assessment must be specific and designated. A new special assessment or a change in the purpose of an established special assessment must be announced in the club newsletter at least 30 days prior to a vote of the general membership. The approval by a minimum two thirds (2/3) of the voting members present at a duly constituted membership meeting will effect the proposed special assessment.
  5. Officers
      1. Executive Officers

        2. The Executive Officers of the Lake Charles Yacht Club shall consist of Commodore, Vice-Commodore,. Rear Commodore, Secretary, Treasurer, Harbor Master, Groundskeeper, Newsletter Editor,. Race Committee Chair, and Social Chair. All Executive Officers shall constitute the Governing Board of the Lake Charles Yacht Club,

      2. Terms of Office

        3. The Executive Officers of the Lake Charles Yacht Club will be elected to serve a one (1) year term of office. The term will begin January 1 stand end on December 31st.

        1. Limitations on Terms of Office
          1. The Commodore, Vice-Commodore and Rear Commodore may not serve more than three (3) consecutive years in the same office.
          2. Other members of the Governing Board may not serve more than four (4) consecutive years provided however, that the period of time in which a member holds the office of Commodore, Vice-Commodore or Rear Commodore shall not be computed as part of this limitation.
          3. Any member of the Governing Board who misses three board meetings during the twelve month term of office shall be considered as resigned. At that time the board can decide to reinstate that person to the board or appoint another person to that-position.
      3. Executive Officer Responsibility

        4. The Executive Officers of the Governing Board of the Lake Charles Yacht Club shall be deemed to stand in a fiduciary relation to the Lake Charles Yacht Club and its members. They shall discharge the duties of their respective positions in good faith and with that degree of diligence, care, Judgment and skill, which prudent individuals would ordinarily exercise under similar circumstances and like conditions and accordingly, the Lake Charles Yacht Club shall indemnify said officers while so conducting themselves.

      4. Duties of Executive Officers
        1. Commodore
          1. The Commodore function as the club’s chief executive officer and bears the overall responsibility for coordinating all administrative activities of the club. Specific duties assigned to other members of the Governing Board must ultimately be the responsibility of the Commodore for accomplishment.
            1. The Commodore will serve as chairman of the Governing Board and will preside at the Governing Board and General Membership Meetings at which he is present.
          2. The Commodore shall insure by performing or designating to other members of the Governing Board the following acts:
            1. Free sailing lessons are offered annually to the public in accordance with the terms of lease from the City of Lake Charles.
            2. Official correspondence of the Lake Charles Yacht Club is conducted in a orderly, timely, and business-like fashion.
            3. Files, records, documents, reports, and communications relating to club business are maintained properly.
            4. Files are maintained of all leases, titles, deeds, and ownership records.
            5. (e.) All members are notified in a timely manner of forthcoming general membership meetings and other club activities.
          3. The Commodore. together with Treasurer, when properly authorized, will sign contracted agreements for the Lake Charles Yacht Club.
        2. Vice Commodore
          1. The Vice Commodore will serve as the alternate for the Commodore.
          2. The Vice Commodore will function as the Clubhouse Manager and in that, capacity will be responsible for administration, maintenance, and operation of the clubhouse facilities. He will report to the Governing Board in all matters concerning clubhouse activities. The Vice Commodore with approval of the Governing Board, may establish rules and regulations as are necessary for the proper control and conduct of club affairs relating to the clubhouse.
          3. The Vice Commodore must seek approval from the Governing Board on expenditures in excess of the annual spending authority.
          4. The Vice Commodore may at the direction of the Commodore, have special responsibilities and authority assigned to him concerning club activities as necessary.
        3. Rear Commodore
          1. The position of Rear Commodore is usually filled by the retiring Commodore, but may filled by an election of the Governing Board
          2. The primary responsibility of the Rear Commodore is to effect a basic continuity between Governing Board administrations.
          3. The Rear Commodore will serve as a special assistant to the Commodore.
        4. Secretary
          1. The Secretary will act as the official record keeper of all club activities.
          2. The Secretary will record minutes of all meetings of both the Governing Board and General Membership.
          3. The Secretary will maintain an official copy of the By Laws and republish updated By Laws as required.
          4. The Secretary shall serve on the membership committee.
          5. The Secretary shall send to the Lake Charles American Press an article announcing the annual election of Executive Officers.
        5. Treasurer
          1. The Treasurer will keep proper financial records of all club operations.
          2. The Treasurer shall receive all money due the club and pay all bills contracted b if properly approved.
          3. The Treasurer shall have custody of all club funds and maintain the club’s bank accounts.
          4. The Treasurer shall serve on the membership committee keeping an accurate list of the membership for proper billing.
          5. The Treasurer shall make a financial report at each meeting of the Governing Board.
          6. The Treasurer, together with the Commodore, when properly authorized will sign contracted agreements for the Lake Charles Yacht Club.
          7. The retiring Treasurer will submit a complete financial report, as of December 31st to the incoming Treasurer. The report will be audited and approved by the both the incoming and retiring Commodore.
        6. Harbor Master
          1. The Harbor Master shall be responsible for the administration, maintenance. and operation of the clubs wet storage facilities.
          2. The Harbor Master has authority over the harbor, wharves, docks, and wet slips.
          3. The Harbor Master, with approval of the Governing Board may establish such rules and regulations as are necessary for the proper control and conduct of club affairs relating to the wet storage facilities.
          4. The Harbor Master shall maintain sufficient records of the membership utilizing the wet storage facilities including owners names, description of boats, and slip assignments in order to assure a consistent application of rules and regulations in effect.
          5. The Harbor Master shall initiate action on matters of maintenance and repairs.
          6. The Harbor Master must seek approval from the Governing Board on expenditures in excess of the annual spending authority.
        7. Race Committee Chair
          1. The Race Committee Chair shall have ultimate responsibility for all racing activities by the club.
          2. The Race Committee Chair shall develop a list of Official Sailing Rules for the Lake Charles Yacht Club. The Official Sailing Rules shall incorporate the United States Yacht Racing Union rules, special One Design rules developed by various class organizations, and any other special sailing rules made necessary by local requirements.
          3. The Race Committee Chair shall maintain correct records of all races sailed. The records will include classes and or types vessels participating, skippers name. PHRF or Portsmouth ratings, scoring method, elapsed time and corrected times (when applicable), and/or order of finish. Type of course and prevailing wind direction at time of start is optional.
          4. The Race Committee Chair shall maintain adequate racing equipment such as marks, buoys, flags and other equipment necessary to properly conduct races. The Race Committee Chair must seek approval from the Governing Board on expenditures in excess of the annual spending amount
          5. The Race Committee Chair may select additional members to assist him in carrying out functions of the race committee. Those selected will be responsible to the Chair and with the Chair shall constitute the Race Committee. The duties of the Race Committee are:
            1. The Race Committee shall have full power to enact regulations and rules governing the conduct of races including the authority to uniformity and fairly administer discipline any participant for unsportsmanlike conduct.
            2. The Race Committee shall make all arrangements for races sailed at the club including the determine of dates, times and conditions. Major Regattas as defined by the Governing Board, sponsored by the Lake Charles Yacht Club will be handled as separate functions.
            3. The Race Committee shall hear all protests arising out of club races. The Race Committee shall appoint at least two (2) experienced sailors to serve with at least one (l)member of the Race Committee to serve on the Protest Committee. Protests will be subject to protest rules contained in Part VI of the USYRU rules.
        8. Groundskeeper
          1. The Groundskeeper shall be responsible for the administration, maintenance and operation of all of the clubs dry storage areas.
          2. The Groundskeeper has authority over the grounds, dry slips, trailer areas, boat racks, and clubhouse pavilion storage areas.
          3. The Groundskeeper, with approval of the Governing Board, may establish such rules and regulations as are necessary for the proper control and conduct of club affairs relating to the dry storage facilities.
          4. The Groundskeeper shall maintain sufficient records of the membership utilizing the dry storage facilities including owners names, description of boats, and dry slip assignments, including trailer parking, in order to assures consistent application of rules and regulation in effect.
          5. The Groundskeeper shall be responsible for assuring that the roads are kept in good repair, that the grass is cut and that the club grounds, in general, are kept in a well groomed condition.
            1. The Groundskeeper shall initiate action on matters of maintenance and repairs.
            2. The Groundskeeper must seek approval from the Governing Board on expenditures in excess of the annual spending authority
        9. Social Chair
          1. The Social Chair shall be responsible for planning all club social functions including, but not limited to, the bi-monthly General Membership Meetings, the annual Christmas Party and Awards Banquet.
          2. The Social Chair must seek approval from the Governing Board on expenditures in excess of the annual spending authority.
        10. Newsletter Editor
          1. The Newsletter Editor shall be responsible for publication of a newsletter covering club activities and other information of general interest to the membership such as meetings of the General Membership. schedules of races and race results, social events and general club activities, and proposed changes in the By Laws
          2. The Newsletter Editor shall publish and mail to the membership the newsletter on a monthly basis.
          3. The Newsletter Editor must seek approval from the Governing Board on expenditures in excess of the annual spending authority.
        11. Other Club Officials
          1. The Commodore, with approval of a majority of the Governing Board, may appoint, from the general membership or the Governing board, special officials and or committees. These individuals and or committees will exist for a specific purpose which is designated at the time the appointment is made. The individual and or committee appointed to carry out the purpose will report to the Commodore.
          2. In all cases, a special official or committee may not exist for more than twenty-four (24) calendar months.

     

  6. Election of Executive Officers
      1. Nominating Committee
          1. The Commodore will, no later than October 1st each Year, appoint four (4) member Nominating Committee for the purpose of proposing to the general membership a list of prospective club officers for the coming year.
          2. Each member of the appointed committee shall be a member in good standing of the Lake Charles Yacht Club. A maximum of two (2) members of the Nominating Committee may be current execute officers of the club.
          3. The Nominating Committee will select a slate of nominees for the various executive offices. Each nominee must have been a member of the Lake Charles Yacht Club for at least one year. Each individual selected by the Committee must be contacted to give his or her personal permission to have their name placed in nomination.
          4. The proposed slate of nominees will be communicated to the Commodore no later than October 15th.
      2. Election Process
          1. The proposed slate of executive officers for the coming year will be presented to the general membership at the October meeting of the general membership.
          2. Nominations from the floor will also be solicited and placed before the general membership.
          3. Each office will be voted on separately. Voting will be by a show of hands. A simple majority of those present will be required for election.
          4. Members so elected will use the period of time from election to January 1st of the coming year to thoroughly acquaint themselves with their responsibilities.
      3. Presentation of Executive Officers

    At the club’s annual Christmas Party in December, the newly elected executive officers will be presented to the general membership by the Commodore.

  7. Filling Vacancies
      1. Commodore

        2. A vacancy in the position of Commodore will require a special election of the general membership within sixty (60) days. In the interim, the Rear Commodore will serve as acting Commodore

      2. Vice Commodore

        3. A vacancy in the position Vice Commodore requires the Commodore or Acting Commodore to appoint a member in good standing, within thirty (30) days, to serve balance of the unexpired term. The appointment is with the approval of the Governing Board.

      3. Secretary, Treasurer, Harbor Master

        4. A vacancy in the position of either, Secretary, or Treasurer, or Harbor Master requires the Commodore or Acting Commodore to appoint a member in good standing. within thirty (30) days to serve the balance of the unexpired term. The appointment is with the approval of the Governing Board.

      4. Groundskeeper, Race Committee Chair, Social Chair, Newsletter Editor

    In the case of a vacancy in the offices of Groundskeeper, Race Committee Chair, Social Chair, or Newsletter Editor, the Commodore or Acting Commodore may appoint a member in good standing to serve out the balance of the unexpired term.

  8. General Membership Meetings
      1. Frequency

        2. Meetings of the General Membership will be held every other month as announced in the monthly newsletter. The meetings will be in February, April, June, August, October, and December. The Governing Board may schedule other meetings of the General Membership.

      2. Special Membership Meetings

        3. The Commodore may call a Special Membership Meeting stating the specific purpose or objective of the meeting.

      3. Annual Meeting of the General Membership

        4. The December Christmas Party and meeting of the General Membership will be considered the Annual Meeting of the General Membership

      4. Notice of Meetings

        5. Notice to members of all meetings of the General Membership must be at least five (5) days prior to the meeting.

      5. Conduct of Meeting

        6. All meetings of the General Membership shall be conducted in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order.

      6. Voting
        1. Privilege

          2. Voting privilege will be Limited to one vote per membership type without regard to additional family members present A voting member represents each eligible membership type. Eligible membership types are: Family, Individual Adult, Independent Junior, Independent Student, Non-Resident, and Lifetime.

        2. Quorum

          3. Where a by the General Membership is required, a quorum of voting members must be present. A quorum is at least fifteen (15) percent of voting members of the General Membership in good standings

        3. Proxy and Vote by Mail

    No member shall be allowed to vote by proxy at any meeting of the General Membership, nor shall any vote by mail be authorized.

  9. Dues, Fees, and Assessments
      1. Purpose

        2. Income for the operation, maintenance and improvements of the facilities of the Lake Charles Yacht Club, including, but not limited to the clubhouse, wharves, grounds, equipment, and boats belonging to the club will be derived from membership dues, fees associated with storage of boats and equipment, and special assessments made upon and approved by the general membership.

      2. Dues

        3. Dues for each membership type becomes payable the first month of each quarter. Those months are January, April, July. and October. The Treasurer will forward to each member, in a timely manner, a bill for the quarter. Failure to receive a billing does not in any way limit the members obligation to pay, in a timely manor. The amount set forth and approved by the General Membership, and accepted by each member, as evidenced by the members signature on the membership application of the Lake Charles Yacht Club. New members may have their initial dues pro-rated for the quarter in which they join. The amount of dues shall not be changed more frequently than at twelve (12) month intervals.

      3. Fees
        1. Initiation Fee

          2. Approval of an application for membership to the Lake Charles Yacht Club requires the payment of a non-refundable initiation fee. The amount of the initiation fee is set and approved by the General Membership, and accepted by each member, as evidenced by the members signature on the membership application of the Lake Charles Yacht Club. The fee it payable at time of application and shall be returned to the applicant if the request for membership is not approved. The initiation fee may be waived in cases of former members rejoining the club.

        2. Deposit Fee

          3. Approval of an application for membership to the Lake Charles Yacht Club requires the payment of a refundable deposit fee. The amount of the deposit fee is set and approved by the General Membership and accepted by each member, as evidenced by the members signature on the membership application of the Lake Charles Yacht Club. The deposit fee is refundable at resignation, but is subject to amounts owed to the club by the member. The fee is payable at time of application and shall be returned to the applicant if the request for membership is not approved The deposit fee may be waived in cases of former members rejoining the club, who by record of Past service as determined by the Governing Board, will bring a commitment of service to the club.

        3. Storage Fees

        Storage of boat on club grounds or in a club slip requires the payment of a fee. The amount of the fee is set and approved by the General Membership and accepted by each member as evidenced by the members signature on the membership application of the Lake Charles Yacht Club. Payment of fees is in conjunction with payment of dues as described in Article IX. Section B, - Dues, above.

      4. Special Assessments
          1. A special assessment may be levied against the general membership for the purpose of a specific and designated project. The purpose, amount and term at the special assessment shall be approved by the General Membership. Payment of a special assessment is in conjunction sixth payment of dues as described in Article IX Section B, - Dues, above,
          2. The Governing Board may cancel a special assessment, but may not change the purpose or amount, or lengthen the term of the assessment.
      5. Determination and Approval
          1. The Governing Board will present changes to the structure and amounts of the dues, fees, and special assessments to the General, membership for their approval or denial. Approval must be by a minimum two-thirds (2/3) majority of qualified, voting members present at a duly constituted meeting of the General Membership or special membership meeting.
          2. All changes must be announced in the Newsletter at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting of the General membership.
          3. The amounts of dues and fees shall not be changed more frequently than at twelve (12) month intervals.
      6. Enactment of Changes

        7. Changes in rates or structures of dues or fees or the amount, purpose, or term of special assessments shall take place the quarter following the approval by the General Membership.

      7. Exclusions

        8. The amount of dues, fees, and special assessments do not include any Federal, State, or Municipal tax or any other charge imposed by law now or in the future.

      8. Delinquency
          1. Payment of dues, fees, and special assessments are due the first month of each quarter. Dues, fees, and special assessments are due during the months at January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st.Dues for each quarter must be paid within one month, and members become delinquent forty-five (45) day following their due date. (Example: Dues for the first quarter are due on January 1st They must be paid by February 1st and if not paid by February 15th, the member is delinquent.
          2. Delinquent status: A member delinquent in his dues is not considered to be in "Good Standing". He shall lose all club voting rights. It shall be the duty of the Secretary and Treasurer to determine all members in "Good Standing" on all membership votes.
      9. Suspension of Membership & Club Privileges
          1. Dues for the quarters become delinquent on the following dates: First Quarter - February 15th. Second Quarter - May 15th, Third Quarter - August 15th. Fourth Quarter - November 15th.
          2. Once delinquent. a ten percent(10%) penalty will be added to the amount due. Thirty (30) days thereafter, the delinquent member will be notified in writing that the club privileges have been suspended. Suspension of club privileges includes all things described in Article III. Section E, I-S).
      10. Forfeiture of Member Property
          1. In the event any sum owing to LCYC by a member remains unpaid for 90 days LCYC shall have the right, which the member grants, to take possession and title the boat hull engines, furniture, apparel, appurtenances and gear of any sort and all accessories pertaining thereto, and to operate, use, sell lease, or otherwise dispose of in its then condition or following any commercially reasonable preparation of processing, in such order as the LCYC may elect. Any such sale may be made either by private or public sale, at the LCYC clubhouse or elsewhere, either for cash or upon credit of for future delivery, at such prices as the LCYC board deems fair. The delinquent member may be the purchaser of any part or all of the property sold and hold the same thereafter in its own right free from any claims of the delinquent member or right of redemption to satisfy any indebtedness or collection costs owing to the LCYC and to discharge the liens (either maritime, statutory or otherwise) granted hereinafter of existing at law, at equity or under the common law.
          2. Property taken in possession by the Lake Charles Yacht Club for non-payment may not be removed without proper authorization. Failure to comply constitutes grounds for possible civil and/or criminal action.