Governing Documents

Download a copy of the current By-Laws & Operating Procedures here

By-Laws OF THE Crescent City Homebrewers

As Amended May 2022

ARTICLE I

NAME: This organization shall be known as the CRESCENT CITY HOMEBREWERS, INC; which shall hereafter be referred to as the Crescent City Homebrewers.

ARTICLE II

MISSION STATEMENT AND PURPOSE:

  • A. The Crescent City Homebrewers is a not-for-profit corporation and shall be operated for educational and charitable purposes. No members or officers shall profit monetarily from its operation.
  • B. Our mission is to promote homebrewing within the club and beyond through public awareness and appreciation of the quality and variety of homebrew, through education and research, and through the collection and dissemination of information.
  • C. Our purpose is to serve as a forum for technological and cross-cultural aspects of the Art of Homebrewing and to encourage the responsible consumption of alcohol.

ARTICLE III

MEMBERSHIP:

  • A. Membership is available to any person of legal drinking age as determined by Louisiana law. One is considered a member in good standing upon payment of annual dues. All members in good standing are eligible to be officers by general election.
  • B. A Charter Member is defined as anyone who is a member in good standing as of December 31, 1982 and has remained a member in continuous good standing to date.

ARTICLE IV

PARTICIPATION AND LIABILITY:

  • A. Participation in any Crescent City Homebrewers activity is strictly voluntary. Each member and each guest acknowledge by their presence, that participation in Crescent City Homebrewers activities may involve the consumption of alcoholic beverages that may affect perception and reactions. All members shall be responsible for their own conduct and actions, as well as that of their guests.
  • B. CONDUCT: Crescent City Homebrewers has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination and all forms of unlawful harassment; including, but not limited to sexual harassment. No form of unlawful, discriminatory, or harassing conduct by or towards any member, guest, or other person attending club functions will be tolerated including harassment or discrimination based on sex, age, disability, perceived or actual disability, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin or any other legally protected characteristic.

If a member’s behavior is of such an offensive or abusive character that his or her continued presence at club events is deemed detrimental to club functioning, that member may either be suspended or permanently expelled. Such disciplinary action shall require a majority vote of the Board of Directors when:

  1. A Notice of Disciplinary Action shall be given to the offending member.
  2. The offending member shall be given the right to defend their actions to the Board.
  3. A vote must be conducted at the first Board meeting after the Notice of Disciplinary Action has been issued.
  1. In the case of suspension, the Board will decide the length of suspension from club activities.
  2. In the case of expulsion, no dues will be refunded.
  • C. LIABILITY: All members and guests accept sole responsibility and liability for their conduct, behavior, and actions; and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Crescent City Homebrewers, its elected officers, its members, and any business (including owners, staff, and patrons) where meetings or events are held.
  1. Any attendee of the Crescent City Homebrewers shall be held personally responsible for providing restitution for any damages they cause – either intentionally or inadvertently – while attending any club function.
  2. By attending any Crescent City Homebrewers event or meeting, each attendee agrees to conform and adhere to the strictures of proper and respectful conduct.

ARTICLE V

OFFICERS: The officers of this corporation shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Quartermaster. The officers shall be seated on January 1st for the term of one (1) year.

ARTICLE VI

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

  • A. COMPOSITION: The Board of Directors shall be composed of all elected officers, current Past President, and Charter Members It shall meet at the call of the President, who shall act as Chairman.
  • B. QUORUM: A quorum of the Board of Directors shall be a simple majority of the total number of Directors on the Board. Any Board decision affecting club business shall be by majority vote of all Board members.
  • C. POWERS: The Board shall have –
  1. The full power to manage this organization;
  2. The responsibility for carrying out its purpose; and
  3. The responsibility for establishing the policies and procedures for its operation.
  • D. RESTRICTIONS: Any major expenditure, as defined in the Operating Policies, and changes to the amount paid in dues must be presented to the general membership for discussion and a vote of approval by a two-thirds majority of those voting before any such change is implemented.
  • E. Vacancies: Shall be filled by appointment by the remaining members of the Board.  Each person so appointed shall be a Director for the remaining period of vacancy or until a successor is duly elected.

ARTICLE VII

IMPEACHMENT:

  • A. INITIATION OF PROCESS: Any member in good-standing may propose impeachment of any or all Officer’s of the Club. This proposing member shall be known as the Impeachment Justice.
  • B. GROUNDS: Shall include:
  1. Failure to attend a minimum of 50% of the General Meetings held to date, without reasonable cause;
  2. Negligence;
  3. Mismanagement of club assets; and
  4. Misconduct which is damaging to the club.
  • C. PROCEDURE FOR IMPEACHMENT: The Impeachment Justice shall submit a Notice of Intent to Impeach with the Name and Office of the Offender to the Board of Directors. The Notice shall include:
  1. The grounds for impeachment;
  2. The signatures of no less than ten (10) members in good standing who support the impeachment;
  3. Supporting documentation, if available.
  • D. RESPONSE OF THE BOARD: Upon receipt of a Notice of Intent to Impeach, the Board shall –
  1. Notify the Officer in question of the Notice of Intent to Impeach;
  2. Offer to accept that Officer’s Resignation;
  3. If such offer is refused, then the Board shall:
  4. Reassign that Board Member’s duties; and
  5. Remove all access to club assets.
  • E. IMPEACHMENT HEARING: The next General Meeting shall:
  1. Be designated an Impeachment Hearing, as its first order of business.
  2. The membership shall be so notified via e-mail or traditional post at least 10 days prior to that meeting.
  3. The Impeachment Justice shall preside over the hearing; and
  4. Shall read the Notice of Intent to Impeach;
  5. The Officer shall have the right to respond.
  • F. VOTING TO IMPEACH:
  1. The Secretary shall confirm the presence of a quorum. If a quorum is not present, the Secretary shall send e-mail ballots to members in good standing within five days.
  2. A quorum of the Membership shall consist of 25% of the current members in good standing.
  3. A simple two-thirds majority of those voting shall result in Impeachment of the offending officer.
  4. The vacancy shall be filled according to the Operating Policies.
  5. Failure of the vote to impeach shall result in complete reinstatement of the rights and duties of the officer.

ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL MEETINGS:

  • A. All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order. The meetings of this organization shall be held at suitable times and places at the call of the President.
  • B. Any expenditures proposed to the general membership for a vote shall be presented only with prior approval of the Board of Directors.
  • C. A quorum of the Membership shall consist of 25% of members in good standing. A quorum of the Membership must be present at the General Meeting in order to conduct a vote. The Secretary shall provide a count of members present for the record when voting is required and a simple two-thirds majority of those voting shall pass the measure.

ARTICLE IX

PROPOSAL TO CHANGE BY-LAWS:

  • A. Any member of the Crescent City Homebrewers in good standing shall be empowered to propose amendments to the By-Laws.
  • B. A proposal to amend the By-Laws shall be made to the Board of Directors at a Board of Directors meeting. The proposed amendment shall be discussed at the same meeting.
  • C. Proposals approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors shall be presented to the General Membership at the next General Meeting for deliberation. Voting will be conducted in accordance with the Operating Policies.
  • D. Any decision by the Board of Directors to change the corporation by-laws must be announced and presented to the General Membership for deliberation.
  1. The Secretary shall present ballots to Members in good standing within thirty (30) days of the announcement by e-mail to those members who have provided an e-mail address, and by traditional mail to those members who have not provided an e-mail address.
  2. Members shall return their ballots
  3. To the Board of Directors via e-mail (crescentcityhomebrewers@gmail.com);
  4. To the Secretary via traditional mail, (address tbd); or
  5. By handing their ballot to the Secretary at the general meeting.
  6. A two-thirds majority of those voting shall be required for adoption of the amendment.

ARTICLE X

COMMITTEES & APPOINTMENTS: The President shall have the authority to appoint committee chairpersons, members, and volunteers to coordinate and run special events. The President and Treasurer shall provide a budget, if deemed necessary by the Board of Directors, for such events to the appropriate committee.

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Operating Policies of the Crescent City Homebrewers, Inc

As Proposed April 3rd, 2019

PURPOSE:  These Operating Policies shall provide day-to-day policies and procedures for the successful conducting of club business.

AMENDMENTS TO THE OPERATING POLICIES:  Any member of the Board of Directors shall be empowered to make a change to the operating of policies of the club. Proposed changes shall be made upon simple majority of the Board.

ARTICLE I

Board of Directors Meetings: At the request of the President, non-voting members shall be permitted to attend Board meetings. Members who wish to propose a new business motion to the Board shall do so in writing via email and may be invited to attend.

ARTICLE II

  • A. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
  1. President –
  2. Shall preside at all general meetings and act as chairman of the Board of Directors. In general, the President shall supervise the operation of this
  3. The President shall serve as the Christmas Party Chairman and shall be responsible for all planning, organizing, and managing of the event. The President may delegate this responsibility to a club member.
  4. The President shall assist the Treasurer in establishing an annual budget.
  1. Vice President –
  2. Shall assist the President.
  3. In the absence or vacancy in the office of President, the Vice-President shall act as President.
  4. Shall serve as Winterfest Chairman and shall be responsible for all planning, organizing, promoting and managing of the festival.
  5. Shall provide snacks for the general meetings, with reimbursement as specified and approved by the Board.
  1. Secretary –
  2. Shall keep minutes of General Meetings and meetings of the Board of Directors.
  3. Shall be responsible for general correspondence.
  4. Shall maintain the club calendar and coordinate with the Webmaster to make available on the club website.
  5. Shall maintain the roster of current members, and shall coordinate new member registration with the Treasurer.
    1. The membership roster will be made available upon request.
    2. The Secretary shall provide a current copy of the By-Laws and any other appropriate documents to new members. This may be provided by posting to the club website.
  6. The Secretary shall be responsible for acquiring and keeping current any and all licenses and permits for club meetings and special events.
  1. Treasurer –
  2. Shall coordinate with the President to establish an annual budget to be presented to the general membership no later than January 31st of the current year.
  3. Shall have custody of all funds of this organization and shall be responsible for disbursements of these funds at the direction of the general membership or the Board of Directors.
  4. Shall not be required to serve as a member of any committee but shall attend committee meetings when necessary in order to provide information on funds available for projects.
  5. Shall be responsible for providing, receiving, and archiving membership applications and collecting dues. The Treasurer shall provide a list of new members to the Secretary monthly.
  6. Any major expenditure which falls outside of the approved budget, defined as an amount greater than 25% of the club’s current unallocated liquid assets, and changes to the amount paid in dues must be presented to the general membership for discussion and a vote of approval by a two-thirds majority of those voting before any such change or expenditure is implemented.
  7. Shall be responsible for coordinating with the previous year’s Treasurer to complete annual taxes, no later than March 25
  1. Quartermaster –
  2. Shall have control of the club equipment, supplies, and inventory, including but not restricted to the gear kept in the storage locker.
  3. Shall hold one of the keys to the storage locker and is authorized (with sufficient, timely, and appropriate notice from the requesting members) to loan equipment to members in good standing at his discretion.
  4. Shall maintain a log of the possessor and location of the loaned equipment, and shall provide the membership with a monthly report.
  5. Shall be responsible for keeping the equipment in working order, and replacing or upgrading worn out equipment as necessary.
  6. Shall not be required to deliver equipment to club events, or return it to the storage locker; shall not be required to attend all club events.
  7. Shall not be required to clean equipment after club events.
  8. Shall be responsible for ensuring that propane, oxygen, and CO2 tanks are adequately filled when required for events.
  9. Shall provide an accurate inventory of the club equipment, supplies, and inventory, including, but not restricted to the gear kept in the storage locker to the club at the February general meeting
  10. The Quartermaster or his designee shall bring to the General Meeting a CO2 tank and regulator and both pin and ball lock connectors to provide CO2 to members who bring beer.
  • B. Nomination and Election of Officers: In October, the Board of Directors shall appoint a nominating committee, which may be the Board of Directors.
  1. At the November General Meeting, the nominating committee shall announce the nominations for officers for the following year.
  2. Additional nominations may be taken from the floor at the General Meeting in December.
  3. The election shall follow. Officers shall be elected by a simple majority of members casting votes. Voting may be by acclamation.

ARTICLE III

  • A. THE HOPLINE EDITOR: The President shall appoint an editor for The Hopline who shall be responsible for the content, compiling, and editing of the Club newsletter, The Hopline. The Editor shall provide the monthly newsletter to the Board of Directors no later than seven days prior to each General Meeting for distribution to the membership.
  1. Shall publish the latest issue of The Hopline
  • B. WEBMASTER: The President shall appoint a Webmaster who shall be responsible for the design and content management of the club’s website. The Webmaster –
  1. Shall ensure that the Club website is updated by the 1st day of January of each year with a list of the newly elected Officers, a printable copy of the current membership application and current version of the By-Laws and Operating Policies.
  2. Shall maintain a library, making available all issues of The Hopline.
  3. The membership roster and financial reports shall not be posted on the website.
  • C. BREW OFF “DUDE”: The President shall appoint a Brew Off “Dude”. The “Dude” –
  1. Shall create and maintain the Brew Off calendar.
  2. Shall solicit participants.
  3. Shall have approval authority for Host, Location, Brewmaster and participants. Should requests for any of those positions be denied by the Coordinator for any         reason other than a lack of openings, that request may be appealed to the Board of
  4. Shall be responsible, personally or by delegate, for the budget, and for collecting any fees, and any other duties and responsibilities as directed by the President.
  5. Shall be responsible for any other duties and responsibilities as directed by the President.

ARTICLE IV

  • A. DUES:
  1. Dues shall be payable as of January 1st of each year. Any member, who has not paid, will be deemed “not in good standing” and shall be ineligible for membership benefits. Delinquent members may be reinstated only upon payment of annual dues.
  2. Dues will be divided into three different tiers, which will coincide with the membership benefit packages.
    1. Basic Level will allow the member to attend meetings and the annual Winterfest.
    2. Advanced Level will allow the member to attend meetings, participate in Brewoffs, and all other Club events except Winterfest. Members at this level will receive a name tag and be allowed to vote.
    3. Master Level will allow the member to attend meetings, participate in Brewoffs, and all other club events including Winterfest. Members at this level will receive a name tag and be allowed to vote.
  3. Dues shall be prorated on a per quarter basis for new members only. Proration timing and value shall be determined by the Board of Directors at Board meetings.
  4. Dues shall be determined by the Board of Directors and be subject to approval by the membership.
  • B. General Voting:
  1. Any matter presented to the general membership for vote (excluding decisions to amend Corporation By-Laws) shall be decided by a simple majority of members in good standing in attendance during any regularly scheduled general meeting.
  2. A quorum of the Membership shall consist of 25% of the current members in good A quorum of the Membership must be present at the general meeting in order to conduct a vote.
  3. The Secretary shall provide a count of members present for the record when voting is required.

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