Constitution & Bylaws

CONSTITUTION of the FLORIDA FRONTIERSMEN, INC.

Adopted October 05, 2013

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Florida Frontiersmen, Inc., a private club, founded in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1972, realizing the benefits to be derived from organized endeavor, do band together to preserve the skills of our first settlers, pioneers, and mountain men in their use of muzzle loading firearms and the equipment and accouterments that accompanied such use. We shall endeavor to promote and maintain high standards of safety, sportsmanship, and good fellowship, together with historical appreciation of the era and equipment. Furthermore, we shall do all in our power to preserve and keep its original intent, the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. To this end, we hereby publish our own following Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE 1 – NAME

The name of this organization shall be Florida Frontiersmen, Inc., hereinafter referred to as the Corporation, Frontiersmen, or Club. It shall continue to be a corporation, not-for-profit, in the State of Florida.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

1. The Frontiersmen, located at 1000 Old Fort Meade Road, Homeland, Florida 33847, is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes for the promotion of the benefits from organized rather than individuals efforts to preserve the skills of our first settlers, pioneers, and mountain men in the use of antique firearms as defined in Chapter 790 of the Florida Statutes, and the equipment and accouterments that accompanied such use, and other related activities as may be judged in accordance with this Constitution and as may be directed by the Board of Directors, and to maintain higher standards of sportsmanship, safety and good fellowship among those who will participate in said activities, including, for such purposes, the making of distribution to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

2. No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall insure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the Corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II, Section 1, hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall be carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in corporation to any-candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, this corporation shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the purposes of this corporation as set forth in Article II, Section I, hereof.

3. Upon the dissolution of the Corporation, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes as written in Article VII of the Constitution of said corporation within the meaning of section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code as delineated in Article VII of the Constitution of said corporation. And such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the Corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such an organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

ARTICLE III – GOVERNMENT AND OPERATION

1. The officers of the Frontiersmen shall consist of a President, A First Vice President and Range Officer, a Second Vice President and Property Manager, a Secretary and a Treasurer. These officers shall form the Board of Directors of the Frontiersmen.

2. The Board of Directors is to ensure that the Club follows its purpose and provides general oversight of financial and property resources and approves club activities and projects. The Board of Directors shall not approve any non-emergency expenditure exceeding $5,000 dollars without a majority vote of approval, of the membership, at a regular meeting. Any or all emergency expenditures shall be presented to the membership at the next regular meeting.

3. The Board of Directors in its management of the affairs of the Corporation shall not have the authority to sell, lease, exchange or mortgage of the property (land) of the Corporation.

4. The Board of Directors upon approval of the membership has the authority to manage the dissolution of the Corporation as described in Article VII, notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution.

5. The Board of Directors shall maintain the Club’s status as a charter club of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (NMLRA).

6. The Board of Directors shall maintain liability and property damage insurance to the amounts as may be deemed appropriate.

7. The Board of Directors shall develop and review annually the description of the duties of each officer of the Club. Such updated descriptions shall be maintained by the Secretary.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Any person over eighteen (18) years of age may make application to become a member of the Frontiersmen by paying membership fees and dues as may be set forth in the By-Laws. Members will be expected to participate in all the Club activities, including special projects, meetings, and to abide by the Constitution, By-Laws, and any and all rules, regulations, and policies adopted by the Frontiersmen.

A member may, for just cause, be suspended or expelled by a two thirds (2/3) ballot vote at any regular meeting with a bona fide quorum as described in Section 7.3 and following procedure set forth in Section 8.11 of the By-Laws. Any person who has not yet reached their eighteenth (18) birthday may become a non-voting member of the Frontiersmen, if sponsored by an active member and by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, and upon payment of applicable fees.

ARTICLE V – AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION

This Constitution may be amended at any regular meeting by a two thirds (2/3) ballot vote of the members present, provided such an amendment is proposed at a previous regular meeting and the general membership are provided written notification of the proposed amendments at least seven (7) days in advance of such regular meeting and vote.

ARTICLE VI – FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year (FY) of the Frontiersmen shall start on the first day of July and end on the last day of June. The annual meeting shall be scheduled during the regular June meeting of the year ending. The elected Officers/Board of Directors shall take office on the first day of July following the election of Officers/Board of Directors at the annual meeting.

ARTICLE VII – DISSOLUTION

In the event that it is not possible to continue the activities of the Frontiersmen, and it then becomes necessary to dissolve the organization and to end all its activities, it is ordained that the Board of Directors:

1. Shall notify all current members by written notification of a special meeting of the membership to consider the dissolution of the Corporation.

2. Upon approval of dissolution by the membership:

a. Pay all outstanding bills and resolve commitments, notify the State of Florida and the Federal Government as may be necessary to clear Club records.

b. Any funds left in the treasury and any property will be distributed by the Board of Directors to one or more exempt organizations within the meaning of Section 501

(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, whose purpose is firmly committed to preserving our heritage as described in Article II.

By-LawS to the Constitution

Revised November 6, 2017

1.0 NOMINATIONS

1.1 - A Nominating Committee consisting of a chairman and at least two members will be recommended to the membership by the Board of Directors at the March meeting. Prior to the election of the Nominating Committee, nominations for the Nominating Committee may be made from the floor. The composition of the Nominating Committee will be published in the March edition of the Club’s newsletter.

1.2 - A member of the Nominating Committee who becomes a candidate for election in any of the offices must immediately withdraw from the Nominating Committee. If more than two members of the Nominating Committee withdraw for this or other reasons, the President of the Club and the chairman of the Nominating Committee (even if the chairman is withdrawing) will jointly appoint replacements.

1.3 - Any member of the Club may nominate any qualified member to be a candidate for election for any of the offices of the Club. Nominations may be made by contacting any member of the Nominating Committee.

1.4 - Nominations will be closed at the end of the May meeting of the Club. The President will solicit final nominations from the floor of that meeting.

1.5 - Nominations will be published in the May edition of the newsletter. The intent is to keep the membership informed of the candidates standing for election.

1.6 - By the June meeting, the Nominating Committee will verify that all nominated candidates are qualified and willing to stand for election and to serve with determination and dedication through the term of their office.

1.7 - Candidates must be a member of the Frontiersmen for five (5) consecutive years, including the year before holding an office.

1.8 - No two (2) members of the same household may hold elective office at the same time.

1.9 - All Candidates must sign the Florida Frontiersmen Inc. Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Policy and Disclosure Form prior to the election. [Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Policy is referenced in Section 11.0 CLUB STANDING RULES, REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES.]

2.0 ELECTIONS

2.1 - To take place at the annual meeting in June of each year.

2.2 - Voting to be by secret ballot.

2.3 - In such case as only one candidate may be running for an office, the secret ballot may be dispensed with.

3.0 INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

3.1 - Officers shall be installed at the July meeting.

3.2 - The installation procedure shall be as established by the Board of Directors.

4.0 TERM OF OFFICE

4.1 - Elected for a term of two (2) years and may not be re-elected for more than two (2) consecutive terms (4 years) in the same office but, may be elected to serve an additional two (2) years in other offices for a total of six (6) years. May be elected to serve again, in any office including the offices already served, with a one (1) year gap in service.

4.2 - The President, Second Vice-President and Secretary will be elected to start serving on odd number years.

4.3 - The First Vice-President and Treasurer will be elected to start serving on even numbered years.

5.0 VACANCIES

5.1 - If for any reason an office is vacated during the term of the office, the President may appoint a temporary replacement if less than four (4) months remain in that term of office.

5.2 - If more than four (4) months remain in the term, special nominations must be held at the next regular meeting. Elections will be held at the following regular meeting after the membership has been notified in writing of the nominations made in the previous meeting.

6.0 DUTIES

6.1 - PRESIDENT

Will preside over all meetings, both regular and special, to act as spokesman for the Frontiersmen, to appoint all committees and serve ex-officio on any and all committees. To author and sign all official Club correspondence, to be aware of all Club activities and business, to establish all Rules, Regulations, and Policies, and enforce the Constitution, By-Laws, and other Rules, Regulations, and Policies as may be applicable. Also, to direct and advise all directors, officers, and committee chairpersons.

6.2 - FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT AND RANGE OFFICER

Will perform the duties of the primary Range Officer, and in the absence of the President, perform the duties of the President as well as other duties as the Board of Directors may request. However, the primary duty of this office will be to prepare for and supervise all club shoots, collection of range fees, scoring and classifications of all members and competitors, and be responsible for range safety, and safety instruction. If the office finds it necessary, it may appoint assistant range officers to assist in conducting the business of the office.

6.3 - SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT AND PROPERTY MANAGER

Will see that the ranges, buildings, equipment, roadways and pathways are maintained, kept clean and orderly and in good repair. In case of the absence of the Officers named in 6.1 or 6.2 above, will perform the duties listed for those officers.

6.4 – SECRETARY

Will serve the Board of Directors as reporter for all matches, activities, and meetings of the Board of Directors and the monthly meetings of the Club; will publish a monthly newsletter containing the Club meeting minutes and match shoot results; will attend to the publication of any required reports; will collect membership fees and dues; will

keep and maintain a current roll of members; will be custodian to all club records; and will perform such other duties as may pertain to this office and as may be directed by the Board of Directors. In the case of the absence of the officers named above, the Secretary will act in their stead.

6.5 - TREASURER

Will have charge of the funds and general supervision of the Club’s fiscal book and accounts. The funds of the Club will be maintained in such banks as may be designated by the Board of Directors. All monies received by and payable will be

deposited to its credit and will be withdrawn with good and proper record of disbursements. The Treasurer will prepare quarterly and annual financial reports for presentation to the general members. The Treasurer shall maintain the Club’s books with good accounting practices and make them available as may be directed by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer and those other Officers that may be authorized to sign checks shall be bonded in an amount determined by the Board of Directors. The Club will pay the cost of the bonds. In the case of the absence of the officers named above, the Treasure will act in their stead.

6.6 - REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

Any Elected Officer may, for just cause, be removed from office by a two thirds (2/3) ballot vote of the members present at any regular meeting with a bona fide quorum, as described in Section 7.3. Justification(s) for removal from office shall include, but not be limited to, malfeasance in office; and/or failure to abide by the Constitution, By-Laws, or other Club Rules, Regulations and Policies. Notice of the intent to remove an Elected Officer from office shall be provided to subject Officer in writing at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting when/where the vote will be called, so as to allow for his/her defense of any and all charges.

6.7 - STANDING COMMITTEES

6.7.1 - The President shall appoint and maintain a Planning Committee, to assist the Board of Directors and the Club, in development of the property. The Planning Committee will function as a check and balance to aid the Club in fulfilling its needs and dreams while maintaining its historical integrity. The Planning Committee will help prioritize short- term goals that will systematically and logically achieve the long-term goals while meeting the immediate needs of the membership. Project and property plans will be presented, in writing, to the Planning Committee for review. The Planning Committee will make recommendation(s) to the Board of Directors based on historical merit and/or long-term goals. The Board of Directors will make all final decisions. If the Board of Directors approves the Planning Committee’s recommendation (s) and allocates the necessary funds for the recommendation(s), the Board of Directors will bring the recommendation(s) to the Club for a majority vote if the recommendation(s) involves a change or new developments to the property. The Planning Committee will provide minutes of the Planning Committee meetings to the Board of Directors before the next regular Club meeting.

6.7.2 - The President shall appoint and maintain the Alafia River Rendezvous Committee to assist the Board of Directors in operating and maintaining the Alafia River Rendezvous. The Alafia Committee will do the planning, operation, and completion of the Alafia River Rendezvous as defined in the Florida Frontiersmen Inc. Rendezvous Guide and Procedures. The Board of Directors will make all final decisions.

6.7.3 - The President shall appoint and maintain an Education Standing Committee to assist the Board of Directors in developing and maintaining educational programs. The Educational Committee will design, develop, and maintain effective educational programs for teaching the skills, trades, and history of pre-1840 America. The Board of Directors will make all final decisions.

7.0 MEETINGS

7.1 - Regular meetings are to be held once each month at the Club property at a time suitable and convenient for the majority of the members.

7.2 - Special meetings may be called by the President or the Board of Directors at any time necessary for conducting Club business. The Membership shall be notified of the time and place and subject of any special meetings.

7.3 - At least twenty-five (25) members, including three (3) officers, must be present at a meeting to constitute a quorum.

7.4 - Voting shall be by show of hand or by voice unless otherwise directed by the Constitution, By-Laws, or the President.

7.5 - When voting by ballot the President shall appoint two (2) counters who will be responsible for distributing and collecting ballots of members. They shall also tabulate and report the results of these tabulations to the President.

7.6 - Unless otherwise stated, Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern all the meetings of the Board of Directors and the Club.

8.0 MEMBERSHIP

8.1 - Membership in the Florida Frontiersmen, Inc. shall include spouse/partner and children under the age of eighteen (18), living in the same domicile.

8.1.1 - Voting privileges are limited to members over the age of eighteen (18).

8.2 - There will be a one-time membership fee payable upon application for membership by persons interested in Club membership.

8.3 - Renewal of membership dues will be for each fiscal year and payable from May meeting to the July meeting only. Any other fees will be payable as determined by the Board of Directors.

8.4 - Florida Frontiersmen, Inc. (FFI) members or the Board of Director officers representing FFI may host guests on FFI property. All guests are expected to abide by all applicable Constitution, Bylaws, Rules, Regulations, and Policies, sign the FFI waiver form, and pay all applicable guest fees. It shall be the responsibility of the FFI member or BOD officer host to advise their guest(s) of these matters and assume responsibility for their conduct.

8.5 - Associate memberships will be offered to interested persons or groups for an annual fee. An associate membership will entitle those participating to receive a copy of the Club newsletter each month but will not provide any other Club benefits or rights.

8.6 - The Board of Directors may from time to time offer honorary Associate Memberships at no cost to persons judged noteworthy or as special friends of the Club.

8.7 - The cost of membership dues and fees will be determined by the Board of Directors and voted on by the general membership at the regular meeting in April of each year. Membership dues and fees will be based on the cost of Club operation, purchase of equipment and materials, trophies, prizes, or other normal operating expenses and goals, as may be established by the Board of Directors and members. The Frontiersmen is a not-for- profit organization. The dues and fees amounts shall be established to maintain the Club at a reasonable level of solvency.

8.8 - The form of the application for membership will be created by the Board of Directors and shall become part of these By-Laws.

8.9 - Life Memberships may be recommended by the Board of Directors to the membership. Life member is the highest recognition that can be awarded to a member in acknowledgement of their years of exceptional service and contribution to the Club. An active member with extended years of membership, may qualify as a life member with a majority vote of the membership present at a regular Club meeting. Life Members will be exempt from annual dues but will be subject to all other charges or fees payable by all other members. Life Members given per year rest with the Board of Directors.

8.10 - Prospective members shall be required to be sponsored by a current regular member and shall be expected to complete a list of requirements as set forth by the Board of Directors. Those requirements shall include, but not be limited to attending two. (2) meetings after initial meeting; shadow at two (2) range duties (this is a black powder Club, please make sure to familiarize yourself with how we conduct our monthly shoots); attend a Work Weekend (one (1) minimum, not limited); attend a Range Safety Course (every April’s Seminar).

8.10.1- Applicants applying for new membership will be accepted at regular monthly meetings throughout the fiscal year along with the application fee. Applicants must perform their membership prerequisite requirements within one year for application date. Upon completion of membership prerequisite requirements, applicant will become a member.

8.11 - Renewal of membership in the Club is considered a privilege, not a right. A member’s participation in the shooting programs and other activities of the Club shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors in April prior to the acceptance of renewal of membership each year. Any member with dues or fees delinquent after the July regular meeting must reapply for membership and adhere to all of the current requirements of membership that may apply.

8.12 - Failure to abide by the Constitution, By-Laws, or other Club Rules, Regulations, and Policies may result in justification for suspension or expulsion as a member of the Club. A two thirds (2/3) majority ballot vote of members present and voting at a regular meeting will be required to suspend or to expel. The member being considered for suspension or expulsion shall be notified in writing by the Board of Directors at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting as to allow for defense of any and all charges.

8.13 - A current member may be honored at the time of demise in the Club’s Memorial Garden.

8.13.1 - Any current member may add a previous club member's name on a small stone at the cost of engraving and stone.

8.14 - Any member may propose amendments to the By-Laws, in writing, to the membership at any regular meeting. Upon majority vote, the proposed amendment shall be placed on the next regular meeting agenda. The proposed amendment shall be published in the next newsletter. A two thirds (2/3) vote of members present, and voting is necessary to approve amendments to the By-Laws.

9.0 CLUB ASSETS

9.1 - Any Club assets being considered for sale by the Board of Directors will be auctioned off to Club members at a regular scheduled meeting after notification of items for sale at previous month’s meeting and listed in the newsletter. Club members will have first choice on items to be sold and any items left unsold will be available to anyone outside the Club at a price negotiated by the Board of Directors.

10.0 LIABILITY

10.1 - The Florida Frontiersmen, Inc. cannot assume responsibility for your actions or the actions of others. Each member and guest are required to sign a Waiver of Liability prior to the use of any Club facilities. The Waiver of Liability is referenced in Section 11.0 CLUB STANDING RULES, REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES.

11.0. CLUB STANDING RULES, REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES

Rules, Regulations, and Policies are to be established and maintained for the operation of the Club by the Board of Directors and are incorporated in these By-Laws by reference:

Any member may request a change to any Rule, Regulation, or Policy during new business, at any regular meeting and will be posted in the newsletter containing the minutes of the meeting. The requested change is to be made in writing and presented to the members of the Board of Directors present prior to that meeting. The requested change and the Club’s discussion of the change, during new business, will be discussed and considered by the Board of Directors at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting. The Board of Directors will determine if the current Rule, Regulation, or Policy needs to be modified and these results of the Board of Directors meeting will be presented to the Club during old business at the next regular meeting.

11.1 - FLORIDA FRONTIERSMEN, INC. SHOOTERS AND SCORER’S MANUAL

11.1.1 – The Florida Frontiersmen, Inc. Shooters and Scorers Manual, dated 03/01/14, as approved by the Board of Directors dated 05/19/14, are included, by reference, in these By-Laws and supersede any and all previous published copies.

11.2 - FLORIDA FRONTIERSMEN, INC. CLUB CAMPING RULES AND REGULATIONS

11.2.1 – The Florida Frontiersmen, Inc. Camping Rules and Regulations, dated 10/05/13, as approved by the Board of Directors dated 10/05/13, are included, by reference, in these By-Laws and supersede any and all previous published copies.

11.3 - FLORIDA FRONTIERSMEN, INC. CODE OF ETHICS

11.3.1 – The Florida Frontiersmen, Inc. Code of Ethics, dated 10/05/13, as approved by the Board of Directors dated 10/05/13, are included, by reference, in these By-Laws and supersede any and all previous published copies. (Deleted April 2, 2021)

11.4 - FLORIDA FRONTIERSMEN, INC. PROPERTY USE POLICY

11.4.1 – The Florida Frontiersmen, Inc. Property Use Policy, dated 10/05/13, as approved by the Board of Directors dated 10/05/13, are included, by reference, in these By-Laws and supersede any and all previous published copies.

11.5 - FLORIDA FRONTIERSMEN, INC. WAIVER OF LIABILITY

11.5.1 – The Florida Frontiersmen, Inc. Waiver of Liability, dated 04/16/13, as approved by the Board of Directors dated 05/19/13, are included, by reference, in these By-Laws and supersede any and all previous published copies.

11.6 - FLORIDA FRONTIERSMEN, INC. NEW MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

11.6.1 - The Florida Frontiersmen, Inc. New Membership Application dated 05/19/14, as approved by the Board of Directors on 05/19/14, is included, by reference, in these By-Laws and supersede any and all previous published copies. (Membership Form combined into one, September 26, 2020)

11.7 - FLORIDA FRONTIERSMEN, INC. MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL, PROSPECTIVE, ASSOCIATE

11.7.1 - The Florida Frontiersmen, Inc. Membership Renewal Application, dated 05/19/14, as approved by the Board of Directors dated 05/19/14, is included, by reference, in these By-Laws and supersedes any and all previous published copies. (Membership Form combined into one, September 26, 2020)

11.8 - FLORIDA FRONTIERSMEN, INC. CONFIDENTIALITY AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND DISCLOSURE FORM

11.8.1 - The Florida Frontiersmen, Inc. Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Policy and Disclosure Form, dated 11/06/17, as approved by the Board of Directors dated 10/31/17, is included, by reference, in these By-Laws and supersede any and all previous published copies.

11.9 - FLORIDA FRONTIERSMEN, INC. ALAFIA RIVER RENDEZVOUS RULES, REGULATIONS, AND PROCEDURES

11.9.1 - The Florida Frontiersmen, Inc. Alafia River Rendezvous Rules, Regulations, and Procedures, dated 7/17/14, as approved by the Board of Directors dated 7/17/14, is included, by reference, in these By-Laws and supersede any and all previous published copies.

11.10 - FLORIDA FRONTIERSMEN, INC. GIFT ACCEPTANCE POLICIES

11.10.1 - The Florida Frontiersmen, Inc. Gift Acceptance Policies, dated May 29, 2021, as approved by the Board of Directors May 29, 2021, is included by reference, in these By-Laws and supersede any and all previous published copies.

11.11 - FLORIDA FRONTIERSMEN, INC. ELECTRICAL ACCOMMODATIONS AREA RULES, REGULATIONS, AND PROCEDURES

11.11.1 - The Florida Frontiersmen, Inc. Electrical Accommodations Area Rules, Regulations, and Procedures dated October 2, 2021, as approved by the Board of Directors October 2, 2021, is included by reference, in these By-Laws and supersede any and all previous published copies.