Constitution &
By-Laws of
Jersey City Lodge 4
FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
Organized June 1950
By-Laws Revised:
December 1995
December 2010
February 2013
Jay White
President
OFFICIAL STATEMENT GRAND LODGE
FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
The Fraternal Order of Police is a non-profit corporation formed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The Court of the Common Pleas of the Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, entered the Decree of Incorporation of the 17th day of November, 1915, The original Articles were recorded on the 18th day of November, 1915 in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in Carter Book Volume 49, Page 350, Pursuant to the provisions of the laws of Pennsylvania, to amend the original charter was duly made on the first day of June, 1940. On the 8th day of June, 1940, the Court ordered, adjudged and decreed the Articles of Amendment recorded June 8, 1940, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
The Constitution as set forth herein, was adopted November 18, 1915, and amended at official Annual Convention subsequently held, including the First Annual Convention held at Pittsburgh, Pa. Oct. 15, 1917 and the 28th Annual Convention held at Indianapolis, Indiana, August 11, 1947.
At the First Annual Convention a Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police was formed and by proper action said Grand Lodge was authorized and empowered to use the corporate name of the Fraternal Order of Police and to exercise and perform all corporate rights, privileges, powers, authorities, and franchises of the Fraternal Order of Police.
The By-laws prior to August 11, 1947 were included in the Constitution. By-Laws adopted at the 28th Annual Convention, August 11, 1947.
Constitution and By-laws as amended and adopted, respectfully, in full force and effect,
The Grand Lodge and Pennsylvania Lodge Constitution and By-laws are hereby made part of the Constitution and By-laws of New Jersey State, and Jersey City Lodge No. 4.
PREAMBLE
Whereas: We the members of Jersey City Lodge No. 4 declaring that this Lodge is not a union and that it is not and cannot be, affiliated either directly or indirectly with any labor union federation, congress, committee, or organization of workmen, and of the performance of police duties; recognizing the moral, intellectual, social, and economic benefits enduring to police officers and their families from our association and incorporation with the FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE; striving to cultivate the mutual friendships of fraternity and desiring to foster and encourage the highest degree of skill, efficiency, discipline, and loyalty among the police officers of Jersey City Lodge No. 4 do hereby agree to be governed by the following:
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I
Name
Sec 1 The name of this association shall be JERSEY CITY LODGE NO. 4 FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE.
SEAL
Sec. 2 The seal shall consist of the chart or emblem of the Fraternal Order of Police.
ARTICLE II
Executive Board
Sec 1 The entire legislative, executive, and judicial government of this Lodge shall be vested in the Executive Board which shall conduct the business and affairs of the Lodge between meetings of the General Body to which it shall regularly report for approval or rejection of its actions.
Sec. 2 The Executive Board shall consist of the President, Past Presidents, First and Second Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, three (3) Trustees, a Conductor, a Chaplain, and one (1) Guard,
Sec. 3 The Executive Board shall have power to recommend to fill by nomination and election at any meeting, regular or special, by a majority vote of its membership, any and all vacancies which may occur by reason of death, resignation, disability, failure to qualify, recall, suspension, or expulsion, among its own membership, or among any of the subordinate officers, committees, employees, or agents elected or appointed by the Board. The person thus elected to fill such vacancy shall hold office for the remainder of the term.
Sec. 4 The Executive Board shall have power to appoint all agents and employees of the Lodge who, except as may be otherwise provided by lawful contract, shall serve only with the approval and consent and solely during the pleasure of the Board. It shall fix and determine the salaries, duties, and compensation of all officers, agents, and employees, and shall have power, except as herein otherwise provided, to increase or diminish the same at its pleasure.
Sec. 5 The Executive Board shall not, at any time, issue or sell any certificates of stock in the Lodge. No dividends shall be paid directly or indirectly to any member of the Board, nor shall the members of the Board be entitled directly or indirectly to any portion of the earnings or income of the Lodge derived through increment of value on its property, or otherwise incidentally made, except under the decree of a proper court upon dissolution.
Meetings of the Executive Board
Executive Board
Sec. 6 There shall be an Executive Board composed of the President, as Chairman, one or more of the first and second vice-presidents, as Vice-Chairman, the Secretary, the Treasurer, three (3) Trustees, the Conductor, the Chaplain, one (1) Guard, and the Past Presidents, which shall conduct the business and the affairs of the Lodge between meetings of the General Membership to which it shall regularly report for approval or rejection of its actions.
Sec. 7 Any member of the Executive Board who is absent from three (3) consecutive meetings, without just cause, shall be replaced by the executive board. That member shall notify the president in writing if unable to attend within one week of the absence
Article III
Officers
Sec 1 The Officers of this Lodge shall consist of the President, Past presidents, the first and second vice-presidents, the Secretary, the Treasurer, three (3) Trustees, the Conductor, the Chaplain, and one (1) Guard, all of whom shall be active members in this lodge in good standing.
ARTICLE IV
Duties of Officers President's Duties
Sec 1 The president shall preside at all meetings of the Lodge, and it's Executive Board, at all of which he shall enforce order and strict compliance with these by-laws and such rules and regulations as may be adopted in pursuance thereof. While occupying the Chair he shall not participate in debate without the consent of the majority of the members present. He shall nominate and, by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Board, may appoint the chairmen and members of all standing and special committees, and shall serve as an ex-officio member thereof. He shall, with the Secretary, sign all contracts and other official documents authorized by the Executive Board, for this Lodge. He shall, with the Treasurer, and/or the Secretary, sign all orders on the treasury or other depository for the disbursement of Lodge funds. He shall give bond to the Lodge for the faithful discharge of his duties in such manner and amount as may be determined by the Board of Directors.
Past President's Duties
Sec, 2 The Past President shall advise and assist the President and the Executive Board at their request and shall execute such assignments as may be ordered by the Executive Board.
Vice President's Duties
Sec. 3 In the absence of the President for any cause, the first Vice President shall discharge the duties of the President. The Vice President shall sit as Chairman of a meeting. In the absence of both the President and the First Vice President, this duty shall fall into the power of the Second vice president.
Secretary's Duties
Sec. 4 The Secretary shall have general custody of the seal and of all books, documents, papers, and records of the Lodge, not otherwise entrusted, temporarily or permanently, to other officers or to standing or special committees. He shall take and transcribe minutes of all the meetings of the Lodge, and its Executive Board, and shall submit the same for approval or amendment at the next meeting thereof. When so required, he shall give due notice of all such meetings, and shall conduct the general correspondence of the Lodge. He shall, with the President, attest and seal all duly authorized and approved contracts of the Lodge and keep copies thereof in his files. At the expiration of his term of office, he shall deliver to his successor the seal and all books and papers in his possession.All dues, fines, fees, and assessments shall be paid to the Treasurer and/or President and no member shall be entitled to receive a membership card until such amounts are paid in full. From the money paid by the delinquent members, if any, the Secretary shall first deduct the several amounts which may be due for fees, fines, and assessments, if any, and shall credit the dues account of the member with the remainder.
His books shall be open for inspection at all reasonable hours by the Trustees and members of the Executive Board. He may give bond to the Lodge for the faithful performance of his duties in such manner and amount as may be fixed by the executive board.
Treasurer's Duties
Sec 5. The Treasurer shall have general charge of all the dues, fees, fines, assessments, and monetary earnings of the Lodge and, together with the President and the Secretary, shall deposit and maintain all such funds in a bank account, or accounts, in the name of "JERSEY CITY LODGE NO, 4 FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE."
He shall have power, when countersigned by the President and/or the Secretary, to draw, sign, and issue checks, drafts, and money orders for the withdrawal of Lodge funds there from, for the prompt payment of all lawful obligations of this Lodge which have been approved by the Executive Board.
He shall keep accurate records of all receipts and disbursements which shall be available at all times for examination by the Trustees or by the members of the Executive Board, He shall render a report of the financial condition of the Lodge at each meeting of the Executive Board and a similar report, in writing to the lodge secretary each month Treasurer's books will be open for inspection by any active member for a reasonable amount of time at the close of the monthly meeting.
He shall have general custody of all bonds and other securities in which Lodge funds may be from time to time invested; and shall keep the same in a safe deposit box in the name of his lodge.
At the expiration of his term of office, he shall deliver to his successor all money and securities, books, and records in his possession. He may give bond for the faithful discharge of his duties to the lodge, in such manner and amount maybe fixed by the Executive Board.
Duties of Chaplain
Sec. b Chaplain shall at the request of the President execute such assignments as: open and close all meetings of the General Membership with a prayer, contact members necessary to conduct F.O.P, Funeral Service for deceased members and make contact with members who are sick.
Trustee's Duties
Sec, 7 The Trustees, THREE (3) in number, shall constitute the general auditing committee of the Lodge. The lodge CPA shall conduct an audit, with review by the trustees, whereby the authenticity of all bills shall be verified as being correct and having been properly authorized. The President, along with the Treasurer, and/or the Secretary, shall be governed in signing of checks for withdrawals from the Lodge Treasury.
The Trustees shall from time to time examine the bank books and all other contracts, documents, ledgers, and papers pertaining to the business and property of the Lodge. They shall conduct an audit once every year under the supervision of a C.P,A. and shall report thereon to the lodge. They shall also perform such other duties as the President, or its Executive Board, may assign to them. They shall elect one of their own number as Chairman of the Trustees,
Conductor's Duties
Sec. 8 The Conductor shall receive the password, ascertain that all persons present are entitled to remain, and report thereon to the President. He shall conduct all candidates through the initiation ceremony and introduce them to the members of the Lodge. He shall perform such other duties as the President may assign to him.
Guard's Duties
Sec. 9 The Guard's shall attend the doors and permit entrance to no person who is not properly qualified by membership, unless otherwise ordered by the President to admit guests. They shall see that every Active Member upon admittance shall sign the Register, except at special meetings. They shall also aid the conductor in the performance of such duties as the President may require. He shall ensure the lodge banner and the U.S. Flag are displayed at each monthly meeting.
Compensation
Sec. 10 If any member is compelled to relinquish his regular employment in the performance of Lodge business, he shall receive his expenses and compensation not less than his regular salary,
ARTICLE V
Committees
Sec 1 There shall be standing committees as needed. Sec 2 No proposal for lodge action shall come upon the floor for debate or vote until it had first been referred to and reported from an appropriate committee, unless a majority of the members present shall agree to immediate consideration thereof. Every committee must report either affirmatively or negatively on all matters referred for consideration within one (1) month from the date of such reference, otherwise the committee shall be deemed to have been discharged by a majority vote of the Executive Board. Item for Publication Sec.3 No member of the Lodge shall print, or cause to be printed any item concerning those affairs of the Lodge without said item first having been favorably recommended by the Executive Board. ARTICLE VI Sec 1 The stated meetings of the General Body of the Lodge shall be held at least once each month on the first Thursday thereof at 6:00 o'clock P.M. promptly in the meeting place of the Lodge which shall be designated by the president and/or the executive board . Fifteen (15) members shall constitute a quorum necessary for the transaction of business. Special meetings shall be called by the President on the advice of the Executive Board, or on the written application of no fewer than twenty-five (25) members. No intoxicating liquors are to be sold or consumed at any time during the meetings. The President, with consent of the Executive Board MAY designate the second Thursday as the meeting date for the months of January and September only. The Lodge meeting place shall be designated by the Executive Board. Order of Business Sec. 3 At all meetings of the bodge and of the Executive Board, the order of business shall be as follows: Register Sec. 4 At all regular meetings of the Lodge and the Executive Board a Register shall be kept by the guard of those members who are present. Members shall sign the Register in ink in their own handwriting and in ink clearly print their names. At the close of the meeting the Guard shall sign his name last, directly under the last signer. ARTICLE VII Sec 1 There shall be two (2) classes of membership in the Lodge, as follows: Active and Honorary. In the selection of candidates for membership regard shall be given primarily to the character and integrity of applicants, and thereafter to such specific ability and qualifications as are best calculated to advance interest, promote the objects, and carry out the purposes for which this Lodge is ordained an established. Active Members Sec 2 Active members must be Jersey City Police Officers and Jersey City Arson Squad Members of the FDJC (employed as full time arson investigators), on active duty, regularly employed whose salaries are paid from public funds. An Active Member, in good standing, who retires from active duty, may retain all the rights of active membership, Honorary Membership Sec. 3 Honorary membership shall be comprised of individuals recognized by Lodge 4 for exceptional service or contribution to the law enforcement community or the Fraternal Order of Police. Retired Membership Sec. 4 Retired membership shall be comprised of retired, regularly appointed law enforcement officers who withdraw from active membership upon retirement from their law enforcement agency. Application for Membership Sec. 5 Applications for membership in this Lodge shall be proposed in writing on forms prescribed by the Executive Board, signed by an active member in good standing who shall act as sponsor. The applications shall be referred to the Executive Board, which shall conduct an investigation of the applicant's qualifications, during which it may summon to appear before it both the applicant and the sponsor. All newly appointed Jersey City Police Officers and Jersey City Fire Department Arson Investigators have five years from the date of appointment to make application for membership in Lodge 4, ARTICLE VIII Active Member Dues Sec. 1 The regular dues of active, non-retired, members shall be ONE HUNDRED TWENTY DOLLARS ($120.00) per annum, payable via payroll deduction, as long as it is afforded as an option by the city. Retired active members shall be Sixty Dollars ($60.00) per annum, payable in January of each year. Fines Sec, 3 Pursuant to law, no fine for any one offense shall exceed the sum of TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS ($250.00). Assessments Sec. 4 No assessment for any purpose shall be levied by the Executive Board without the consent of a majority vote at a regular or special meeting held pursuant to notice. ARTICLE IX Sec 1 "Member in good standing" is hereby defined to be a member who has paid all dues and assessments due and payable to Jersey City Lodge No, 4, or who is not more than thirty (30) days in arrears of such payments as of the date specified for the payment thereof. ARTICLE X Sec 1 The President, First and Second Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, three (3) Trustees, Conductor, Chaplain, and the one (1) Guard, shall be elected from the membership at large in the even numbered years, and shall hold their respective offices for terms of two years, or until their respective successors shall have been qualified and inducted. Nominations of officers shall be open and closed at the March meeting with elections on the first Thursday at the April meeting, Voting Sec. 2 Members will cast their votes in person and not by proxy, and cumulative voting shall not be permitted. Votes shall be cast on an official secret printed ballot, and deposited in person in the locked ballot boxes at the polls: or on the voting machine as circumstances may permit. Polls for Voting Sec. 3 Polls for voting shall be open to the members on the day of election at Lodge Headquarters or other place fixed for general meeting, from 0600 hours until 1800 hours E.S.T. so that all members who so desire, irrespective of their hours of duty, may vote in the election, Sample Ballots - Electioneering Sec. 4 There shall be no other list published by any member or members other than the one certified by the Elections Committee nor shall there be any advertising of candidates within one hundred feet (100') of the polls. There shall be no electioneering on or about the premises of the Lodge, on the day of the election. Elections Sec. 5 No person shall be declared elected to any office unless he shall receive the votes of a plurality of the whole number of members voting at such election. In case of ties or of failure to receive a plurality, all persons tied or the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be entered in one or more run-off elections at which the one first receiving the plurality of votes shall be declared elected, Officers Sec. 6 Any member may at the same time be eligible to hold office as a district of unit delegate, officer, and Conference Delegate of this Lodge, but no person shall be eligible to hold two (2) different offices at the same time. Qualifications for Nominees Sec. 7 Any member on active duty and in good standing for a period of one (1) or more years immediately preceding the holding of any election shall be eligible for election to any office, including the office of Delegate to the Biennial Conference of such Lodges, and any member no so qualified shall be in ineligible for election to any such offices. Representative to the Biennial Conference Sec. 11 The Jersey City Lodge No. 4 shall send representatives to the Biennial National and State Conferences, Installation of Officers Sec 15 At least thirty (30) days, prior to the election, the Executive Board shall select a date and place to hold the installation of officers. ARTICLE XI. Sec 1 All resignations must be presented in writing to the Secretary and or President. ARTICLE XII Sec 1 The Executive Board, presided over by its Chairman, shall constitute a tribunal for determination of charges against any officer, or member, provided, however, that if any officer, or grievance committee member shall be complainant, defendant, or witness in any such proceeding, he shall be ineligible to sit upon such tribunal. Complaints Sec. 2 Complaints against members, officers, shall be filed in writing with the Secretary and signed by the persons making the charge. Such complaints shall set forth with reasonable particularity as to dates, time, and places, the acts, conducts, or facts to which exception is taken and for which discipline is requested. Discipline Sec. 4 Any member, officer, or delegate of the Lodge shall be fined, suspended, or expelled by the Executive Board, for insanity or other disability, for conviction of felony or grievous misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for one year or more, for insubordination to superior officers of the Lodge, for failure to remain in good standing by the prompt payment within three (3) months of all fees, dues, fines, and assessments levied by the Executive Board, for the willful or wantonly negligent infraction of any by-law, contract, rule, regulation, or order, or for acts or conduct which may be deemed disorderly, or injurious to the interests, or hostile to the objects for this lodge. Appeal Sec. 5 Within ten (10) days from the receipt of notice and a copy of the decision of the Executive Board, the accused, if censured, fined, suspended, or expelled, may appeal in writing filed with the Secretary to the General Body which, with counsel, may hear argument thereon by the accused and the complainant, or their respective counsel. The decision of the General Body, as rendered in writing filed with the Secretary, shall be final and conclusive upon all parties to such proceeding. ARTICLE XIII Sec. 1 These by-laws may be amended or a new by-law made, by resolution in writing proposing such amendment or new by-law, signed by no less than fifty (50) members in good standing, submitted at any regular meeting of the general membership. ARTICLE XIV 5ec,1 All points of law and order shall be guided by the Constitution and by-laws and where the same are silent, by Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, Award Service Sec, 1 An Award Ceremony for F.O.P. members and civilians shall be conducted once each year at the general membership meeting in May. ARTICLE XV Sec. 1 Jersey City Lodge No. 4, Fraternal Order of Police, recognized, acknowledges, and validates, and Associate Lodge, within our Lodge, whose members shall be known as Fraternal Order of Police Associates. Such an associate lodge shall be subject to the control and supervision of Jersey City Lodge No. 4, F.O.P. They shall conform to and be governed by this Constitution and by-laws. Qualifications Sec. 2 Fraternal Order of Police Associates shall be persons of good moral character, who are lawfully employed in a regular profession or business and whose associations therein are above reproach. They shall not be associated directly or indirectly, with any person or persons whose reputation, character, or occupation is questionable. Dues Sec. 3 The regular dues of Associates shall be Thirty Five dollars ($35.00) per annum, payable in advance to the Jersey City Lodge No. 4, Fraternal Order of Police, and this amount must accompany every application. In the event of rejection, the dues shall be refunded to the applicant. ARTICLE XVI A. Upon entering the Lodge Room, members must show their membership due cards to the Guards at the door, who shall refuse admittance to those whose dues are three (3) months or more in arrears. ORDER OF BUSINESS 1. The meeting is called to order by the Chairman, DUTIES OF PRESIDING OFFICER 1. Must be firm and dignified, but above all impartial. DUTIES OF VICE-PRESIDENT As the vice-presidents may be called upon at any time to carry out the duties of the President, they should acquaint themselves with the duties and responsibilities of that office. DUTIES OF COMMITTEES Unless otherwise provided, the person first named or the one receiving the largest number of votes is the Chairman of the Committee. A Committee has no authority, except that which is granted by the by-laws or by the vote of the Lodge, A Committee has no right to incur any debt or involve the organization in any way unless it is given full authority to do so. A Committees only power is to recommend. Under no consideration should one or more members of a Committee go ahead with the business without action by a quorum, usually a majority of its members. MAIN MOTIONS To obtain the floor after it has been yielded the members must rise and address the Chair: "Mr, President." When a motion had been made, recorded, and stated by the Chair, the assembly is not at liberty to consider any of business. If the motion is long and involved, the Chair may ask the maker to hand it in writing to the Secretary. The mover cannot withdraw his motion after it has been stated by the Chair. All motions must be seconded, which may be done without rising or addressing the Chair, 1. To Amend ARTICLE XVII The lodge shall not be dissolved so long as ten (10) or members in good standing acknowledge its jurisdiction and authority, and continue to comply with the By Laws and Constitution, and the rules of the Fraternal Order of Police. In the event that less than ten (10) members acknowledge its jurisdiction and authority, the lodge will be dissolved by the New Jersey State Fraternal Order of Police. Sec 2 Disbursement of Funds upon Dissolution Any subordinate lodge whose charter may be dissolved, shall forward to the New Jersey State Lodge all books, papers, and records together with the seal, all assets and monies in the name of the lodge, all of which shall immediately become property of the New Jersey State Lodge.
Meetings of the General Body
Sec. 2 At the opening of every meeting an American Flag is to be displayed and the President will lead the Lodge members in the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag followed by a prayer, led by the Lodge Chaplain,
(a) Roll call of officers
(b) Reading of the minutes of the last regular meeting and any special meetings
(c) Acceptance of new applications and membership
(d) Officer's Report
(e) Reports of Committees
(f) Bills
(g) Communications
(h) Reports on members who may be sick or in distress
(i) Unfinished business
(j) New business
(k) Good of the Order
(l) Adjournment
The order may be changed by a majority vote of the members present,
Membership
Race, creed, or sex shall not be a bar to membership herein, but no person may be a member except an American citizen in full legal age.
Active members who are dismissed from service on charges which are subsequently sustained in a regular court of law, or who do not contest the decision of the dismissing authority, automatically forfeit their membership.
Active members shall have the privilege of purchasing only three (3) automobile shields which shall be used only on their own immediate family car. If an Active member shall purchase an automobile shield, he shall do so with the provision that, if his membership shall for any reason be revoked, the emblem must be returned to the Lodge with reimbursement,
Upon completion of its inquiry, said Executive Board shall render a report to the Membership, together with a recommendation of acceptance or rejection. Should any applicant for membership be rejected by said committee, appeal from such recommendation may be taken in writing by either the applicant or the sponsor, to the Executive Board within ten (10) days from the receipt of notice of the committee's action.
The decision of the Board shall be final and no new application for Active membership shall be received until after the expiration of sic (6) months from the date of such rejection.
DUES, FINES, AND ASSESSMENTS
Sec. 2 Any member in arrears of payment of dues or assessments more than thirty (30) days and less than ninety (90) days shall be deemed to be delinquent and not in good standing,
Sec, 3 Any member in arrears of payment of dues or assessments more than ninety (90) days and less than six (6) months shall be and is hereby automatically suspended.
Sec. 4 Any member delinquent or suspended, as provided in Sections 2 and 3 of this Article, may be reinstated and restored to good standing by the payment of all amounts due, and, in addition there to, the payment of dues for the whole of the current year in which such reinstatement is made.
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Biennial Election
Sec. 8 The Election Committee shall not honor any nomination petitions for elective officers unless the nominee shall have attended sic (6) meetings of the general body in the twelve-month period March 1st to February 28th, preceding the election. Check for attendance shall me made from the Registry Book,
The Election committee shall be responsible on Election Day to see that the Constitution and by-laws are upheld and shall have the power to order all embers that violate same for trial before the Executive Board Committee after written notice.
Sec. 9 No member should be nominated, or be a candidate for more than one office at the same election. No officer-elect shall be a candidate for any other office.
Sec. 10 If elected, and officer or delegate, a member must attend six (6) meetings of each year of the general membership during his term of office, unless excused by the President. Failure to comply with this provision shall result in removal from office.
Sec. 12 No one but duly elected delegates and officers shall have a voice or vote at the Biennial Conference.
Sec. 13 Jersey City Lodge No. 4 in good standing shall have one representative for each fifty (50) or a greater portion thereof.
Sec. 14 The duly elected officers of Jersey City Lodge No.4 shall represent the lodge at the Biennial conferences in the following order; President, Secretary-Treasurer, Past Presidents, First and Second Vice Presidents, Chaplain, Three Trustees, the Conductor, and Guard. If additional delegates are needed, they will be recommended by the Executive Board and voted on by the general membership at the June meeting.
Resignation
Grievances
Grievance Committee
Within five (5) days thereafter, the Secretary shall refer such complaints to the Executive Board and shall send a copy thereof to the accused.
Sec. 3 The Executive Board shall hold a hearing on all such complaints at which all witnesses for both accuser and accused shall be heard, after forty-eight (48) hours advance notice thereof. The accused member shall be entitled to be represented by and shall not be required to testify against himself.
Upon the conclusion of all evidence, the Executive Board shall recommend or disapprove the accused standing trial before the Executive Board, and, within a reasonable time thereafter, shall file its decision with the Secretary who shall forthwith send notice thereof to both the complainant and the accused.
Amendment and Revision
Sec. 2 Said Amendment of change will be submitted to the by-law committee for their review, consideration, and recommendation. At the next general membership meeting a report and recommendation will be made by the committee chairman,
Said change, if found not to be in conflict with national or state by-laws will be voted on the next general membership meeting and will take a 213 vote to pass. Notification of proposed by-law change will be made fifteen days prior to this meeting.
Law and Order
Associates
After their election they shall receive from the Secretary or his designee an identification card and an automobile shield, both of which shall remain the property of this Lodge, and shall me delivered by such member to the Lodge or its officers, on request whenever, for any reason, such membership shall be revoked and its privileges forfeited. Associates hall have no voice or vote in the deliberations of the Lodge.
Simplified Parliamentary Procedure
CONDUCT OF MEMBERS
B. After admittance, member shall advance to the center of the room, face the Chair and give the counter sign. The Chair shall answer the same, You will then about face to the vice-president and give a regular military salute. You are then at liberty to be seated.
C. If at any time you desire to retire while the Lodge is in session, the same procedure is followed. (See B.)
D. To conduct yourself in the recognized and proper manner, memorize or become well-acquainted with the attached "Simplified Parliamentary Procedure," Remember above all that it is based upon ordinary "Common Sense."
E. Probably the mast serious defect in most meetings is the lack of reasonable decorum. Good order must be maintained if business is to be carried out. Courtesy would demand that there should be no whispering or commotion while any speaker has the floor. Beware of personalities. Nothing so mars the dignity of a meeting as a sharp retort of any angry voice,
2. Conductor takes up "Password" from those present and reports,
3. Prayer by the Chaplain,
4, New members are retired to ante-room where they are initiated into the Lodge. New members are given copy of by-laws and Simplified Parliamentary Procedure
5. The minutes of the previous meeting are read.
a. May be adopted as read.
b. May be adopted with additions or corrections.
6. Reports of Officers are called for by the Chair.
a. Reports of any length should be in writing.
b. May be adopted as read.
c. May be adopted with amendments,
7. Reports of Committees are called for by the Chair. See 6 a-b-c.
8. Elections are called for by the Chair.
a. Filling of vacancies, if any,
9. Unfinished and deferred business is called for by the chair,
a, Questions on any business that has not been postponed.
10. Bills are called for by the Chair,
a. All bills must have been checked and verified by the trustees in their annual report.
11. Communications are called for by Chair and read by the Secretary.
a, Instructions for answering, if necessary, should be given.
b. Should be filed.
12. New business is called for by the Chair
a. If it comes under the jurisdiction of any Standing Committee, it should be promptly referred to that Committee without any debate,
13. Good and Welfare thus called for by the Chair.
a. Suggestions for the good of the Order.
14, The chair calls for any further business and receiving no reply, states that a
motion to adjourn is in order.
(Chairman of Meeting)
2. Should insist on good order at all times,
3. Must never debate any question from the Chair.
4. Should always be addressed as "Mr. President" or "Worthy President,"
5. Should always restate the motion or question after it has been moved and seconded, and before any remarks are allowed.
6. Should never allow anyone to speak without first being recognized by the Chair.
a. One to be recognized (See "Motion",)
7, Should never interrupt, or allow to be interrupted, any speaker who is in order.
8. Should never allow discussion on any subject which has not been properly reported from an appropriate committee,
ANY MEMBER ON A "POINT OF ORDER. MAY CALL THE RESIDING OFFICERS ATTENTIONTO HIS FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE ABOVE.
A motion before the assembly may be amended by:
a. The mover with second's or unanimous consent.
b. Any member who states his amendment (this is debatable and, if carried, becomes a part of the original motion. Then the original motion, as amended, should be considered,)
c. Any member may propose an amendment to an amendment. This is acted upon exactly like an amendment to an original motion, This is also debatable and amendable.
2. To Commit
When a motion becomes involved through amendments, or when it advisable to investigate a question more carefully, it may be moved to commit the motion to a committee for further consideration.
3. To Lay on the Table
The object of this motion is to enable the assembly, in order to attend to more urgent business, to lay aside the question in such a way that its consideration may be resumed at the will of the assembly.
4. To Postpone
A motion to postpone may be made:
a. To a certain time or a certain meeting, when it must be brought up in its proper order of business - debatable and amendable.
5, To Limit Debate
We have a limit set by a previous motion which allows a speaker only three (3) minutes on any one subject,
b. To Reconsider
A motion to reconsider must be made by one who voted with the majority. No question can be twice reconsidered - debatable.
7. To Call for Previous Question
This motion may be made when debate becomes long and drawn out, it is not debatable. The form is: "Mr. President, I move the previous question." The Chairman then asks: "Shall the main question now be put? If this is adopted by a two-thirds vote, the main question before the assembly is immediately voted upon,
8. Point of Order
This motion is always in order and the form is: "Mr. President, T rise to a point of order." The Chairman: "Please state your point of order," After then member has stated his point of order, the Chair answers:
a. .Your point of order is sustained. or
b. Your point of order is denied
If a member is not satisfied they may appeal the decision to the Chair, The Chairman then addresses the Assembly: Shall the decision of the Chair be sustained? This is debatable and the presiding officer may discuss it without leaving the Chair. Voted on like any other motion.
9. To Adjourn
This motion is always in order, except:
a. When the speaker has the floor;
b. When a vote is being taken;
c. After it has been first voted down;
d. When the Assembly is in the midst of some business which cannot be abruptly stopped;
e. When the order of business has not been completed.
These five {b} exceptions are not debatable.
Lodge Dissolution
Sec 1 Dissolution
