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BY-LAWS
OF
Montgomery County, Maryland Firefighters
Pipes and Drums Band, Inc.
ARTICLE I - ORGANIZATION
1. The
name of this organization shall be Montgomery County, Maryland Firefighters
Pipes & Drums, Inc.
2. The organization shall have a seal which shall
be in the following form:
3. The
organization may at its pleasure by a vote of three fourths of the membership
body change its name.
ARTICLE II - NAME, PURPOSE AND STATUS
A. Name. This organization shall be
known as MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND FIREFIGHTERS PIPES & DRUMS, INC. The name of this organization, or any part
thereof, or derivative therefrom, may be employed only in connection with the
official activities of this organization. This name shall be used when
conducting all official business with the any local, state, or federal
entities. The MONTGOMERY COUNTY,
MARYLAND FIREFIGHTERS PIPES & DRUMS, INC. may be referred to in the
following bylaws as the unit, the corporation, or the band interchangeably. For the purposes of advertising, merchandise,
and general reference, the band shall be known as the MONTGOMERY COUNTY
FIREFIGHTERS PIPES AND DRUMS (MCFFP&D).
B.
Purpose. The Montgomery
County Firefighters Pipes & Drums is a non-stock membership corporation
organized under the laws of Maryland and the Corporations and Associations
Article of the Code of Maryland. It is
committed to three primary purposes:
- To preserve and to
perpetuate the Fire Service Scottish and Irish heritage both within the
county and away.
- To preserve and
promote the traditional music of the Scottish highland pipes and drums.
- To promote
excellence of performance in piping and drumming, both in its appearance
as a band and in the playing of individual members.
In all other purposes and respects, it is organized
to carry out any other lawful purpose permitted under Maryland law for a
nonstock membership corporation.
C.
Status. The MONTGOMERY
COUNTY, MARYLAND FIREFIGHTERS PIPES & DRUMS INC. is a Non-Profit
Organization in accordance with Local, State and Federal Law.
D.
Discrimination. The MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND FIREFIGHTERS
PIPES AND DRUMS, INC. will not discriminate on the basis of race, gender,
religion, disability, or affiliation.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
A.
Eligibility for Membership
A(1). Eligibility for Charter Member, Active
Member, or Student Member. To be a charter, active, or student member of
this corporation, the member must currently be, or have retired as, a
Montgomery County Police Officer, Sheriff’s Deputy, Firefighter or EMT,
Rockville City Police Officer, City of Takoma Park Police Officer, Gaithersburg
City Police Officer, or a Maryland State Trooper or Maryland National Capitol
Area Park Police Officer that routinely serves within Montgomery County. All active or retired Firefighters or EMT’s
must fall within the guidelines of the IECS system posted by the MCFRS Fire
Chief. All members must be in good standing within their respective department,
or, if retired, must have been in good standing within their respective
department at the time of his/her retirement. All current Career and Volunteer
Fire and Rescue personnel, as well as Career retirees and Volunteers drawing
LOSAP benefits, will be considered candidates for these classes of membership.
Any member transferring from one category to another must be in good standing
with all financial obligations to the band.
A(2). Eligibility for Booster Member, Honorary
Member, or Instructional Member. To
be a booster member, honorary member, or instructional member, one does not
need to meet the requirements of A(1) above, and need only meet those
requirements set forth specifically in the definition of the specific class of
member in section B below.
A(3). Eligibility for Life Members and Inactive
Members. To be a life member or inactive member as
defined below in section B, the member must have immediately previous been an
active member.
A(4). Eligibility
for Family Members. An immediate family member related to any current
charter, active, student, or booster member shall be eligible for membership
under any of the aforementioned categories.
For purposes of this section, an immediate family member shall be
defined as a member’s parent, step-parent, spouse’s parent, spouse, brother,
sister, child, step-child, member’s grandparent, spouse’s grandparent, or legal
guardian.
B.
Classes of membership
There shall be eight classes of membership in
MCFFP&D: Charter member, Active
member, Student member, Booster member, Honorary member, Life member, Inactive
member, and Instructional member.
B(1).
Charter Member: A Member whose name
appears on the membership rolls of the organization prior to January 1, 2006 shall
be a charter member. A charter member
will have voting rights until December 31, 2005. After December 31, 2005, only those members
meeting the requirements for active membership will have voting
privileges. All charter members still on
the membership rolls as of December 31, 2005 will automatically become active
members at the close of business on December 31, 2005 and will retain their identity
as charter members as well for as long as they remain active members.
B(2).
Active Member: All active members must:
- Comply with the
eligibility requirement set forth in Article III(A)(1) above on
eligibility, and
- Be a performing
member of the band. Performing members of the band can include those
students who have been approved to participate at band level or higher as
well as drum majors, and
- Unless transferring
into active member status from another membership class, obtain written
sponsorship of two active or charter members of the band, and
- Receive two thirds
vote of the active members present at a members meeting, said vote which
can include sealed proxy votes of active members.
Only active members have voting privileges after January
1, 2006. Candidates for active
membership transferring from another membership class do not have to pay a
second or additional application fee. All members must meet responsibilities as
states in Article III(C).
B(3).
Student Member: All student members must:
1.
Desire to learn
either the pipes or the drums, and
2.
Aspire to be a
performing member of the band, and
3.
Receive written
sponsorship of at least two active or charter members of the band, and the
sponsoring active or charter member must play the instrument that the student
member intends to play and,
4.
Be interviewed
by the Board of Directors or their designee and receive the recommendations of
the Board of Directors to the active membership, and
5.
Receive two
thirds vote of the active members present at a members meeting, said vote which
can include sealed proxy votes of active members, and
6.
Comply with the
eligibility requirements set forth in Article III(A)(1).
To maintain student membership, student members must
follow through with their training as specified by the pipe major and/or drum
sergeant or their designees. The pipe
major or drum sergeant may recommend the student member for removal from the
band at any time for failure to follow through with appropriate training, or
inability to progress. Expulsion from
the band will be in accordance with Article III(F). In addition to lessons, student members are
expected to participate in fundraising efforts and assist the performing band
with performances and practices as deemed necessary. Student members do not have voting
privileges, but are expected to attend membership meetings. All members must
meet responsibilities as states in Article III(C).
B(4). Booster Member: All booster members must:
1.
Comply with the
eligibility requirements set forth in Article III(A)(2), and
2.
Obtain written
sponsorship of at least two active or charter members of the band, and
3.
Be interviewed
by the executive committee and receive the executive committee’s recommendation
to the active membership, and
4.
Receive two
thirds vote of the active members present at a members meeting, said vote which
can include sealed proxy votes of active members.
It
is the intent of the organization that Booster membership status should be
reserved for individuals who have a desire to contribute to the organization,
but do not wish to be a performing member. Provided that equipment and funds
are available, Booster members will be eligible for band furnished equipment
and travel funds as determined within the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Booster members do not have voting rights, with the exception of the Booster
Member Coordinator stated in Article IV(B)(5).
B(5). Honorary Members: All honorary
members must:
1.
Comply with the
eligibility requirements set forth in Article III(A)(2), and
2.
Obtain written
sponsorship of at least two active or charter members of the band, and
3.
Receive the
recommendations of the Board of Directors to the active membership, and
4.
Receive two
thirds vote of the active members present at a members meeting, said vote which
can include sealed proxy votes of active members.
It is the intent
of the organization that Honorary members have no formal responsibilities and
is reserved for those individuals whom the organization feels has merited
formal recognition of affiliation with the organization. Honorary members will not have voting rights
and honorary members are exempt from responsibilities of membership under
Article III(C)
B(6). Instructional Member: All instructional members shall:
1.
Comply with the
eligibility requirements set forth in Article III(A)(2), and
2.
Obtain written
sponsorship of at least two active or charter members of the band, and
3.
Be interviewed
by the Board of Directors or their designee and receive the recommendation of
the Board of Directors to the active membership, and
4.
Receive two
thirds vote of the active members present at a members meeting, said vote which
can include sealed proxy votes of active members.
Instructional
members do not have voting rights. Instructional
members teach other members in pipes, drums, marching and can participate in
performances and wear the same uniform as band members.
B(7). Life Member:
A life member must have been
a member who has completed a total (not necessarily continuous) of ten years of
membership, other than inactive.
B(8). Inactive Member: All
inactive members must:
1.
Any member
requesting inactive status must apply in writing to the Board of Directors, and
2.
Have all
outstanding debts resolved, and
3.
Must receive
approval from the Board of Directors, and
4.
Be limited to a
period of time not exceed one year, and
5.
Be responsible
for annual dues as stated in Article XI, and
6.
Upon written
request to the Board of Directors, to be re-instated as an active member,
resolve any outstanding debt, or
7.
At the
conclusion of (1) year from the date of attaining inactive status, if no
communications are received by the Board of Directors, be removed from the
membership roster of the MCFF P&D.
C. Responsibilities of membership
Charter members, active members, and student members
must:
1.
Attend Band
practices, meetings, functions, and performances on a regular basis, and
2.
Maintain
uniforms, band equipment, instruments, pipes, and drums in good condition and
repair, and in proper tune, and
3.
Strive to
perform at the highest level of their abilities and conduct themselves publicly
in a manner that positively reflects upon the Band and organization and its
stated purposes, and
4.
Pay all
membership dues in accordance to Article XI- Dues, and
5.
Pay all
instructional fees and/or other debts as assigned by the Band by 30 days of
receipt of debt, and
6.
Members who are
unable to attend a band performance or rehearsal are expected to notify the
Pipe Major, Drum Sergeant, or his/her designee as soon as is practical.
D. Resignation of membership status
Any
member desiring to resign shall submit his resignation in writing to the
Recording Secretary who shall then present it to the Board of Directors for
action. Any member may at any time resign their membership provided all band
properties are returned and outstanding accounts settled according to Article
XI.
E. Individual member suspension
A
member whose conduct is considered detrimental to the interests of the band may
be brought before the Board of Directors for investigation and review. The
Board of Directors will make a report to the active membership at the next
active members meeting after the investigation and report is completed. Any
member, whose conduct is under investigation, may be placed under suspension by
the Board of Directors until such report is presented to the active
membership. The active members at said
meeting shall vote by a two thirds vote of members present (which can include
sealed proxy votes) to approve, reject, or modify the report of the Board of
Directors to suspend the member. Any complaint arising out of conduct believed
to be detrimental to the interests of the band shall be received by any member
of the Board of Directors no later than (1) year after the alleged event
occurred. Complaints shall not be
arbitrary or capricious in nature. A
suspension may not exceed one year and any vote to extend a suspension beyond
one year shall be considered as an expulsion under Section 3(F) below. A
suspended member has no voting rights.
F. Individual member expulsion
A member whose conduct is considered
detrimental to the interests of the band may be brought before the Board of
Directors for review. The Board of Directors will issue a report to the active
members for consideration at the next active members meeting. Grounds for expulsion shall include, but are
not limited to:
1.
Conduct
of a member detrimental to the interest of the band.
2.
Failure
to pay membership fees within 120 days of when membership fees are due.
3.
Failure
to maintain band equipment, instruments, or uniforms in good condition after
having been requested to return them.
4.
Failure
to follow any reasonable rules or regulations promulgated by the Board of
Directors and approved by a two thirds vote of active members at a regular
active members meeting.
The active members at said meeting shall
vote by a two thirds vote of members present (which can include sealed proxy
votes) to approve, reject, or modify the report of the Executive Committee to
expel the member.
Expelled members shall return all band
property and equipment to the possession of the organization and settle any
outstanding accounts.
ARTICLE
IV - OFFICERS
A.
Elected Officers
The officers of the organization shall
be as follows:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Quartermaster
Piper Major
Drum Sergeant
A(1).
President
The president shall preside at all
membership meetings, by virtue of the office be chairperson of the Board of
Directors, present at each annual meeting of the organization an annual report
of the work of the organization, appoint all committees, temporary or
permanent, see that all books, reports and certificates as required by law are
properly kept or filed, be one of the officers who may sign the checks or
drafts of the organization, and have such powers as may be reasonably construed
as belonging to the chief executive of any organization.
A(2).
Vice President
The vice president shall in the event of
the absence or inability of the president to exercise his or her office become
acting president of the organization with all the rights, privileges and powers
as if he or she had been the duly elected president.
A(3).
Secretary
The secretary shall keep the minutes and
records of the organization in appropriate books, file any certificate
required by any statute, federal or state, give and serve all notices to members
of the organization, be the official custodian of the records and seal of the
organization, be one of the officers required to sign the checks and drafts of
the organization, present to the membership at any meetings any communication
addressed to the secretary of the organization, submit to the Board of
Directors any communications which shall be addressed to the secretary of the
organization, attend to all correspondence of the organization and exercise all
duties incident to the office of secretary.
A(4). Treasurer
The
Treasurer shall have the care and custody of all monies belonging to the
organization, be solely
responsible for such monies or securities of the organization and be one of the
officers who shall sign checks or drafts of the organization. No special fund
may be set aside that shall make it unnecessary for the Treasurer to sign the
checks issued upon it.
The
Treasurer shall render at stated periods as the Board of Directors shall
determine a written account of the finances of the organization and such report
shall be physically affixed to the minutes of the Board of Directors of such
meeting and shall exercise all duties incident to the office of Treasurer.
It shall be the responsibility of the Treasurer to notify
the membership of outstanding dues via electronic mail or standard mail. Any
member may at anytime review their account by requesting an invoice from the
Treasurer.
A(5).
Quartermaster
The quartermaster shall be responsible
for procurement, maintenance and accounting of all band property. He shall
ensure the return, repair, or replacement of property.
A(6).
Pipe Major
The Pipe Major must be a playing member
of the pipe section and must demonstrate good character, musicianship and
leadership ability, and promote the musical growth of the band as a
whole. The powers and duties of the Pipe Major shall include:
1.
To
lead the band in the field in the absence of the Drum Major.
2.
To
assure that the Pipe Major or an appointed assistant is present at each band
practice and performance.
3.
To
be responsible for the selection of tunes and sets from the effective
repertoire. Also to be responsible for the selection of marching routines
in cooperation with the Drum Major and Drum Sergeant.
4.
To
require reasonable competence of execution of the effective repertoire.
5.
To
have the authority to disqualify any member of the pipe section from a
particular engagement because of absenteeism from meetings, inadequacy of
performance, or unfamiliarity with the pertinent repertoire.
6.
To
judge whether a member’s instrument is sufficiently well maintained and tuned
for him/her to participate in a band rehearsal or performance.
7.
To
designate particular settings of each tune that the band is to perform and to
require adherence to those settings.
8.
To
devise a reasonable timetable for the acquisition of new tunes by band members.
9.
To
devise and conduct a program of practice chanter and pipe instruction of
effective repertoire tunes for band members at regular band practices, to
respond to individual need, and at all times exercise the freedom to alter
established routines to meet particular exigencies.
10. To be responsible for monitoring the
progress of participants in the Band Training Program, both first hand as well
as through master class instructors who shall be appointed by the Pipe Major.
11. To appoint an assistant to help in these
duties, and to fill in for the Pipe Major when absent.
12. To work with the Drum Sergeant in a
cooperative manner to accomplish the goals of the band.
13. To decide what performance format and
music will be played at each performance
14. To decide which pipers and how many
drummers will perform at each event, and if a Color Guard or Parade Rig will be
necessary.
15. To set the example for the band.
16. To have final authority in all musical and
performances matters with students and performing members of band.
A(7).
Drum Sergeant
The Drum Sergeant must be a playing
member of the drum section and must demonstrate good character, musicianship
and leadership ability. The powers and duties of the Drum Sergeant shall
include:
1.
To
select or compose drum settings appropriate to the tunes in each of the band’s
three levels of performance.
2.
To
provide the drum section with copies of settings required.
3.
To
require reasonable competence of all rudiments used in band drum settings and
to require demonstration of familiarity with all settings required for a given
performance.
4.
To
have the authority to disqualify any member of the drum section from a
particular engagement because of absenteeism from meetings, inadequacy of
performance, or unfamiliarity with the pertinent repertoire.
5.
To
devise and conduct a program of drumming instruction of effective repertoire
tunes for band members at regular band practices, to respond to individual
need, and at all times exercise the freedom to alter established routines to
meet particular exigencies.
6.
To
follow the Pipe Major’s timetable for acquisition of new tunes and sets.
7.
To
oversee, where practicable, the instruction of bass and tenor drummers.
8.
To
consult with the Pipe Major regarding which, and how many, drummers will be
employed in a given performance.
9.
To
appoint an assistant to help with the outlined duties, and to fill for the Drum
Sergeant when absent.
10. To work with the Pipe Major in a
cooperative manner to accomplish the goals of the band.
11. To set the example for the Drum Section
and the Band.
No person may occupy more than one
Officer position at one time.
No Officer or Director shall for reason
of the office be entitled to receive any salary or compensation.
B. Appointed Positions
The
organization may also have appointed position as follows. Vacancies of these
positions do not have to be filled. Additional appointed positions may be
created and appointed by the Board of Directors as needs dictate. Any appointed position may be revoked, at any
given time during the calendar year, by the authority responsible for
appointing such position.
Drum Major
Pipe Sergeant(s)
Pipe Corporal(s)
Drum Corporal(s)
Band Manager
Booster Member Coordinator
B(1).
Drum Major
The
Drum Major will be appointed by the Board of Directors following
recommendations made by the membership. Selection should follow some type of
audition or qualifier. The Drum Major will be eligible for active membership.
Individuals under consideration should demonstrate good character, exemplary
military appearance, and leadership ability. In addition, candidates should
have a general familiarity with the structure of pipe music, including the
variety of meters, tempos and be familiar with the conventions of Scottish
piping and drumming.
The duties of the Drum Major may include:
1.
To
drill the band in conventional march steps and maneuvers.
2.
To
help the Pipe Major and Drum Sergeant plan programs and to instruct the band in
the execution of performing routines.
3.
To
inspect performance areas and prepare the band for any obstacles to a smooth
performance.
4.
To
inspect uniforms and general appearance of band members, having the prerogative
to disqualify any member from a particular engagement who fails to present a
smart appearance.
5.
To
lead the band on the march, consulting with the Pipe Major about musical
selections and special issues, and dismissing the band.
6.
To
maintain general order and decorum in the ranks.
7.
To
set and regulate the March pace and tempo.
8.
To set
the example for the band.
B(2).
Pipe Sergeant(s)
The Pipe Sergeant is the primary assistant to the
Pipe Major. The Pipe
Sergeant(s) will be appointed by the Pipe Major. Not more than two Pipe
Sergeant(s) will be appointed. Responsibilities of the Pipe Sergeant(s)
include:
- Set the example for
the pipe section
- Assist in the tuning
of the pipe section.
- Assist in the
training of the pipe section, specifically those students not yet on the
pipes.
- Assist in the
maintenance of the bagpipes.
- Performs duties as
directed by the pipe major.
B(3).
Pipe Corporal(s)
The Pipe Major may appoint Pipe Corporals, not more
than two. These appointments may be done as special recognition of ability or
responsibility.
Responsibilities of the Pipe Corporals will be
designated by the Pipe Major.
B(4). Drum Corporal(s)
The
Drum Sergeant may appoint Drum Corporals, not more than two. The Drum
Corporals will assist the Drum Sergeant with his responsibilities to
the band, and will lead the drum section in his absence. These appointments may
be made as special recognition of ability or responsibility. Additional
responsibilities of the Drum
Corporal(S) will be designated by the Drum Sergeant.
B(5). Band Manager
The
Band Manager is appointed by the Board of Directors. The Band Manager
must be an Active or Booster member of the
Band. The Band manager reports directly to the pipe major.
Responsibilities of the Band Manager include:
1.
Plans and
schedules all band events, commitments, and performances, with the approval of
the Pipe Major
2.
Updates and
maintains the band schedule, giving information to the Web Master or Secretary
for posting.
3.
Acts as, or
appoints individuals to act as Event Organizers to coordinate logistics for
band missions and performances, and assist with event planning.
4.
Works with the
Pipe Major to ensure execution of short-term activities as well as develop
long-term plans, policies, and goals.
5.
Supervises
publicity and public relations activities of the band, and ensures the Band’s
activities are appropriately publicized.
6.
Writes, or
coordinates the writing of, appropriate articles on the band for media or
publicity.
7.
Arranges photo
support/coverage of band activities, as appropriate.
8.
Maintains a
positive liaison with local Public Service departments and societies, Celtic
cultural and social organizations, pubs and restaurants, and pipe bands,
9.
Submits a
quarterly written report to the Board of Directors outlining contacts made with
the public and a list of all event requests accepted or denied.
B(6). Booster Member Coordinator
The
Booster Member Coordinator will be appointed by the Board of Directors. The
Booster Member Coordinator must be an active booster member within the band
upon the time of appointment. The
Booster Member Coordinator will report directly to the Band Manager. Responsibilities of the Booster Member
Coordinator include:
1.
Works with the
Band Mgr and/or D/M to coordinate parade banner carriers .
2.
Works with
members of the Fundraising Committee, when appointed, to plan and assisted in
operation of fundraising events.
3.
Works with the
Band Manager to coordinate before and/or after performance venues with the
appropriate contact person for such venues.
4.
Ensures the
availability of water and/or refreshments at performances when required.
5.
Assists in the
upkeep and supplies in the band trailer.
6.
Works with the
Secretary in the delivery of flowers, sympathy cards, and other such
correspondence as directed by the President.
7.
Works to
actively recruit new Booster Members
The
Booster Member Coordinator is the only booster member with voting privileges.
ARTICLE
V - MEETINGS
Regular meetings of this organization will be held
quarterly, or as deemed necessary.
Quarterly
meetings will be held on the second Monday of January, April, July, and
October.
Annual elections of the Board of Directors will be
held at the January meeting.
Nominations for these positions will open at the October meeting.
The presence of not less than 25 percent of active
members shall constitute a
quorum and shall be necessary to conduct the business of this
organization; but a lesser number may adjourn the meeting for a period of not
more than four weeks from the date of the scheduled by these by-laws and the
secretary shall cause a notice of this scheduled meetings to be sent to all
those members who were not present at the meeting originally called. A quorum
as hereinbefore set forth shall be required at any adjourned meeting.
A. Types of Meetings
- Regular:
A periodic business meeting of
the Montgomery County, Maryland Firefighters Pipes and Drums, Inc. held at
their quarterly intervals.
- Special:
A separate business meeting of
the Montgomery County, Maryland Firefighters Pipes and Drums, Inc. held at
a different time than a regular quarterly scheduled meeting, convening
only for the specific purpose noticed in the call to the meeting. Notice
of such meeting shall be mailed or sent via electronic mail (email)
to all members at their address or respective email address as they
appear in the membership roll book at least five but not more 30 days
before the scheduled date set for such special meeting. Such notice shall
state the reasons that such meeting has been called, the business to be
transacted at such meeting and whom called.
At
the request of two or more of the Active Members of the organization, the
President
shall call a special meeting, but such request must be made in writing at least
10 days before the requested scheduled date.
No
other business but that specified in the notice may be transacted at such
special meeting without the unanimous consent of all present at such meeting.
- Annual:
The January meeting of the
Montgomery County, Maryland Firefighters Pipes and Drums, Inc. will be
designated as the Annual Meeting. Its purpose will be to receive reports
of officers and committees, hold elections, take other actions prescribed
in the bylaws, and all normal orders of business of a regular meeting.
- Executive
session: Any meeting or
portion of a meeting of the Montgomery County, Maryland Firefighters Pipes
and Drums, Inc. or the Montgomery County, Maryland Firefighters Pipes and
Drums, Inc. Board of Directors in which proceedings are secret.
ARTICLE VI- BOD
The business of this organization shall be managed
by a Board of Directors consisting of the seven officers of this organization.
The directors for the ensuing terms shall be elected
by the membership at the
January meeting of the organization, and they shall serve for a term of
two years.
Elections of officers will be staggered. In January
of even years, elections will be held for the offices of President, Treasurer,
and Pipe Major. In January of odd years, elections will be held for the offices
of Vice President, Secretary, Quartermaster, and Drum Sergeant. All terms will
last for two years.
The Board of Directors shall have the control and
management of the affairs and business of this organization. Such Board of
Directors shall only act in the name of the organization when it shall be
regularly convened by its chairman after due notice to all the directors of such
meeting.
Three of the members of the Board of Directors shall
constitute a quorum and the meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held
regularly on a quarterly basis at a time to be determined by a majority of the
Board of Directors.
Each director shall have one vote and such voting
may not be done by proxy.
The Board of Directors may make such rules and
regulations covering its meetings as it may in its discretion determine
necessary.
Vacancies in the Board of Directors shall be filled
by a vote of the majority of the remaining members of the Board of Directors
for the balance of the term.
The president of the organization by virtue of the
office shall be chairperson of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors
shall select from one of their number a secretary of the Board of Directors.
A director may be removed when sufficient cause
exists for such removal. The
Board of Directors may entertain charges against any director. A
director may be represented by counsel upon any removal hearing. The Board of
Directors shall adopt such rules as it may in its discretion consider necessary
for the best interests of the organization, for this hearing.
ARTICLE VII – COMMITTEES
All committees except the Executive Committee of
this organization shall be appointed by the President and their term of office
shall be for a period of one year or less if sooner terminated by the action of
the President. The Executive Committee of this organization shall be appointed
by a majority vote of the Board of Directors and shall consist of three
members, only one of whom can be a member of the Board of Directors. The
Executive Committee can receive such assignments and duties as set forth in
these By-Laws and as given to it from time to time by either the majority vote of
the Board of Directors or by the President.
(A)Ex officio:
A
Latin phrase that means “by virtue of office.” The president may serve ex
officio as a member of all committees except the nominating committee.
ARTICLE VIII – ORDER OF BUSINESS
- ROLL CALL
- READING OF THE
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
- REPORTS OF THE
COMMITTEE’S
- REPORTS OF THE
OFFICERS
- REPORT OF THE BAND
MANAGER
- OLD AND UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
- NEW BUSINESS
- GOOD AND WELFARE
9. ADJOURNMENTS
ARTICLE IX - VOTING
At all meetings, except for the election of
officers, directors, and new members,
all votes shall be viva voce, except that for election of officers
ballots shall be provided
and there shall not appear any place on such ballot any mark or marking
that might tend to indicate the person who cast such ballot.
At any regular or special meeting, if a majority is
required, any question may be voted upon in the manner and style provided for
election of officers and directors.
At all votes by ballot the chairman of such meeting
shall immediately prior to the commencement of balloting appoint a committee of
three who shall act as “Inspectors of Election” and who shall at the conclusion
of such balloting certify in writing to the chairperson the results and the
certified copy shall be physically affixed in the minute book to the minutes of
that meeting.
No “Inspector of Election” shall be a candidate for
office or shall be personally interested in the question voted upon.
ARTICLE X - SALARIES
The Board of Directors shall hire and fix the
compensation of any and all employees which they in their discretion may
determine to be necessary in the conduct of the business of the organization.
However, since the organization is a not for profit membership organization, it
is the intent of the organization that salaries and compensation not be paid to
any member, officer, or Board member, or any employee unless such compensation
is approved by a two thirds vote of the active members at a regularly scheduled
meeting of active members.
ARTICLE XI — DUES
A. Application fees-
An
initial application fee of 50.00 is due upon receipt of application to be an
Active, Student, or Booster member of the band. The application fee will be
returned if membership is not granted within 90 days of acceptance of a
completed application with written sponsorship letters. The application fee
will meet the annual dues for the calendar year if they are accepted.
B. Membership (Annual) Dues-
On
January 1 of each calendar year, all members (excluding Honorary and
Instructional) shall pay a $50.00 dues payment. Booster members shall make a
$25.00 dues payment. These dues must be
paid on or before the Annual Meeting. Disciplinary action will be taken if dues
are not paid by the 2nd Quarter Regular Meeting or 90 calendar days
or whichever comes first. This grace period begins the day of the Annual
Meeting.
B(1). Exemption-
A DUE DATE exemption shall be offered to all members
participating in the Montgomery County Employee Federal Credit Union (MCEFCU)/
MCFF Pipes and Drums payroll deduction program.
This exemption is as follows:
1. The member must be enrolled prior to the annual meeting.
2. The member shall notify the Office of the Treasurer via
electronic mail (email) if they wish to
be considered for an exemption.
3. The member shall have a minimum payroll deducted equal to the
annual dues or annual dues plus
their respective instructional dues.
4. This minimum will be calculated by dividing the member’s total
yearly dues by the number of the
member’s number of calendar year pay periods remaining for the current year.
An example of the
exemption:
1. Pipe Member “X” –
-$50 annual dues
-$420 annual instructional dues
-total $470
Member “X” works 26 pay
periods in a calendar year.
$470 divided by 26 pay
periods equals $18.08 deducted per pay period.
2. Booster Member “Y” –
-$25 annual dues
-total $25
Member “Y” works 26 pay
periods in a calendar year.
$25 divided by 26 pay
periods equals .91 cents per pay period (MCEFCU may have a minimum amount
required to be deducted).
3. Drummer Member “Z” –
-$50 annual dues
-$240 annual instructional dues
-total $290
Member “Z” works 26 pay
periods in a calendar year.
$290 divided by 26 pay
periods equals $11.16 deducted per pay period.
The above amounts will vary
depending on when new members join the band.
The Office of the Treasury
will be responsible for determining the exact cost per member.
C. Instructional Dues-
The
Board of Directors may, at any time during the calendar year, require both
Student and Active members to pay instructional fees. Should instructional fees be assessed, such
fees will be divided equally amongst both Student and Active members. Changes in the band roster may cause the
amount of instructional fees to change, at any given time, throughout the
calendar year. Any changes in the fees assessed by the instructor will be
brought before the Board of Directors and a recommendation to the membership
will be made at the next regular meeting. Instructional Dues will be assessed
on a monthly basis and should be paid accordingly. Disciplinary action will be
taken at the next regular meeting if dues are not paid within 90 calendar days
of receipt.
Disputes in assessed dues must be in writing to the
Treasurer and will come before the Board of Directors at the next Board
meeting. All members are responsible for any dues assessed while their dispute
is under review by the Board of Directors. It shall be the responsibility of
the Treasurer to notify the member whose dispute is under review within 14
calendar days after the Board of Directors issue the ruling on their dispute.
ARTICLE XII - AMENDMENTS
These By-Laws may be altered, amended, repealed, or
added to by an affirmative vote of not less than two thirds of active members.
Notification of proposed changes to the bylaws must be submitted to the
membership through the Secretary at least 30 days prior to a vote.
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