Standing Rules
Bylaws

1. Membership dues shall be payable December 1 for the following calendar year and delinquent December 31.
   
   
   1. Individual members $20 annually.
   2. Business members $20 annually.
      
      
      1. Business members shall be listed as such in the Chapter's annual directory.
      2. Business members shall include voting privileges for one person, normally the owner.
         
         
   3. Teacher Membership $20 annually.
      
      
2. The financial records of this Chapter shall be kept on a calendar basis, from January 1 through December 31. A year end financial statement will be submitted for publication in the first Chapter Newsletter of the following year.
3. Meetings of the Chapter shall be held not less than six times annually, normally on the second Sunday of the month. Meetings shall be held in September for the purpose of nomination of officers; in November for the election of officers; and in December for the installation of officers. The other three meetings shall be decided by the Board at the beginning of the year and published in the first newsletter.
4. These standing rules may be amended, adopted, suspended, or rescinded by a 2/3 vote of members present, and eligible to vote, wherein a quorum is present.
5. Every three (3) years (beginning 1988) the President will appoint a committee of not less than three Chapter members in good standing to review Bylaws and Standing Rules. This committee shall recommend revisions and/or additions to the Executive Board, then to the membership for vote.
6. Awards:
   
   
   1. The Gold Brush Award may be presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Chapter as well as dedication to the Art of Decorative painting.
      
      
   2. The Gold Brush award may be given annually and is a once in a lifetime award.
      
      
   3. The Chapter may establish such other awards as determined by the Executive Board.

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GATEWAY DECORATIVE ARTISTS
OF GREATER ST. LOUIS
BYLAWS
Revised September 20, 2009

ARTICLE I          NAME

The name of this non-profit organization shall be Gateway Decorative Artists Greater St. Louis Chapter of the National Society of Tole and Decorative Painters, Inc., doing business as The Society of Decorative Painters, and referred to herein as SDP.

ARTICLE II      PURPOSE

The purpose of this Chapter shall be, in common with that of SDP, to stimulate interest in, education of, and appreciation for the art of decorative painting.

ARTICLE III      MEMBERSHIP

1. Membership in this Chapter is open only to persons who are dues-paying members to the SDP.
2. The membership classifications of this Chapter are:

a. Individual Member
b. Teacher Member
c. Business Member

3. Guests are welcome, however, may attend no more than two meetings annually before joining.

ARTICLE IV       DUES

1. Membership dues are payable annually as designated in the Standing Rules.

2. A former member may be reinstated at any future date upon payment of current dues, and any and all outstanding accounts due the Chapter.

ARTICLE V         MEETINGS

1. Regular meetings of this Chapter shall be held as stated in the Standing Rules.

2. The Executive Board shall have authority to change the dates, times and places of meetings, provided sufficient notice is given to members.

3. A quorum shall consist of not less than one-fifth (1/5) of the total membership.

4. The privilege of making motions, debating, and voting shall be limited to members.

ARTICLE VI        OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTION

1. The elected officers of this Chapter shall be President, Vice-President, Program Chairman, Membership Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer and Newsletter Editor.

2. All nominees for elected offices shall come from the general membership. All nominees must have been members for not less than 2 years immediately preceding the time of election and have attended five (5) meetings. Nominees running for President should have previous Gateway Board experience.

3. The term of office shall be two years, commencing January 1 through December 31. President, Program Chairman, Newsletter Editor will be elected in odd numbered years. Vice-President, Membership Secretary, Recording Secretary and Treasurer will be elected in even numbered years. This will begin with the 2007 election. An officer may resign their term after one full year and a new officer will be elected for the rest of the term.

4. Nominations shall normally take place at the September and the November meetings, following the report of the Nominating Committee, as provided in Article IX, Section 1.a. Nominations from the floor for each office shall be accepted at each of these meetings. A plurality vote (largest amount of votes given to one (1) candidate) is required to elect if there is more than one (1) candidate for office. Voting shall be by ballot.

5. Vacancies in office or in the case of inactivity of a board member shall be filled by a majority vote of the Executive Board. Inactivity shall further be defined as when an officer has failed to attend four (4) consecutive meetings (Board and Chapter).

6. In the event of a tie vote, reballoting will take place immediately for the candidates involved. All previously cast ballots (regular and absentee) will be collected by the Nominating Chair and sealed. Only members in attendance will cast ballots to break the tie.

ARTICLE VII      DUTIES OF ELECTED OFFICERS

1. The President's duties shall be:
   
   
   1. Preside over chapter meetings.
   2. Preside over meetings of the Executive Board and be responsible for orientation of new Board members.
   3. Appoint a Parliamentarian with Board approval. It should be someone in which the President has confidence. (See Article XI for Parliamentarian Duties)
   4. Sign checks in the absence of the Treasurer.
   5. Ascertain that all required reports and correspondence are sent to the SDP.
   6. Perform such other duties as usually pertain to the office.
   7. Be an ex-officio member of the Executive Board for the year following the elected term, serving in a non-voting advisory capacity, and must be a current year member.
   8. Appoint all Standing and Special Committee Chairs, with Board approval. The President may serve in an unofficial capacity on all committees with the exception of the Nominating Committee and Gold Brush Award Committee.
   9. Appoint tellers to count election ballots.
   10. Keep accurate records of office expenditures and receipts for not less than the prior three (3) years.
       



2. The Vice-President's duties shall be:
   
   
   1. Assist the President.
      
   2. Preside in the absence of the President.
      
   3. Be the chairman of any special event or program designated by the Board and keep accurate records of each for no less than the prior three (3) years.
      
   4. Shall succeed to the office of President in the event of a vacancy in that office.
      
   5. Oversee the charities, keeping accurate records of all charities, monies received and donations for a period of not less than three (3) years.
      
      
      
3. The Program Chairman's duties shall be:
   
   
   1. To procure educational or related programs for each meeting.
   2. To arrange and oversee seminars and special educational events.
   3. To arrange and procure rooms for all chapter meetings and seminars.
   4. Keep accurate records of office expenditures and receipts for each planned program for not less than the prior three (3) years.
      
      
      
4. The Recording Secretary's duties shall be:
   
   
   1. Record minutes of all Chapter meetings in a book, which is the property of the Chapter, and which shall be a complete and clear record of activities.
   2. Record minutes of all Executive Board meetings in a book, which is the property of the Chapter, and which shall be a complete and clear record of activities.
   3. Record Major Board Decisions in a book, which is the property of the Chapter, and provide copies to all Board members.
   4. Have available at all Chapter meetings a copy of Standing Rules, Bylaws, and Major Board Decisions for reference.
   5. Forward to the Board members one copy of minutes from each meeting of the Chapter and Executive Board within one week of the meeting.
   6. Preserve ALL Chapter and Board minutes and major Board decisions for every year since becoming an affiliated chapter.
   7. Keep accurate records of office expenditures and receipts for not less than the prior three (3) years.
      
      
      
      
5. The Membership Secretary's duties shall be:
   
   
   1. Conduct correspondence not specifically assigned to other officers or committees.
   2. Keep all membership records since becoming an affiliated chapter.
   3. Compile and update annual membership directory. Print copies to be distributed at the first chapter meeting of the new year.
   4. Oversee publicity.
   5. Oversee hospitality.
   6. Provide a membership address list for the newsletter editor at the first Board meeting with updates as they occur.
   7. When requested, print and forward to the Nominating Committee Chair a list of eligible members qualified to run for office.
   8. Keep accurate records of office expenditures and receipts for not less than the prior three (3) years.
   9. Provide to area reps a membership list for their area.
      
      
6. The Treasurer's duties shall be:
   
   
   1. Custodian of Chapter funds. To disperse Chapter funds; to keep accurate records of all receipts and disbursements; and file all bills as proof of money paid, for not less than three (3) years.
   2. To prepare and submit, with the assistance of the President, Past-President and Past-Treasurer, a budget for approval by the Executive Board.
   3. To maintain reimbursement procedures as outlined in "Reimbursement Policies and Procedures" (copies of which can be obtained from Treasurer).
   4. Present a statement of account in each newsletter of the Chapter and a year-end statement as outlined in Standing Rule #2.
   5. To prepare and file State and Federal Tax forms as necessary.
   6. Balance the books and have ready for audit prior to the assumption of office of new officers.
   7. Oversee the investment of any funds in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000) in the Chapter savings account with the approval of the President and one (1) member of the Executive Board.
   8. In charge of Chapter table at each meeting and at all Gateway functions, as required.
   9. Must be bonded (Chapter will pay for the bonding).
   10. Keep accurate records of office expenditures and receipts for not less than the prior three (3) years.
       
       
7. The Newsletter Editor's duties shall be:
   
   
   1. Ensure Newsletter is published and delivered at least 10 days prior to established meetings, but not more than fourteen (14) days. The delivery of said newsletter will be through email and only sent USPS when email is not available
   2. Provide to members, via flyers, information relative to special events, seminars, etc.
   3. Keep accurate records of expenditures and receipts for not less than the prior three (3) years.
   4. Mail one copy of all publications to Chapters Department of the SDP.
   5. Be responsible for getting information to the Web Editor in a timely manner.
   6. Keep one copy of each newsletter since becoming an affiliated chapter.
   7. Procure a membership address list from the Membership Secretary at the first Board meeting, and updates as they occur.
      
      
8. Elected officers at the end of their term in office shall meet in person with their respective newly elected officers not less than one week prior to the first Board meeting and shall relinquish to them all files, records, reports, and other necessary information.
   
   
   1. Each officer whether incumbent or outgoing shall provide to each board member a written inventory of chapter supplies in their possession or being transferred to an incoming officer. It is also the responsibility of each officer to prepare a written annual report for distribution at the first Board meeting of the new year.
      
   2. It is the responsibility of each officer to ensure that their binders contain accurate, up to date copies of all major documents including, but not limited to:
      • Bylaws and Standing Rules
      • Board and Chapter meeting minutes for a period of not less than three (3) years
      • Major Board Decisions document

ARTICLE VIII      EXECUTIVE BOARD

1. The Executive Board shall consist of the elected officers of the Chapter.
   
   
2. The duties of the Executive Board shall be:

1. To transact necessary business in the intervals between Chapter meetings.
2. To establish the dates of the three (3) remaining meetings as stated in the Standing Rules.
3. To approve payment of routine bills.
4. To approve the investment of any funds of at least one thousand dollars ($1,000).
5. President being ex-officio for one year following the expiration of the term of office and will serve in a non-voting, advisory capacity to the Executive Board.
6. The Executive Board may, at their discretion, from time to time choose to subsidize, partially or in full, an educational activity for the benefit of current chapter members, or the public in general, utilizing available funds residing in the Chapter's checking or savings accounts.

ARTICLE IX      COMMITTEES

1. Standing Committees shall be the Nominating Committee, Refreshment Committee, Gold Brush Award Committee, Librarian and Historian.
   
   

1. Nominating Committee - - This committee shall consist of the appointed chair and any additional persons needed who shall prepare a slate for the election of officers. The Nominating Chair shall be responsible for printing and issuing ballots. Nominees must be members, and meet the qualifications as stated in ARTICLE VI 2 and have given prior consent to the Nominating Committee. The chair is responsible for checking with the Membership Secretary to verify that nominees are eligible members. The Chair will prepare a list of eligible voting members and prepare a sign-in list for voter sign-in the day of the election. All ballots and tally sheets shall be given to the current President immediately following the voting to be held until after the new year's election. Keep accurate records of committee expenditures and receipts for not less than the prior three (3) years.
2. Refreshment Committee - Participants on this committee will come from the general membership. This committee will be responsible for procuring refreshments and decorations for the meetings, under budgetary guidelines as established by the Board. Keep accurate records of committee expenditures and receipts for not less than the prior three (3) years.
3. Gold Brush Award Committee - This committee shall consist of no less than three (3) or more than five (5) members, to be chosen following the current Gold Brush Award Guidelines which govern the activity of this committee. The previous year's recipient to be the chairman of the current year committee. If unable to serve, then a chairman will be appointed by the President with Executive Board approval.
4. Librarian - Shall be responsible for the preservation of all patterns, books and videos. These materials will be brought to the Chapter meetings enabling the members to rent any of the above from meeting to meeting. Purchase of new materials as well as discarding old, except for the patterns from the St. Louis National Convention, shall be at the discretion of the Librarian with Board approval. Keep accurate records of committee expenditures and receipts for not less than the prior three (3) years.
5. Historian - The purpose of this position is to chronicle the history of events within the chapter as well as the Annual Conference of SDP. Be responsible for taking or obtaining photos of these events, when possible, and keeping our scrapbooks updated. Keep accurate records of committee expenditures and receipts for not less than the prior three (3) years.
   
   

2. Special Committees - The Executive Board may, from time to time, create such other committees as are necessary and which are not in conflict with other provisions of these bylaws. The composition and duties of any such committees shall be defined by the Executive Board upon their formation. The members shall be appointed by the President in accordance with the Board approval.
   
   
   1. Audit Committee - This committee shall consist of three (3) members, or an independent auditor, who shall verify the accuracy of the financial records of the chapter prior to the assumption of office of the new officers. (The Treasurer is not a member of the committee, but must be present to answer questions.)
   2. Standing Rules and Bylaw Committee - as outlined in Standing Rule 5.

ARTICLE X      AMENDMENTS

1. These Bylaws may be altered or changed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at a meeting at which a quorum is present, provided that the proposed changes have been presented to the members through the chapter's newsletter at least 10 days prior to the meeting at which voting takes place.
2. If, at two successive meetings, a quorum has not been present, these Bylaws can be changed upon written ballot of the members, provided that a majority of the members return the written ballot.

ARTICLE XI      PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

1. The current edition of Roberts Rules of Order shall be the Parliamentary Authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by or not in conflict with these Bylaws or the Bylaws of the SDP.
   
   
2. The Parliamentarian's duties shall be:
   
   
   1. Advise the President on questions of procedure in transacting the business of the Chapter efficiently and impartially. Not to be involved in the decision-making process.
   2. Maintain currency of the Standing Rules and Bylaws by assuring that all amendments are published in the Chapter's Newsletter.

ARTICLE XII      DISSOLUTION

In the event of dissolution of the Chapter, all liabilities and obligations of the Chapter shall be paid, satisfied, and discharged, or adequate provision made therefore. Any remaining funds as are in the treasury at the time shall be given to the Society of Decorative painters, Inc. or to another non-profit group, as determined by a majority of the remaining members. Any remaining assets shall also be given to the SDP or to a Not-for-Profit group, as determined by the majority of the membership remaining, and shall not benefit any individual member.

ARTICLE XIII      ABSENTEE VOTING

1. An Absentee ballot listing the slate of nominees submitted by the Nominating Committee, with a space for eligible write-in candidates may be requested in writing from the Nominating Chair. The ballot shall be issued by the Nominating Chair or one of the committee members to a confirmed eligible voting member.
   
   
2. The absentee ballot shall be returned and postmarked on or before the deadline date established by the Nominating Chair and printed in the September and November Newsletters.
   
   
3. Absentee ballots shall be held unopened by the Nominating Chair until the November meeting, when the Nominating Chair, in the presence of the other tellers, will open and tally the ballots for the final report.
   
   
4. The Nominating Chair and the appointed tellers will then take all ballots cast and tally them for the final report.

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