The Minnesota Nordic Ski Association (MNSA) works closely with Minnesota cross country ski trail administrators, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the legislature on all issues and funding associated with cross country ski trails in Minnesota. MNSA also promotes education, recognition, involvement, and competition of cross country skiing.
BYLAWS OF MINNESOTA NORDIC SKI ASSOCIATION
ARTICLE I – NAME, PURPOSE
Section 1: The name of the organization shall be Minnesota Nordic Ski Association, herein referred to as the “organization”.
Section 2: The Minnesota Nordic Ski Association is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes, more specifically to:
– Promote and advance the sport of cross country skiing in Minnesota
– Promote and encourage education regarding cross country skiing in Minnesota.
– Support athletic advancement for all ages and abilities up to and including Olympic Nordic ski competition.
– Support the preservation, enhancement and expansion of quality, diverse ski trails.
– Support the legislative process and the Minnesota DNR to improve cross country skiing in Minnesota.
– Advocate stable and increased trail maintenance and grooming funding from diverse sources.
ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Membership shall consist of the members of the board of directors and any other dues paying individuals.
Section 2: Dues for members of the “organization” will be established by the Board of Directors subject to a quorum vote.
Section 3: Duration of membership shall run from September 1st through August 31st of the following year. Dues paid by new members between June 1st and September 1st shall provide membership until August 31 of the following year.
ARTICLE III – MEETINGS
Section 1: Annual Meeting. The date and location of the regular annual meeting shall be set by the Board of Directors
Section 2: Board Meetings. Board members shall be held quarterly. Location and date to be determined by the Board of Directors.
Section 3: Special Meetings. Special Meetings may be called by the President, the Executive Committee or by 25% of the active members of the organization.
Section 4: Notice of Meetings. Notice for all meetings shall be given not less than 10 days before the meeting. Notice for the Annual meeting shall be mailed to all members not less than 10 days prior to the meeting.
Section 5: Procedure. Meetings shall be conducted using Parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order.
ARTICLE IV – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1: Board Role, Size, Compensation. The Board is responsible for overall policy and direction of the Organization, and delegates responsibility for day-to-day operations to the Officers and committees. The Board shall have up to 20 and not fewer than 10 members. The board receives no compensation other than reasonable expenses.
Section 2: Board Elections. The rules adopted from time to time by the board of directors for voting in elections shall endeavor to distribute the director’s positions across the state by region and include a variety of interests in at-large positions.
Section 3: Terms. All Board members shall serve 3 year terms, but are eligible for re-election
Section 4:. Quorum. A quorum must be attended by at least 51% percent of the Board members before business can be transacted or motions made or passed.
Section 5: Vacancies When a vacancy on the Board exists, the President will appoint a temporary board member until the next annual meeting.
Section 6: Resignation, Termination and Absences. Resignation from the Board must be in writing and received by the Secretary. A Board member shall be dropped for excess absences from the Board if s/he has three unexcused absences from Board meetings in a year. A Board member may be removed for other reasons by a three-fourths vote of the remaining directors.
ARTICLE V – OFFICERS
Section 1: Election, Term of Office. The officers are elected by the Board of Directors from among the directors at large, at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors. The term of each office shall be two years, with no more than two consecutive terms served.
Section 1: President: The President shall convene regularly scheduled Board meetings, shall preside or arrange for other members of the executive committee to preside at each meeting in the following order: Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. The President will also appoint a temporary board replacement in the event of a vacancy. Official statements from the Organization shall be made by the President or by his/her appointee. The President is responsible for carrying out the purposes and goals of the Organization.
Section 2: Vice President: The Vice-President will chair committees on special subjects as designated by the board. The Vice-President will be responsible for implementing the election process of the board.
Section 3: Secretary: The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping records of Board actions, including overseeing the taking of minutes at all board meetings. Sending out meeting announcements, distributing copies of minutes and the agenda to each Board members, and assuring that corporate records are maintained.
Section 4: Treasurer: The Treasurer shall keep accurate accounts of all moneys of the corporation received or disbursed, and shall provide financial reports at all regularly held meetings. The Treasurer shall endorse for deposit all notes, checks, and drafts received by the corporation. The Treasurer shall keep records of all membership dues. The Treasurer shall make proper payment of all expenses as directed by the President or the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES
Section 1: Board of Directors creates committees as needed. All Committees shall have at least one board member.
Section 2: The four officers serve as the members of the Executive Committee. Except for the power to amend the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, the Executive Committee shall have the authority to carry out the business of the Organization in accordance with the policies and directives established by the Board of Directors.
Section 3: Finance Committee. The Treasurer is chair of the Finance Committee, which includes three other Board members. The Finance Committee is responsible for developing and reviewing fiscal procedures, a fundraising plan, and annual budget with Board members. The Board must approve the budget, and all expenditures must be within the budget. Any major change in the budget must be approved by the Board or the Executive Committee. The fiscal year shall be September 1st to August 31st of each year. Annual reports are required to be submitted to the Board showing income, expenditures and pending income. The financial records of the organization shall be made available to the membership and Board members.
ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS
Section 1: These Bylaws may be amended when necessary by a two-thirds majority of the Board of Directors. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Secretary to be sent out with regular Board announcements.
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