WHAT IT SAYS: #
Membership
3.0 The Board of Directors shall develop and produce a Membership Plan for the Club, to be set forth in a separate document from these Bylaws (the “Membership Plan”). The purpose of the Membership Plan is to detail the privileges, benefits and obligations associated with each class and category of membership offered in the Club.
3.01. Due to the potential that changing market conditions may necessitate the Club to design new membership offerings from time to time, close existing categories of membership from further sale, adjust pricing amounts and structures, and otherwise be in a position to adapt the membership structure and products for the benefit of the Club, the Board shall have the power to amend the Membership Plan from time to time, in its discretion. As such, the Membership Plan will not be subject to the provisions of Article X of these Bylaws.
3.02. Proprietary Members are eligible to vote at official Club meetings as follows, and are entitled to one (1) vote per membership.; No other Members in any categories of membership, other than Proprietary, are eligible to vote at Club meetings or on any Club matters. To be eligible to vote, Proprietary Members must have all their Club obligations in a current status. Delinquent or suspended Members may not vote at official Club election or any other voting occasion.
3.03. For each Membership, including but not limited to Proprietary Memberships, there shall be one person designated as the “Member,” who shall hold and be entitled to exercise the rights of a Member, as set forth herein or as set forth in the Membership Plan. The Member may be either spouse, or spousal designee, in a marriage or other domestic partnership, as designated by the couple from time to time. The designated Member shall be referred to herein as the “Member.” The term “spouse” as used herein shall refer to a spouse or spousal designee. The term “spousal designee” shall mean, in the event of a co-habitational spousal relationship not evidenced by a marriage certificate, the person who is designated to be entitled to the privileges of a spouse under these Bylaws and the Membership Plan, provided that the spousal designee (a) resides in the Member’s residence, (b) is held out to the public as being in a spousal type relationship with the Member, and (c) the Member and spousal designee have executed a statement acceptable to the Board stating the foregoing information. Both the Member and any spouse or spousal designee are joint and severally liable for any and all charges, fees, dues or other costs incurred and owed to the Club in association with their Membership.
3.04. In addition to the spouse, the Member’s spouse and dependents shall also be entitled to enjoy the privileges of membership as set forth in these Bylaws, the Membership Plan, and the Rules and Regulations. The term “dependents” shall mean the unmarried children or legal wards of the Member or spouse, under the age of twenty-four (24) .
3.05. If the Board believes it necessary to levy assessments for the purpose of improving, operating and maintaining the Club, it shall be authorized to levy such assessments but, only after approval by a majority of the voting Members present at an Annual Meeting or a Special Meeting of the Membership called for the purpose of considering such a recommendation by the Board.
WHAT IT MEANS: #
Creating the Membership Plan – The Board of Directors is responsible for developing a Membership Plan. This Plan is a separate document from the Bylaws and outlines the rights, benefits, and responsibilities associated with each type of membership at the Club. It’s designed to make clear what each member can expect and what is expected of them.
Adapting to Change – Recognizing that the needs of the Club and its members can change, the Board has the flexibility to update the Membership Plan. This could involve introducing new types of memberships, ending current ones, changing prices, or adjusting the structure to better suit the Club. Unlike other sections of the Bylaws, these changes to the Membership Plan do not require a vote according to Article X’s procedures.
Voting Rights – Only Proprietary Members have the right to vote in official Club meetings, and each Proprietary Membership gets one vote. Voting rights are contingent on being in good standing with the Club—members who are delinquent or suspended at the time of voting cannot participate.
Designating a Member – Each membership must designate one person as the “Member” who holds and can exercise membership rights. This could be either spouse or a chosen partner in a domestic partnership. This person is responsible for the membership and must meet specific criteria to be considered a spousal designee if not legally married. Both the designated Member and their spouse or partner share responsibility for any dues, fees, or charges incurred.
Family Privileges – Besides the designated Member and spouse/partner, dependent children or legal wards under 24 years old can also enjoy membership privileges. This inclusion ensures that the Club’s benefits extend to the immediate family, providing a comprehensive family-oriented experience.
Assessments for Club Improvements – If the Club needs to fund improvements, operations, or maintenance, the Board can propose assessments (additional charges). However, such assessments need the approval of a majority of voting members at an Annual or Special Meeting called specifically for this purpose.