Article I. Name, Territory and Purpose…………………………..4
Section 1: Name
Section 2: Territory
Section 3: Purpose
Article II. Membership………………………………………………4
Section 1: Active Member
Section 2: Associate Member
Section 3: Honorary Member
Section 4: Retired Member
Section 5: Regional Chapter
Section 6: Participating Agency
Section 7: Code of Ethics
Section 8: Disciplinary Action of Membership
Section 9: Appeals and Appointment of Appellant Committee
Article III. Fiscal Administration…………………………………..7
Section 1: Fiscal Year
Section 2: Treasurer Report
Section 3: Dues
Section 4: Payments
Article IV. Officers and Board of Directors………………………8
Section 1: Number and Type of Officers
Section 2: Eligibility for Office
Section 3: Duties of Office
Section4: Board of Directors
Article V. Elections and Voting………………………………..10
Section 1: Nomination of Officers
Section 2: Vacancies
Section 3: Voting
Article VI. Meetings……………………………………………13
Section 1: Annual Meeting
Section 2: Special Meetings
Section 3: Notice of Meetings
Section 4: Programs
Section 5: Minutes of Business Meetings
Article VII. Committees………………………………………..13
Section 1: Appointment
Section 2: Tenure
Section 3: Duties and Responsibilities of Standing and
Temporary Committees
Article VIII. Amendments……………………………………..15
Section 1: Proposal
Section 2: Adoption
Article IX. Order of Business…………………………………15
Section 1: Parliamentary Procedures
Section 2: Order of Business
Article X. Severability………………………………………..16
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT
BY-LAWS
Article I. NAME, TERRITORY AND PURPOSE
Section 1: Name:
The name of this organization is Georgia Association of Code Enforcement, Inc. In this document, Georgia Association of Code Enforcement, Inc. is referred to as “G.A.C.E.” or “the Association”. This shall be a non-profit organization and shall be self-supporting.
Section 2: Territory:
The geographical area that G.A.C.E. represents shall be all participating municipal, county and state agencies within the boundaries of the State of Georgia
Section 3: Purpose:
The purpose of G.A.C.E. shall be to study and advance the science and practice of code fellowship, education, and communication among its members.
Article II. MEMBERSHIP
Section1: Active Member:
A person involved in the regulation of health and safety in the environment, both natural and man-made, or is otherwise responsible for the enforcement of municipal, county, state or federal codes and who resides or is employed in the State of Georgia shall be eligible for regular membership and upon payment of established dues shall be known as an “Active Member” , with voting privileges.
Section 2: Associate Member:
Any student, non-resident or individual interested in code enforcement.
(a) Any active member leaving the code enforcement profession for reasons other than retirement for a period in excess of six months will cease to be an active member and will be considered an associate member without voting privileges. Associate members may change their membership to active upon employment with a municipal, county, state or federal agency and payment of all applicable fees to G.A.C.E.
Section 3: Honorary Member:
The Board of Directors may designate honorary members of the Association. An Honorary Member shall be a person who has shown exemplary service or has made outstanding contributions to the field of code enforcement, without voting privileges.
Section 4: Retired Member:
The Board of Directors may designate Retired Members of the Association. A retired Member shall be a member who retires from his/her position in code enforcement may remain in the membership with payment of prescribed dues as outlined in Article III Section 3.
Section 5: Regional Chapter:
A group or participating jurisdictions may organize and form Regional Chapters with approval from the G.A.C.E. Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may create and enforce guidelines for such chapters, including membership fee of $75.00
Section 6: Participating Agency:
Any Governmental agency in which there are one or more active G.A.C.E. members.
Section 7: Code of Ethics:
The protection of Life, Health and Property is a solemn responsibility of the highest order. Recognizing the public’s trust bestowed upon individuals engaged in the administration and enforcement of codes in their respective municipality or county, G.A.C.E. advocates commitment to standard of professional behavior that exemplifies the highest principles of ethical conduct. Members and Board of Directors shall be held to the same standards as all State ethic proclamations and the statutory requirements of O.C.G.A. 45-10-3
All G.A.C.E. Members Shall:
a. Place the public’s welfare above all other interests and recognize that the primary objective of government is to serve the people.
b. Be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations in their respective employing agency. All matters of ethical conduct should be strived for and no conduct should bring discredit to G.A.C.E.
c. Never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendships to influence decisions. Accept no personal favors for public services rendered and conscientiously avoid all circumstances that could compromise professional integrity.
d. Recognize the responsibility of position as a symbol of public faith and accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of code enforcement service.
e. Maintain professional competence in all areas of employment responsibility and encourage the same for all associates at all levels.
f. All members shall be expected to display professionalism, integrity, and leadership while attending any G.A.C.E. conference, meeting etc. Members shall be present and/or accounted for during all classes in which they are registered. While at any G.A.C.E. affiliated conference, meeting, or special event, all members are to conduct themselves in a business professional manner, which does not negatively affect the organization. All members are representing the organization as a whole and should conduct themselves in a manner that induces positive attributes upon themselves and the organization, for the duration of their time as a member.
Section 8: Disciplinary Action of Membership:
a. Any member may be suspended and/or removed from the membership roll of G.A.C.E. upon finding by the Board of Directors that said member has acted in such a manner to bring discredit upon G.A.C.E. Any member may submit in writing a request to investigate allegations. The Board shall forward all investigation request to the Legislative and Judicial Review Committee for investigative process. The Board will thoroughly review disciplinary decision.
b. Upon formal charges being filed with the Board of Directors to a violation of code of conduct on the part of any member or Board member, the Legislative and Judicial Review Committee shall conduct an investigation for the purpose of receiving evidence to the merits of such charges. The member so charged shall be given at least ten (10) days notice prior to such investigation. If such charges are found to be true, the Board of Directors shall conduct a hearing to give a decision on discipline action to such member as provided in the by-laws. Such hearing shall be held in accordance with such chapter. The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final, where the appellant has failed to file decision.
c. All G.A.C.E. members and potential members acknowledge it is a privilege to be a member of G.A.C.E., not a right. Violations of the Code of Conduct which would discredit the Association can be grounds for suspension or termination of membership and or assigned or elected responsibilities which shall be determined exclusively by the Board of Directors. The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final, where the appellant has failed to file an appeal within ten (10) business days of formal notification of the Board of Directors decision.
Section 9: Appeals and Appointment of Appellant Committee:
The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final, unless an appeal is filed in accordance with Article II Section 8 subsection (c). The appeal shall be filed with the Board of Directors.
a. Upon receiving a written request of appeal the President shall appoint the Appellant Committee. The Committee should be compromised of six (6) members; four (4) active members (peers of the appellant and should represent four degrees of this state – North, South, East and West), one (1) retired member (peer of appellant, should represent in like employment status if possible), and the Past President of the Association. The Past President shall be the Chairperson of the Committee without voting privileges. The Chairperson is responsible for the order of the appeals process and shall prescribe upon each committee member a commitment to privacy and to insure only factual, non-bias information and records are reviewed by the committee as a whole. The committee should submit to the Board of Directors their decision within thirty (30) days of appointment. The decision shall be in writing and presented in person by the Chairperson. Te appeals decision shall be read aloud in executive session before the Board of Directors. The appellant shall receive in writing and in form of announcement the appeals decision from the Board of Directors. Upon formally filing an open records request to the Board of Directors information pertaining to the investigation, Board decision, and factual, non-bias and non-suggestive information shall be read before the full membership of G.A.C.E. during an Annual Business Meeting. The Appellants Committee’s decision shall be in writing and should include the following information when presented and read and the decision shall be final.
1. Decision must be directed to the Board of Directors of G.A.C.E.
2. Should give name and jurisdiction of appellant
3. Should address each action, decision and investigation
4. should be noted as found in a non-bias review of factual investigative information and/or evidence pertinent to the investigation and/or appeals
5. Should offer alternative decision or disciplinary decision where the Board of Directors and/or the LJR Committee are found to have used inadequate decision making or investigative practices.
6. Should list the expectations of the committee, Board of Directors, and LJR Committee as to privacy issues concerning member’s personal information or any information that does not directly affect the appeals decision.
7. Decision should be signed by the Chairperson and all five representing committee members listing each member’s jurisdiction and title of employment.
ARTICLE III. FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
Section 1: Fiscal Year:
The G.A.C.E. fiscal year shall be from January 1 through December 31 of each successive year.
Section 2: Treasurer Report:
The annual treasurer report shall be prepared and presented by a budget and finance committee.
Section 3: Dues:
Annual membership dues shall be $60.00 per active member, $75.00 per associate member and $30.00 per retired member with all dues of all memberships due and payable by January 1st of each year. The membership year shall extend from January 1st through December 31st of each year.
a. Any member in default of his/her financial responsibilities to G.A.C.E. for a periodof six (6) months shall no longer be entitled to the benefits of membership in G.A.C.E. Under no circumstances will a member be allowed to vote unless his/her dues are current.
Section 4: Payments:
All approved claims owed for payment by G.A.C.E. shall be submitted to the Treasurer in the form of written and signed statement within ninety (90) days. All expenditures from G.A.C.E. funds shall be subject to review by the Board of Directors. All expenditures in excess of $1,000.00 dollars shall be put before the GACE Board for a vote. The establishing of the G.A.C.E. bank account shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors and the account shall be placed within the state of Georgia.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1: Number and Types of Officers:
The officers of G.A.C.E. shall be seven (7) in number and shall be the Association President, 1st Vice President of Operations, 2nd Vice President of Certification, 3rd Vice President of Member ship, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant-at-Arms.
Section 2: Eligibility for Office:
a. Any active member of G.A.C.E. in good standing and having successfully completed the requirements of Level I prior to nomination and having served on at least one committee appointment shall be eligible for any office excluding the seat of Association President.
b. Any Active member having successfully completed Level I requirements, having served in a position of the G.A.C.E. Board of Directors for at least one (1) full term and in good standing shall be eligible for the office of Association President.
c. Any active member of G.A.C.E. in good standing and having successfully completed the requirements for Level I prior to nomination shall be eligible for any office excluding the seat of Treasurer. The requirements to meet eligibility of Treasurer are as follows:
1. Must have accounting/bookkeeping experience.
d. Any active member will not be eligible for any office who has,
1. Previously resigned their office voluntarily or involuntarily due to misconduct or inappropriate conduct while serving on the Board of Directors.
2. While under an investigation or,
3. Who has abandoned their office, Definition of Abandonment: Failure of an officer to perform his/her duties as determined by the Board of Directors.
Section 3: Terms of Office:
1. The normal term of office shall be four (4) years from the installation of office at the annual meeting.
2. The Board of Directors shall serve a staggered term of four (4) years or until their successors are duly elected.
Section 4: Duties of Officer:
Association President –
The Association President shall be directly responsible for the supervision and guidance of the affairs of the Association and shall preside over all meetings of G.A.C.E. Thee President shall enforce the by-laws of this Association and perform other duties that would be recognized as being part of the office. The President shall be the moderator of meetings held by the G.A.C.E. Board of Directors and vote only in the event of a tie. The headquarters of the Association shall be the office of the President, so long as it is located in the state of Georgia. The President shall be responsible for oversight of the G.A.C.E. online web site and discussion forum.
1st Vice President Operations –
The 1st Vice President Operations will preside over all meetings in the absence of the President. The primary duties of the 1st Vice President Operations shall be to appoint and chair the Program Committee and to assist the treasurer in carrying out the duties of his/her office.
2nd Vice President Certification –
The 2nd Vice President Certification shall preside in the absence of the 1st Vice President Operations and President at all G.A.C.E. functions. The primary duties of the 2nd Vice President Certification shall be to appoint and chair the Certification Committee and to keep the President informed of the current progress and future plans of the Committee.
3rd Vice President Membership –
The 3rd Vice President shall preside over any G.A.C.E. function in the absence of the 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President and President. The primary responsibility is to appoint and chair the Membership Committee. This position shall maintain a continuous effort and drive throughout the year in order to accomplish a larger capacity of active membership as qualified in Article II, Section 1,2and 3.
Secretary –
The Secretary shall keep and maintain an accurate record of the proceedings of all official meetings and the names of all appointed committees and their functions. The Secretary shall be responsible for the publishing of the G.A.C.E. newsletter with the help of the sitting Board Members, and promote an open communication between the G.A.C.E. Board and the G.A.C.E. Membership.
Treasurer –
The Treasurer shall be the custodian of all financial matters of this organization and shall appoint and chair the Finance / Budget Committee. He/she will be responsible to see that the dues of all members are paid in full prior to the opening of the annual business session, and shall report the same to the President. Records of all collections and expenditures from the G.A.C.E. treasury shall be reviewed and signed by the Treasurer. The Treasurer’s books and records shall be audited each year by the Board of Directors prior to the annual conference. A report of all revenues and expenditures shall be made available to all members of the Association. At the annual meeting of G.A.C.E. the Treasurer shall present a financial statement for all members to view if desired. The Treasurer shall investigate all tax laws and procedures and establish this Association in its rightful and correct position, as so stated in Article 1, Section 1,a.
Sergeant-at-Arms –
The Sergeant-at-Arms shall maintain order during all meetings and functions of this Association. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall be responsible for ensuring that all voters are in accordance with the provisions of Article II. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall appoint and chair the Legislative and Judicial Review Committee and will keep the President informed of all actions and progress the committee makes.
Section 5: Board of Directors:
(a). There shall be a Board of Directors comprised of the seven (7) Officers as defined in Article IV Section I, with the Immediate Past President of the Association as ex-officio member without voting rights.
(b). Except as otherwise provided by the G.A.C.E. By-Laws, the Board of Directors may transact Association business in the interim between annual meetings; shall determine when committee reports are to be issued; shall effectuate motions voted by the Association; and may adopt rules for regulation of its proceedings.
(c). Official findings and recommendations of the Board of Directors shall be determined by a majority vote. Six (6) members of the Board of Directors shall have one (1) vote with the President to vote to break a tie, and the immediate Past President (without voting right) to give recommendations to all members with voting rights.
(d). The Board of Directors may authorize the existence of Chapter Organizations.
(e). Quorum established as five (5) voting members of the present Board of Directors.
(f). A Board member mat utilize no more than two proxies annually. No Proxies will be allowed at the annual meeting. A quorum must be present for proxies to be effective. Any Board member may direct his/her proxy only to another active member and no member shall hold more than one (1) proxy. Proxies shall be in writing to the Board, acceptable by facsimile or electronic transmittal shall specify the meeting for which they are given, and shall be assigned by the maker. No verbal proxies allowed.
Article V. Elections and Voting:
A. Absentee ballots may be employed in all elections, and in all matters involving By-Laws changes. Blank absentee ballots will be made available by the Nominating Committee Chair to all active members unable to attend the meeting in which the election or By-Laws amendments are to be held. Members may also request absentee ballots from the Nominating Committee Chair. Absentee ballots will not be utilized in the event of a run-off election during voting procedures.
B. At least 100 days prior to the meeting in which an election is to be held for G.A.C.E. Board of Directors or voting on By-Laws changes, the President shall appoint a Nominating Committee of at least three (3) members in good standing of the Association to be responsible for the voting process. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall assist as an ex-officio and non-voting member of the committee and oversee the voting process.
C. No person who is a current Board Member, or who plans to be a candidate for any position on the Board of Directors in the election, nor the immediate Past President shall be eligible to serve on the Nominating Committee.
D. Whereas the Sergeant-at-Arms is a candidate on the ballot for election he/she may appoint, with the approval of the President, a member of the Legislative and Judicial Review Committee as a stand-in to oversee the election process.
E. The President shall, at least 90 days prior to the meeting in which the voting is to commence, post on the official G.A.C.E. web site the names and contact information of the Nominating Committee and a list of the Board positions and/or By-Laws changes to be voted on. The Nominating Committee will be responsible for all verification including active membership of the nominator, nominee, and jurisdictional approval.
F. The Nominating Committee will begin no later than 90 days prior to the meeting in which the election is to be held, accepting nominations for Board of Directors positions.
G. The nomination process will be completed and closed 60 days prior to the meeting in which the election is to be held. There will be no nominations from the floor.
a. Exception: In the event that during the nomination process there are no qualified nominees, nominations for open positions only can be taken from the floor at the meeting where the election is to be held.
b. All absentee ballots shall reflect that in the event no one qualified for a position, nominations will be taken from the floor for the open position(s) only.
H. The Nominating Committee shall prepare a slate of nominees for the Officers positions as described in Article IV Section I, with staggered terms as described in Article IV Section 3(c) and will post on the official G.A.C.E. web site, 60 days prior to the meeting in which voting is to be held, the ballot for voting once the nomination process is complete.
I. The active membership voting absentee must return the absentee ballots by postal mail, dated 30 days prior to the meeting in which voting is to be held, in a sealed envelope marked “Ballot” across the seal of the envelope.
J. Absentee ballots will remain sealed until verified by the Sergeant-at-Arms or a member of the Legislative and Judicial Review Committee as prescribed in subsection (D) of this article.
K. The Nominating Committee, upon completing the verification of the active member’s eligibility to vote, shall cast the absentee ballots during the voting process.
L. In the event there is only one nominee for any particular office, the membership assembled may instruct the Secretary by proper motion to cast a ballot for the full number of qualified voters at the meeting for said nominee whereupon the President shall declare him/her elected by acclamation.
M. The President shall announce at a called meeting the results of all balloting and shall declare all elections.
N. Formal notification of the election results shall be prepared by the Secretary and electronically mailed to each active G.A.C.E. members and/or posted on the official web site
O. Members of the Nominating Committee may choose to run for election to the Board of Directors before the ballot is prepared, however, they must immediately notify the Board of Directors and resign from the committee.
Section 2: Vacancies:
(a) In the event a vacancy is created in office of the President, the 1st Vice President shall immediately assume the office of President for the remainder of the term, whether or not he/she has served a full term.
(b) The Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint an active member of the membership meeting the requirements for any vacated office other than President for the remainder of that term. All vacancies, resignations and appointment of officers shall be announced in writing, electronic transmittal and/or facsimile and sent to each active member of the Association within ten (10) business days of occurring.
Section 3: Voting:
(a) For the normal transaction of business, all active members present at the Annual Meeting shall have one (1) vote.
(b) The Sergeant-at-Arms shall determine the eligibility for voting on specific business matters and the Secretary shall maintain a current list of voting eligibility.
(c) A quorum for a valid vote, excluding absentee ballots, shall be majority of those eligible members casting ballots who attended the meeting. Proxy ballots will not be counted. Proxy ballots are expressly prohibited.
(d) The nominee who receives the majority, e.g. fifty-percent plus one (50% + 1) vote, shall be declared the winner. In the event there are more than two candidates nominated for the same position and no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast, there shall be a run-off election between the two (2) candidates receiving the largest number of votes.
Article VI. MEETINGS:
Section 1: Annual Meetings:
(a) There shall be one (1) Annual Business Meeting held each year during the spring season.
(b) The primary purpose of the Annual Business Meeting shall be:
a. To receive the annual report from the current Association Officers.
b. To receive the financial report for the next tear of Association operation.
c. To install newly elected officers.
d. To allow membership opportunity to address any and all topics associated with G.A.C.E.
e. To present minutes from past annual meeting.
Section 2: Special Meeting:
(a) The Board of Directors and/or the President may call a special meeting at such time, date and place as they may consider appropriate.
(b) At written request of a minimum of 10% of the active membership of the organization, the President shall call a special meeting.
Section 3: Notice of Meetings:
(a) Notice of G.A.C.E. annual meetings shall be posted on the G.A.C.E. web site no later than 30 days prior to the annual meeting.
Section 4: Programs:
(a) It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to appoint a program coordinator to ensure that each program provided for the membership shall be of the highest quality and consistent with the established purposes and goals of this Association.
Section 5: Minutes of Business Meetings:
(a) Complete minutes will be recorded of each business meeting by either the Secretary or some other qualified member of G.A.C.E. designated by the Secretary to serve in his/her absence.
(b) All minutes, once recorded and approved by the appropriate body as to accuracy, shall become part of the permanent record of which the Secretary is custodian.
(c) The minutes of the annual meeting shall be recorded by the Secretary.
ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES:
Section 1: Appointment:
The President shall, whenever necessary and appropriate, appoint special committees to perform specific and limited duties.
Section 2: Tenure:
The tenure of each special committee shall be for the duration of the specific duty assigned to it, but shall not exceed beyond to the end of the G.A.C.E. annual meeting in which the particular special committee was appointed, except that any special committee may be continued the following year or by the succeeding President.
Section 3: Duties and Responsibilities of Standing and Temporary Committees:
(a) The Finance and Budget Committee is to meet at least twice yearly during the G.A.C.E. fiscal year to outline the receipts to the Board of Directors for the coming G.A.C.E. fiscal year.
(b) The Program Committee shall meet as necessary and shall be responsible to the Board of Directors for the development and presentation of programs and exhibits to the Board of Directors for the upcoming year.
(c) The Membership Committee shall meet as necessary and is responsible for the active recruitment of new members and the retention of present members.
(d) The Certification Committee is hereby empowered to develop those regulations it feels necessary to cause the members of G.A.C.E. to display professionalism, integrity, leadership and knowledge pertaining to the field of Code Enforcement that is in the best interest of the public and the Association. The committee shall be empowered to develop and maintain a policy for certification regulations and requirements. The committee shall meet as often as necessary to attain those goals and shall make a report to the Board of Directors of its progress and methods.
(e) The Legislative and Judicial Review Committee will meet as necessary and is responsible for the review of ordinances throughout the State of Georgia that pertain to Code Enforcement. Their responsibility lies in finding the most efficient and effective laws in place and working toward the establishment of these laws on a statewide basis. This committee is responsible for the review of the current By-Laws of the Association, and the development of new State Legislation that will benefit Code Enforcement Officers and the Association. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall be the chair of this committee. This committee shall be responsible for any and all investigative measures as so directed by the Board of Directors. Where the committee is called upon to investigate the alleged misconduct or violations of the Code of Ethics of any member of this Association this committee is bound by the State of Georgia’s Privacy Act, to act appropriately and with non-bias professionalism. The Sergeant-at-Arms is responsible for governing the order of each investigation and is required to establish a Standard Investigative Process.
(f) The Appellant Committee is a temporary committee and the members of which are subject to change depending the jurisdictional coordinates of the Appellant. This committee is chaired by the Past President and appointed by the President. This committee is considered active only in the occasion an active member of this Association files an appeal against the disciplinary decisions of the Board of Directors. This committee is bound by the State of Georgia’s Privacy Act. The Past President shall govern the order of business and he/she has no voting privileges in the decisions made by the committee. He/she shall only submit factual investigative information taken from the LJR Committee, Board of Directors and the Appellant to the committee members for decision. The members of this committee are to remain anonymous except to the Appellant and Board of Directors. The names of each committee member shall only be released upon decision of the appeal, at which each member must sign in agreement. A committee member may serve on more than one Appellant Committee appeal filed and service to the Appellant Committee and at no time shall that member use the names, jurisdictions or descriptions of previous Appellants when making his/her decisions. Each appeal shall be decided only by the evidence concerning that investigative case.
(g) The Public Education Committee is charged with outreach efforts to educate all Governmental Associations and Jurisdictions throughout the State of Georgia on the curriculum of G.A.C.E. and the benefits of trained Officers as well as maintenance of the G.A.C.E. online web site and discussion forum including but not limited to the administration, maintenance and updates. This committee is chaired by the President.
ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS.
Section 1: Proposal:
(a) Upon written petition officially transmitted to the Board of Directors from the Legislative and Judicial Review Committee or of at least one fourth (1/4) of the active membership of G.A.C.E., any proposed amendment to these By-Laws shall, after full discussion by the Board of Directors, be prepared as written ballot at the next annual meeting.
Section 2: Adoption:
(a) Except as modified by the By-Laws, any proposed amendment shall require a majority vote for adoption. The vote shall be by secret ballot.
ARTICLE IX. ORDER OF BUSINESS.
Section 1: Parliamentary Procedures:
(a) Parliamentary Procedures shall be as defined in the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order.
Section 2: Order of Business:
(a) Except as modified by the By-Laws, the order of business of the Association shall be as follows:
1. Role call of officers. During the Annual Meeting roll call of committees and members of each described in these By-Laws.
2. Approval of minutes of previous meeting
3. Announcements
4. Reports of officers and minutes
5. Program
6. Unfinished business
7. New business
8. Election of Officers and seating of the same
9. Adjournment
Article X. SEVERABILITY.
In a court of competent jurisdiction shall declare any part of these By-Laws unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Amendments:
January 1, 2019 - Changed membership dues from $50 to $60 as voted on at the Spring 2018 conference.
March 10, 2022 - Changed the following sections of Article IV:
Section 2: Eligibility for Office
(a) by adding “and having served on at least one committee appointment”
(c) by adding a requirement for the candidate for the seat of Treasurer to have accounting/bookkeeping experience.
(d) Moving subsection (c) to (d)
Section 3: Terms of Office
(1) Changed term of office from two year staggered term to four year staggered term and deleting out dated verbiage.
Section 4: Duties of Officer:
Association President – deleting the verbiage “chair the Public Education Committee and shall..”
By-Laws amendments were voted on at the Spring Conference 3/3/2022 and passed by a majority
vote.
March 9, 2023 Changed verbiage in the following sections:
Article III Fiscal Administration
Section 4 Payments
Striking – “The Treasurer and another officer, either the Association President or the First Vice President of Operations, must sign all checks exceeding $100.00.”
Replacing with - “All expenditures in excess of $1,000.00 dollars shall be put before the G.A.C.E. Board for a vote.
Section 3 Notice of Meetings
Striking - “A written notice of the annual meeting shall be mailed to each G.A.C.E. member…”
Replacing with - “Notice of G.A.C.E. annual meetings shall be posted on the G.A.C.E. web site…”
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- Administrators
comment_34GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT BY-LAWS
Revised March 9, 2023
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT
Table of Contents:
Article I. Name, Territory and Purpose…………………………..4
Section 1: Name
Section 2: Territory
Section 3: Purpose
Article II. Membership………………………………………………4
Section 1: Active Member
Section 2: Associate Member
Section 3: Honorary Member
Section 4: Retired Member
Section 5: Regional Chapter
Section 6: Participating Agency
Section 7: Code of Ethics
Section 8: Disciplinary Action of Membership
Section 9: Appeals and Appointment of Appellant Committee
Article III. Fiscal Administration…………………………………..7
Section 1: Fiscal Year
Section 2: Treasurer Report
Section 3: Dues
Section 4: Payments
Article IV. Officers and Board of Directors………………………8
Section 1: Number and Type of Officers
Section 2: Eligibility for Office
Section 3: Duties of Office
Section4: Board of Directors
Article V. Elections and Voting………………………………..10
Section 1: Nomination of Officers
Section 2: Vacancies
Section 3: Voting
Article VI. Meetings……………………………………………13
Section 1: Annual Meeting
Section 2: Special Meetings
Section 3: Notice of Meetings
Section 4: Programs
Section 5: Minutes of Business Meetings
Article VII. Committees………………………………………..13
Section 1: Appointment
Section 2: Tenure
Section 3: Duties and Responsibilities of Standing and
Temporary Committees
Article VIII. Amendments……………………………………..15
Section 1: Proposal
Section 2: Adoption
Article IX. Order of Business…………………………………15
Section 1: Parliamentary Procedures
Section 2: Order of Business
Article X. Severability………………………………………..16
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT
BY-LAWS
Article I. NAME, TERRITORY AND PURPOSE
Section 1: Name:
The name of this organization is Georgia Association of Code Enforcement, Inc. In this document, Georgia Association of Code Enforcement, Inc. is referred to as “G.A.C.E.” or “the Association”. This shall be a non-profit organization and shall be self-supporting.
Section 2: Territory:
The geographical area that G.A.C.E. represents shall be all participating municipal, county and state agencies within the boundaries of the State of Georgia
Section 3: Purpose:
The purpose of G.A.C.E. shall be to study and advance the science and practice of code fellowship, education, and communication among its members.
Article II. MEMBERSHIP
Section1: Active Member:
A person involved in the regulation of health and safety in the environment, both natural and man-made, or is otherwise responsible for the enforcement of municipal, county, state or federal codes and who resides or is employed in the State of Georgia shall be eligible for regular membership and upon payment of established dues shall be known as an “Active Member” , with voting privileges.
Section 2: Associate Member:
Any student, non-resident or individual interested in code enforcement.
(a) Any active member leaving the code enforcement profession for reasons other than retirement for a period in excess of six months will cease to be an active member and will be considered an associate member without voting privileges. Associate members may change their membership to active upon employment with a municipal, county, state or federal agency and payment of all applicable fees to G.A.C.E.
Section 3: Honorary Member:
The Board of Directors may designate honorary members of the Association. An Honorary Member shall be a person who has shown exemplary service or has made outstanding contributions to the field of code enforcement, without voting privileges.
Section 4: Retired Member:
The Board of Directors may designate Retired Members of the Association. A retired Member shall be a member who retires from his/her position in code enforcement may remain in the membership with payment of prescribed dues as outlined in Article III Section 3.
Section 5: Regional Chapter:
A group or participating jurisdictions may organize and form Regional Chapters with approval from the G.A.C.E. Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may create and enforce guidelines for such chapters, including membership fee of $75.00
Section 6: Participating Agency:
Any Governmental agency in which there are one or more active G.A.C.E. members.
Section 7: Code of Ethics:
The protection of Life, Health and Property is a solemn responsibility of the highest order. Recognizing the public’s trust bestowed upon individuals engaged in the administration and enforcement of codes in their respective municipality or county, G.A.C.E. advocates commitment to standard of professional behavior that exemplifies the highest principles of ethical conduct. Members and Board of Directors shall be held to the same standards as all State ethic proclamations and the statutory requirements of O.C.G.A. 45-10-3
All G.A.C.E. Members Shall:
a. Place the public’s welfare above all other interests and recognize that the primary objective of government is to serve the people.
b. Be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations in their respective employing agency. All matters of ethical conduct should be strived for and no conduct should bring discredit to G.A.C.E.
c. Never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendships to influence decisions. Accept no personal favors for public services rendered and conscientiously avoid all circumstances that could compromise professional integrity.
d. Recognize the responsibility of position as a symbol of public faith and accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of code enforcement service.
e. Maintain professional competence in all areas of employment responsibility and encourage the same for all associates at all levels.
f. All members shall be expected to display professionalism, integrity, and leadership while attending any G.A.C.E. conference, meeting etc. Members shall be present and/or accounted for during all classes in which they are registered. While at any G.A.C.E. affiliated conference, meeting, or special event, all members are to conduct themselves in a business professional manner, which does not negatively affect the organization. All members are representing the organization as a whole and should conduct themselves in a manner that induces positive attributes upon themselves and the organization, for the duration of their time as a member.
Section 8: Disciplinary Action of Membership:
a. Any member may be suspended and/or removed from the membership roll of G.A.C.E. upon finding by the Board of Directors that said member has acted in such a manner to bring discredit upon G.A.C.E. Any member may submit in writing a request to investigate allegations. The Board shall forward all investigation request to the Legislative and Judicial Review Committee for investigative process. The Board will thoroughly review disciplinary decision.
b. Upon formal charges being filed with the Board of Directors to a violation of code of conduct on the part of any member or Board member, the Legislative and Judicial Review Committee shall conduct an investigation for the purpose of receiving evidence to the merits of such charges. The member so charged shall be given at least ten (10) days notice prior to such investigation. If such charges are found to be true, the Board of Directors shall conduct a hearing to give a decision on discipline action to such member as provided in the by-laws. Such hearing shall be held in accordance with such chapter. The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final, where the appellant has failed to file decision.
c. All G.A.C.E. members and potential members acknowledge it is a privilege to be a member of G.A.C.E., not a right. Violations of the Code of Conduct which would discredit the Association can be grounds for suspension or termination of membership and or assigned or elected responsibilities which shall be determined exclusively by the Board of Directors. The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final, where the appellant has failed to file an appeal within ten (10) business days of formal notification of the Board of Directors decision.
Section 9: Appeals and Appointment of Appellant Committee:
The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final, unless an appeal is filed in accordance with Article II Section 8 subsection (c). The appeal shall be filed with the Board of Directors.
a. Upon receiving a written request of appeal the President shall appoint the Appellant Committee. The Committee should be compromised of six (6) members; four (4) active members (peers of the appellant and should represent four degrees of this state – North, South, East and West), one (1) retired member (peer of appellant, should represent in like employment status if possible), and the Past President of the Association. The Past President shall be the Chairperson of the Committee without voting privileges. The Chairperson is responsible for the order of the appeals process and shall prescribe upon each committee member a commitment to privacy and to insure only factual, non-bias information and records are reviewed by the committee as a whole. The committee should submit to the Board of Directors their decision within thirty (30) days of appointment. The decision shall be in writing and presented in person by the Chairperson. Te appeals decision shall be read aloud in executive session before the Board of Directors. The appellant shall receive in writing and in form of announcement the appeals decision from the Board of Directors. Upon formally filing an open records request to the Board of Directors information pertaining to the investigation, Board decision, and factual, non-bias and non-suggestive information shall be read before the full membership of G.A.C.E. during an Annual Business Meeting. The Appellants Committee’s decision shall be in writing and should include the following information when presented and read and the decision shall be final.
1. Decision must be directed to the Board of Directors of G.A.C.E.
2. Should give name and jurisdiction of appellant
3. Should address each action, decision and investigation
4. should be noted as found in a non-bias review of factual investigative information and/or evidence pertinent to the investigation and/or appeals
5. Should offer alternative decision or disciplinary decision where the Board of Directors and/or the LJR Committee are found to have used inadequate decision making or investigative practices.
6. Should list the expectations of the committee, Board of Directors, and LJR Committee as to privacy issues concerning member’s personal information or any information that does not directly affect the appeals decision.
7. Decision should be signed by the Chairperson and all five representing committee members listing each member’s jurisdiction and title of employment.
ARTICLE III. FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
Section 1: Fiscal Year:
The G.A.C.E. fiscal year shall be from January 1 through December 31 of each successive year.
Section 2: Treasurer Report:
The annual treasurer report shall be prepared and presented by a budget and finance committee.
Section 3: Dues:
Annual membership dues shall be $60.00 per active member, $75.00 per associate member and $30.00 per retired member with all dues of all memberships due and payable by January 1st of each year. The membership year shall extend from January 1st through December 31st of each year.
a. Any member in default of his/her financial responsibilities to G.A.C.E. for a period of six (6) months shall no longer be entitled to the benefits of membership in G.A.C.E. Under no circumstances will a member be allowed to vote unless his/her dues are current.
Section 4: Payments:
All approved claims owed for payment by G.A.C.E. shall be submitted to the Treasurer in the form of written and signed statement within ninety (90) days. All expenditures from G.A.C.E. funds shall be subject to review by the Board of Directors. All expenditures in excess of $1,000.00 dollars shall be put before the GACE Board for a vote. The establishing of the G.A.C.E. bank account shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors and the account shall be placed within the state of Georgia.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1: Number and Types of Officers:
The officers of G.A.C.E. shall be seven (7) in number and shall be the Association President, 1st Vice President of Operations, 2nd Vice President of Certification, 3rd Vice President of Member ship, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant-at-Arms.
Section 2: Eligibility for Office:
a. Any active member of G.A.C.E. in good standing and having successfully completed the requirements of Level I prior to nomination and having served on at least one committee appointment shall be eligible for any office excluding the seat of Association President.
b. Any Active member having successfully completed Level I requirements, having served in a position of the G.A.C.E. Board of Directors for at least one (1) full term and in good standing shall be eligible for the office of Association President.
c. Any active member of G.A.C.E. in good standing and having successfully completed the requirements for Level I prior to nomination shall be eligible for any office excluding the seat of Treasurer. The requirements to meet eligibility of Treasurer are as follows:
1. Must have accounting/bookkeeping experience.
d. Any active member will not be eligible for any office who has,
1. Previously resigned their office voluntarily or involuntarily due to misconduct or inappropriate conduct while serving on the Board of Directors.
2. While under an investigation or,
3. Who has abandoned their office, Definition of Abandonment: Failure of an officer to perform his/her duties as determined by the Board of Directors.
Section 3: Terms of Office:
1. The normal term of office shall be four (4) years from the installation of office at the annual meeting.
2. The Board of Directors shall serve a staggered term of four (4) years or until their successors are duly elected.
Section 4: Duties of Officer:
Association President –
The Association President shall be directly responsible for the supervision and guidance of the affairs of the Association and shall preside over all meetings of G.A.C.E. Thee President shall enforce the by-laws of this Association and perform other duties that would be recognized as being part of the office. The President shall be the moderator of meetings held by the G.A.C.E. Board of Directors and vote only in the event of a tie. The headquarters of the Association shall be the office of the President, so long as it is located in the state of Georgia. The President shall be responsible for oversight of the G.A.C.E. online web site and discussion forum.
1st Vice President Operations –
The 1st Vice President Operations will preside over all meetings in the absence of the President. The primary duties of the 1st Vice President Operations shall be to appoint and chair the Program Committee and to assist the treasurer in carrying out the duties of his/her office.
2nd Vice President Certification –
The 2nd Vice President Certification shall preside in the absence of the 1st Vice President Operations and President at all G.A.C.E. functions. The primary duties of the 2nd Vice President Certification shall be to appoint and chair the Certification Committee and to keep the President informed of the current progress and future plans of the Committee.
3rd Vice President Membership –
The 3rd Vice President shall preside over any G.A.C.E. function in the absence of the 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President and President. The primary responsibility is to appoint and chair the Membership Committee. This position shall maintain a continuous effort and drive throughout the year in order to accomplish a larger capacity of active membership as qualified in Article II, Section 1,2and 3.
Secretary –
The Secretary shall keep and maintain an accurate record of the proceedings of all official meetings and the names of all appointed committees and their functions. The Secretary shall be responsible for the publishing of the G.A.C.E. newsletter with the help of the sitting Board Members, and promote an open communication between the G.A.C.E. Board and the G.A.C.E. Membership.
Treasurer –
The Treasurer shall be the custodian of all financial matters of this organization and shall appoint and chair the Finance / Budget Committee. He/she will be responsible to see that the dues of all members are paid in full prior to the opening of the annual business session, and shall report the same to the President. Records of all collections and expenditures from the G.A.C.E. treasury shall be reviewed and signed by the Treasurer. The Treasurer’s books and records shall be audited each year by the Board of Directors prior to the annual conference. A report of all revenues and expenditures shall be made available to all members of the Association. At the annual meeting of G.A.C.E. the Treasurer shall present a financial statement for all members to view if desired. The Treasurer shall investigate all tax laws and procedures and establish this Association in its rightful and correct position, as so stated in Article 1, Section 1,a.
Sergeant-at-Arms –
The Sergeant-at-Arms shall maintain order during all meetings and functions of this Association. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall be responsible for ensuring that all voters are in accordance with the provisions of Article II. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall appoint and chair the Legislative and Judicial Review Committee and will keep the President informed of all actions and progress the committee makes.
Section 5: Board of Directors:
(a). There shall be a Board of Directors comprised of the seven (7) Officers as defined in Article IV Section I, with the Immediate Past President of the Association as ex-officio member without voting rights.
(b). Except as otherwise provided by the G.A.C.E. By-Laws, the Board of Directors may transact Association business in the interim between annual meetings; shall determine when committee reports are to be issued; shall effectuate motions voted by the Association; and may adopt rules for regulation of its proceedings.
(c). Official findings and recommendations of the Board of Directors shall be determined by a majority vote. Six (6) members of the Board of Directors shall have one (1) vote with the President to vote to break a tie, and the immediate Past President (without voting right) to give recommendations to all members with voting rights.
(d). The Board of Directors may authorize the existence of Chapter Organizations.
(e). Quorum established as five (5) voting members of the present Board of Directors.
(f). A Board member mat utilize no more than two proxies annually. No Proxies will be allowed at the annual meeting. A quorum must be present for proxies to be effective. Any Board member may direct his/her proxy only to another active member and no member shall hold more than one (1) proxy. Proxies shall be in writing to the Board, acceptable by facsimile or electronic transmittal shall specify the meeting for which they are given, and shall be assigned by the maker. No verbal proxies allowed.
Article V. Elections and Voting:
A. Absentee ballots may be employed in all elections, and in all matters involving By-Laws changes. Blank absentee ballots will be made available by the Nominating Committee Chair to all active members unable to attend the meeting in which the election or By-Laws amendments are to be held. Members may also request absentee ballots from the Nominating Committee Chair. Absentee ballots will not be utilized in the event of a run-off election during voting procedures.
B. At least 100 days prior to the meeting in which an election is to be held for G.A.C.E. Board of Directors or voting on By-Laws changes, the President shall appoint a Nominating Committee of at least three (3) members in good standing of the Association to be responsible for the voting process. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall assist as an ex-officio and non-voting member of the committee and oversee the voting process.
C. No person who is a current Board Member, or who plans to be a candidate for any position on the Board of Directors in the election, nor the immediate Past President shall be eligible to serve on the Nominating Committee.
D. Whereas the Sergeant-at-Arms is a candidate on the ballot for election he/she may appoint, with the approval of the President, a member of the Legislative and Judicial Review Committee as a stand-in to oversee the election process.
E. The President shall, at least 90 days prior to the meeting in which the voting is to commence, post on the official G.A.C.E. web site the names and contact information of the Nominating Committee and a list of the Board positions and/or By-Laws changes to be voted on. The Nominating Committee will be responsible for all verification including active membership of the nominator, nominee, and jurisdictional approval.
F. The Nominating Committee will begin no later than 90 days prior to the meeting in which the election is to be held, accepting nominations for Board of Directors positions.
G. The nomination process will be completed and closed 60 days prior to the meeting in which the election is to be held. There will be no nominations from the floor.
a. Exception: In the event that during the nomination process there are no qualified nominees, nominations for open positions only can be taken from the floor at the meeting where the election is to be held.
b. All absentee ballots shall reflect that in the event no one qualified for a position, nominations will be taken from the floor for the open position(s) only.
H. The Nominating Committee shall prepare a slate of nominees for the Officers positions as described in Article IV Section I, with staggered terms as described in Article IV Section 3(c) and will post on the official G.A.C.E. web site, 60 days prior to the meeting in which voting is to be held, the ballot for voting once the nomination process is complete.
I. The active membership voting absentee must return the absentee ballots by postal mail, dated 30 days prior to the meeting in which voting is to be held, in a sealed envelope marked “Ballot” across the seal of the envelope.
J. Absentee ballots will remain sealed until verified by the Sergeant-at-Arms or a member of the Legislative and Judicial Review Committee as prescribed in subsection (D) of this article.
K. The Nominating Committee, upon completing the verification of the active member’s eligibility to vote, shall cast the absentee ballots during the voting process.
L. In the event there is only one nominee for any particular office, the membership assembled may instruct the Secretary by proper motion to cast a ballot for the full number of qualified voters at the meeting for said nominee whereupon the President shall declare him/her elected by acclamation.
M. The President shall announce at a called meeting the results of all balloting and shall declare all elections.
N. Formal notification of the election results shall be prepared by the Secretary and electronically mailed to each active G.A.C.E. members and/or posted on the official web site
O. Members of the Nominating Committee may choose to run for election to the Board of Directors before the ballot is prepared, however, they must immediately notify the Board of Directors and resign from the committee.
Section 2: Vacancies:
(a) In the event a vacancy is created in office of the President, the 1st Vice President shall immediately assume the office of President for the remainder of the term, whether or not he/she has served a full term.
(b) The Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint an active member of the membership meeting the requirements for any vacated office other than President for the remainder of that term. All vacancies, resignations and appointment of officers shall be announced in writing, electronic transmittal and/or facsimile and sent to each active member of the Association within ten (10) business days of occurring.
Section 3: Voting:
(a) For the normal transaction of business, all active members present at the Annual Meeting shall have one (1) vote.
(b) The Sergeant-at-Arms shall determine the eligibility for voting on specific business matters and the Secretary shall maintain a current list of voting eligibility.
(c) A quorum for a valid vote, excluding absentee ballots, shall be majority of those eligible members casting ballots who attended the meeting. Proxy ballots will not be counted. Proxy ballots are expressly prohibited.
(d) The nominee who receives the majority, e.g. fifty-percent plus one (50% + 1) vote, shall be declared the winner. In the event there are more than two candidates nominated for the same position and no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast, there shall be a run-off election between the two (2) candidates receiving the largest number of votes.
Article VI. MEETINGS:
Section 1: Annual Meetings:
(a) There shall be one (1) Annual Business Meeting held each year during the spring season.
(b) The primary purpose of the Annual Business Meeting shall be:
a. To receive the annual report from the current Association Officers.
b. To receive the financial report for the next tear of Association operation.
c. To install newly elected officers.
d. To allow membership opportunity to address any and all topics associated with G.A.C.E.
e. To present minutes from past annual meeting.
Section 2: Special Meeting:
(a) The Board of Directors and/or the President may call a special meeting at such time, date and place as they may consider appropriate.
(b) At written request of a minimum of 10% of the active membership of the organization, the President shall call a special meeting.
Section 3: Notice of Meetings:
(a) Notice of G.A.C.E. annual meetings shall be posted on the G.A.C.E. web site no later than 30 days prior to the annual meeting.
Section 4: Programs:
(a) It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to appoint a program coordinator to ensure that each program provided for the membership shall be of the highest quality and consistent with the established purposes and goals of this Association.
Section 5: Minutes of Business Meetings:
(a) Complete minutes will be recorded of each business meeting by either the Secretary or some other qualified member of G.A.C.E. designated by the Secretary to serve in his/her absence.
(b) All minutes, once recorded and approved by the appropriate body as to accuracy, shall become part of the permanent record of which the Secretary is custodian.
(c) The minutes of the annual meeting shall be recorded by the Secretary.
ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES:
Section 1: Appointment:
The President shall, whenever necessary and appropriate, appoint special committees to perform specific and limited duties.
Section 2: Tenure:
The tenure of each special committee shall be for the duration of the specific duty assigned to it, but shall not exceed beyond to the end of the G.A.C.E. annual meeting in which the particular special committee was appointed, except that any special committee may be continued the following year or by the succeeding President.
Section 3: Duties and Responsibilities of Standing and Temporary Committees:
(a) The Finance and Budget Committee is to meet at least twice yearly during the G.A.C.E. fiscal year to outline the receipts to the Board of Directors for the coming G.A.C.E. fiscal year.
(b) The Program Committee shall meet as necessary and shall be responsible to the Board of Directors for the development and presentation of programs and exhibits to the Board of Directors for the upcoming year.
(c) The Membership Committee shall meet as necessary and is responsible for the active recruitment of new members and the retention of present members.
(d) The Certification Committee is hereby empowered to develop those regulations it feels necessary to cause the members of G.A.C.E. to display professionalism, integrity, leadership and knowledge pertaining to the field of Code Enforcement that is in the best interest of the public and the Association. The committee shall be empowered to develop and maintain a policy for certification regulations and requirements. The committee shall meet as often as necessary to attain those goals and shall make a report to the Board of Directors of its progress and methods.
(e) The Legislative and Judicial Review Committee will meet as necessary and is responsible for the review of ordinances throughout the State of Georgia that pertain to Code Enforcement. Their responsibility lies in finding the most efficient and effective laws in place and working toward the establishment of these laws on a statewide basis. This committee is responsible for the review of the current By-Laws of the Association, and the development of new State Legislation that will benefit Code Enforcement Officers and the Association. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall be the chair of this committee. This committee shall be responsible for any and all investigative measures as so directed by the Board of Directors. Where the committee is called upon to investigate the alleged misconduct or violations of the Code of Ethics of any member of this Association this committee is bound by the State of Georgia’s Privacy Act, to act appropriately and with non-bias professionalism. The Sergeant-at-Arms is responsible for governing the order of each investigation and is required to establish a Standard Investigative Process.
(f) The Appellant Committee is a temporary committee and the members of which are subject to change depending the jurisdictional coordinates of the Appellant. This committee is chaired by the Past President and appointed by the President. This committee is considered active only in the occasion an active member of this Association files an appeal against the disciplinary decisions of the Board of Directors. This committee is bound by the State of Georgia’s Privacy Act. The Past President shall govern the order of business and he/she has no voting privileges in the decisions made by the committee. He/she shall only submit factual investigative information taken from the LJR Committee, Board of Directors and the Appellant to the committee members for decision. The members of this committee are to remain anonymous except to the Appellant and Board of Directors. The names of each committee member shall only be released upon decision of the appeal, at which each member must sign in agreement. A committee member may serve on more than one Appellant Committee appeal filed and service to the Appellant Committee and at no time shall that member use the names, jurisdictions or descriptions of previous Appellants when making his/her decisions. Each appeal shall be decided only by the evidence concerning that investigative case.
(g) The Public Education Committee is charged with outreach efforts to educate all Governmental Associations and Jurisdictions throughout the State of Georgia on the curriculum of G.A.C.E. and the benefits of trained Officers as well as maintenance of the G.A.C.E. online web site and discussion forum including but not limited to the administration, maintenance and updates. This committee is chaired by the President.
ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS.
Section 1: Proposal:
(a) Upon written petition officially transmitted to the Board of Directors from the Legislative and Judicial Review Committee or of at least one fourth (1/4) of the active membership of G.A.C.E., any proposed amendment to these By-Laws shall, after full discussion by the Board of Directors, be prepared as written ballot at the next annual meeting.
Section 2: Adoption:
(a) Except as modified by the By-Laws, any proposed amendment shall require a majority vote for adoption. The vote shall be by secret ballot.
ARTICLE IX. ORDER OF BUSINESS.
Section 1: Parliamentary Procedures:
(a) Parliamentary Procedures shall be as defined in the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order.
Section 2: Order of Business:
(a) Except as modified by the By-Laws, the order of business of the Association shall be as follows:
1. Role call of officers. During the Annual Meeting roll call of committees and members of each described in these By-Laws.
2. Approval of minutes of previous meeting
3. Announcements
4. Reports of officers and minutes
5. Program
6. Unfinished business
7. New business
8. Election of Officers and seating of the same
9. Adjournment
Article X. SEVERABILITY.
In a court of competent jurisdiction shall declare any part of these By-Laws unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Amendments:
January 1, 2019 - Changed membership dues from $50 to $60 as voted on at the Spring 2018 conference.
March 10, 2022 - Changed the following sections of Article IV:
Section 2: Eligibility for Office
(a) by adding “and having served on at least one committee appointment”
(c) by adding a requirement for the candidate for the seat of Treasurer to have accounting/bookkeeping experience.
(d) Moving subsection (c) to (d)
Section 3: Terms of Office
(1) Changed term of office from two year staggered term to four year staggered term and deleting out dated verbiage.
Section 4: Duties of Officer:
Association President – deleting the verbiage “chair the Public Education Committee and shall..”
By-Laws amendments were voted on at the Spring Conference 3/3/2022 and passed by a majority
vote.
March 9, 2023 Changed verbiage in the following sections:
Article III Fiscal Administration
Section 4 Payments
Striking – “The Treasurer and another officer, either the Association President or the First Vice President of Operations, must sign all checks exceeding $100.00.”
Replacing with - “All expenditures in excess of $1,000.00 dollars shall be put before the G.A.C.E. Board for a vote.
Section 3 Notice of Meetings
Striking - “A written notice of the annual meeting shall be mailed to each G.A.C.E. member…”
Replacing with - “Notice of G.A.C.E. annual meetings shall be posted on the G.A.C.E. web site…”