Constitution and By-Laws
Of the
Volunteer Fire Company
Title, Purpose, and Membership
Section 1. This organization shall be known as the South Connellsville Volunteer Fire Company, Incorporated.
Section 2. The purpose of this
Corporation is to protect the life and property of the citizens of
Section 3. There will be ACTIVE, SOCIAL, HONORARY, & JUNIOR MEMBERSHIPS (SEE ARTICLE 9; SECTIONS: 1-4)
Section 4. All memberships shall be open to the public unless two-thirds vote of a quorum order them closed.
Section 5. There will be a LADIES AUXILARY, which will have their own By-Laws and operate independently of the Fire Company. They shall have club privileges and other privileges designated by the Board of Directors. Their class of membership shall be considered active, with restrictions.
Meetings
Section 1. The stated regular meeting of this
Corporation will be held on the third Thursday of each month. Meetings will convene at
Section 2. Five (5) active members shall constitute a quorum to pay everyday bills against the company, (Article 2, Section 6, #1-4 only).Twelve (12) active members are required for regular business. (All meeting consisting of five {5} or more active members are legal meetings)
Section 3. Special meetings of this Corporation will be held when requested in writing, by five (5) active members in good standing, or when deemed necessary by the President and posted as directed by Section 4 of this article. All votes concerning members will be taken by secret ballot.
Section 4. It will be the duty of the Secretary to notify all active members by posting notice of such special meetings, at least two (2) days before the meeting, in two conspicuous places at the Fire Station, and the Clubroom.
Section 5. When special meetings are called, the purpose of the meeting shall be posted as listed in section 4 of this article and only that purpose will be discussed that meeting.
A.
Order of business for Special meetings.
1. Call to
Order, Pledge of Allegiance
2. Fire
Squad
3. Purpose
of the meeting
4. Roll
Call
5. Adjourn
Section 6. Order of business for all Regular meetings shall be:
1. Call to order, Pledge allegiance to the Flag.
2. Fire Squad
3. Reading of Minutes of previous meeting.
4. Financial Secretary’s report
5. Communications
6. Committee Reports/ Elections
7. Unfinished Business
8. New Business
9. For the good of the Company
10. Roll Call
11. Adjournment
Section 7. (A) All motions to be presented to the membership for consideration, other than pertaining to everyday business, will be presented to the Board Of Directors in writing and signed, (items pertaining to the By-Laws, officers, contracts, discipline of a member), (Spending an excess of five hundred ($500.00) dollars or purchasing motions must be accompanied by a fundraising idea to pay for such) before being presented to the membership for their consideration and recommendations to the body. The member may then present their motion and obtain a second; a two-thirds vote of a quorum will be required to pass.
(B) When a motion is made, the President will ask for a second to be given, if no second to the motion the motion will die. After the second is given, the President will ask for questions on the motion. After any questions have been answered the President will ask the body if all in favor. All motions require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the quorum to be passed.
Section 8. The member who proposed a motion originally, and the member who seconded the motion originally may rescind the motion: and two-thirds vote of the Body will be necessary to rescind.
Section 9. Amending or rescinding a motion when original proposer and seconder are not available, (or either one or both refuse to rescind or amend the motion) and the Board Of Directors and Body feel it is for the good of the company to correct the motion, a two-thirds vote of the Body is necessary to amend or rescind, and must be read at one meeting before action is taken.
Section 10. Robert’s Rules of
Order (most current edition) shall be the Authority in all points of
Parliamentary procedure not covered by these By-laws that may arise.
Board of Directors
Section 1. Board of Directors shall consist of all Elected Officers and a club director. The President shall call a meeting when he deems necessary for the good of the company as directed in Article 2 section 4: and also must meet monthly before regular meetings. The officers shall be responsible for the management of company’s business upon direction received from the membership, and enforce the laws. Seven Directors shall constitute a quorum for a BOD meeting. All directors will be notified by posted notice two (2) days in advance of special meetings.
Section 2. The Board of Directors shall have the right to spend up to five hundred ($500.00) dollars on equipment, repair, or replacement without approval of the membership. The Chief may spend up to five hundred ($500.00) dollars in emergency repairs or replacement. Each must report such to the membership at the next meeting. (Emergency funds may not be combined).
Section 3. The Board of Directors will review the following prior to presenting to the membership with their recommendations for disposal.
1. All expenditures, Investments
2. Contracts
3. By-Laws
4. Suspension or Dismissal of a member
5. Grievance of a member
6. Operation of the company
7. Any proposal to the Borough Council
8. Any proposal to the Ladies Auxiliary
Section 4. The Board of Directors will have the right and final say without going to the membership on the suspension or dismissal of SOCIAL members for violation of the By-Laws, club rules, and conduct unbecoming a member.
Section 5. The Board of Directors will set all wages to be paid to the employees of the Corporation.
Section 6. The Board of Directors can establish other rules for the Club Directors if they feel it is in the best interest of the Corporation.
Section 7. The Board of Directors can remove a Club Director from his/her position if they fail to follow the By-Laws or other rules or if they are ineffective in their position.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Section 1. Any ACTIVE member of this Corporation in good standing shall be eligible to hold office, subject to the restrictions set forth in these By-Laws, but no member shall be eligible to hold two (2) elected offices simultaneously. No employee of this Corporation shall be eligible to hold any office of the Board of Directors of this Corporation. Any Member nominated for office must notify in writing of his intentions if not present at the meeting. They must have attended two thirds (2/3) of the regular meetings (to include excused absence) in the year to qualify for nomination.
Section 2. Any elected officer who shall be absent from three (3) consecutive regular and /or Board of Directors meetings without a written excuse acceptable to the members prior to the third meeting, his office shall be declared vacant.
Section 3. Only Active members having three (3) years Active service as a line officer, (or an ex-chief of this company) and living within one (1) drivable mile of the Borough; shall be eligible for election to the office of Chief.
Section 4. Only Active
members having five (5) years Active service, and living in
the Borough, shall be eligible for election to the office of
President.
Section 5. Only Active members having three (3) years service, in good standing, and having at least “The Essentials” class, or previous line officer, may hold office of First Assistant Chief, Second Assistant Chief, Fire Captain, First Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant, and Safety Officer.
Section 6. (A) Only members having three (3) years service, in good standing, may hold the positions of Vice President, Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Trustee positions.
(B) The executive officers shall rank
as follows
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Recording Secretary
4. Financial secretary
5. 1 year trustee
6. 2 year trustee
7. 3 year trustee
Section 7. Active members in good standing, after 1 year of probation, (dues paid and not under suspension) are eligible to cast votes. (Probation members have a voice at meetings, except voting)
Section 8. Nominations shall be open at the regular meeting night in November, at which time said nominee would have the right to decline this nomination.
Section 9. Nominations shall be accepted at regular meeting night in December, during which the meeting election will also be held. The President will close the nominations.
Section 10. Officers upon retiring from office must turn all property pertaining to their office over to the Trustees.
Vacancies
Section 1. (A.) Vacancies will be filled temporarily by the President, excluding line officers.
(B.) Vacancy for President shall be appointed by the Vice President and election to follow section 3 of this article
Section 2. Vacancies for line offices will be filled temporarily by the Chief.
Section 3. Election for the vacancies will be held on the first regular meeting night after that office has been declared vacant or by special meeting of the membership. Notice of such election to fill the vacancy to be given by posting. Follow Election process in Article 4 of these By-Laws.
Duties of Elected officers
Section 1. The Elected officers of this corporation shall be: President, Vice President, Financial Secretary, Recording Secretary, 1-2-3 year Trustees, Fire Chief, First Assistant Chief, Second Assistant Chief, Fire Captain, First Fire Lieutenant, Second Fire Lieutenant, and Safety Officer. Dues are given to all elected officers.
Section 2. President: (2 year term) It will be the duty of the President to call all regular and special meetings; to preside at all meetings; to preserve order; to decide all points of order that may arise. Sign all warrants on the treasury; post a list for sign up on committees; to cast the deciding vote in the case of a tie vote; he will cast a vote on all secret ballots and to perform all other duties that the Corporation may direct.
Section 3. Vice President: It will be the duty of the Vice-President to assist the President in preserving order during meetings, and preside in the absence of the President; he will be in charge (with chief, and Recording Sec) of all probationary members, and report performance of probationary members to the membership quarterly.
Section 4. Recording Secretary: It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary to keep a true and accurate record of all proceedings of the meetings of this Corporation. To have charges of, and locking up of, the Corporations files; to conduct the Corporation’s correspondence; to call roll at all meetings, and perform other duties as the Corporation may direct. He will also be in charge (with chief, and Vice President) of all probationary members. For the faithful performance of these duties, he shall receive such amount, as the Board of Directors shall designate.
Section 5. Financial Secretary: It will be the duty of the Financial Secretary to receive all money coming into the Corporation from dues and otherwise. He will keep a true and accurate record (with Recording Secretary) of the amount of dues received from the members, and of all financial transactions; to sign all warrants of the treasury. He will honor only the orders on treasury bearing the signature of the President and or the Vice-President, and the Financial Secretary (two of three signatures) He will keep books in shape for auditors every month, and perform other duties as the Corporation may direct. For the faithful performance of these duties, he shall receive such amount, as the Board of Directors shall designate.
Section 6. Trustees: It will be the duty of the Trustees to care for the Corporations property and keep it intact, and report on the condition of the same quarterly. They will handle the rental of the upstairs hall, and perform other duties, as the Corporation shall direct.
Section 7. Chief: (2 year term) The chief will have supervision of the corporation at all turnouts and fires. It will be his duty to be at all fires and turnouts possible to see that every member does his duty. He will make a detailed report of all activities performed under the direction of the line officers each month to the Corporation and to the Borough Council. He will be responsible for the working conditions of all fire fighting equipment, and keep track of all probationary members (with Vice-President and Secretary) and report such quarterly.
Section 8. Assistant Chiefs: It will be the duty of the Assistant Chiefs to assist the Chief in the discharge of his duties. They will be held responsible with the Chief for the condition of the Company’s emergency equipment. In the Chief’s absence they will have full charge, and perform all duties of the Chief.
Section 9. Fire Captain: The Captain will have charge of the Corporation under the Chief’s orders at all turnouts, and see that the Chief’s orders are carried out. He will have charge of the firefighters on the nozzle when water is being played on the fire. He will be sure that members are trained thoroughly, in cooperation with Chief. In the absence of his superiors he will be in charge.
Section 10. Fire Lieutenants. The Lieutenants will have charge of the hose and water supply while water is being played on the fire, and assist the Captain in the discharge of his duties.
Section 11. Safety Officer: The Safety Officer will make sure all active members on equipment are properly trained. They will observe all fires and disasters to see that every active member is operating safely, and that the equipment is in safe operating condition. They will establish the rules for safe conduct of the membership and submit to the active membership for approval. To report hazardous condition to the officer in charge, handle all accident reports.
Section 12. Line officers shall rank and assume charge as follows:
1.
Chief
2.
First
Assistant Chief
3.
Second
Assistant Chief
4.
Captain
5.
First Fire
Lieutenant
6.
Second Fire
Lieutenant
7.
Safety
Officer
Duties of Appointed Officers
Section 1. The President will appoint the following: Historian, Sergeant of Arms, and Chaplin. The Chief will appoint the Following: Rescue Captain, Fire Police Captain First Aide Captain, Chief may appoint as many other needed positions pertaining to fire. The duties of such office will be specified by the chief in writing, and approved by the Body.
Section 2. Club Directors: The Club Directors (3 members) will be appointed by the President. They are responsible for the management and operation of the clubroom. Present all requests for equipment to the Board of Directors, to establish club rules and post them. (The President shall not be a club director)
Section 3: Historian: It shall be the duty of the Historian to keep a written record of all activities and functions of this Company other than regular and special meetings.
Section 4. Chaplain: The President at the first regular meeting in January will appoint The Chaplain. (If available), he will conduct opening and closing exercises at all regular meetings. He will visit the sick, and conduct services for deceased members.
Section 5. Sergeant at Arms: will be appointed by the President, two (2) required. It will be the duty of the Sergeant-at–Arms to have charge of the door and allow only members and such visitors as the chair may direct to enter the meeting. He will assist the presiding officer to keep order at all times, at all meetings.
Section 6. Rescue Captain: Will be appointed by the Chief. He is responsible to set training for rescue, and for maintaining rescue equipment by checking it monthly.
Section 7. Fire Police Captain: The fire Police Captain will be appointed by the Chief. The Fire Police Captain may appoint as many members to the police force as he feels necessary to operate. They will have full police powers allowed under the law at all Fire Company alarms, or public affairs of the Fire Company.
Section 8. First Aide Captain: Will be appointed by the Chief. He is responsible to set training for First aide, CPR, and other medical training, and for maintaining all medical equipment on trucks, and in station.
Section 9. All appointed officers will be responsible for their dues.
Committees
Section 1. At the first regular meeting in January, the President will appoint the following Committees with the approval of the body; Bingo, Entertainment, Playground, Booster, Grievance, Purchasing, Relief Association. And the President shall appoint the remaining committees and may create, appoint and dismiss committees as deemed necessary for the good of the company.
Section 2. Audit Committee: Shall consist of three (3) active members appointed by The Board of Directors. They will meet Quarterly before the regular meeting to review previous Quarters records of the Financial Secretary, verifying all deposits and transactions, and all other monies, matching with all documentation. They will have full access to committee boxes, to perform proper audit. (Excluding Trustees)
Section 3. Bingo Committee: Consisting of no less than seven (7) active members. It shall have charge of the bingo held at the Fire Station, and Special Bingos (excluding carnivals). It shall meet quarterly.
Section 4. Entertainment Committee: Shall consist of no less than seven (7) active members. They will have charge of all functions except the management and operations of the clubroom, and functions of the bingo committee; for the purpose of raising money and promoting good will among members and the community. It shall meet at least Quarterly.
Section 5. Playground Committee: Shall consist of three (3) active members. They will be on the borough council playground committee.
Section 6. Booster Committee: Shall consist of five (5) active members with a minimum of three (3) meeting daily during regular business hours. They will maintain true and accurate records of Small Games of Chance in the club. They will report monthly to the Body.
Section 7. Grievance Committee: It shall consist of three (3) active members who shall not be members of the Board of Directors. Their duties are to examine into such complaints and petitions presented against ACTIVE members as may be referred to them. A report thereon within thirty (30) days together with their recommendations to the BOD, who will in turn present to the membership for disposal.
Section 8: Purchasing Committee: Consisting of all officers for authorized spending, all receipts must be turned into Financial Secretary.
Section 9: Relief Association: It will consist of seven (7) members, appointed by the President, then voted on by the Corporation. They will be responsible for the management of the Relief Association, and have their own By-Laws.
Section 10: Investigation
committee on Applications: It shall consist of five (5) active members
appointed by the President, (not in an open meeting) with a minimum of three
(3) who will investigate all applications for all membership. Committee will
hold applications for ACTIVE memberships for a minimum of thirty (30) days for
the purpose of conducting a thorough investigation. Committee will report its
findings directly to the President, who will give the committee report for
them.
Section 11: (A) All committees of this Corporation will elect their own chairman who shall be an ACTIVE member and submit a written report to the Corporation on any activities involving finances on a monthly basis. All committees must have approval of the Corporation on any activities that will have expenditures.
(B)
Committee chairmen and their members shall be responsible for the management of
their committee. They will submit a
written financial report for audit each month. They will see that all funds
collected in the name of the Fire Company will be turned over to the Financial
Secretary without delay.
Section 12. All members receiving tickets to sell will sign their name when receiving and will be responsible for ticket money. Ticket money, or unsold tickets must be turned in three (3) days in advance of the date ticket goes off. Members not turning in all ticket money after fifteen (15) days of the date the ticket goes off will be suspended until all money is paid back.
Section 13. There will be (3) three active members, assigned by the Chief to attend the Fayette County Firemen’s Association Meetings, and report to the membership of said meeting.
Section 14. There will be one (1) member and one (1) alternate member assigned by the Chief to attend the Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association meetings, and report to the membership of said meeting.
Memberships
Section 1. ACTIVE: An applicant shall be a person
of good character, and repute, eighteen (18) years of age or over preceding his
application for membership. Said applicant shall be able and willing to live up
to such rules and regulations as may be adopted by the Board of Directors for
such classification from time to time. The application for membership must be
submitted on the prescribed form, and signed personally by the applicant. The application must be accompanied by the
current dues of ten ($10.00) dollars.
Said applicant must in one year participate in fifty (50%) percent of
all training offered; and must attend classes on First Aide, and use of
equipment. They must attend
Section 2: Social Members: A social
member may be a person twenty-one (21) years or older. Activities are limited to clubroom and social
activities. They are not required to
answer emergency calls or ride equipment and have no meeting privileges.
Section 3: Junior Membership: Consisting of Six (6) members from the ages of fourteen to age eighteen: They are considered Probationary members. They have no voice in meetings. Be monitored by the Chief, Vice President, and Secretary, and be governed by Pennsylvania Jr. Firemen’s Guidelines.
Section 4: Honorary Membership: An Honorary member shall be a person of good moral character and repute, who by word of act has been or may be working for the benefit of this Corporation. When an ACTIVE member presents the name of a prospective honorary member, said name shall be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will refer the name to the membership for approval. When a person is proposed for honorary membership, he shall be elected again on a yearly basis. Honorary members have same rights and privileges of the active membership except they have no voice and no vote at meetings.
Section 5. All Active members must serve one (1) year probation. The Chief will give a quarterly report and at the end of one year of the probation period the Chief will give a report on said member (with findings from probation committee) before the vote is taken. Such vote will be taken by secret ballot. All active members present and in good standing must vote on applicant. 2/3 vote is required. (Only one vote will be taken).
Election to membership
Section 1. When an application for active membership is
received the same shall not be mentioned by any member, to any person not a
member of this Company other than in the course of investigation,
until decision is made thereon and not then unless the applicant is
accepted. If member discloses the
rejection of an application to any person not a member of the Corporation, such
person shall be suspended form the Corporation. Following suspension guidelines.
Section 2. An Investigation Committee will be assigned to said applicant, and be requested to investigate such member. The report of an Investigation Committee on applications for membership shall receive formal action by the Corporation, the same as for the committee report.
Section 3. The Chief, and his officers will interview, and investigate all ACTIVE memberships before being presented to the Body.
Section 4. All applications for membership shall be balloted for after reports of committees, whether it is favorable or unfavorable by the Investigation Committee.
Section 5. All active members present, and not serving on probation, in good standing must vote on applicants.
Section 6. When a ballot for membership is to be taken, it is the duty of the President to see that the ballot box contains a sufficient number of white balls to elect and at least one-fourth as many black balls as there are white. All applications for Active membership, after proper report of the Investigating Committee, shall be balloted for individually by secret ballot. With regard to all applications, if all balls deposited shall be white or not more than two (2) black balls appearing, the applicants shall be declared elected. Should three (3) or more black balls appear, the ballot shall be renewed immediately only once.
Section 7. When a ballot for
membership is to be taken, it is the duty of the President to see that the
ballot box contains a sufficient number of white balls to elect and at least
one-fourth (1/4) as many black balls as there are white. All applications for Social membership, after
proper report of the Investigating Committee, shall be balloted for
collectively by secret ballot. With
regard to all applications, if all balls deposited shall be white or not more
than two (2) black balls appearing, the allocation of the collective applicants
shall be declared elected. Should three
(3) or more black balls appear, the ballot shall be renewed immediately
individually.
Section 8. In taking the ballot for membership the President shall direct the Sergeant-at Arms to prepare the ballot box and present it to the Vice-President who will see that the compartment in wherein the ballot is to be taken is clear. The box will then be taken to the President to verify the inspection. The president shall then announce the purpose of the ballot, and deliver the following: “Brothers, you are about to decide upon the election of (NAME) for membership in this Corporation. Before voting, let me impress upon you the solemnity of casting your ballot. Let no religious, personal, or political prejudice influence you in you decision. Remember that white balls elect and black balls reject. Be careful how you vote.” The president shall then cast his vote.
Section 9. The Sergeant-at-Arms will then place the ballot box where voting cannot be observed by the members other than the member voting. Qualified members will then cast their ballots. After all have returned to their places, the President will say: “Have all members voted? If so, I declare the ballot box closed”. The Sergeant at arms will then present the box to the Vice-President, who will announce the result of the voted, and to the President to verify the Vice-President’s report.
Section 10. If a member makes a mistake, and deposits a
ball of a different color from what he intends, he must announce the fact
before the ballot is closed. For after
such declaration is made, the ballot cannot be reopened, or reconsidered.
Section 11. A rejected applicant for membership or any member of the body has no right of appeal from the ballot.
Section 12. A member wishing to switch membership status must request an application for the membership they wish to switch to. Said applicant must then be treated as a new applicant, and must be taken to the Body for voting. (If the members switch is rejected, said member would remain a member, as they were prior).
Section 13: Rejected applicants must wait six (6) months before reapplying for membership.
Dues and Withdraw Cards
Section 1.Dues of this corporation will be as follows:
(A) ACTIVE, JUNIOR MEMBERSHIPS will
all be ten dollars ($10.00).
(B) Social dues shall be $15.00
Section 2. Dues are payable prior to the last day of February. After March 1st, if the members dues are not paid, they shall be dropped from membership and will have to reapply to obtain membership. Said member must pay back dues, and current dues before being reconsidered for membership.
Section 3. The dues for membership in the Corporation shall be adjusted each year by the membership at the July regular meeting, and posted in the Fire Station and Clubroom
Section 4. Withdrawal cards are available for any ACTIVE member, upon request from said member. Any member holding a withdrawal card may, on his return, deposit such card with the Secretary and resume his active membership.
Section 5. Members, whose dues are paid in advance of the withdrawal card, are entitled to a refund of such advance dues.
Section 6. Years spent inactive, with withdrawal card, will not count as years of service.
Section 7. In other cases application for withdrawal cards shall be made either personally or in writing to this Corporation, and a card there upon granted by vote of the Corporation providing the member is clear on the dues book and company property, under no charge, and there be no legal or well-founded objections.
Section 8.All Members on Active Military duty: dues are automatically paid for by the Company for those members serving, and remain on Roster.
Privileges and Duties
Section 1. It shall be the duty of every member to obey all commands of the officers while on duty, or representing the Fire Company, and to know their By-Laws.
Section 2. It shall be the duty of the first member arriving at the Fire Station after an alarm has been received to assume command until relieved by an officer. It will be the duty of every member to carry out their orders the same as an officer.
Section 3. It shall be the duty of every member to assist at the scene of a fire or other disaster. The Fire Chief can call for assistance from the public if he deems necessary.
Section 4. The President and Chief or their designated representative are the only members to approach Borough Council in the name of the Fire Company.
Section 5. The President or Chief will make arrangements for the ritual service of deceased Active members, as per families wishes. The clubroom will be closed during service. The Fire Company will send a floral tribute, the Black Flag will be flown, the Ladies Axially are also included.
Section 6. The President or Club Directors will see that get-well cards are put out for sick or all injured members. They may, if they deem necessary, place a solicitation jar for members as a good will jester in the clubroom.
Section 7. The Fire Chief will see that the Borough is protected by a fire engine in the Borough at all times.
Section 8. (A)Twenty year or more members with active service shall have their dues paid by the Company for life. They shall have all voting privileges and can hold all offices if qualified. The fire Company shall buy service badges for Twenty (20), Thirty (30), Forty (40), and Fifty (50) Year members.
(B)
To qualify for a twenty year membership status, Active members must perform
twenty hours of service each year for the fire company. If they fail to perform
such service an extra year will be added to their time they need to qualify.
They must qualify each year. All classes of service will count. The President
will appoint a committee of active members, the Committee chairman will submit
a report to the Recording secretary quarterly for a report to the body at the
regular monthly meeting. (C) This
section will not apply to active members already obtaining Twenty year
memberships. Credit will be given as follows.
1. Regular meetings 3
hours
2. Special meetings 3
hours
3. Holding an office 20
hours
4. Committee work or
meetings 2
hours or time accrued
5. Ticket Sales every 25 tickets 2 hours or time accrued at locations
6. Bingo work (full
night) 5
hours
7. Fire station or
equipment clean up/checks 2 hours
or time accrued
8. Fire alarm,
stand-bys included 4
hours or time accrued
9. Training 2
hours or time accrued
10. Cutting grass at
club or playground 3
hours or time accrued
11. Cleaning around
station or club 2
hours
12. Any other work set up 2
hours or time accrued
13. Attending election of
officers 5
hours bonus
The committee will keep track of time accrued and compile a list of the
members time each quarter.
Section 9. It is the duty of the President to oversee all committees and club directors, and to make sure members of such are doing their job.
Suspension or Dismissal
Section 1. Any member or officer in violation of the following rules will be written up to the membership by any member observing a violation of the following rules and will be subject to suspension or dismissal.
Section 2.
1. By-Laws
2. Divulging Fire Company business to any outside source
3. Negligence of duty
4. Conduct unbecoming a member
5. Theft of Fire Company property
6. Misuse of equipment
7. Defacing Fire Company property
8. Defrauding the Fire Company
9. Violation of Club rules
10. Violation of House rules
11. Destroying Fire Company property
12. Appearing at a meeting of the Corporation or on duty under the influence.
13. Using insulting or indecent language while on duty, at meetings, or representing the Fire Company.
14. Buying or selling or lending any property belonging to the Fire Company unless directed to do so by the Corporation.
15. Failure to turn in ticket money when requested (lost tickets are no excuse).
16. Failure to keep dues up to date.
Section 3. These rules will be followed: It will take a two-thirds vote of a twelve (12)-member quorum to suspend or dismiss a member of the Fire Company. Voting will be done by secret ballot.
Section 4. The President of the Fire Chief may suspend any member at once if they deem necessary for the good of the Fire Company, but must follow the following rule (section 5) within forty-eight hours.
Procedure
Section 5. When an officer or member is written
up for a violation by another member, they shall deliver, in person, to the President
or subordinate, in writing and signed, the charges against the member or
officer. The President or subordinate in his absence will appoint three (3)
active members of the fire company to investigate the charges immediately. If
the charges against the member are found to be of substance, the President or
subordinate will suspend the member in question within three (3) days or sooner
of charges being filed. Said member will be notified, in person, by two active
members, or by mail of suspension.
Section 6. Suspension The President or subordinate member of the
Board of Directors shall call a meeting of said board ( seven members shall
constitute a quorum) within one (1) week of charges being filed more sooner to
investigate the charges against the member. The accused member will be
notified, in person, by two (2) active members, or by mail of said meeting. If
unable to attend in person they will be given two (2) more chances to attend.
If they refuse, they will be subject to dismissal or suspension by the fire
company membership. The Board of Directors shall weigh the evidence and reach a
decision on the charges if sufficient evidence is found. They will present it
to the membership for disposal with their recommendation. A twelve (12) member
quorum of the body will be necessary. If sufficient evidence is not found they
will dismiss the charge.
Section 7. Suspension time will start on the date that the BOD made decision.
Section 8. Suspensions will be as followed:
1. First Violation 30 day suspension
2. Second Violation 60 day suspension
3. Third Violation 90 day suspension
4. Fourth Violation 1 year suspension and one-year probation.
5. Fifth Violation – Membership termination.
Section 9. Appeal: A suspended or dismissed member shall have the right to appeal their suspension or dismissal to the Grievance Committee. They will meet with said member and investigate their case. They will report their findings to the BOD. The BOD will review their findings and render a decision on the matter. If they find substance in the findings, they will present it to the membership for FINAL disposal.
Amendments
Section 1. This Constitution and By-Laws may be altered, amended or changed, or new By-Laws may be adopted by a two –thirds vote at a regular or special purpose meeting provide the proposed changes have been read at two (2) consecutive previous stated meetings, or by a two-thirds vote of the BOD, whenever, in their judgment, they may consider such a change or changes as beneficial to the operation of the Corporation, providing that the BOD may not alter, amend, or change these By-Laws with regard to matters related specifically to their office. The BOD may not except by the unanimous vote, taken any action under this authority unless the proposal has been before the BOD in writing for at least (90) ninety days. Changes made in these By-Laws by the BOD will be subject to confirmation by the majority vote at the next regular meeting of the Corporation. All active members will be notified of the said proposed changes by posting at Station and Club.
Article of Incorporation
Section 1. In the unlikely event the Company could no longer afford to provide services, or services are no longer needed, this statement will serve as notice to provisions of payment to all creditors and the disbursement of any remaining monies and or property in accordance with the wishes of the members of the South Connellsville Vol. Fire Company.
Section 2. All assets will be liquidated and all
creditors will be paid in full immediately to preserve the credit and
reputation of this Corporation. Any
remaining money from the liquidation will be donated in the name of this
Corporation to the
By-Law Committee
Chair – Scott Sage David G Wiltrout
John Shearer Steve Helms
Tom Corvin Terry Brooks
Rich McDougle