ByLaws
Bylaws for the Friends of Underwood Inception: February 2024 Friends of Underwood is a 501(c3) Mission Statement Preserve the past, enrich the present, and plan for the future. To serve as a means of communication and collaboration for residents. To preserve and enrich the quality of life in Underwood. To perform outreach, community events, and fundraisers.
Article I (Name)
Section 1: The name of this organization shall be “Friends of Underwood” (FOU) supporting the Skamania County Park and Recreation District No. 1, under the Washington State RCW 36.69.
Article II (Area)
Section 1: The Friends of Underwood shall encompass Underwood voting precincts 310 and 311 specifically described as: Beginning at the west shore of the White Salmon River and the north shore of the Columbia River, following northerly the shore of the White Salmon River to its intersection of the east line of Section 3, Twn 3N, Rng 9E thence northerly on line to the northeast corner of Section 3, Twn 3N, Rng 9E, thence westerly on line to the northwest corner of Section 6, Twn 3N, Rng 9E, thence southerly on line to the southeast corner of Section 7, Twn 3N, Rng 9E, thence westerly on line to the east shore of the Little White Salmon River, thence southerly along said east shoreline to the north shore of the Columbia River, thence easterly along said shoreline to the point of beginning.
Article III (Purpose)
Section 1 (Communication): The Friends of Underwood will communicate objective information regarding issues of common concern to Underwood residents. The Friends of Underwood will encourage public dialogue by establishing an open forum for the respectful exchange of ideas, thoughts, and concerns.
Section 2 (Improvements): The Friends of Underwood will support and maintain the character of Underwood. The Friends of Underwood will support activities which celebrate diversity, culture, and community spirit.
Article IV (Membership)
Section 1: The general membership shall be open to residents and/or property owners 18 years or older of the area described in Article II.
Section 2: Membership is declared by committing to the Mission of the Friends of Underwood. Section 3: Each member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote. A member in good standing is defined as one who is in attendance and in agreement with Article IV Sections 1 and 2.
Article V (The Board)
Section 1: The Board shall consist of the elected officers.
Section 2: Whenever a vacancy occurs on the Board, such vacancy should be voted on at the next general membership meeting, majority rules.
Article VI (Duty of the Officers)
Section 1: (President) The President shall have general supervisory and directional powers of the activities of the board. The President shall provide an agenda at meetings of the board and general membership and shall be ex-officio member of all committees.
Section 2: (Vice President) In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall exercise all the powers of the President.
Section 3: (Secretary) The secretary shall record the minutes of all General Membership and Board meetings and shall provide copies of the minutes to the members of the Friends of Underwood and share such report and activities to the UPRD Commissioners at the monthly UPRD meeting.
Section 4: (Treasurer) The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection, disbursement, and accounting of all funds. The Treasurer shall provide a report at all Friends of Underwood meetings, UPRD meetings, and compile an annual report to the membership. The President and Treasurer may authorize expenditures of up to $75. The committee must approve spending above that amount.
Section 5: (Communications Manager) The Communications Manager shall be responsible for maintaining and updating content for the Underwood community website, other electronic media, and assisting with the communication of information to the community through various means.
Article VII (Elections and Term of Office)
Section 1: Officers shall be elected annually in November during the monthly meeting of the FOU. The term of office will be two years starting in January of the term year elected. The president shall appoint a nominating committee of two other residents to provide a slate of candidates in October. The candidate for each office receiving the highest number of votes by the general membership shall be declared the winner. Terms will stagger in odd and even years as follows: Odd year elections for the positions of the President and the Treasurer with even year elections for the positions of the Vice President, Secretary, and the Communications Manager.
Article VIII (Duties of the Board)
Section 1: The Board shall hold a minimum of four (4) general membership meetings annually at the Underwood Community Center. Time will be set by the Board. The general membership shall be notified and receive a proposed agenda at least five days prior to such a meeting. Members in attendance at a general meeting may bring a motion to the floor and vote.
Section 2: The Board shall conduct such business and take such action as may be necessary to accomplish the purpose of the Council.
Section 3: A quorum of the Executive Board will consist of two-thirds (2/3) of the officers.
Section 4: Any member of the Board may call an Board meeting for any purpose. Notice of the time, place, and purpose of any special board meeting shall be given to each board member and shall be announced 5 days in advance of the meeting. Notice of the meeting must be posted on the Post Office bulletin board and sent via e-mail and electronic media.
Section 5: Work sessions consisting of the Board may be called as needed. These sessions can be conducted in person or as an online virtual meeting. The consensus achieved electronically shall be reported and voted upon at the next general meeting.
Section 6: The FOU Board may call a special meeting of the General Membership at any time. Purpose of the meeting shall be stated in the notice. The general membership shall be notified at least five (5) days prior to such meeting. Notice of the meeting must be posted on the Post Office bulletin board, sent via e-mail, and electronic media.
Article IX (General Membership Meetings)
Section 1: Robert’s Rules of Order shall be used in conducting all meetings except when superseded by Friends of Underwood bylaws.
Section 2: A quorum at a general meeting requires two-thirds (2/3) of the board members to be present. Other Underwood residents or property owners in attendance are entitled one vote and majority rules.
Article X (Committees)
Section 1: To carry out the work of the Friends of Underwood, committees may be created by the President with the approval of the board.
Section 2: The President shall appoint the chairperson of each committee. The committee membership shall consist of those interested in serving or those appointed by the President.
Article XI (Amendments)
Section 1: These Bylaws may be repealed or amended, or new Bylaws may be adopted by a majority vote at any general membership meeting. Written notice of the meeting and the proposed Bylaw changes shall be forwarded to all members at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting.
Article XII (Dissolution)
Section 1: Upon the winding up and dissolution of this organization, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the organization, the remaining assets shall be distributed to the Skamania County Park and Recreation District No. 1.
