HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - North Fork Water Company Annual Shareholders - 05/21/2020ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS MEETING
May 21, 2020 - 2:00 PM
In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and in accordance with Governor Newsom's Executive Order N-25-20 and N-29-20, this meeting is being conducted via teleconference. There will be no public location for attending this meeting in person. Members of the public and Shareholders may listen and provide public comment telephonically. Anyone wishing to join the meeting may do so using the following information:
DIAL: 1-510-338-9438 and enter ACCESS CODE: 626 904 082##
You may also join via webex.com: Link
MEETING# 626 904 082 and PASSWORD: NF2020
The annual meeting of the Shareholders of the North Fork Water Company will be held
on Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. via teleconference for the purposes of electing
directors for the ensuing year and for the transaction of any other business that may properly come before the Shareholders.
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
SUMMARY OF SHARES REPRESENTED AND QUORUM
ROLL CALL OF BOARD ME MBERS
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE AC TION ITE MS:
1. Approve minutes of April 2, 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
2. Ratify Actions of North Fork Water Company Board of Directors for FY 2019-
20
3. Amendment of Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws to Reduce the Number
of Directors from Seven to Five
4. Nominees for North Fork Water Company Board of Directors
a. Chris Carrillo
b. Ronald L. Coats
c. Phillip R. Goodrich
d. James Morales, Jr.
e. David E. Smith
5. Election of North Fork Water Company Board of Directors
GENERAL MANAGER COMMENTS
DIRECTORS' COMMENTS
LEGAL COUNSEL COMMENTS
OTHER BUSINESS
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(a), any request for a disability-related modification or
accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, that is sought in order to participate in the above-agendized
public meeting should be directed to the North Fork Board Secretary (909)885-4900 at least 72 hours prior to
said meeting.
ADJOURN
NF Minutes 4/2/2019 smg
Draft Pending Approval
NORTH FORK WATER COMPANY
31111 GREENSPOT RD.
HIGHLAND, CA 92346
ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS MEETING April 2, 2019
MINUTES
President Carrillo called the Annual Stockholders meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Director
Kiel led the flag salute.
PRESENT: Chris Carrillo
David Smith
Ronald Coats
Charles Kiel
James Morales Jr.
Vacancy (due to the resignation of Mrs. Margaret Wright)
ABSENT: Phillip Goodrich
EVWD Staff: John Mura
Brian Tompkins
Justine Hendricksen
Jeff Noelte
Shayla Antrim
Patrick Milroy
Allen Williams
Kathy Burke
Brenda VanMeter
Ed King
Martha Duran
Nate Paredes
LEGAL COUNSEL: Michele Staples
STOCKHOLDERS: Ron Arnott
Michael Raley
Fred McNeal
Kenneth Meddock (Representing First American Title)
GUEST(S): Members of the public
NF Minutes 4/2/2019 smg
SUMMARY OF SHARES
According to the registration records, shareholders holding 6,852.83 shares of stock
were present at the April 2, 2019 annual shareholders meeting. According to the
registration records a quorum of the shareholders are present at the meeting in person
or by proxy and are ready to proceed with the meeting.
President Carrillo noted that the purpose of the meeting be reflected in the minutes
for the annual meeting; this meeting was called and noticed in compliance of California
law and the conditions of the By-laws of the North Fork Water Company; the first notice
of the annual meeting included the date, time and place of the meeting and was
delivered to all shareholders of record with the company on or by March 5, 2019 another
notice of the meeting and the agenda, including the date, time and place and matters
to be voted on was delivered on or about March 14, 2019. As of March 28, 2019, at 5:00
p.m. and as of that date, there were 7,156 shares of stock entitled to vote. North Fork
Water Company’s legal counsel, Michele Staples of the law firm of Jackson Tidus is also
present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
M/S/C (Smith-Coats) that the April 2, 2019 agenda be approved as submitted.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
President Carrillo declared the public participation of the meeting open at 2:03 p.m.
There being no written or verbal comments the public participation section was closed.
APPROVAL OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 2018
M/S/C (Coats-Smith) that the April 3, 2018 annual meeting of shareholders
minutes be approved as submitted.
RATIFY ACTIONS OF NORTH FORK WATER COMPANY BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR FY
2018-19
M/S/C (Coats-Smith) that the actions of the North Fork Board of Directors for FY 2018-
19 be approved.
NOMINEES FOR NORTH FORK WATER COMPANY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Carrillo stated that the next order of business is to elect the members of the
Board of Directors of this company, the By-laws provide that there are seven (7)
directors and today the shareholders will be electing 7 directors; nominees for election
are the six current members of the Board of Directors: Chris Carrillo, Ronald L. Coats,
Charles Kiel, James Morales, Jr., Phillip Goodrich, David E. Smith, plus Ron Arnott.
Director Goodrich arrived at 2:05 p.m.
NF Minutes 4/2/2019 smg
Director Morales moved to place in nomination for election as the Directors for 2019 be
Ronald L. Coats, Chris Carrillo, Charles Kiel, James Morales, Jr., Phillip Goodrich, David
Smith, Ron Arnott and moved that the nominations be closed.
President Carrillo closed the nominations and stated that the Shareholders will proceed
with the vote for the election of Directors.
ELECTION OF NORTH FORK WATER COMPANY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
M/S/C (Morales-Smith) to elect Chris Carrillo, Ronald L. Coats, Charles Kiel,
James Morales, Jr., Phillip Goodrich, David E. Smith, and Ron Arnott as the Directors of
North Fork Water Company until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their
successor is duly elected and qualified.
Director Arnott joined the Directors at the dais.
GENERAL MANAGER COMMENTS
No comments at this time.
DIRECTORS’ COMMENTS
Director Morales welcomed Ron Arnott to the Board.
LEGAL COUNSEL COMMENTS
No comments at this time.
OTHER BUSINESS
No other business at this time.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 2:08 p.m.
_________________________________
Chris Carrillo, President
__________________________________
Justine Hendricksen, Secretary
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #3.
Meeting Date: May 21, 2020
Discussion Item
To: North Fork Water Company Meeting
From: Legal Counsel
Subject: Amendment of Artic les of Incorporation and By-Laws to Reduce the Number of Directors from
Seven to Five
RECOMMEND ATION:
The five East Valley Water District (EV WD) Directors are nominees to the North Fork Board. The remaining
two Board seats were held by North Fork Shareholders who so ld all of their shares to EVWD and
subsequently resigned from the North Fork Board. It is proposed that the number of Directors be reduced
from seven to five. This change requires amending both the Artic les of Incorporation and By-Laws. Attached
are proposed reso lutions for approval by the Shareholders and the Board to reduce the number of Directors
from seven to five.
BACKGROUND / ANALYSIS:
The Articles of Incorporation (F ifth Article) and By-Laws (Section 3.01) call for a seven member Board
of Directors. Amendments are needed to both the North Fork Articles and By-Laws in order to reduce the
number of Directors from seven to five.
DI SCUSSI ON:
The Articles may be amended by approval of the shareho lders representing a majority of the outstand ing
shares and by a majority of the Board of Directors. (Corporations Code section 902; By-Laws section 2.09.)
The By-Laws may be amended by approval of the shareho lders representing a majority of the outstand ing
shares. (Corporations Code section 211; By-Laws, sections 1.03, 2.09.) No Board of Directors approval is
required to amend the By-Laws.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact assoc iated with this agenda item.
ATTAC H M EN TS:
Description Type
Amendment o f Articles o f Incorporation P resentatio n P resentation
Resolution Resolution Letter
Current Articles of Inco rporation Backup Material
N F W C Curre nt By-Laws Backup Material
NORTH FORK WATER COMPANY:
ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS MEETING
MAY 21, 2020
Agenda Item #3
AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND
BY -LAWS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
FROM SEVEN TO FIVE
Michele A. Staples, Esq.
1
Proposed Amendments to NFWC
Articles and By-laws
•Amendments are proposed to change the number
of Directors from seven to five
•Changing the Board of Directors requires
amendments to both the Articles of Incorporation
(5th Article) and By-Laws (Sections 1.04 and 3.01)
2
Proposed Revisions to Articles
•Existing Articles:
FIFTH: That the number of its directors or trustees
shall be seven and that the names and residences of
those who are appointed to hold office for the first
year or until their successors are elected in
accordance with the by laws hereafter to be adopted
are: …
•Amendment:
FIFTH: That the number of its directors shall be five.
CONFIDENTIAL: SUBJECT TO ATTORNEY-
CLIENT PRIVILEGE 3
Proposed Revisions to By-Laws
•Existing By-Laws:
Section 3.01 Number
The number of directors shall be seven.
•Amendment:
Section 3.01 Number
The number of directors shall be five.
CONFIDENTIAL: SUBJECT TO ATTORNEY-
CLIENT PRIVILEGE 4
Proposed Revisions to By-Laws
•Existing By-Laws:
Section 1.04 “2017 Code”
These by-laws as originally adopted, or as
subsequently amended, shall be known and may be
referred to as the “2017 Code of By-Laws of NORTH
FORK WATER COMPANY” and also as the “2017
Code.”
•Amendment
Change “2017 Code” to “2020 Code”
CONFIDENTIAL: SUBJECT TO ATTORNEY-
CLIENT PRIVILEGE 5
RESOLUTIONS
OF THE
SHAREHOLDERS
OF
NORTH FORK WATER COMPANY
REGARDING THE
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS
TO
THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
AND
THE BYLAWS
WHEREAS, it is deemed to be in the best interests of the Corporation to further amend
the Third Amended Articles of Incorporation, which were originally filed on November 27, 1931,
to decrease the number of its directors from seven (7) to five (5);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Article Fifth of the Third Amended
Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation is amended to read in full as follows:
FIFTH: That the number of its directors shall be five.
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the officers of the Corporation are, and each acting alone
is hereby authorized and directed to execute the Certificate of Amendment of the Third Amended
Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation and to file such Certificate of Amendment with the
California Secretary of State.
WHEREAS, it is deemed to be in the best interests of the Corporation to amend the Bylaws
of the Corporation to decrease the number of its directors from seven (7) to five (5);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 3.01 of the Bylaws of the
Corporation is amended to read in full as follows:
Section 3.01 “Number”
The number of directors shall be five.
RESOLVED FURTHER, that Section 1.04 of the Bylaws of the Corporation is
amended to read in full as follows:
Section 1.04 “2020 Code”
These by-laws as originally adopted, or as subsequently amended, shall be known and
may be referred to as the “2020 Code of By-Laws of NORTH FORK WATER COMPANY”
and also as the “2020 Code.”
3
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BY-LAWS
OF
NORTH FORK WATER COMPANY
(Amended 2017)
INDEX
TO
BY-LAWS
Page
ARTICLE I. General Provisions .............................................................................................. 1
Section 1.01 Definitions ..................................................................................... 1
Section 1.02 Purpose .......................................................................................... 1
Section 1.03 Amendments ................................................................................. 1
Section 1.04 “2017 Code” .................................................................................. 1
Section 1.05 Provisions of Former By-Laws ................................................... 2
ARTICLE II. Shareholders ....................................................................................................... 2
Section 2.01 Annual Meeting ............................................................................ 2
Section 2.02 Special Meetings ........................................................................... 2
Section 2.03 Place of Meeting ........................................................................... 2
Section 2.04 Notice of Meeting ........................................................................ 2
Section 2.05 Form of Notice and Statement of Purpose .............................. 3
Section 2.06 Shareholders Entitled to Notice ................................................. 3
Section 2.07 Shareholders Entitled to Vote .................................................... 3
Section 2.08 Business to be Transacted ........................................................... 4
Section 2.09 Manner of Voting at Shareholders’ Meeting ............................. 4
Section 2.10 Election of Directors and Cumulative Voting ......................... 4
Section 2.11 Directors Elected at Special Meeting ......................................... 4
Section 2.12 Inspectors of Elections ................................................................ 5
Section 2.13 Changing Time of Annual Meeting ........................................... 5
Section 2.14 Quorum of Shareholders ............................................................. 5
ARTICLE III. Directors ........................................................................................................... 6
Section 3.01 Number .......................................................................................... 6
Section 3.02 Qualifications and Term .............................................................. 6
INDEX – CONTINUED
Page
Section 3.03 Organization Meeting .............................................................. 6
Section 3.04 Regular Meetings ......................................................................... 6
Section 3.05 Special Meetings .......................................................................... 6
Section 3.06 Notice of Special Meeting .......................................................... 7
Section 3.07 Place of Directors’ Meeting ....................................................... 7
Section 3.08 Waiver of Notice and Consent to Meetings ............................ 7
Section 3.09 Vacancies ...................................................................................... 8
Section 3.10 Quorum .................................................................................... 8
Section 3.11 Business to Transacted ............................................................... 8
Section 3.12 Compensation of Directors ....................................................... 8
ARTICLE IV. Notices ............................................................................................................ 8
Section 4.01 Applies to all Notices .................................................................. 8
Section 4.02 By Whom Given, Method of Making, and Signing ................ 9
Section 4.03 Where Notice is to be Mailed .................................................... 9
ARTICLE V. Officers .............................................................................................................. 9
Section 5.01 Number of Officers .................................................................... 9
Section 5.02 President ..................................................................................... 10
Section 5.03 Vice President ............................................................................ 10
Section 5.04 Secretary ...................................................................................... 10
Section 5.05 Chief Financial Officer ............................................................. 11
Section 5.06 General Manager ....................................................................... 11
Section 5.07 Duties of Officers May Be Delegated .................................... 11
ARTICLE VI. Certificates and Transfer of Shares ............................................................ 11
Section 6.01 By Whom Signed ....................................................................... 11
Section 6.02 Form ............................................................................................ 12
Section 6.03 Registration of Pledge ............................................................... 12
Section 6.04 Effect of Registration of Pledge .............................................. 12
INDEX – CONTINUED
Page
Section 6.05 Charges and Liens on Shares ................................................ 13
Section 6.06 No Transfer While Unpaid Liens ........................................... 13
Section 6.07 Assessments and Liens ............................................................. 13
Section 6.08 Penalties, Interest and Collection Costs ................................. 13
Section 6.09 Record Holder Liable for Tolls and Charges........................ 13
ARTICLE VII. Powers of Board of Directors ................................................................ 14
Section 7.01 Seal ..............................................................................................14
Section 7.02 Share Register .......................................................................... 14
Section 7.03 Financial Reports .................................................................... 14
Section 7.04 Rules and Regulations .............................................................. 15
Section 7.05 Transfer Fee............................................................................... 15
Section 7.06 Compulsory Exchange of Certificates ................................... 15
Section 7.07 Dismissal of Employees ........................................................... 15
Section 7.08 Delegation of Powers ............................................................... 16
Section 7.09 Tolls and Assessments ............................................................. 16
Section 7.10 Delinquency and Interest ........................................................ 16
Section 7.11 Penalties ................................................................................. 16
Section 7.12 Suspension of Services ......................................................... 16
Section 7.13 Measuring and Diversion Devices .......................................... 17
Section 7.14 Regulation of Water Service ..................................................... 17
Section 7.15 Extension of Distributing System ........................................... 18
Section 7.16 Restriction on Water Use ........................................................ 18
Section 7.17 Lease of Shares and Land ........................................................ 18
ARTICLE VIII. General Corporate Matters ................................................................... 19
Section 8.01 Indemnification .............................................................................19
Section 8.02 Maintenance and Inspection of Share Register .................. 19
Section 8.03 Maintenance and Inspection of Bylaws ............................... 19
Section 8.04 Maintenance and Inspection of Other Corporate Records . 19
Section 8.05 Inspection Rights of Directors ................................................ 20
Section 8.06 Annual Report to Shareholders .............................................. 20
1
BY – LAWS
OF
NORTH FORK WATER COMPANY
ARTICLE I.
General Provisions
Section 1.01 Definitions
“Company” means NORTH FORK WATER COMPANY, a corporation that was
incorporated on January 13, 1885, under the laws of the State of California.
“Board” means the board of directors of the Company.
“General Corporation Law” is used herein with the same meaning as in Section 100
of the Corporations Code of California, and as set forth in Division 1 of Title 1 of said
Code, and may be amended from time to time.
“Articles of Incorporation” includes amendments and means the articles of
incorporation as last amended.
The singular includes the plural and the masculine pronoun includes the other
genders.
Section 1.02 Purpose
The purpose of Company is to furnish, supply and distribute water at cost to and for
its shareholders for irrigation purposes in proportion to the number of shares of stock held
by them respectively.
Section 1.03 Amendments
These by-laws may be repealed or amended or new by-laws adopted by (a) the vote of
the shareholders entitled to exercise a majority of the voting power at a meeting of
shareholders, or (b) the written assent of shareholders entitled to exercise a majority of
voting power, filed with the secretary.
Section 1.04 “2017 Code”
These by-laws as originally adopted, or as subsequently amended, shall be known and
may be referred to as the “2017 Code of By-Laws of NORTH FORK WATER
COMPANY” and also as the “2017 Code.”
2
Section 1.05 Provisions of Former By-Laws
When new by-laws are adopted pursuant to Section 1.03, they shall replace and
supersede all prior by-laws and amendments thereto.
ARTICLE II.
Shareholders
Section 2.01 Annual Meeting
Unless changed as provided in Section 2.13, a meeting of shareholders to be known as the
annual meeting shall be held each year on the first Tuesday in April at the hour of two o’clock
P.M. for the purpose of electing a board of directors, and other purposes.
Section 2.02 Special Meetings
Special meeting of the shareholders for any purpose or purposes whatsoever may be
held at any time upon call made by (a) the president, or (b) the Board by resolution adopted
by majority vote, or (c) written assent of a majority of all acting directors, filed with the
secretary, or (d) written assent of one or more shareholders collectively holding not less than
ten percent (10%) of the voting power of the Company, filed with the secretary.
Section 2.03 Place of Meeting
Unless some other place shall be appointed in any instance or instances as hereinafter
provided, meetings of shareholders, both annual and special, shall be held at the principal
office of the Company.
Authority is hereby conferred upon the Board, by resolution adopted by majority vote of
all its members, or by written assent of a majority of such members filed with the secretary, to
fix or designate (and from time to time change) the place for any shareholders’ meeting or
meetings, one or more or all, whether annual or special. Any place so designated shall be not
more that twenty-five miles distant from the principal office, and in such instance said meeting
or meetings shall be held at the place so fixed or designated.
Section 2.04 Notice of Meeting
Written notice of each meeting of shareholders, whether annual or special, shall be
given to each shareholder entitled to notice not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60)
days prior to the meeting in any of the following ways:
First: By delivering such notice personally: or
Second: By mailing such notice by first class mail, charges prepaid, addressed to
such shareholder at his address appearing on the books of the Company. If no
address appears on the books of the Company, then the notice shall be addressed to
the shareholder at the Company’s principal address; or
Third: By electronic transmission by the Company in compliance with
Corporations Code section 20. Notice shall not be given by electronic transmission
3
by the Company under this Section 2.04 after either of the following: (1) the
Company is unable to deliver two consecutive notices to the shareholder by that
means, or (2) the inability to so deliver the notices to the shareholder becomes known
to the secretary, any assistant secretary, the transfer agent, or other person
responsible for giving of the notice.
Whenever a shareholder shall in writing give the Company an address for the purpose
of notice, the same shall be deemed the shareholder’s “address appearing on the books of
the company,” as such expression is herein used. One method of service may be used as to
some shareholders and the other as to other shareholders.
Section 2.05 Form of Notice and Statement of Purpose
Notice of any meeting shall specify the place, the day and the hour of meeting. In the
case of special meetings the general nature of the business to be transacted shall be stated in
the notice. In the case of an annual meeting, such notice shall also state those matters which
the Board, at the time of the mailing of the notice, intends to present for action by the
shareholders. Any proper matter may be presented at an annual meeting of shareholders
though not stated in the notice, provided that unless the general nature of a proposal to be
approved by the shareholders relating to the following matters is stated in the notice or a
written waiver of notice, any such shareholder approval will require unanimous approval of
all shareholders entitled to vote:
(i) A proposal to approve a contract or other transaction between the
Company and one or more of its directors or any corporation, firm or association in which
one or more of its directors has a material financial interest or is also a Director;
(ii) A proposal to amend the Articles;
(iii) A plan of conversion pursuant to Section 1152 of the General
Corporation Law or a proposal to approve the principal terms of a reorganization as defined
in Section 181 of the General Corporation Law; and
(iv) A proposal to wind up and dissolve the Company.
Section 2.06 Shareholders Entitled to Notice
Where notice of any shareholders’ meeting is to be mailed, notice shall be given to those
who appear from the stock records as record holders at 5:00 o’clock P.M. on the day
immediately preceding the day of mailing; and 5:00 o’clock P.M. on the day immediately
preceding the day of mailing is the record date and time for the determination of shareholders
entitled to notice of the meeting.
Section 2.07 Shareholders Entitled to Vote
Five o’clock P.M. on the tenth day next preceding the day first appointed for the
shareholders’ meeting is hereby fixed as the time for the close of stock books and the
determination of those entitled to vote at the meeting; and, subject to the provisions of law,
4
only persons in whose names the shares stand on the stock records of the Company at the
close of stock books, as aforesaid, shall be entitled to vote at that meeting or any
adjournment thereof.
No transfer of shares shall be made on the stock records of the Company during the
period elapsing between close of stock books and adjournment of the meeting on the day
first appointed therefor. If a meeting by adjourned to a subsequent date, the stock books
shall open upon adjournment so as to permit transfer but not so as to affect the right of
voting determined as above provided.
Section 2.08 Business to be Transacted
At the annual meeting, directors to the number authorized shall be elected, reports of the
affairs of the Company shall be considered, and any other business may be transacted which is
within the powers of the shareholders, including the amendment, repeal and adoption of by-
laws, the approval and ratification of amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, and action
upon or with respect to any or all questions and matter requiring the vote, consent or approval
of the shareholders, or with respect to which the shareholders are permitted to act, subject,
however, to applicable provisions of law requiring notice to the shareholder of special proposals,
including but not limited to the special matters set forth in Section 2.05. At a special meeting,
any business may be transacted of the general nature specified in the notice thereof, but not
otherwise.
Section 2.09 Manner of Voting at Shareholders’ Meetings
At meeting of shareholders, all questions other than an election of directors or except
as otherwise expressly provided by statute or by these by-laws shall be determined by
majority vote of the shares represented at the meeting, and all voting shall be viva voce
unless at least one shareholder shall demand a vote by written ballot.
Section 2.10 Election of Directors and Cumulative Voting
In an election of directors the entire number to be elected shall be elected at the same
time and upon a single vote or ballot, and directors shall not be elected separately or in any
number less than the entire number to be elected.
At such election a shareholder may vote for one or more directors but may not cumulate
his votes and cumulative voting shall not be allowed in an election of directors.
If there has been nominated for the office of director more than the number to be
elected, or upon the demand of any shareholder represented at the meeting, or if voting by
mail has been provided for, the election shall be by written ballot, otherwise it shall be viva
voce.
Section 2.11 Directors Elected at Special Meeting
Whenever for any reason no election of directors has been had for more than one year, a
Board may be elected at a special meeting of the shareholders called for that (in addition to any
other) purpose, by the person or persons, in the manner, and upon the notice in these by-laws
provided for calling and noticing special meeting of shareholders.
5
The terms of directors elected at a special meeting shall expire at the same time as though
they had been elected at the annual meeting next preceding such special meeting.
Section 2.12 Inspectors of Elections
Inspectors or an inspector of elections may be appointed in the manner and with the
effect provided for in the General Corporation Law, and shall have and exercise the powers
and authority there provided subject to the provisions of law, the by-laws, and the rules and
regulations.
The Board may make and from time to time change rules and regulations for the
conduct of elections or any election, and for voting upon or with respect to any question or
matter submitted to the shareholders for vote, consent or assent.
The Board may by rule or resolution prescribe the form of ballots and may provide
ballots for use of the shareholders at elections or any election or in taking any vote; an may, in
the case of ballots to be used in an election of directors, provide for printing thereon the name
or names of candidates or nominees, and may also provide for voting by mail and for the
nomination of directors prior to the election.
Such rules may in addition to any other matters provide for the time or times and the
method of filing proxies, casting ballots and the tabulation and certification of votes. All
such rules and regulations shall operate impartially, fairly and equally.
Whenever the filing of proxies is limited to a time prior to the meeting, and whenever in
an election of directors the polls are to open or close at a specified time, notice of such
limitation, opening or closing shall be stated in the notice of such meeting.
Section 2.13 Changing Time of Annual Meeting
The Board may advance or postpone (and thereby change) the time of any annual
meeting (as fixed elsewhere in these by-laws) by not more than sixty (60) days whenever it
shall appear to the Board that such change is necessary or desirable. Such change shall be
effected by resolution adopted by majority vote of the Board or by written assent of a
majority of the members, filed with the secretary prior to giving notice of the meeting, and
thereupon the time for that annual meeting shall be that so fixed by the Board and notice of
the meeting shall be given accordingly.
Section 2.14 Quorum of Shareholders
The presence in person or by proxy of the holders of more than fifty percent (50%)
of the shares entitled to vote at any meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business, including the election of directors, unless otherwise provided in the Articles.
6
ARTICLE III.
Directors
Section 3.01 Number
The number of directors shall be seven.
Section 3.02 Qualifications and Term
A director need not be a shareholder. The term of office of a director shall begin
immediately upon his election; and each director so elected shall hold office until his
successor is elected or until he resigns or is removed from office, whichever shall first
transpire.
Section 3.03 Organization Meeting
A meeting of the Board (to be known as the “organization meeting”) shall be held
immediately following adjournment of the shareholders’ meeting at which the Board elected for
the purpose of organizing, electing and appointing officers. Any other business may also be
transacted at such meeting. No notice of such organization meeting need be given.
If not held at the time appointed or if reorganization be not effected or completed at
such meeting, the business of reorganization shall be transacted or completed at the first regular
or special meeting held thereafter, and if not then completed, then at any meeting regardless of
when held.
With consent of all the directors such organization meeting may be held at any time.
Attendance at and participation in the proceedings of the meeting shall be deemed such
consent. The consent of any director not present or participating shall be written and filed
with the secretary and made a part of the minutes, either before, during, or after the holding
of the meeting.
Section 3.04 Regular Meetings
Meetings of the Board (to be known as “regular meetings”) shall be held without call at a
time appointed therefor by resolution adopted by majority vote of the Board. It shall not be
necessary to give notice of regular meetings, nor of the business to be transacted; provided, if the
time for holding regular meetings be changed, written notice of that fact shall be given to those
directors who were absent at the time of the adoption of the resolution effecting the change. If
the time appointed for a regular meeting fall upon a legal holiday, it shall be held at the same
hour on the next succeeding business day.
Section 3.05 Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board may be held from time to time upon call by the
president, or if he be absent or be unable or refuse to act, by any vice-president; or secretary,
and it shall be the duty of the president, or if he be absent or be unable or refuse to act, then
of any vice-president or secretary, to call a special meeting upon the written request of two
directors, specifying the purpose; and in the event neither the president nor vice-president
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nor the secretary shall call such meeting upon said request, then the same may be called by
said two directors. Any call shall be delivered to the secretary or person whose duty it is to
give notice.
Section 3.06 Notice of Special Meeting
Special meetings of the Board shall be held upon four (4) days’ notice by mail or
forty-eight (48) hours’ notice delivered personally or by telephone including a voice
messaging system or by electronic transmission by the Company.
Section 3.07 Place of Directors’ Meetings
Meetings of the Board, whether regular or special, shall be held at such place within the
State of California as has been designated from time to time by resolution of the Board or by
written consent of all members of the Board; and, in the absence of such designation shall be
held at the principal office of the Company.
Section 3.08 Waiver of Notice and Consent to Meetings
Directors may waive any and all provisions of law and of these by-laws, in respect of call,
notice and place of meetings or any of them, and may consent to the holding of any meeting
without call and notice or either of them and without regard to the place where held; and any
director may waive call, notice and place of meeting, or any of them, in respect of himself and
may consent to the holding of any meeting without call and notice, or either of them, and
without regard to the place where held.
Any regular or special meeting of directors held with or upon the unanimous consent or
approval of all the members of the Board (and attended by not less than a quorum) shall be valid
without regard to call and notice or either of them and without regard to the place where held,
and the proceedings of any such meeting shall be valid and constitute the act of acts of the
Board as fully and conclusively as though taken and had at a meeting duly called and noticed and
held at the place duly appointed therefor. Attendance at and participation in the proceedings of
any meeting (attended and participated in by not less than a quorum), without objection to the
regularity or sufficiency of or lack of call and notice or either or the place where held, shall
constitute and be a waiver in respect of such matters and an irrevocable consent to the holding
of such meeting on the part of and by each director so attending and participating without
objection.
Such herein authorized or referred to waiver and consent or either of any director not
present at such meeting may be made or given either before, during or after the meeting, and
may be made and evidenced in any of the following ways, to wit:
(a) In writing filed with the secretary either before, during or after the meeting;
(b) Subscribing at the foot of the minutes of such meeting an approval of such
minutes;
(c) Approval without objection of the minutes of such meeting at a subsequent
meeting of the Board attended by the director who was absent from the first
mentioned meeting and whose waiver or consent is to be secured.
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Section 3.09 Vacancies
Any vacancy in the office of director, however created or arising, may be filled by a
majority of the remaining directors though less than a quorum; and the shareholders may fill
any vacancy not filled by the directors.
Section 3.10 Quorum
A majority of the authorized number of directors shall be necessary to constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business; and, unless otherwise required by law or these by-laws,
every act or decision done or made by a majority of the directors present at a meeting duly held
at which a quorum is present shall be regarded as the act of the Board. Interested directors may
be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board or a
committee thereof which authorizes, approves or ratifies a contract or transaction. Approval
of the Company’s indemnification of a director or other person shall be made only if
authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the agent is
proper approved in the manner authorized by subdivision (e) of Corporation Code Section
317.
Section 3.11 Business to be Transacted
It shall not be necessary to state in any notice whether of a regular or special meeting
the nature of the business to be transacted thereat, and any business that the Board may have
transacted at a regular meeting may be transacted with like effect at a special meeting, unless
otherwise provided by law.
Section 3.12 Compensation of Directors
Directors shall not receive compensation for their services at meetings of the Board
unless its payment has been first authorized. At the annual meeting, the shareholders may fix the
compensation of directors for the ensuing year, which may be for all services or for attending
meetings only, and may be a stated amount for each meeting attended or a salary. Should the
shareholders fail to fix such compensation, it may be fixed by resolution adopted by vote of not
less than two-thirds of the authorized number of directors. A director may be allowed fair
remuneration to be fixed or approved by the Board for services other than attending meetings
when no compensation therefor has been fixed. A director shall be allowed his reasonable
expenses when engaged in the business of the Company, to be audited, allowed and paid as
other claims against the Company.
ARTICLE IV.
Notices
Section 4.01 Applies to All Notices
Except as in conflict with law or other provisions of these by-laws, the provisions of this
article are intended to and shall apply to all notices required or permitted to be given, including
notice of shareholders’ meetings, directors’ meeting and assessments.
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Section 4.02 By Whom Given, Method of Making and Signing
Notices shall be given by the secretary or by an assistant-secretary if such assistant be so
directed by either the secretary, the president, or the Board. If the person whose duty it is to
give any notice shall fail or refuse so to do, then it shall be given by any person thereto directed
by the president or the Board; or in the event of a called meeting, it may be given (in the event
of such refusal) by the one directed so to do by the person or persons calling the meeting.
Whenever a written notice is required to be given or is given under these by-laws or pursuant to
any provision of law, it may be made by any method appropriate for such purpose, including
longhand writing, printing, stamping, typing, facsimile transmission, electronic transmission, or
by one or more or all such methods, or in part by one method and in other parts by another or
other methods.
No notice need be actually signed or subscribed by the hand of the person giving it,
and in lieu of actual signing, the name of such person may be made by the method used in
making any other portion of the notice, or by any method by which any portion of the
notice might be made, as hereinbefore provided.
Section4.03 Where Notice is to be Mailed
When resort is had to giving any notice by mail, such notice shall be deposited in the
United States Post Office at Highland, California, or in a United States Post Office within not
more than fifty (50) miles from said principal office, with postage thereon prepaid and directed
to the person to be served at the address of such person, if such address appears on the records
of the Company; and if same does not appear on such records, then addressed to such person at
the Company’s principal address. The notice shall be deemed to have been deposited in said
Post Office if delivered to a letter carrier making mail deliveries from said Post Office, or when
deposited in a letter box or other mail receptacle from which mail is regularly collected from said
Post Office.
ARTICLE V.
Officers
Section 5.01 Number of Officers
The officers of the Company (herein called “regular officers”) shall be elected by the
directors and shall be a president, a vice-president, a secretary, a chief financial officer and a general
manager. The Board may also appoint one or more additional vice-presidents, one or more
assistant-secretaries, one or more assistant chief financial officers, and such other officers as the
Board deems desirable for the transaction of the business of the Company. The president and the
vice-president shall be members of the Board, and if either shall cease to be a director at any time,
he shall, ipso facto, cease to be such president or vice-president. No other of said officers need be
members of the Board. Any two or more of said officers, except those of president and secretary,
may be held by the same person. Regular officers shall be elected annually at the organization
meeting of the Board, or whenever the Board shall determine; provided, they may always be
elected whenever a vacancy exists. Other officers may be elected at any meeting of the Board.
Unless sooner removed by the Board, or unless he resigns of becomes or is disqualified, an officer
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shall hold office until his successor is chosen and qualified. Any officers, whether elected or
appointed by the Board, may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
whole Board, and each officer shall take and hold office subject to the right of removal by the
Board.
Section 5.02 President
The president shall be the chief executive officer of the Company and as such shall:
(a) Preside at all meetings of shareholders and directors. Such shall not prevent him
from voting upon any question either at a shareholders’ meeting or as a director at
a directors’ meeting;
(b) Unless otherwise directed by the Board, sign as president all deeds and
instruments in writing which have been first approved or authorized by the
Board;
(c) Have, subject to advice of the Board, general and active supervision of the
business and affairs of the Company, and shall have power to cause the orders
and resolutions of the Board to be carried into effect.
Section 5.03 Vice-President
The vice-president shall, in the absence or disability of the president, perform the
duties and exercise the powers of the president and shall perform such other duties as the
Board shall prescribe.
Section 5.04 Secretary
The secretary shall:
(a) Attend all meetings of the Board and all meetings of the shareholders and record
all votes and minutes of all proceedings in a book (to be known as the “minute
book”) to be kept for that purpose. He shall perform like duties for the standing
committees when required;
(b) Keep the corporate seal of the Company and books of blank certificates of stock,
fill out and countersign all certificates issued, and affix the corporate seal to all
papers requiring a seal;
(c) Keep proper account books and such records and books pertaining to the issuance
and transfer of shares as may be required by law, or these by-laws, or as the Board
shall prescribe, and discharge such other duties as pertain to his office, or which may
be required by law, or by these by-laws, or by the Board.
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Section 5.05 Chief Financial Officer
The chief financial officer shall:
(a) Have custody of the corporate funds and securities and keep full and accurate
account of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Company, and
deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the
Company in such depositories as may be designated by the Board;
(b) Disburse the funds of the Company as may be ordered by the Board, taking proper
vouchers for such disbursements, and render to the president and Board, at the
regular meetings of the Board, or whenever the Board may require it, and account of
all his transactions as chief financial officer and of the financial condition of the
Company; provided, the Board may prescribe the manner in which funds shall be
withdrawn from and paid out by any depository;
(c) Give the Company a bond if required by the Board in a sum and with one or more
sureties satisfactory to the Board for the faithful performance of the duties of his
office, and for the restoration to company, in case of death, resignation, retirement or
removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of
whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging to the Company.
Section 5.06 General Manager
The general manager shall be at all times subject to direction of the Board; and, subject to
such direction, he shall take charge of, control, look after and attend to the maintenance of all
property, the distribution and delivery of water, the hiring of, discharging of, and performance of
duties and or by the employees, the billing and collection of water charges, and the observance
of the rules and regulations. He shall perform such other duties as pertain to the office of
general manager of as may be prescribed by the Board.
Section 5.07 Duties of Officers May be Delegated
In case of the absence of any officer of the Company, or for any other reason that the
Board may deem sufficient, the Board may delegate for the time being, one or more or all of
the powers or duties of such officer to any other officer or to any director, provided a
majority of the entire Board concur therein.
ARTICLE VI.
Certificates and Transfers of Shares
Section 6.01 By Whom Signed
Certificates for shares shall be signed by the president or vice-president and by the
secretary or an assistant-secretary if such assistant be thereto authorized by the Board.
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Section 6.02 Form
Subject to the provisions of law and these by-laws, certificates for shares shall be of such
form and device as the Board may direct.
The person to whom issued shall be denominated therein as the “record holder.”
A voluntary encumbrance of the shares is herein called a “pledge.”
The person in whose name a pledge of shares may be registered shall be known as the
“registered pledgee.”
Each certificate shall be issued and held upon and subject to all of the conditions and
provisions thereon stated, all of which shall be binding upon the record holder, the registered
pledgee (if and) and any transferee or person claiming an interest in the shares, or any of them
evidenced thereby.
Section 6.03 Registration of Pledge
Upon satisfactory evidence of a pledge, the Company shall note the transaction (with
the name of the pledgee) on its books, or on the share certificate. One or more pledges may
be so registered, their priority being indicated by the expressions “first pledgee”, “second
pledgee” and so forth.
Section 6.04 Effect of Registration of Pledge
When any pledge has been so registered, the shares shall be held, rights in respect
thereof exercised and the pledge released or transferred upon and subject to the provisions,
and in the manner and with the effect, as follows:
The record holder shall be deemed the shareholder as regards the Company, and as
such shall represent the shares and exercise all rights, vote, consent and assent in respect
thereof, and be entitled to receive the water allocated to such shares.
The rights and interest of the record holder and of any successor and the title to such
shares may be transferred upon the books of the Company and a new certificate issued
subject to the pledge without the act, consent or endorsement of the pledgee.
When a pledge has been so registered, and the address of the pledgee appears on the
books or records of the Company, the Company will not sell or forfeit the pledged shares for
nonpayment of an assessment unless at least ten (10) days prior to such sale or forfeiture there is
mailed to such pledgee at said address of the pledgee, or in lieu thereof, delivered to the pledgee
at the Company’s principal office address, a copy of the notice of assessment given with respect
to such assessment, or in lieu of such copy, a notice stating the fact of the assessment and the
time and place for the sale of forfeiture of delinquent shares. The Company shall also deliver to
the pledgee in the same manner notice of any denial of the right to receive water and any
forfeiture of the shares to the Company.
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The pledgee shall not be personally liable for the payment of tolls, water charges, or
assessments, unless payment thereof has been assumed or guaranteed by the pledgee, or
service rendered upon or to the order of the pledgee.
The interest and rights of the pledgee, as such, may be transferred on the records of
the Company and a new certificate issued (upon cancellation of the old) showing the new
pledgee, or a pledge may be released without the act, consent or endorsement of the record
holder or of anyone appearing to be the owner of said shares.
Section 6.05 Charges are Liens on Shares
Each charge or toll for water delivered to or for the record holder of any shares by virtue
of or in respect or ownership of such shares is a lien against said shares from the time when
furnished until paid. Said lien may be foreclosed in the manner which is at the time of foreclosure
provided by law of the State of California and the Articles for foreclosure of a pledge. Notice of
the time and place appointed for the sale of any shares upon foreclosure of such lien shall be
mailed to the record holder of said shares at the address of such record holder as it then appears
upon the books of the Company, and if no address appears, then mailed to said record holder at
the Company’s principal office address. No demand for payment or other notice of sale to the
record holder or to any person appearing by the records of the Company to have an interest in
said shares need be given other than as hereinbefore provided. At any such sale or sales, the
Company may bid and purchase.
Section 6.06 No Transfer While Unpaid Liens
No transfer of the shares of the Company can or will be made on the books of the
Company while any assessment, charge or toll there-against remains or is unpaid.
Section 6.07 Assessments and Liens
The Board shall provide that each certificate shall bear on its face a statement that the
shares evidenced thereby are assessable and subject to liens and personal action and suit, and
also such other provisions in connection therewith as the Board deems proper, subject to
the law, the Articles of Incorporation, and these by-laws.
Section 6.08 Penalties, Interest and Collection Costs
Each shareholder shall be liable for payment of and shall pay to the Company, upon
demand, all expenses incurred by the Company in collecting or enforcing payment from such
shareholder of any delinquent assessment, charge, toll or other indebtedness. Included in such
expenses are attorneys’ fees in any proceeding for the enforcement of any lien herein provided
for, or the collection of such indebtedness, whether by court action or otherwise, and all
expenses of any sale.
All penalties on delinquent assessments, interest on overdue charges, tolls or other
indebtedness, and expenses of collection, as above provided for, shall be added to the principal
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debt, and shall become and be a lien upon and against the shares and be secured thereby and
enforced in the same manner and with the same effect as the principal debt.
Whenever elsewhere in these by-laws or in the share certificates the term assessment,
charge or toll shall be used, such term shall be deemed to include, in each and every instance
whenever such construction is possible or permissible, all penalties, interest and collection
expenses pertaining to such assessment, charge or toll, or attaching, accruing or resulting from
the nonpayment thereof when due.
Section 6.09 Record Holder Liable for Tolls and Charges
The record holder of any shares shall be entitled to the delivery of all water
apportioned to such shares, subject to suspension or discontinuance, as herein provided, and
shall be personally liable for the payment of all tolls, charges, interest, costs and penalties in
respect of or on account of such shares during the time the same are registered in his name
on the books of the Company.
ARTICLE VII.
Powers of Board of Directors
The Board, subject to restrictions of law, the Articles of Incorporation, and these by-
laws, shall exercise all of the powers of the Company; and without prejudice to or limitation
upon its general powers, the Board shall have and is hereby given full power and authority, in its
sole discretion (to be exercised by resolution adopted by majority vote of the Board members
present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present, whether denominated a rule or
regulation of otherwise), in respect of the matters and as hereinafter set forth, to wit:
Section 7.01 Seal
To adopt, use and change a corporate seal of form and device approved by the
Board; provided, there shall be set forth on said seal, the name of the Company and the
State and date of incorporation. Said seal shall be affixed to the share certificates and such
other instruments as the Board shall direct.
Section 7.02 Share Register
To prescribe the form and provide for keeping a share register and records pertaining
to the issuance, registration and transfer of shares.
Section 7.03 Financial Reports
To prescribe the form and provide for making and giving financial statements and
reports to the shareholders in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards.
15
Section 7.04 Rules and Regulations
To adopt, repeal, modify, from time to time change, and enforce all rules and
regulations not inconsistent with the laws of the State of California, or the Articles of
Incorporation, or these by-laws, by the Board deemed essential or desirable for the
management or conduct of the Company’s business and affairs, or the exercise of the
Board’s powers. Said rules and regulations may in addition to any other things provided for
and regulate any matter in this article referred to and which is authorized to be determined
by the Board.
Section 7.05 Transfer Fee
To provide for the payment of and fix the amount of a transfer fee for the transfer of
shares upon the books of the Company; provided, such transfer fee shall not exceed ______
dollars ($__.00) for each new certificate issued.
Section 7.06 Compulsory Exchange of Certificates
To require the respective holders of outstanding share certificates, or of any of such
certificates, to surrender and exchange them for new certificates within a period fixed by the
Board, not less than thirty (30) days from the giving of notice, whenever the Articles of
Incorporation have been amended in any way affecting the statements contained in the
outstanding share certificates, or whenever it becomes desirable for any reason in the
discretion of the Board to cancel any outstanding share certificate and issue a new certificate
therefor conforming to the rights of the holder. In any order requiring such surrender and
exchange, the Board may provide that no holder of any such certificate ordered to be
surrendered shall be entitled to vote or to receive any water or exercise any of the other rights
of the shareholders of record until he shall have complied with such order, but such order
shall only operate to suspend such rights after notice and until compliance. Notice of such
order shall be given in the manner prescribed in these by-laws for notice of meetings of
shareholders. Such duty of surrender may also be enforced by action at law; and any
shareholder having the ability, or other person having the possession and control, refusing or
failing to surrender and exchange any certificate in accordance with the order of the Board
shall be liable to the Company for all damages incurred by it from such refusal or failure,
including reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the Company in enforcing such duty.
Section 7.07 Dismissal of Employees
To dismiss any employee of the Company (whether regular or temporary) and terminate
his employment regardless of the period of employment, whether express or implied, without
liability on the Company other than for compensation for services actually performed to the
time of dismissal and pro-rated (if that be necessary) at the rate provided for in the contract, or
otherwise agreed upon or payable; and regardless of whether so stated in the contract, or at the
time of hiring, the power of the Board to dismiss an employee of the Company as herein
provided shall be deemed a part of every employment and every contract of employment with
16
the Company, whether such contract of employment be written or verbal; and no officer,
manager, superintendent, or other representative of the Company shall have any authority to
employ any person other than upon and subject to the right of the Board to terminate such
employment with the Company at any time without liability resulting therefrom; provided, the
Board shall have power to waive such right of dismissal in any hiring by the Company for a
period of not in excess of one year when the contract is in writing and shall contain an express
waiver of this provision and shall have been expressly authorized by resolution of the Board.
Section 7.08 Delegation of Powers
To delegate to any zanjero, superintendent, or other employee or agent of the
Company the enforcement of the rules and regulations of the Company and the
determination of all matters of a ministerial nature.
Section 7.09 Tolls and Assessments
To fix and from time to time change, the charges or tolls payable for water furnished
or other service rendered; and to levy, collect, and enforce assessments against the shares of
stock.
It shall lie within the power of the Board to determine what part of the revenue of
the Company shall be raised by assessments and what part by tolls or charges and what
amount or items shall be charged to current operating expenses and what to permanent
additions or betterments.
Section 7.10 Delinquency and Interest
To provide the time when tolls, charges, and accounts shall be due and when
delinquent, and for the payment of interest on past due tolls, charges and accounts at the
rate of not to exceed ten percent (10%) per annum.
Section 7.11 Penalties
To provide for the imposition and enforcement of a penalty for violation of the rules and
regulations of the Company not exceeding in any instance the sum of _______ Dollars
($_____.00).
Section 7.12 Suspension of Services
To provide for the suspension of water service and for discontinuance of water
delivery for violation of the rules and regulations or for failure to pay any charges, tolls,
assessments, costs, interest, penalties or other sums payable to the Company, and the time
when and the conditions upon which such delivery or service shall be resumed. Such
discontinuance may be solely with respect to the delinquent shares, or with respect to all
shares of the shareholder, whether delinquent or not.
17
Section 7.13 Measuring and Diversion Devices
To provide for, determine and fix the location and installation of the measuring gates,
hydrants, weirs, and meters for turning out or measuring the water to which the respective
shareholders may be entitled, and that no gate, hydrant, weir or meter shall be installed or
changed without the consent and approval of the Board, and that each such gate, hydrant, weir
or meter shall be installed and/or maintained at the expense of the shareholder or shareholders
using the same. Any such appliance shall be under the control of the Company and be deemed a
part of the Company’s distributing system.
No shareholder, by virtue of the ownership of any share, shall be entitled to connect
with the distributing system used by the Company for delivery of water, or to take water
therefrom, except with the consent and upon and subject to the rules and regulations of the
Company pertaining thereto; and the Company reserves and shall have full control over all
storing, distributing, measuring and diversion appliances, and over all water until it shall have
been actually released or delivered to the shareholder.
Section 7.14 Regulation of Water Service
Subject to Section 6.05 hereof, to provide, determine and fix, at such time or times
and in such manner as the Board shall determine, and to change, any or all of the following
with respect to delivery of water, to wit:
(a) The amount of water available for distribution to the shareholders, and the amount
apportioned for and to be delivered to each share for any season, year, or period of
time. In making such determination, the Board shall take into consideration all
factors by them deemed relevant, and their determination in good faith shall be
conclusive upon each and every shareholder;
(b) The time when delivery shall begin and end each season or year;
(c) The times during the season when delivery is to be made, and for delivery in
heads upon recurring periods, and the amount delivered at any time, and the
minimum and maximum number of shares in respect of which delivery will be
made at on place or at one time;
(d) The notice required for and conditions under which delivery is to be made;
(e) That any stockholder not taking the water allotted to his shares at the time
provided therefor shall forfeit or lose his right to the delivery of that water.
(f) That water forfeited pursuant to Section 7.14(e) shall become “surplus water” and
upon approval by the Board shall be delivered for use by shareholders who have
declared a need for the water, but shall not be delivered to lessees of shares.
18
Section 7.15 Extension of Distributing System
To provide and determine the place or places where, and the points to which, the water
distributing system, or any other system, service, or appliances, of the Company shall be located
or extended. The holding of shares of the Company shall confer no right upon the shareholder
to have any pipeline, water conduit, or other appliance of the Company enlarged or extended
without the consent of the Board; and the Board shall at all times be the exclusive judge of the
necessity and expediency of constructing, enlarging, changing, and extending the water
distribution system or other appliances of the Company, and such expediency and necessity shall
at all times be determined by and subject to the sole discretion of the Board.
Section 7.16 Restriction on Water Use
The water system of the Company is designed to serve water for agricultural use and
not for domestic use. Water distributed through it is and will be subject to contamination and
may at any time or place be unfit for human consumption. Therefore, unless properly treated
in accordance with all applicable legal requirements, water delivered by the Company may be
used for agricultural and other non-potable uses, but shall not be used for domestic purposes.
“Domestic purposes” means the direct use of water from the Company’s water system for
normal household uses, e.g., drinking, cooking, bathing, and the filling of swimming pools. In
case of violation of this section, water may be withheld by the Company from any shareholder
guilty of such violation, and such withholding may be made and continue under any or all
shares owned by such shareholder until such shareholder shall assure to the Board to its
satisfaction (whether by written agreement, construction of physical work tending to prevent
domestic use or treat the water delivered by the Company, or otherwise) that such shareholder
will not use water to be delivered by the Company for domestic purposes unless said water will
be properly treated.
Section 7.17 Lease of Shares and Land
(a) The Company may deliver water at cost to any lessee of its shares where the lease is
in writing, signed by the owner of the shares and the lessee thereof and approved
by the Board.
(b) The Company may deliver water at cost to any land leased by a shareholder to a
person not a shareholder of the Company, provided the lease is in writing, signed
by the shareholder and the lessee of the land and approved by the Company.
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ARTICLE VIII.
General Corporate Matters
Section 8.01 Indemnification.
The Company will, to the maximum extent permitted by the General Corporation
Law, have power to indemnify each of its agents against expenses, judgments, fines,
settlements, and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any
proceeding arising by reason of the fact that any such person is or was an agent of the
Company, and will have power to advance to each such agent expenses incurred in
defending any such proceeding to the maximum extent permitted by that law. An “agent”
of the Company includes any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or other
agent of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director,
officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other
enterprise, or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of a corporation that was a
predecessor corporation of the Company or of another enterprise serving at the request of
such predecessor corporation.
Section 8.02 Maintenance and Inspection of Share Register
The Company shall keep at its principal office a record of the names and addresses of
all shareholders and the number of shares held by each shareholder. The record of
shareholders shall be open to inspection on the written demand of any shareholder or holder
of a voting trust certificate at any time during usual business hours for a purpose reasonably
related to the holder’s interests as a shareholder or holder of a voting trust certificate. Any
inspection and copying under this Section 8.02 may be made in person, by an agent or
attorney of the shareholder or holder of a voting trust certificate making the demand.
Section 8.03 Maintenance and Inspection of By-laws
The Company shall keep at its principal office the original or a copy of these by-laws
as amended to date. These by-laws shall be open to inspection by any shareholder during
regular office hours.
Section 8.04 Maintenance and Inspection of Other Corporate Records
The minutes of proceedings of the Shareholders, Board, committees of the Board,
and the accounting books and records shall be kept at the principal office of the Company
or at such other place or places as designated by the Board. The minutes shall be kept in
written form, and the accounting books and records shall be kept either in written form or in
a form capable of being converted into written form. Such minutes and accounting books
and records shall be open to inspection on the written demand of any shareholder or holder
of a voting trust certificate at any time during usual business hours for a purpose reasonably
related to the holder’s interests as a shareholder or holder of a voting trust certificate. Any
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inspection and copying under this Section 8.04 may be made in person, by an agent or
attorney of the shareholder or holder of a voting trust certificate making the demand.
Section 8.05 Inspection Rights of Directors
A director shall have the absolute right during regular office hours to inspect all
books, records and documents of every kind, and the physical properties of the Company.
This inspection by a director may be made in person or by an agent or attorney, and the
right of inspection includes the right to copy and make extracts of documents.
Section 8.06 Annual Report to Shareholders
For so long as there are fewer than one hundred (100) shareholders of the Company,
the requirement of an annual report to shareholders referred to in Corporations Code
Section 1501 is expressly waived. However, nothing in this provision shall be interpreted as
prohibiting the Board from issuing annual or other periodic reports to the shareholders, as
the Board considers appropriate.