Club Rules & ByLaws

Club Rules

Members share, with the WCCBOD, the responsibility for maintaining, protecting, and keeping Club property in order. Those who use Club property must clean up after themselves, their guests, and their pets.
Use of Club property and facilities is limited to current members and their guests. Guests are defined as persons residing outside the Club boundaries or non-paying household within the club boundaries who are visiting members at their Woodmont homes. Guests must be accompanied at all times by their member hosts when using Club property in any way. Please do not give out gate codes to non-members.
Members may store small boats, kayaks and paddleboards at the plaza for a nominal annual fee. Each boat and kayak must be clearly marked with the owner’s name and registered with the WCCBOD.
Fires in the Plaza fire pit are not to be left unattended and must be completely extinguished. Only clean wood can be burned – no beach wood, drift wood, or old building lumber that may be treated with chemicals. Do not burn toxic items such as Styrofoam, plastics, or garbage. Burning on Club property is prohibited on days when a county or city ban is in effect due to air pollution or other adverse conditions.
Fireworks are prohibited on Club property at all times, as required by the City of Des Moines Fireworks regulations.
Garbage, yard trimmings, and other refuse must not be dumped on the beach or on any Club property including the plaza fire pit.
Dogs must be leashed; dog waste must be picked up and disposed of properly and NEVER DISPOSED OF IN SANI-KANS!
Plaza area parking must avoid encumbering mailboxes, adjacent driveways, fire hydrants, the boat ramp, and emergency accessibility.
The footpaths/trails are to be used for pedestrian traffic only.
The Club shall in no way be held responsible or accountable for swimming, boating, or any other activity by either Club members or non-members using Club property.
Police will be called when non-members trespass on any Club property.
There is a Tree Policy covering the trimming, pruning, and removal of trees on Club property. As Woodmont resides within an environmentally “Critical Area” as designated by the City of Des Moines, our community is subject to the restrictions detailed in Des Moines Municipal Code 16.25. Please see the WCC Tree Policy for more information.

Tree Policy

The purpose of the Woodmont Country Club tree policy is to provide guidelines for the WCCBOD in administering tree trimming and removal efforts. This is to ensure tree maintenance is both beneficial to the club and compliant under current municipal code. Tree maintenance is the responsibility of the WCCBOD.

In September 2014, the City of Des Moines adopted a comprehensive tree cutting/trimming regulation (16.25 DMMC). As a result, residents located in “Critical Areas” must obtain a permit to remove, cut, or prune trees. Woodmont Country Club property resides within the designated critical areas.

Any request for tree trimming on Club property from Woodmont Community Club members will be subject to City regulations. Any Permit fees will be the responsibility of the requesting Club member.

WCC Policy Details - Reasons for Trimming
To save the tree from starvation.

To thin out overcrowded areas to promote a more natural growth pattern.
Balance the “leaners” to keep them from falling and destroying the banks, steep slopes and private property.
To reasonably maintain or restore marine views for current WCC member homeowners, so long as it does not detract from the natural character of Club property or contribute to erosion issues.

* Evergreen and deciduous trees shall not be trimmed or removed except as authorized by the WCCBOD.

Reasons for Removal
Dead trees that represent a danger. Tree is obviously diseased and is dangerous. Tree is leaning dangerously.

Replacement
When a tree of any species is removed, a transplant of proper vigor, size, and variety must replace it – preferably at least 2 to 3 years old.

Procedures for Requesting Trimming or Removal of Trees:

A request form (available online at the Woodmont website) must be filled out and submitted to the WCCBOD Tree committee.
The Tree Committee will investigate the request and make a determination within 30 days specifying what action may be taken.
Trees may be trimmed only in accordance with the guidelines of the National Arborist Association through a method called Natural Target Pruning. Trees must be trimmed at the appropriate time of the year for the tree-type. Spikes may not be used in climbing, no wound dressing or pruning paint is to be used and no topping of trees is allowed. (See City of Des Moines Tree Regulations DMMC 16.10. 16.20)
Trimming and pruning debris from trees must be removed.
Bushes/shrubs and small growth along the paths/trails may be trimmed in a neat fashion at any time during the year and are considered maintenance. All debris must be removed. Filberts and Laurels are included in this category. To assure health and survival of shrubs and bushes no more than 1/3 of the total height of bushes and shrubs should be removed. Invasive plants such as ivy and blackberries may be cut to ground level.

Definition of Evergreen and Deciduous trees for the purpose of this policy:

Evergreen: Fir, Pine, Hemlock, Yew, Holly, Madrona, or other needle- bearing trees native to this area.
Deciduous: Oak, Maple, Ash, Alder, Willow, Chestnut, or any other leaf-bearing tree native to this area.

Link to City of Des Moines Tree Regulations
http://www.desmoineswa.gov/documentcenter/view/1839

Link to City of Des Moines Municipal Code
http://www.codepublishing.com/wa/desmoines/

Link to City of Des Moines Critical Area Map
http://www.desmoineswa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/43

Request to Trim Trees Form (PDF Document)

Club Maintenance Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the WCCBOD is aware of all work done on Club property; that all work done is consistent with existing codes, policies, and agreements; and to have a record of work authorized by the WCCBOD. The WCCBOD has established these procedures for all residents planning to perform maintenance or improvements on Club property.

All plans for improvement or maintenance must be presented in writing to the WCCBOD for approval. The WCCBOD will respond to all requests within 10 days following its next meeting.
Once approved, the work must be completed within 90 days unless stated otherwise.
Prior to beginning any work, the party making the request must obtain all necessary permits.
This policy applies to maintenance and improvement projects, including grading, other earth-moving, work on the bulkhead, and drainage improvement issues. It does not apply to routine trimming of plants infringing upon the road, parking area, pathways and trails.

Sports Court and Playground Rules

Sports court and playground use is for Woodmont Country Club members and families with paid membership.
Guests must be accompanied by their Club member host at all times when using the sports courts or playground.
Adult supervision is required for very young children.
The sports court and play area closes at 10pm.
No bikes, rollerblades, roller skates, or other equipment that may cause damage to the court surface are allowed.
No glass containers are allowed.
Garbage and personal items must be taken with you when you leave.
No amplified music.
Dogs are not allowed inside the sports court.
It is everyone’s responsibility to keep this area clean and in good order.

Plaza Rules

Use of the plaza is for the enjoyment and use of dues-paying members and their guests, with minimal impact on the surrounding properties.

Current year dues must be paid (due by June 1) before any Plaza reservation can be made. Payment of dues will be verified prior to a reservation being issued and approved.
Reservations are required for group events when more than 30 people will be attending. These events will require WCCBOD approval.
No reservation may be made until the WCCBOD has established the dates for Woodmont Club sponsored events. Once these dates have been established, reservations will be accepted.
Each member household is allowed one weekend reservation and one weekday reservation per summer. Additional reservations beyond this must be approved by the WCCBOD. No reservations will be accepted for Friday evenings after 5:00 PM. Friday evenings will be kept open and available for spontaneous use by the membership. If a Friday daytime reservation is in place, the plaza must be cleaned up and vacated by 5:00 PM.
Each reserved event will be for a 4-hour block of time. If more time is needed beyond this 4-hour window, WCCBOD approval is required.
The club member making the reservation must be present at all times when guests are present and during any group gathering.
Group events must begin to wind down by 10 PM. All clean-up procedures must conclude by 11 PM.
Plaza area must be cleaned up and all trash removed (not burned) from the plaza after the event.
Club umbrellas are available to use. These umbrellas are located behind the shed. The umbrellas should be returned dry and in good condition for the next person’s use.
If the fire pit is used, burn only clean wood—not beach wood or old building lumber that may be treated with chemicals.
* Fires must be extinguished before leaving the plaza.
* Do not burn or throw into fire pit any toxic items, such as Styrofoam, plastics, or garbage.
* In addition, those using the fire pit are asked to consider the effects such use will have on the surrounding neighbors and to consider the prevailing winds on any given day.
* Only charcoal may be burned in the mounted barbecue grills in the plaza area. Members are responsible to ensure that coals are extinguished before leaving the area. In addition, member shall remove the ashes and clean the grills after each use.
Loud or amplified music is not permitted at non-Club events unless permission is granted by the WCCBOD prior to the event.
Limited parking is available at the plaza. Do not block driveways, beach access, boat ramp or North Beach Road.
You are responsible for your guests’ behavior. Please instruct your guests to respect private property, such as the kayaks and boats and private yards. Nothing except trash should be removed from the beach. Rocks, driftwood, shells and marine life should remain on the beach.
Woodmont Club members are allowed to use the beach and surrounding areas at any time regardless of whether an event is scheduled. Two tables shall be allocated for club member use during reserved events if requested.
Fireworks are prohibited on Woodmont Club Property and in the City of Des Moines.
Dogs must be leashed and dog waste picked up and disposed of properly. Dog waste is prohibited to be disposed of in the Sani-kans.

Plaza Boat and Storage Rules

Please do not leave boats in the Plaza without prior approval from the WCC Board Committee.
Members must be in good standing, all dues current, in order to store boats at the Plaza. Members who fail to pay dues and boat storage fees by June 1st, risk having their boat(s) returned at the owner’s expense.
Please return your boat to your assigned slip. Be courteous to other members since an empty slip may indicate they are active on the water.
Boats and kayaks stored on the upper rack should be secured by bungee or other tie-down on both bow and stern to avoid dislodgement during inclement weather. Any damage caused by a poorly secured boat is the liability of the member-owner. Boats and equipment are stored and secured at the owners’ risk. The WCC is not liable for any damage or theft to watercraft left in the Plaza.
Members who fail to comply with any of the above listed rules risk having their boats removed and returned to them.
These rules are subject to addition and amendment at any time.

WCC Plaza Boat Launch Rules

Woodmont Country Club members in good standing may use the existing ramp to launch watercraft. In the interest of protecting our tidelands and limiting damage to beach and marine wildlife, please follow the guidelines below.

Club members can use the boat ramp to launch watercraft when the tide is at 6.0 feet or higher. Driving on the beach is prohibited when the tide is lower than 6.0 feet.
All launchings must take place between the boat ramp and Sanikan.
No vehicle or trailer is allowed to remain on the beach after launching.
After launching, move vehicle and trailer to Plaza. Do not block homeowner’s driveways, mailboxes, North Beach road or boat ramp.
In the event of a mechanical issue, vehicle and trailer may be left on beach until issue is solved.
Fishers and crabbers: If you choose to clean your catch at the beach, please dump entrails into the saltwater (not the creek), as opposed to on the beach. This allows for the enjoyment of walkers and children playing on the beach.
Any other need to drive on the beach, outside described boundary, must be requested in advance and approved by the WCC Board.
Abusing beach driving/launch rules may result in loss of membership and privileges.
WCC takes no responsibility for injury or damages from use of the boat ramp. Members may use this at their own risk.

By-Laws of the Woodmont Country Club

ARTICLE 1:
MEMBERSHIP

Woodmont Country Club By-Laws (PDF Version)

The membership shall be comprise of lot owners and residents of the Plat of Woodmont Beach who fulfill the membership requirements defined in the following section.

Section 1 - MEMBERSHIP DEFINITIONS

Membership in the Woodmont country Club shall include lot owners and temporary and permanent residents of the following Blocks within the Plat of Woodmont Beach as dictated by tradition since 1915:

Blocks: A, B, C, D, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42 and homes/properties that can only be accessed from Woodmont Beach Road S. located south of S 272nd Street on 7th Avenue S, 8th Avenue S, and 10th Avenue S, and the homes on the north side of S 264th Street and access the property off of S 264th Street between 8th Avenue S and Marine View Drive, also the 2 homes north of Black A, also known as North Beach.

1.1 Active Members
The active members shall consist of persons and their immediate family, who own or have purchased, or have entered into a contract for the purchase of lots in the applicable blocks of the Plat of Woodmont Beach as defined in Section 1, above. The active members shall also consist of property owners residing adjacent to the Plat of Woodmont Beach who are now members of the Club.

1.2 Temporary Members
Temporary members shall consist of persons and their immediate family, who are renters or leasers in the Plat of Woodmont Beach. The property owners may provide membership dues for renters.

1.3 Inactive Members
Inactive members shall consist of non-resident property owners in the blocks listed above, who are renting or leasing their property and choose not to be a participant in the Club activities. Their dues payment shall provide for their membership as well as for the temporary membership of their renter after their renter has applied for temporary membership and meets all the Club requirements.

Section 2 - MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

2.1 Application for Active Membership
An applicant shall submit their application on a form provided by the Club to the Board of Trustees. The current year’s dues and the initiation fee shall accompany the application. The application shall be examined for consistency with Section 1 and if qualified, accepted by the membership committee.

Section 3 - INITIATION FEE, DUES AND SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

3.1 Initiation Fee
The initiation fee for active members shall be the rate established by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership at a business meeting. No initiation is required for temporary members.

3.2 Dues
Dues for all members shall be the rate established by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership at a business meeting. Dues shall be payable on the first day of April and delinquent June 1. Dues will be prorated for new members from date of application to June 1. Persons 65 years or more may pay a reduced rate as established by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership at a business meeting.

3.3 Special Assessments
Special assessments shall be an allowable means of providing funds for specific projects or for payments of legal indebtedness. Special assessments shall be recommended by the Board of Trustees and shall be approved by a two-thirds majority of the membership at a business meeting.

Section 4 - TERMINATION

4.1 Termination of Active and Inactive Membership
An active membership or inactive membership shall be terminated upon the sale of property owned within the established Woodmont Country Club boundaries or upon written notice to the Board of Trustees of the desire to terminate. The yearly dues shall be automatically transferred to the new owner upon acceptance of the new owner’s application for membership to Woodmont Country Club and the payment of the Initiation Fee by the new owner.

4.2 Termination of Temporary Membership
A temporary membership shall terminate upon moving from the Woodmont Country Clubs established boundaries or written notice to the Board of Trustees of desire to terminate.

Section 5 - SUSPENSION

Members will be suspended from the Club for failure to pay dues or special assessments as outlined in Sections 3.2 and 3.3 and for conduct judged to be detrimental or injurious to the welfare of the Club. A suspended member shall not be entitled to any privileges of the Club.

5.1 Suspension for Failure to pay Dues or Special Assessments
Any member who fails to pay or make satisfactory arrangements for payment of dues or assessments within sixty (60) days after they become delinquent will be suspended at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.

5.2 Injurious Conduct
The Board of Trustees for actions judged to be detrimental or injurious to the welfare of the Club may suspend a member of the Club. One or more members of the Club must file a complaint against a member with the Board of Trustees in writing; and if, upon investigation, the Board finds sufficient grounds for suspension, they may suspend the member. A two thirds majority vote of the Board is required for suspension. Before suspending a member, the Board of Trustees shall give the member an opportunity to appear before them in their own defense.

Section 6 - REINSTATEMENT

A member who is suspended or terminates their membership may be reinstated by the procedure outlines in Section 2 for new membership.

ARTICLE II:
RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SECTION 1 - MEMBER ENTITLEMENTS

1.1 Active Members
Active members are entitled to all privileges of the Club facilities, to hold office, and to vote on transactions of business at Club business meetings. One vote shall be allowed per paid up membership. No additional votes shall be allowed for lots in excess of one that the member shall won or have under contract.

1.2 Temporary Members and Inactive Members
Temporary members shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges as active members except that they shall not be permitted to hold office or vote on Club business.

1.3 Guests
All members are entitled to entertain guests on Club facilities. Guests are defined as persons residing outside the Club boundaries who are visiting houseguests of a member.

SECTION 2 - GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY

All members are responsible for maintaining Club facilities, guests’ actions, insuring the Club rules and regulations are adhered to, policing Club facilities for unauthorized actions by members or non-members, and paying dues and assessments as outlined in Section 3 of Article I.

ARTICLE III: MANAGEMENT

The general management and control of affairs in the Club shall be vested in the Board of Trustees, consisting of 10 members to be elected for a one-year term at the Annual Business Meeting. The Board will consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and 6 Directors, one of whom automatically will be the outgoing President.

SECTION 1 - OFFICERS AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES

1.1 President
The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club, be the general executive officer of the Club, and shall have general supervision and direction over its affairs. The President shall sign all instruments in writing on behalf of the Club under the direction of the Board of Trustees, and shall be ex-officio member of all committees. The President shall have the power to call a meeting of the Board of Trustees or of the Club at whatever time necessary. The President, in addition to the Treasurer, shall be authorized to withdraw money by check from the bank in which it is deposited.

1.2 Vice-President
The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in his/her absence.

1.3 Secretary
The Secretary shall keep full, true and correct minutes of all meetings of the Club and of the Board meetings. The Secretary shall attend to all correspondence existent to the affairs of the Club. The Secretary shall be custodian of all Club records and property and shall perform such duties as may be existent to the office or may be required by the Board of Trustees.

1.4 Treasurer
The Treasurer shall have charge of all the monies of the Club and shall keep a fair and true account of all receipts and disbursements. At each annual meeting, and at such times as may be required by the Board of Trustees, The Treasurer shall present to the Trustees or to the Club, a statement showing the financial condition of the Club. The Treasurer shall perform all other duties that may be consistent with the office, or that may be delegated to the Treasurer by the Board of Trustees. The Treasurer shall keep funds of the Club in a bank selected by the Board of Trustees. Withdrawal of money shall be by check signed by any two of the following officers: President, Vice-President, or Treasurer. The Treasurer will send dues notices and notify members when their dues become delinquent.

1.5 Directors
The Directors shall be responsible for the operation of standing committees and shall perform other duties assigned by the President.

1.6 Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees shall enforce and create such rules that it may deem necessary for management of the Club. The Board of Trustees is authorized to spend no more than $5,000 for club maintenance, repair or administration without prior approval of the membership at a business meeting.

SECTION 2 - STANDING COMMITTEES

Standing Committees of the Club will be:

Maintenance
Membership
Social, and
Nominating

Except for the Nominating Committee, these committees will be appointed by the newly elected President at the annual business meeting, or no later than 30 days after that meeting. The President will appoint the Nominating Committee no later than 30 days before the election of officers.

SECTION 3 - VACANCIES

In case of any vacancy in the Board of Trustees, the Board of Trustees shall file such vacancy and the person chosen shall serve until the next annual business meeting.

SECTION 4 - LIABILITY INSURANCE

Any member serving in the Board of Trustees will be covered by Director’s and Officer’s Insurance through a policy held by the club. Any board member operating in good faith will not be liable and the deductible amount not covered by the board insurance will be paid by the Woodmont Country Club.

ARTICLE IV: MEETINGS

SECTION 1 - MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

Two regular business meetings shall be held each year – the first one no later than March 31st, the second meeting in the month of May to adopt a budget, to elect officers, and conduct any other pertinent business. They shall be held at a place to be designated by the Board of Trustees. Notice of meeting place and date shall be mailed to each member at least six days prior to such meeting. Special meetings may be called at any time by the President or by any two members of the Board of Trustees, or by a group of members equal to or exceeding a quorum. A notice of such meeting shall be mailed to each member at least six days prior to such meeting.

1.1 Order of Business
The order of business at the annual business meeting, except when otherwise determined by the President, will be as follows:

A. Roll call and introduction of new members
B. The reading and approval of the minutes of the previous business meeting.
C. Treasurer’s report
D. President’s report
E. Committee report
F. Unfinished business
G. Election of officers
H. Appointment of committees
I. New business
J. Adjourn

2.1 Quorum
A quorum at the annual or special business meetings shall consist of 25% of the membership eligible to vote. No official business can be conducted without a quorum.

SECTION 2 - BOARD OF TRUSTEES
At least six business meetings per year shall be held with dates and times to be determined by the President or any two members of the Board of Trustees. Six members of the Board constitute a quorum for transaction of business. A report of Club business shall be sent out to the members at least four times each year and minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting shall be posted at a Club location following each Board meeting.

ARTICLE V: AMENDMENTS

These by-lays may be amended by two-thirds vote of a quorum at a regular or special meeting of the Club, provided that notice of said amendment should have first been given in the notice for the meeting.