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KBA Bylaws (2-11-2025)
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Bylaws of the

Kentuckiana Beekeepers Association (KBA)

  1. Title and Objectives
  1. The title of the association shall be The Kentuckiana Beekeepers Association, hereinafter, referred to as the KBA.
  2. The objectives of the association shall be:
  1. To educate members about honeybees, beekeeping, and promote membership.
  2. To provide a forum for training in the art of beekeeping and the production of honey and other hive products.
  3. To educate the public about the importance and contribution of honeybees, to the welfare of all people.
  4. To further the advancement of scientific and practical apiculture.
  1. Articles of Organization
  1. The KBA exists as a public volunteer-led association funded by due-paying members.   Its “Articles of Organization” are composed of these bylaws, as from time to time amended, and its Articles of Incorporation will be filed at the Secretary of State office in Frankfort, Kentucky.
  1. Basic Policies
  1. The KBA shall be nonsectarian and nonpartisan.
  2. The name of the association or the names of any members, in their official capacities, shall not be used in any connection with a commercial concern or with any partisan interest or for any purpose not appropriately related to the promotion of the objectives of the association.
  3. In the event of the dissolution of the KBA, its assets shall be distributed to the Kentucky State Beekeepers Association (KSBA)
  4. The fiscal year of the KBA shall begin January 1st and end December 31st.
  1. Membership
  1. Membership in the KBA is open to the public and shall be made available to any individual who subscribes to its objectives and basic policies, without regard to race, color, creed, or national origin, under such rules and regulations not in conflict with the provisions of these bylaws.
  2. The membership cost is $15/household.  Covering a period of 1 year from the payment date.  Membership is required to attend club sanctioned events.  Membership dues are optional in the following specific cases:
  1. Lifetime Membership
  1. 65 or older
  2. 10 paid years of paid membership.
  3. Must attend 1 in-person meeting a year to remain active.
  4. Any previous lifetime memberships are void that do not meet these requirements.
  1. The 4 officer positions (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary)
  1. Active officers are granted complimentary membership during their term of service and are not obligated to renew their dues while serving. Once an officer concludes their elected term, they should begin paying dues again to maintain their good standing. It is important to note that this complimentary membership does not extend to committee chairs.
  1. Members of the general public are welcome to attend one meeting per year to experience the club without the need for membership.
  1. All memberships shall be recorded to a master membership file on the clubs google drive and maintained monthly.
  1. A club roster (name, email and phone) can be shared amongst the club’s active members.  No other personal information shall be shared unless a request in writing is made to the member requesting permission.
  2. A member can request their contact information be removed from the club's membership file at any time.  Only their name, date joined and membership status are required.
  1. Refunds and/or partial refunds of club dues are not allowed.  Except for the following circumstances.  
  1. A full refund requested within 72 hrs after submitting a payment.
  2. A partial refund prorated for the amount of months left in a membership for elected officers starting January 1st.
  1. Paypal subscriptions and automatic payments are the responsibility of the member to manage.  The KBA does not have access to accounts to modify or change their account settings.  Members can visit the following link https://www.paypal.com/myaccount/autopay
  1. Code of Conduct
  1. Shall adhere to the bylaws.
  2. Shall treat each other with respect and professionalism.
  3. Shall report misconduct, disputes and problems to the KBA officers.
  4. Shall represent the organization in a positive and supportive manner.  
  5. Shall discourage speculation, misinformation and negative communication.
  6. Shall put the interests of the KBA above their own personal interest.  
  7. Shall not use the KBA for their own monetary gain. Exceptions are:
  1. Postings on the buy local website page.
  2. Postings on the established hive removal page.
  1. Member Discipline
  1. Member Misconduct (3-Strike Rule)
  1. The disciplinary process for a code of conduct violations shall follow the following 3-strike process.  Misconduct complaints are forwarded to the president and vice president for review. The officers will conduct a conference with the involved parties within 3 days or less of a complaint to make a determination if a bylaw violation occurred.   A notice is emailed at least 1 day before the conference with a meeting date/time and description of the complaint.  The member is put on hold and not able to participate from the time a complaint is made until the conference occurs.   The strike is recorded to the google drive folder with the final determination.
  1. 1st Strike.  Member is on hold for 1 week
  2. 2nd Strike. Member is on hold for 1 month
  3. 3rd Strike.  Member is on hold for 1 year or until the next season whatever comes first.
  4. 6th Strike during a lifetime the person can no longer participate in the KBA for their lifetime.
  1. Officer Impeachment
  1. An elected officer may be impeached for infraction for the provisions of the bylaws, at the discretion of the KBA at any time. Officers and members shall comply with an impeachment request and shall not interfere with the process.
  2. When levied by a club member, he or she can be impeached and removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the voting members at a regular club meeting.  
  3. When levied by an officer, he or she can be impeached and removed from office with a majority vote.
  4. An impeached officer may continue to participate in the club as a member under the 3-strike rule.  
  1. Officer Elections & Voting
  1. Voter Requirements
  1. Three (3) members shall constitute a quorum.  Standing officers cannot vote in elections.  Must be current on membership dues without an active disciplinary strike.  
  1. The membership status of all voters shall be confirmed before holding a vote.
  1. Is present, in-person to cast their vote.
  1. Officer Requirements
  1. Must be current on membership dues for at least 6 consecutive months prior to November elections.
  1. If there are no other candidates, an exemption may be allowed if the candidate has been a member for at least 3 months, ruled by the current president, to carry out a vote on a temporary basis, making the position permanent once the full requirement is met.
  1. The member must have attended a minimum of four in-person meetings or field days in the last year.
  1. If there are no other candidates, an exemption may be allowed if the candidate has attended at least 2 events, ruled by the current president, to carry out a vote on a temporary basis, making the position permanent once the full requirement is met.
  1. The member follows the Bylaws and did not receive disciplinary strikes in the last year.
  2. The member has ample time and appropriate skills required to perform the duties of the role.
  3. The member shall be able to assume their official duties in January following their election in the previous November and shall be able to serve for a term of one year or until their successors are elected.
  4. Shall not hold an active officer position (Ex: President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer) in another local bee club or beekeeping organization.  
  1. Individuals may serve as committee chairs in other clubs.
  2. Individuals may serve as an officer in the KY state beekeepers association (KSBA).
  1. Election Requirements
  1. The KBA office shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.  The Secretary and Treasurer positions may be combined into one position if this benefits the KBA.  Or in the event of a midterm vacancy those positions can be combined as well at the discretion of the president.
  2. An election must be held annually during the November monthly club meeting.  All standing officers must be reelected annually by a vote of club members to stay in their position.  There is no maximum length of term.
  3. The annual election shall be communicated via email and meetings at least 60 days in advance to provide ample time for interested members.  Officers that are no longer interested in serving in their position shall also be communicated.
  4. Three (3) members shall constitute a quorum.  Standing officers cannot vote in elections.
  1. The membership status of all voters shall be confirmed before holding a vote.
  1. Election requires a majority vote to be elected.  Ties will require a re-vote at the next scheduled meeting.
  2. A secret ballot shall be taken when there is more than one person nominated for an office. The President shall select three tellers to tabulate ballots.
  3. In the event a position is not filled in November.  An email notification shall be sent to the club within 72 hrs stating that a position failed to be filled. Voting for unfilled positions will continue at each monthly meeting until an election is made.
  1. Elected Officer Roles
  1. Shall assume their official duties in January following their election in the previous November and shall serve for a term of one year or until their successors are elected.
  2. Shall deliver all official materials to their successors by December which includes but is not limited to passwords & access to all digital platforms, equipment, paperwork, membership lists, etc.
  3. Shall convene in December to formalize a budget and schedule for the upcoming year.
  4. Any officer failing to discharge the duties of their office for three consecutive meetings without reasonable excuse (i.e., illness, death in the immediate family, or attending a meeting/function on association business) shall have the office declared vacant and a replacement will be named at the next regular meeting.
  5. In the event of a midterm vacancy in the office of President, the Vice President shall serve the unexpired term as President automatically and a replacement shall be elected at the next club meeting to serve the unexpired term. The replacement must still meet the same general requirements to be elected.
  6. In the event of a midterm vacancy in the office of the Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer, a replacement shall be elected at the next club meeting to serve the unexpired term. The replacement must still meet the same general requirements to be elected.
  1. Officer Responsibilities & Duties
  1. The President shall:
  1. Preside over all regular meetings of the KBA and of the Executive Board.  Shall inform all the officers regarding their absence and to supply them with the necessary agenda materials to facilitate the conduct of meetings. Should there be two instances of absence, the president will be evaluated for potential replacement.
  2. Coordinate the work of the officers and committees of the KBA, in order that the objectives may be promoted.
  3. Be a member of all committees.
  4. Represent the KBA in all officially scheduled events with other associations and organizations.
  5. Attend and vote in the Kentucky State Beekeepers Association board meetings or send a designated representative for that purpose.
  6. Plan, in consultation with the other officers, the agenda for all board and membership meetings.  See meeting section for requirements.
  7. Appoint the individual members of all committees.
  8. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these bylaws or assigned by the KBA or by the Executive Board.
  1. The Vice-President shall:
  1. Perform the duties of the President in the absence or disability of that officer to act.
  2. Attend all regular meetings of the KBA and of the Executive Board.  Shall inform all the officers regarding their absence and to supply them with the necessary agenda materials to facilitate the conduct of meetings. Should there be two instances of absence, the vice president will be evaluated for potential replacement.
  3. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these bylaws or assigned by the KBA or the president.  Any modifications to the responsibilities outlined shall receive the president's approval.
  1. The Secretary shall:
  1. Act as an aid to the President assisting the President with all correspondence and keeping a file of such correspondence.
  2. Record and distribute the minutes of all KBA regular meetings and Executive Board meetings.
  3. Create and distribute notices for all KBA meetings and Field Days.
  4. Keep on file the official copy of the bylaws; keep a permanent record of all new bylaws, with article and section, and date of action. The secretary shall present the amended official copy of the bylaws at the meeting following the approval by the Board.
  5. Attend all regular meetings of the KBA and of the Executive Board.  Act as a clerk of each meeting, record all votes and keep the minutes of all proceedings. Shall inform all the officers regarding their absence and to supply them with the necessary agenda materials to facilitate the conduct of meetings. Should there be two instances of absence, the secretary will be evaluated for potential replacement.
  6. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these bylaws or assigned by the KBA or the president.  Any modifications to the responsibilities outlined shall receive the president's approval.
  1. The Treasurer shall:
  1. Have custody of all the funds of the association.
  2. Be responsible for the preparation of monthly financial reports and a yearly budget.
  3. Attend all regular meetings of the KBA and of the Executive Board.  Shall inform all the officers regarding their absence and to supply them with the necessary agenda materials to facilitate the conduct of meetings. Should there be two instances of absence, the secretary will be evaluated for potential replacement.
  4. Control all deposits and withdrawals to the KBA bank accounts and payment systems.
  5. Collect and deposit all new membership dues and existing membership annual dues as well as maintain the membership listing.
  6. Keep a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures in electronic format.
  7. In accordance with the budget adopted by the KBA, shall make disbursements as authorized by the President, Executive Board, or the KBA.
  8. Present a financial statement at every regular meeting of the KBA and at other times when requested by the Executive Board.
  9. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these bylaws or assigned by the KBA or the president.  Any modifications to the responsibilities outlined shall receive the president's approval.
  1. Meetings
  1. At least twelve (12) regular club meetings of at least two (2) hours of length shall be held during the year;  at least six (6) of which shall be in person, and at least two (2) of which shall be field days at an apiary (which counts towards the in-person requirement); Up to four (4) virtual club meetings count towards the twelve (12) total meeting requirement. Dates of the meetings shall be determined by the Officers and announced at the first regular meeting of the year, emailed to all members and posted to the KBA website.  A change in the (12) regular club meetings location, date or time shall be communicated at least 30 days before the meetings start when possible.
  2. At least one (1) officer meeting shall occur per month virtually.  These meetings shall be independent of the regular club meetings and dedicated to organizing and discussing club activities
  3. Special meetings of the KBA may be called by the President or by a majority of the officers, three (3) days' notice having been given to all members via email.
  4. All business of the KBA shall be conducted in such a manner that ample time will be left to discuss beekeeping.
  5. The election meeting shall be held in November every year.
  6. Three (3) members shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business in any regular meeting of the KBA.  A voting member must be current on membership dues without an active disciplinary strike
  1. Committees
  1. The president may create such standing committees, as it may deem necessary, to promote the objectives and carry on the work of the KBA. The term for each chair shall be for one (1) year, until the election of their successor, or the committee is terminated.  The president shall appoint all committees and their members, unless otherwise ordered by the KBA.  Committees are not elected positions by a voting.  The president can remove and/or disjoin a committee and its coordinator or group at their discretion, as well as appoint a new committee or chair at any time.
  2. The chair of each standing committee shall present a plan of work to the officers for approval. No committee work shall be undertaken without the consent of the Officers.
  3. A special committee for managing swarms called the “Swarm Team” contains its own bylaws to follow, but they do not supersede the KBA bylaws.
  1. Selling Items within Club
  1. Disclaimer: The KBA offers this list to connect buyers with beekeepers. The information provided here does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by KBA. It is the buyer's responsibility to verify and investigate these providers, as well as resolve any disputes.
  2. Club members shall not solicit items for sale for non-club members.  
  3. To qualify to post items for sale the member shall be in good-standing and attended at least 1 in-person meeting in the last year.  
  4. A buy local listing is maintained on the KBA website.
  5. Members may post items for sale 1/month on the club's facebook group.
  6. The products listed on the KBA website shall be your own, locally made and from your own hives.  For example, honey shall not be purchased and resold as your own local product.
  7. For Beekeepers in Kentucky.  Certified Kentucky Honey Producers are not required although highly recommended.
  1. Digital Platforms
  1. The passwords and logins for all accounts shall use kentuckianabees@gmail.com and/or kba@kyanabees.com as the primary means of accessing and managing the club's account.  All officers shall have access to the club's account upon request. The login information shall be maintained and stored on the group's google drive. Personal accounts and/or phone numbers may only be used as a means of secondary backup and/or recovery when no other options are possible and must be approved by the president.
  2. The following digital platforms shall be managed and maintained as assigned by the president:
  1. Website & Squarespace Account (www.kyanabees.com)
  2. Google Groups Account (KBA-Swarm-Call@googlegroups.com)
  3. Google & Gmail Account (kentuckianabees@gmail.com)
  4. Google & Gmail Account (KBA@kyanabees.com)
  5. Facebook KBA Swarm Team Account
  6. Facebook KBA Account
  7. MailChimp Account
  8. Instagram Account
  9. Paypal Account
  10. Credit Card Account
  1. KSBA Kentucky State Fair Honey Booth
  1. The president shall ensure that the KBA is registered to volunteer, is present and has ample volunteers to serve the KSBA Kentucky state fair honey booth every year.  It is recommended that volunteering opportunities are announced each month so that volunteers are not in shortage.
  2. Ensures that parking passes, tickets and directions are distributed to volunteers.
  3. An officer or president appointed coordinator shall be present during the KBA’s assigned volunteering days.
  4. As an incentive to drive volunteering, the president may allow up to 50% of the funds paid by the KSBA for volunteering to be used towards a random lottery of prizes for members who volunteered at least 4 hrs.  Each 4 hrs of volunteering counts towards 1 lottery ticket, no maximum quantity tickets.
  5. If there is an overage of volunteer requests, then a random lottery is held to determine who will volunteer.
  6. The volunteers at the honey booth shall be unbiased and promote all clubs, regions, and products equally.  They shall not promote their own or other products unequally.
  1. Amendments
  1. These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the KBA by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present and voting, provided that a notice is emailed to the KBA members at least 72 hrs prior to the meeting and an KBA officer is present for the amendment vote at a regular scheduled club meeting.  A completed draft is provided at the meeting and reviewed by all members before voting
  2. Any member in good-standing can propose a revision.  
  3. Officers and members shall not prevent or interfere with a member pursuing an amendment.
  4. The names of the voters, the date and a short description of the amendment shall be recorded within the revision log of the bylaws.
  5. Upon acceptance, these bylaws supersede all previous bylaws.
  6. Bylaws shall be posted to the website for all to view within 7 days of approval.
  1. Revision Log
  1. Written by J. D. Stucker, Sr.Adopted and accepted by the Kentuckiana Beekeepers Association, Incorporated this ninth day of January Nineteen and Eighty-one. Signed by J.D. Stucker, Sr., President, Robert Horn, Vice-President, Jon Norman, Secretary/Treasurer, Frank Rohrer, Board of Directors.  Not signed by Kevin Stoelting, Board of Directors and William Sanders, Board of Directors
  2. Revised January 27, 2006 by Pank Mattingly, Bud Spath, Jim Burks, Troy Simpson, and Betsy Lindsay
  3. Revised October 6, 2019 by Karen Shade, Marci Early,Lara Augustine and Haileigh Arnold.  
  4. 9/15/2024 - Revised by President Karen Veleta voted 12-0 at regular club meeting- Major revision.  Revised free lifetime membership requirements, Fixed formatting inconsistencies present throughout document, Added disciplinary action section, Condensed and combined similar sections for readability, Added digital platform and account section, Added state fair honey booth section, Added buy local website listing section, Revised code of conduct.
  5. 2/11/2025 - Revised by President Eric Burns.   Voted 10-0 at a regular club meeting.  Revised and clarified lifetime membership requirements.

      Revision 2-15-2025