Toledo Bend
Bi-State
Alliance

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Bylaws / Constitution

Updated as of July 2011

TOLEDO BEND BI-STATE ALLIANCE

CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I

NAME

The name of this alliance shall be “Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance”.

The purpose and objective of this Alliance shall be to enhance the development, operation, maintenance, safety, and condition of Toledo Bend Reservoir as a recreational and economic resource of the states of Louisiana and Texas.

ARTICLE II

MEMBERS

Member: Any individual, non-governmental entity or organization in the State of Louisiana or Texas who has completed a membership form declaring their interest in meeting the purpose and objectives of this Alliance may become members. A Member in good standing is one whose dues are current. Failure to pay dues shall be cause for termination as a member. All members as of the February 23, 1998, Charter Meeting shall be certified as Charter Members.

Advisor to the Board: The Board of Directors may appoint the title of “Advisor to the Board” to any person having expert knowledge of Toledo Bend Reservoir or other areas beneficial to the Alliance.

Dues: Membership dues shall be payable in advance annually on January 1. Each organization shall pay $25.00, family $15.00 and individual $10.00 annually. Dues must be received by April 30 of each year to be considered current unless you are a brand new member.

ARTICLE III

ANNUAL & SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

The Board, at a time and place it determines to be timely and convenient, shall conduct an annual “State of the Lake” meeting that shall be open to all Alliance members in good standing and any guests invited by the Board. The annual “State of the Lake” meeting shall be for the purpose of providing information to Alliance members of relevance and importance to the operation, maintenance, safety, and condition of Toledo Bend Reservoir as a recreational and economic resource. The Board may also call special meetings if deemed necessary to discuss current developments.

ARTICLE IV

BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

A Board of Directors will administer the affairs of the Alliance during the interim between annual general membership meetings. The Board shall be made up of five members elected by a majority of the Alliance members in good standing in attendance at the annual membership meeting. The terms of the Board members shall be two years. Board members may be reelected for subsequent two-year terms. In addition, each organizational member of the Alliance may designate a member to represent that organization on the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will elect officers to include a Chairman, Secretary and a Treasurer.

The officers shall serve a term of one year and may be reelected for one subsequent one-year term.

ARTICLE V

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Chairman: Shall chair all Board meetings, set the time and date for such meetings. Chairman shall select a replacement for any of the 5 at large Board Members positions in the event one becomes vacant. Such appointment shall be for the unexpired portion of the term.

Treasurer: Maintains an orderly set of records and so informs the membership of the financial status of the Alliance. He/She shall present all invoices, or obligations, or proposed disbursements to the Board for approval, before payment. He/She will be responsible for having two signatures on any check before it is deemed valid. The signatures shall be those documented on the bank signature card, as per approval of the Board.

Secretary: Shall be responsible for the recording of the minutes and other records of the meetings and safekeeping of all records, including correspondence entrusted to his/her guardianship. He/She will handle all communications in a timely manner. The Secretary’s report shall be read at the Board Meeting, the approved meeting notes will be authenticated by the Chairman and copies furnished to each Board Member.

All Officers and Members of the Board shall receive no monetary compensation for their services.

ARTICLE VI

OPERATING GUIDELINES

The following guidelines shall be followed to ensure the will of the members be known and that all proposed actions/programs have the approval of a simple majority of the Alliance.

1. Any member who is not a member of the Board may recommend a proposed action or project for consideration by the Board. Sufficient information must accompany the recommendation to enable the Board to make a decision on the matter.

2. If the Board approves the recommendation, it may be presented to the members at the next membership meeting for discussion and approval - with or without modification - or rejection.

3. Any recommendations taken to the annual meeting will be voted upon and if it receives a positive vote of a majority of the members in attendance it will be the responsibility of the Board to ensure the decision of the Alliance membership is duly implemented.

4. If an action is approved, the Board will make work assignments to appropriate individuals or organizations. Work may include research of information necessary for a presentation to a government agency or body or preparation and dissemination of petition material, signature collection, etc.

5. The Board will also approve funds to cover necessary expenses associated with the work assignment.

6. The Chairman or other individuals designated by the Board of Directors will make any required presentations to government or other operating entities.

7. The Board, through the Chairman or others designated by the Board, will coordinate press releases and coverage with appropriate news media. Only information approved by these persons should be released to the media.

ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENTS

The by-laws may be amended or revised by an affirmative simple majority vote of all members present at the annual membership meeting of the Alliance. The Board shall take any and all reasonable steps to provide information to Alliance members regarding proposed amendments to these by-laws at least two months prior to the annual membership meeting at which they are to be voted upon.