Mid-County Volunteer Rescue Squad:Bylaws

Mid-County
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Bylaws
Adopted March 2004

ARTICLE I
PURPOSE

In times of pain and loss, the Mid-County Volunteer Rescue Squad will provide quality emergency medical services. Our purpose is to act as a stabilizing force and deliver our patients to definitive care safely, with dignity and compassion.

ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1
APPLICATION

Membership in the Mid-County Volunteer Rescue Squad shall be open to the general public. All applicants shall meet the following criteria as defined by these Bylaws:

(a)	Shall meet the requirements of EMS personnel as defined in the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health Governing Emergency Medical Services.
(b)	Shall be of good moral character as testified by three non-family references named on the application.
(c)	Shall obtain any necessary training as specified by the organization's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

SECTION 2
MEMBERSHIP

Membership shall be open to the categories described below:

(a)	OPERATIONS: Member who shall:

	1.	Meet the requirements of EMS personnel as defined in the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health Governing Emergency Medical Services.
	2.	Obtain and maintain a state-approved Healthcare Provider Level CPR certification within six months of being granted membership.
	3.	Have complete voting and operational privileges as defined in these Bylaws and the organization’s SOPs.
	4.	Be a Charter or Life member attending a minimum of six meetings per Squad year1 and missing no more than three consecutive meetings unexcused; or
	5.	Serve one duty night or day per week in good faith over the year as per SOPs set forth by the Captain (the Captain shall investigate calls missed by duty personnel) and attend a minimum of six meetings per year, missing no more than two consecutive meetings unexcused; or

Footnote added October 2000	6.	Respond on 10% of total calls over the course of the year (records to be checked by the Captain every October and April) and attend a minimum of six meetings per year, missing no more than two consecutive meetings unexcused during a six-month period; 2 or
Added October 2000	7.	Complete one special service task per week (records to be checked by the Captain every October and April) and attend a minimum of six meetings per year, missing no more than two consecutive meetings unexcused during a six-month period 3

Corrected May 2001 - October 1 to ~~May~~ March 31

Membership participation shall be reviewed every six months to determine eligibility for voting. The review periods shall be the six months from October 1 to March 31 and April 1 through September 30.

(b)	ADMINISTRATIVE: Members who shall perform the non-operational functions of the squad, including the following:

	1.	Perform functions/activities necessary to keep the organization running smoothly, thereby freeing Operations members for emergency response.
	2.	Assist with cleaning and restocking of emergency vehicles as directed by appropriate Operations member.
	3.	Perform building maintainenance on a regularly scheduled basis.
	4.	Manage and a ssist with fund-raising activities and grant requests.
	5.	Manage recruitment and retention for all squad members.
	6.	Handle publicity and public relations efforts.
	7.	Serve in the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

	Each administrative member shall maintain certification in CPR and 1 st aid, within his or her physical ability.
(c)	CADET: Open to members 12-17 years of age. Cadet members shall:

	1.	Actively attend school.
	2.	Maintain a grade average of C or better.
	3.	Be governed by these Bylaws and the Squad’s SOPs designated for Cadet member operations.
	4.	Cadets under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult squad member whenever entering the Squad building or performing Squad activities.
	5.	Submit a Squad application.

	To be considered for Operations or Administrative membership, a Cadet member shall meet the qualifications as described herein and shall submit an updated application for consideration by the general membership.
(d)	CHARTER: Any founding member who has maintained active membership since March of 1987 shall be considered a Charter member. In order to maintain voting privileges, a Charter member must attend a minimum of six meetings per Squad year and cannot miss more than two consecutive meetings unexcused in a six-month period. Membership participation shall be reviewed every six months (in October and April) to determine eligibility for voting.
(e)	LIFE: A member who is a Charter member or has minimum Squad membership exceeding 10 years of active service shall be considered a Life member. In order to maintain voting privileges, a Life member must attend two consecutive meetings after an unexcused absence.

SECTION 3
ACCEPTANCE OF MEMBERS

(a)

Membership shall be considered upon completion of the application process and probationary period(s). Applications shall be presented to the Squad at any regular monthly business meeting, at which point they shall be turned over to the Membership Committee, who shall meet and act upon the applications no later than 60 days following their receipt. Upon report from the Membership Committee (duties as defined in Art. VI Sec. 1), the applications shall be discussed and voted upon by written ballot. A 60% affirmation vote shall justify the applicant's acceptance into the organization.

(b)

PROBATIONARY: New applicants for Operations membership shall be probationary for six months, have no voting privileges, and shall not hold office (the voting membership may make exceptions). At the end of the probationary period, the applicant’s performance and participation will be considered by written vote of the general membership. The membership may deny membership altogether, extend the probationary period for an additional three months, or accept the applicant as a(n) Operations member. An applicant receiving a probationary period extension shall be so advised by the President. The President shall notify an applicant not accepted for membership under this section by certified mail that Squad membership has been denied.

SECTION 4
CONDUCT

All members shall conduct themselves at all times in such a manner as to receive the respect of the officers of the Squad and the general public.

(a)	Members may not consume alcoholic beverages within a 12-hour period prior to participating on Squad function or calls.
(b)	Members may not participate on Squad functions or calls while under the influence of any drug (prescription or non-prescription) that might affect their ability to perform.
(c)	Members may not participate in Squad functions or calls while under the care of a physician for any condition that might impair ability to perform or might endanger others. A member having any such condition must provide to the Captain a written release statement, signed by the physician.

SECTION 5 DISCIPLINARY ACTION	Any member violating any of these Bylaws or Squad SOPs shall, after investigation and a fair hearing by the Board of Directors, be subject to such penalty as prescribed by the Board of Directors. Members may appeal such actions or penalties to the general membership (see Article VIII).
SECTION 6 DISMISSAL	In the event it becomes necessary to dismiss a member, the Captain or President shall notify him or her, by certified mail, at least 15 days prior to the regular business meeting at which his or her membership status will be considered. A dismissal vote shall be made by a majority of voting members present. If the member cannot attend the meeting, he or she must notify the Captain or President of his or her desire to retain membership.
SECTION 7 LEAVE OF ABSENCE	The Board of Directors may grant leave of absence, not to exceed six months, to a member. Upon return from a leave of absence, the member shall return to the previous membership status. If a member does not request a written extension from the Board of Directors prior to the expiration of a leave of absence, he or she will receive a notice by certified mail stating the Squad's intention to remove him or her from the membership roles. The notice shall be mailed at least 15 days prior to the regular business meeting at which membership status will be considered.
SECTION 8 MEETING ATTENDANCE	Members unable to attend a required meeting of the organization shall have notified the President or Captain prior to a meeting, unless the following circumstances apply:

(a)	Members whose assigned work hours include the hours of the meeting.
(b)	Members called into the Armed Forces of the United States.
(c)	Members attending school out of the area.
(d)	Members attending Squad-related training programs or officially representing the Squad.
(e)	Members temporarily living out of the area on a work-related job.

	Members absent under the above circumstances shall be considered excused until such time as the conditions no longer apply. If the absence is expected to be prolonged, a member shall submit notice in writing.
SECTION 9 MEMBERSHIP REVIEW	The Captain and President shall jointly review membership participation during the first week in April and the first week in October to determine eligibility to run for office and vote.
SECTION 7 LEAVE OF ABSENCE	The Board of Directors may grant leave of absence, not to exceed six months, to a member. Upon return from a leave of absence, the member shall return to the previous membership status. If a member does not request a written extension from the Board of Directors prior to the expiration of a leave of absence, he or she will receive a notice by certified mail stating the Squad's intention to remove him or her from the membership roles. The notice shall be mailed at least 15 days prior to the regular business meeting at which membership status will be considered.
SECTION 8 MEETING ATTENDANCE	Members unable to attend a required meeting of the organization shall have notified the President or Captain prior to a meeting, unless the following circumstances apply:

Added October 2000	(a)	A member whose participation does not meet the requirements stated in Article II, Section 2 (page 1) will be placed on probationary status for 6 months. The President will send a certified letter by U.S. Postal Service to the member advising him or her of the change in membership status and reminding him or her of the participation requirements.
Added October 2000	(b)	If the next membership review shows no compliance with participation requirements, the President will initiate dismissal action according to Article II, Section 6 (page 4 ).
Added October 2000	(c)	If the probationary member does not attend the meeting at which his or her membership is discussed, a dismissal vote will be taken.
Added October 2000	(d)	A member who is dismissed for failure to meet participation requirements will receive a certified letter of dismissal by U.S. Postal Service advising of the dismissal and requesting the member to turn in his or her equipment to a squad officer.

ARTICLE III
MEETINGS

SECTION 1	The Squad shall hold 12 Board of Directors and regular business meetings each year. The meetings shall be held at the recognized headquarters on the first Wednesday night of each month, unless changed as needed by the President.
SECTION 2 QUORUM	At any Board of Directors, regular, or special meetings, business may not be acted upon without the presence of a quorum. Except as otherwise specified in these Bylaws, a quorum shall be defined as follows:

# of Squad Members	A Membership Quorum Shall Consist of:	A Board of Directors Quorum shall consist of:
0-24	5	3
25-29	6	5
30-34	7
35-39	8
40-44	9
45 or more	20% of membership

	Proposed expenditures in excess of $3,000 must be presented at a regular monthly business meeting and shall be voted on by a quorum of 60% of members eligible to vote. Changes to Bylaws must be presented at a regular monthly business meeting and shall be voted on by a quorum of members present.
SECTION 3 CONDUCTING BUSINESS	The President (or other Officer as defined under Officers Art. IV, Sec. 4) shall preside over all meetings and all business shall be conducted according to the Bylaws of this organization. Any questions not covered in these Bylaws shall be referred to Robert's Rules of Order, Revised.
SECTION 4 SPECIAL MEETINGS	The President or the Board of Directors may call special meetings as they deem necessary. Special meetings shall require advance notification of the membership of at least 48 hours
SECTION 5 LACK OF QUORUM	Failure to conduct business for two (2) consecutive months due to lack of a quorum shall justify any pressing business to be acted upon by the Board of Directors

ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS

SECTION 1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS	The overall management of this organization shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The Board shall consist of the elected officers of the Squad, and one elected member at large. Any of the organization’s Operational Medical Directors shall serve as honorary members of the Board.
SECTION 2 AUTHORITY	The Board of Directors shall have the power and authority as granted by these Bylaws and the membership to manage all business affairs of the organization. It shall be the responsibility of the Board to supervise the actions of the Officers of the organization. The Board of Directors shall also handle all disciplinary action as they deem necessary as a whole. Only a majority vote of a regular or special business meeting may appeal actions taken by the Board.
SECTION 3 OFFICERS	Administrative Officers shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Operational officers shall consist of a Captain, First Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant, and Vehicle Officer.
SECTION 4 PRESIDENT'S DUTIES	The President shall be the chief administrative officer, chief executive officer, and chairman of the organization's Board of Directors. The President shall also:

(a)	Ensure that the administrative and non-operational affairs of the organization are conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
(b)	Preside over all meetings of the general membership and Board of Directors.
(c)	Have the authority to conduct all non-operational business of the organization and serve as a signatory for the corporation.
(d)	Perform other functions as designated in the Bylaws or required by the Board of Directors.
	The President may appoint committees and their chairpersons as he or she deems necessary to conduct the Squad's non-operational business.

SECTION 5 VICE PRESIDENT'S DUTIES	The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President in his or her absence. The Vice President shall perform all duties as are incidental to the office, as assigned by the President or required by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 6 SECRETARY'S DUTIES	The Secretary shall maintain all records and correspondence of the organization, involving all regular or special meetings and meetings of the Board of Directors. Upon leaving office, the Secretary shall turn over all records, documents, etc. to his or her successor. The Secretary shall perform all duties assigned by the President or the Board of Directors.
SECTION 7 TREASURER'S DUTIES	The Treasurer shall be responsible for maintaining the financial records of the organization and shall keep records in such a manner that the financial condition of the organization may be obtained at any time. All checks drawn upon funds of the organization shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by either the President or Captain. All books shall be audited quarterly by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 8 CAPTAIN'S DUTIES	The Captain shall hold a minimum certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. The Captain shall hold the following duties:

(a)	Serve as the chief operations officer of the organization.
(b)	Ensure that the operational and emergency phases of the organization are conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations>.
(c)	Have complete authority to represent and direct the emergency operations of the organization in accordance with federal, state, regional, and local laws and regulations. (See SOP Job Description.)

SECTION 9 FIRST LIEUTENANT'S DUTIES	The First Lieutenant shall hold a minimum certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. The First Lieutenant shall assume the duties of the Captain in his or her absence and shall accept such duties, assignments, or responsibilities as assigned by the Captain. (See SOP Job Description.)
SECTION 10 SECOND LIEUTENANT'S DUTIES	The Second Lieutenant shall hold minimum certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. The Second Lieutenant shall assume the duties of the Captain in the absence of the Captain and First Lieutenant and shall accept such duties, assignments, or responsibilities as assigned by the Captain. (See SOP Job Description.).
SECTION 11 VEHICLE OFFICER 'S DUTIES	The Vehicle Officer shall be responsible for the maintenance and repair of all vehicles and shall make expenditures, authorized by the Captain, for this purpose up to the limits specified in the annual budget.
SECTION 12 ELECTIONS	Annual election of officers shall be held at the December regular business meeting. Nominations for office shall be opened at the October meeting, and shall be discussed and closed at the November meeting.
SECTION 13 HOLDING MULTIPLE OFFICES	No member shall hold more than one elected Squad office at a time. Only one member of a household shall hold an elected Administrative or Operations office at a time. Members holding elected office in the MCVRS Auxiliary or other rescue squad or auxiliary shall not simultaneously hold a Squad office.
SECTION 14 VACANCIES	All vacant offices shall be filled when possible. Vacant offices shall be filled by nomination at a regular business meeting followed by voting at the next regular business meeting.
SECTION 15 TERM OF OFFICE	The term of office for Squad officers shall run from January 1st through December 31st of the following year>.

ARTICLE V
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

SECTION 1 OPERATIONS	The operational aspects of the organization shall be based upon the Standard Operating Procedures. In any conflict of policy, the Bylaws shall supersede. The SOPs shall at no time hold any authority greater than local, state, or regional law.
SECTION 2 REVIEW	It shall be the annual duty of the operational officers to review and revise the SOPs. All changes shall be discussed and approved by the membership.

ARTICLE VI
COMMITTEES

SECTION 1 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE	The Membership Committee shall consist of three Regular members. It shall be the Committee's duty to review and discuss all membership applications submitted to the Squad, and to interview all applicants. The Committee shall present its recommendations to the President and Captain 10 days prior to the regular business meeting at which the applicants will be considered for membership.
SECTION 2 EMT REVIEW COMMITTEE	The EMT Review Committee shall consist of a minimum of 3, but no more than 5 Regular members who hold EMT certification. The Committee shall be responsible for functions as specified in the SOPs.
SECTION 3 OTHER COMMITTEES	The President may form any other committees as he or she deems necessary, appointing a chairperson to each committee.

ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended or altered and new Bylaws adopted by a 60% majority of eligible voting members at a quorumed regular or special meeting called for such a purpose. Members shall have 30 days notice of any change to the Bylaws.

ARTICLE VIII
DISCIPLINARY ACTION, SUSPENSION, AND REVOCATION OF MEMBERSHIP STATUS

SECTION 1 AUTHORITY	The President and the Captain shall have the authority to suspend temporarily any member or officer of the organization on the basis the person presents a risk to the safety, security, and/or liability of the organization. The President shall call a special meeting of the Board of Directors within 72 hours of suspension of a member. The Board shall take confidential action as they deem necessary regarding the suspension. In the event that a quorum cannot be reasonably attained to hold a Board of Directors meeting within 72 hours, the dismissal action will remain valid until a quorum can be reasonably attained. Should it become necessary for the President or Captain to be temporarily suspended, the next officer in succession shall assume responsibilities of that office.
SECTION 2 SUSPENSION	If a member is suspended, he or she shall receive a written suspension notice within 24 hours of the action. The notice shall state the reasons, circumstances, and conditions of the suspension. Two copies of the notice shall be sent, one by regular mail and one by certified mail.
SECTION 3 APPEALS	Any member who is informed of disciplinary action, suspension, and/or revocation of membership status by an authorized officer or the Board of Directors shall be bound by the decision until it is repealed by a majority vote of a quorumed meeting of the general membership. Any member may appeal any decision by an Officer or the Board of Directors to a quorumed meeting of the general membership.
SECTION 4 REMOVAL OF OFFICERS	An officer can be removed from office at a quorumed regular or special meeting. Notice shall be given 15 days prior to the regular business meeting at which removal will be considered.

ARTICLE IX
MEMBERSHIP DOCUMENTS

Every Squad member shall receive a copy of these Bylaws and the SOPs. Updates to these documents will be distributed to all members at a regular monthly business meeting or by mail following their approval by the general membership.

ARTICLE X
SPENDING AUTHORITY

SECTION 1 CAPTAIN	The Captain shall have the authority to spend up to $500 per occurrence for emergency purposes. Emergency shall be defined as the immediate repair of existing vehicles, equipment, and purchase of supplies necessary to maintain Squad operation as defined by the SOPs. If emergency expenditures are required beyond the amount stated above, the Captain shall advise the President.
SECTION 2 SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, VEHICLES	Expenditures for routine supplies, new medical equipment, and new vehicle equipment will be made from funds stipulated in the Squad budget (See Article XI, Section 3.)
SECTION 3 PRESIDENT AND TREASURER	The President and Treasurer can make expenditures for administrative and building supplies, up to $250 a month, but not to exceed budgeted limits. Expenditures over budgeted limits must be approved by the general membership.

ARTICLE XI
FINANCES

SECTION 1 FISCAL YEAR	The Squad's fiscal year shall be defined as the period January 1 through December 31.
SECTION 2 ANNUAL AUDIT	An annual audit and financial statement shall be presented to the membership once a year, no later than the regular business meeting held in May.
SECTION 3 BUDGET	At the February regular business meeting, a budget will be brought to the membership for approval. When approved, items in the budget will be paid as needed up to the budgeted limits. To exceed these limits will require approval of the membership. In cases of emergency, the Board of Directors must be notified of such purchases. The Board shall have the authority to deny expenditures exceeding budgeted limits.

ARTICLE XII
DISSOLUTION

	The Squad's fiscal year shall be defined as the period January 1 through December 31.
SECTION 2 ANNUAL AUDIT	An annual audit and financial statement shall be presented to the membership once a year, no later than the regular business meeting held in May.
SECTION 3 BUDGET	At such time as the membership feels that it can no longer support and maintain this Squad, a special meeting shall be held to discuss dissolution. Within five days following the meeting, the Board shall draft a letter of dissolution. Within 30 days thereafter, a vote shall be taken at another special meeting for the purpose of approving or disapproving the dissolution. If dissolution is approved, the dissolution letter shall be submitted to the Board of Supervisors of Northumberland County.

1 A Squad year shall be defined as a period from January 1 through December 31.

2 The Captain, President, and Treasurer are exempt from this requirement while performing official duties in good faith.

3 Special service tasks are defined as maintenance work on the squad building, grounds, or vehicles; assistance at Auxiliary events, standby at public functions, overnight standby at the squad building during community emergencies; conducting, assisting, or participating in training to maintain certification; and any other activity for the squad beyond running calls, attending the regular monthly business meeting, or performing duties as officers.