Statutes of the association

ARTICLE 1 - NAME

An association governed by the law of July 1, 1901, and the decree of August 16, 1901, is founded between the members adhering to these statutes, titled: *Centipede-RTK*, abbreviated as *CRTK*.

ARTICLE 2 - PURPOSE / OBJECTIVES

This scientific and collaborative association aims to:

Research, develop, test, optimize, document, and publish free-licensed software and solutions enabling the exploitation of RTK technology;
Promote and support scientific research in the development and use of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) technologies under free licenses by collaborating closely with humanitarian organizations, governmental institutions, universities, and research bodies and laboratories to maximize the impact and accessibility of these technologies;
Conduct studies and disseminate technologies aimed at improving the accuracy of satellite geo-positioning measurements by adopting a “geo-commons” approach that considers these technologies as shared scientific resources to be preserved, enriched, and shared widely;
Facilitate free and global access to RTK technology by ensuring it can be deployed worldwide, including in developing countries, with a perspective of equitable access to scientific and technological progress;
Serve the public interest by contributing to scientific and technological advancements in GNSS and RTK, thereby fostering innovation in various sectors, including agriculture, while strengthening the link between fundamental research and practical applications.

ARTICLE 3 - REGISTERED OFFICE

The registered office is established at [redacted for privacy], France. It may be relocated by simple decision of the board.

ARTICLE 4 - DURATION

The duration of the association is unlimited.

ARTICLE 5 - COMPOSITION

The association is composed of founding members, honorary members, and active members.

"Founding members" are the individuals who participated in the creation of the association, namely:

Mr. Stéphane Péneau
Mr. Philippe Bourcier
Mr. Raphaël Boukris

They are not exempt from the annual membership fee. They are eligible and have the right to participate in all meetings with voting rights.

"Honorary members" are those who participated in the creation of the association or made significant contributions to its projects but do not have executive roles, namely:

Mr. [redacted for privacy]
Mr. Pierre Beyssac
Mr. [redacted for privacy]

They are exempt from the annual membership fee. They are not eligible but may attend meetings with a consultative vote (they cannot participate in voting). They are appointed for life by unanimous decision of the board. They may suspend or terminate their membership/appointment at any time by notifying the board.

"Active members" are individuals or legal entities. They pay the annual fee set by the board. They are eligible for the board and have the right to participate in all meetings with voting rights.

Honorary members and other membership categories such as donors or benefactors (companies, research centers, for example), with or without voting rights, may be added by simple decision of the board.

ARTICLE 6 - MEMBERSHIP

All new memberships to the association are subject to approval by two-thirds of the board members. Membership or financial participation through specialized online platforms or other means allows for active member application without any condition or distinction. Rejected memberships will be communicated to the concerned applicants by the board.

ARTICLE 7 - RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS

Active members have the right to participate in the association's activities, vote, and run for elections as long as they are up to date with their membership fee. They are also required to comply with the association's statutes.

ARTICLE 8 - SUSPENSION, EXCLUSION, AND PERMANENT REMOVAL OF MEMBERS

Any member who fails to meet their obligations towards the association or damages its image may be suspended, excluded, or permanently removed by the board after being called upon to provide an explanation. The decision will be notified via email with acknowledgment of receipt. No membership fees will be refunded in these cases.

ARTICLE 9 - RESIGNATION

Any member may resign by any means, including sending an email to a board member or by not renewing their membership on its anniversary. The resignation takes effect upon receipt of the request by the board, and no membership fees will be refunded.

ARTICLE 10 - MEMBERSHIP FEES

Active members are those who are current with their membership fees. The first-year fee is set at €10. This amount may be modified at each general assembly. The fees will be recorded in the General Assembly's minutes and published on the association's website through its membership platform.

ARTICLE 11 - RESOURCES

The association's resources include:

Membership fees;
Donations from individuals, companies, associations, and foundations;
Government, regional, and municipal subsidies;
Any other resources allowed by current laws and regulations.

ARTICLE 12 - ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The ordinary general assembly includes all members of the association. It meets annually. At least ten days before the scheduled date, members are notified by email. The president, assisted by the board, chairs the assembly and presents the association's moral or activity report. The treasurer reports on financial management and submits the annual accounts for approval. The assembly sets the amount of membership fees. Only agenda items decided by the board may be discussed. Decisions are made by a majority of votes from present or represented members entitled to vote. Abstentions, blank, or invalid ballots are not counted in the majority calculation. The president’s vote has the deciding weight in the event of a tie.

ARTICLE 13 - EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The president may convene an extraordinary general assembly if necessary or upon the request of more than half of the registered members. The meeting is held following the same rules as the ordinary general assembly, with decisions limited to statute modifications or dissolution.

ARTICLE 14 - BOARD

The association is managed by a board of three members elected for two years by the general assembly, with unlimited reelection. The board may meet as needed. The board consists of a president, a secretary, and a treasurer.

Upon formation, the board will consist of the following individuals:

President: Mr. Stéphane Péneau
Secretary and Vice-President: Mr. Philippe Bourcier
Treasurer and Vice-President: Mr. Raphaël Boukris

ARTICLE 15 - COMPENSATION

All roles, including those of board members, are voluntary. Only expenses incurred during the mandate are reimbursed upon submission of receipts. The financial report presented to the general assembly details the reimbursement of mission, travel, or representation costs.

ARTICLE 16 - DISSOLUTION

In case of dissolution, a liquidator is appointed, and any remaining assets are allocated to a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting RTK technology. No member of the association can receive any part of the remaining assets.

ARTICLE 17 - LIBERALITIES

The association may receive donations or legacies, which the president is authorized to accept, in compliance with legal provisions.

ARTICLE 18 - ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT

An annual report, including the accounts, is published on the association's website.

ARTICLE 19 - INTERNAL REGULATIONS

Internal regulations may be adopted to address aspects not covered by the statutes.