Fire Departments

TOOELE COUNTY FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I

SECTION 1. NAME:

THIS ORGANIZATION SHALL BE KNOWN AS THE TOOELE COUNTY FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION, HEREIN CALLED THE ASSOCIATION.

ARTICLE II
OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE

SECTION 1. OBJECTIVES:

(A) THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS ASSOCIATION ARE:

(1) TO MAINTAIN, PROMOTE, EXTEND, AND PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE FIRE / EMERGENCY SERVICES OF TOOELE COUNTY AND PURSUANT TO SUCH OBJECTIVES TO ESTABLISH AND PROMOTE COMRADERIE AND COOPERATION AMONG THE FIRE / EMERGENCY RESPONSE AGENCIES IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED LOCALE.

(2) TO DEVELOP BETTER AND MORE EFFICIENT COMMUNICATIONS, INTERDEPARTMENTAL TRAINING AND OPERATIONS, FIRE PREVENTION AND ARSON INVESTIGATION.

SECTION 2. PURPOSE:

(A) THE PURPOSE OF THIS ASSOCIATION IS:

(1) TO FURTHER THE PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT OF THE FIRE / EMERGENCY SERVICE, TO ENSURE AND CONTINUE GREATER PROTECTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY FROM FIRE, NATURAL AND MAN-MADE DISASTER, OR SUDDEN EMERGENCIES, AND INCREASED COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION AMONG MEMBER AGENCIES.

(B) TO CARRY OUT THIS PURPOSE, THE ASSOCIATION SHALL:

1. SERVE AS THE RECOGNIZED ORGANIZATION FOR THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS, INFORMATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE IN AREAS AFFECTING THE SAFETY OF LIFE AND PROPERTY FROM FIRE, EMERGENCY MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, NATURAL AND MAN-MADE DISASTERS;

2. ENCOURAGE AND DEVELOP PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF HUMAN LIFE AND MATERIAL RESOURCES FROM DESTRUCTION BY FIRE, EMERGENCY MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, NATURAL AND MAN-MADE DISASTERS; AND

3. COOPERATE WITH ALL ORGANIZATIONS TO PROMOTE PROGRAMS THAT FURTHER THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE FIRE / EMERGENCY SERVICES.

ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. MEMBERSHIP:

THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ASSOCIATION SHALL CONSIST OF:
A. ACTIVE MEMBERS.
ACTIVE MEMBERS SHALL INCLUDE:
(1) THE CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND ALL CHIEF OFFICERS DESIGNATED BY THE CHIEF OF REGULARLY ORGANIZED TOOELE COUNTY PUBLIC, PRIVATE, GOVERNMENTAL OR INDUSTRIAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS. HOWEVER, EACH AGENCY WILL ONLY HOLD ONE VOTE.
(2) ALL ACTIVE MEMBERS OF TOOELE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN RETIREMENT MAY ATTEND HOWEVER THEY SHALL SUPPORT THE VOTE OF THEIR HOME AGENCY
(4) ALL PAST CHIEFS AND/OR PAST CHIEF OFFICERS OF PARTICIPATING TOOELE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS MAY ATTEND, HOWEVER, THEY SHALL SUPPPORT THE VOTE OF THEIR HOME AGENCY

B. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS SHALL INCLUDE:

(1) THE TOOELE COUNTY SHERIFF

(2) A REPRESENTATIVE OF TOOELE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

(3) A UTAH STATE FIRE MARSHALS OFFICE REPRESENTATIVE

(5) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UTAH FIRE & RESCUE ACADEMY

(6) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE TOOELE COUNTY FIRE WARDEN’S OFFICE

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS SHALL BE INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION. THEY SHALL BE ENTITLED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ASSOCIATION, EXCEPT THAT THEY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO HOLD ELECTIVE OFFICE, SERVE ON THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, OR HAVE VOTING PRIVILEGES.

C. LIFE MEMBERSHIP.

AS AN ORGANIZATION, LIFE MEMBERSHIP MAY BE CONFERRED UPON ANY QUALIFYING INDIVIDUAL, WHO AT THE TIME OF REQUEST HAS BEEN AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR A MINIMUM OF 10 YEARS.
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR LIFE MEMBERSHIP SHALL BE ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND FURTHER PROVIDED THEY ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY FIRE PROTECTION COMMERCIAL VENTURE, OR HAVE BECOME CHIEF, ASSISTANT CHIEF, COMMISSIONER, FIRE MARSHAL, OR FIRE DIRECTOR OF ANOTHER PUBLIC, GOVERNMENTAL OR INDUSTRIAL FIRE DEPARTMENT OR ANY OTHER OF THE SERVICES THAT WOULD MAKE THEM ELIGIBLE FOR EITHER ACTIVE, ASSOCIATE OR SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP MAY BE OBTAINED BY REQUEST OF AND APPROVAL FROM THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP.
(1) ACTIVE LIFE MEMBERS SHALL BE ENTITLED TO VOTE ON ALL MATTERS UNLESS PROHIBITED BY THE CONSTITUTION, BUT SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO HOLD ELECTIVE OFFICE OR SERVE ON THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
(2) LIFE MEMBERS SHALL NOT PAY DUES.

D. HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS.

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP MAY BE CONFERRED UPON ANY PERSON WHO HAS RENDERED NOTABLE SERVICE TO THE ASSOCIATION, IT’S AIMS AND PURPOSES, PROVIDED THAT SUCH MEMBERSHIP SHALL BE RECOMMENDED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND RECEIVE A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT AND VOTING AT THE JANUARY MEETING.

(1) HONORARY MEMBERS SHALL BE ENTITLED TO PARTICIPATE FULLY IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE ASSOCIATION, BUT SHALL NOT BE AFFORDED VOTING PRIVILEGES, HOLD ELECTIVE OFFICE OR SERVE ON THE EXECUTIVE BOARD.

ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS

SECTION 1. ELIGIBILITY.

A. ANY MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION SEEKING ELECTION TO ANY OFFICE SPECIFIED IN ARTICLE IV, SECTION 2 OF THE CONSTITUTION SHALL:

(1) BE OR HAVE BEEN THE CHIEF OR CHIEF OFFICER OF A PARTICIPATING TOOELE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND BE AN ACTIVE MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING OF BOTH THE ASSOCIATION AND THE DEPARTMENT THEY REPRESENT.

SECTION 2. ELECTED OFFICES.

A.THE ELECTED OFFICES OF THE ASSOCIATION SHALL CONSIST OF:

B. PRESIDENT, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT, SECOND VICE PRESIDENT, AND TREASURER, ALL OF WHOM SHALL BE ELECTED BY BALLOT AT THE JANUARY (ANNUAL) MEETING, NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICES SHALL TAKE PLACE AT THE NOVEMBER MEETING. ALL OFFICES SHALL HAVE A TERM OF TWO (2) YEARS.
THE PRESIDENT SHALL ALSO SERVE AS THE DISSEMMINATION POINT OF ASSOCIATION BUSINESS AND CORROSPONDENCE.

C. THE TREASURER SHALL NOT BE RE-ELECTED FOR MORE THAN TWO (2) CONSECUTIVE TERMS, OR A TOTAL OF FOUR (4) YEARS. THIS POSITION SHALL BE STAGGERED FROM THE PRESIDENTS ELECTION FOR CONTINUNITY OF OFFICERS.

D. THE TOOELE COUNTY FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION SHALL HAVE AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT POSITION FOR THE ASSOCIATION MINUTES, EMAILS, ETC. THIS POSITION SHALL BE A PAID POSITION, CHOSEN BY THE ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD. THE ADMIN POSITION SHALL BE PAID A MONTHLY STIPEND APPROVED ANNUALLY BY THE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP. THE ADMIN PERSON SHALL BE PAID MONTHLY BY THE TOOELE COUNTY CHIEFS ASSOCIATION TREASURER FROM ASSOCIATION FUNDS.

SECTION 3. VACANCIES AND RESIGNATIONS.
A. IN THE EVENT OF A VACANCY OCCURRING IN THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT, OR HIS/HER SUCCESSORS, THE NEXT OFFICER IN LINE SHALL IMMEDIATELY BE DIRECTED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE IN A FORMAL SESSION TO ASSUME ALL DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE VACANT OFFICE.
B. AN ACTING SECOND VICE PRESIDENT MAY BE NAMED BY THE PRESIDENT AND, UPON APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, SHALL SERVE FOR THE UNEXPIRED TERM.
C. IN THE EVENT OF A VACANCY OCCURRING IN THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER THE PRESIDENT WILL APPOINT SOMEONE FROM THE ASSOCIATION TO SERVE THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF OFFICE; THE APPOINTMENT SHALL BE RATIFIED AT THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED GENERAL MEETING.

ARTICLE V
DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

THE PRESIDENT SHALL:

A. BE THE OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE AND SPOKESMAN FOR THE ASSOCIATION.

B. SERVE AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

C. PRESIDE AT MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION AND AT MEETINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

D. APPOINT ALL COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THOSE PROVIDED FOR IN THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS.

E. COUNTERSIGN ALL CHECKS USED IN MAINTAINING BUSINESS AND EXPENSES OF THE ASSOCIATION, IN EXCESS OF $250.00.

F. CALL A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WHENEVER HE/SHE DETERMINES THAT AN UNUSUAL EMERGENCY EXISTS. AT LEAST FIVE (5) WORKING DAYS NOTIFICATION SHALL BE GIVEN AND THE REASON FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING STATED.

G. APPOINT A CHAIRMAN AND A SECRETARY TO PRESIDE OVER THE ANNUAL NOMINATION AND ELECTION MEETING.

THE FIRST VICE PRESIDENT SHALL:

A. IN THE ABSENCE OR INABILITY OF THE PRESIDENT TO PERFORM ALL THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE AND BE DIRECTED TO ASSUME THE DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT.
B. ASSIST THE PRESIDENT IN CONDUCTING THE BUSINESS OF THE ASSOCIATION, INCLUDING CONDUCTING MEETINGS IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PRESIDENT.

C. PERFORM SUCH DUTIES AS ARE PRESCRIBED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

THE SECOND VICE PRESIDENT SHALL:

A. ASSIST THE PRESIDENT AND THE FIRST VICE PRESIDENT IN CONDUCTING THE BUSINESS AND POLICIES OF THE ASSOCIATION.

B. IN THE ABSENCE OR INABILITY OF THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST VICE PRESIDENT TO PERFORM ALL THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE, IMMEDIATELY BE DIRECTED TO ASSUME ALL THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRESIDENT.

C. PERFORM SUCH OTHER DUTIES AS ARE PRESCRIBED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

IN ADDITION TO ALL OTHER DUTIES REQUIRED BY THE PRESIDENT, THE FIRST AND SECOND VICE PRESIDENTS SHALL PERFORM SUCH OTHER DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED OF THEM BY MAJORITY VOTE OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

THE TREASURER SHALL:

A. REPORT AT THE MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING ON THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE ASSOCIATION, TO INCLUDE A SUMMARY OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES.

B. KEEP A RECORD OF THE NAMES, ADDRESSES, AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF EACH MEMBER, SHOWING WHEN THEY WERE ADMITTED AND WHEN THEY RESIGNED OR WERE EXPELLED.

C. KEEP SUCH BOOKS AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, IN WHICH ALL BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS ARE ENTERED.
F. SHALL HAVE CHARGE OF ALL BOOKS, DOCUMENTS, AND PAPERS BELONGING TO THE ASSOCIATION.

G. RECEIVE ALL MONIES BELONGING TO THE ASSOCIATION. KEEP AN ACCOUNT OF ALL DUES AND RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES. DEPOSIT ALL MONIES IN THE ASSOCIATION CHECKING ACCOUNT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER RECEIPT OF CHECKS.

H. IS ONE OF THE CO-SIGNERS FOR ALL CHECKS ISSUED BY THE ASSOCIATION, MAY SIGN SINGLE SIGNATURE CHECKS AUTHORIZED BY THE MEMBERS OF LESS VALUE THAN $249.99.

I. RECOMMEND THE NAME FOR THE ACTING-IN TREASURER TO SERVE IN THE ABSENCE OF THE TREASURER.

ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1. THESE ARTICLES MAY BE AMENDED AT ANY SPECIAL OR REGULAR MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP, PROVIDED THAT NOTICE OF THE AMENDMENT SHALL BE GIVEN TO THE MEMBERSHIP THIRTY (30) DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF SUCH MEETING.

SECTION 2. AMENDMENTS MUST RECEIVE A TWO-THIRDS (2/3) MAJORITY VOTE OF THOSE MEMBERS ATTENDING SUCH MEETING.

SECTION 3. ALL AMENDMENTS, ALTERATIONS, OR REVISIONS SHALL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY UPON ADOPTION BY THE MEMBERSHIP UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.

ARTICLE VII
MEETINGS

SECTION 1. THIS ASSOCIATION SHALL HOLD ITS MEETINGS, UNLESS OTHERWISE ORDERED, ON THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH @ 19:00 HRS. AT THE TOOELE COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC).

SECTION 2. SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERS OF THIS ASSOCIATION MAY BE CALLED BY THE PRESIDENT UPON APPROVAL OF THREE (3) MEMBERS WHO ARE IN GOOD STANDING.

SECTION 3. AT ANY MEETING OF THE MEMBERS, EACH MEMBER, IN PERSON, OR BY PROXY GIVEN, SHALL BE ENTITLED TO ONE (1) VOTE.

SECTION 4. FOR THE PURPOSE OF ORDERLY ADMINISTRATION, ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER SHALL BE THE AUTHORITY FOR ALL MEETINGS.

SECTION 5. A SIMPLE MAJORITY WITH ONE OFFICER IN ATTENDANCE SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM FOR THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS AT ALL MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION OR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

ARTICLE VIII

BYLAWS

SECTION 1. THE DUES FOR ACTIVE AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ASSOCIATION AT THE NOVEMBER MEETING EACH YEAR FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

SECTION 2. ANY MEMBER MAY BE EXPELLED FROM THIS/HER ASSOCIATION FOR CAUSE OR FOR FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE DUTIES, CONDITIONS, OR REQUIREMENTS OF MEMBERSHIP, INCLUDING PAYMENT OF DUES. REVOCATION SHALL TAKE PLACE AT A GENERAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION UPON TWO-THIRDS (2/3) VOTE OF THOSE MEMBERS PRESENT.

ARTICLE IX

DUTIES OF MEMBERS

SECTION 1. IN ADDITION TO ALL REQUIREMENTS OF MEMBERS ELSEWHERE IN THESE BYLAWS PROVIDED, IT SHALL BE THE DUTY OF EACH MEMBER TO NOTIFY THE PRESIDENT OF THIS ASSOCIATION OF ANY MATTER OF BUSINESS THAT MAY BE DEEMED OF GENERAL INTEREST OR VALUE TO THE PROTECTION, ADVANCEMENT, OR WELFARE OF ASSOCIATION AND/OR IT’S MEMBERSHIP.

SECTION 2. NO MEMBER(S) IN ARREARS FOR DUES OR ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE. ANY MEMBER(S) IN ARREARS NINETY (90) CALENDAR DAYS AFTER THE ANNUAL DUE DATE MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE ASSOCIATION ROSTER.

ARTICLE X

RULES OF ORDER

SECTION 1. THE PRESIDING OFFICER SHALL PRESERVE ORDER AND DECORUM AND SHALL TAKE NO PART IN DEBATES WHILE PRESIDING.

SECTION 2. ALL AMENDMENTS, ALTERATIONS, OR REVISIONS TO ANY PART OF THESE BYLAWS OR RULES OF ORDER SHALL TAKE EFFECT UPON THEIR ADOPTION BY THE MEMBERSHIP UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.

SECTION 3. THE ORDER OF BUSINESS OF MEETINGS OF THIS ASSOCIATION SHALL BE AS FOLLOWS:

A. ROLL CALL.

B. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING.

C. SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT.

D. PRESENTATION OF OUTSTANDING BILLS.

E. REPORT OF COMMITTEES.

F. CHIEFS ROUNDTABLE

G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

H. NEW BUSINESS.

I. GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION.

J. REPORT OF ATTENDANCE AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING.

K. ADJOURNMENT.

THE AGENDA MAY BE ARRANGED AS NECESSARY TO EXPEDIATE THE MEETINGS.

ADOPTED 04, MARCH 2021

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JASON BOLINDER – President