CERT Bylaws, Rules and Regulations

* Bylaws of the Springfield CERT *
ARTICLE 1 OFFICES

SECTION 1. PRINCIPAL OFFICE The principal office of the organization is located in Sangamon County, State of Illinois.

SECTION 2. CHANGE OF ADDRESS The address of the organization's principal office may be changed by amendment of these Bylaws. The Board of Directors may change the principal office from one location to another within the named county by noting the changed address and effective date below, and such changes of address shall not be deemed, nor require, an amendment of these Bylaws

ARTICLE 2 NONPROFIT PURPOSES SECTION

1. IRC SECTION 501(c)(3) PURPOSES CERT is organized exclusively as a nonprofit organization and to act accordingly.

Section 2. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES The specific objectives and purposes of this organization shall be: To establish and enhance a volunteer emergency response team of trained people to help when rescue and health emergencies arise. To organize the citizens in each area of town to be ready for any unforeseen emergency. To educate our community using FEMA training for the team and the public

ARTICLE 3 DIRECTORS

Section 1. NUMBER The organization shall have two directors initially with five more, to be appointed or elected by December 13, 2004, for a total of seven and collectively they shall be known as the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS Directors shall be of the age of majority in this state and shall be active members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

SECTION 3. POWERS Subject to the provisions of the laws of this state and any limitations in the organization's Bylaws relating to action required or permitted to be taken or approved by the members, if any, of this organization, the activities and affairs of this organization shall be conducted and all organizational powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 4. DUTIES It shall be the duty of the directors to: (a) Perform any and all duties imposed on them collectively or individually by law, by the organization's Bylaws; (b) Appoint and remove, employ and discharge, and, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, prescribe the duties and fix the compensation, if any, of all officers, agents and employees of the organization; (c) Supervise all members of the organization to assure that their duties are performed properly; (d) Meet at such times and places as required by these Bylaws; (e) Register their addresses, both street and e-mail, with the Secretary of the organization, and notices of meetings mailed or e-mailed to them at such addresses shall be valid notices thereof.

SECTION 5. TERM OF OFFICE Each director shall hold office for a period of two years and until his or her successor is elected and qualifies for the office to which the director is nominated.

SECTION 6. COMPENSATION Directors shall serve without compensation except they shall be allowed reasonable advancement or reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

SECTION 7. PLACE OF MEETINGS The board shall meet at least once a month, at an agreed upon time and place.

SECTION 8. BOARD ELECTIONS Elections of new directors will take place at the March meeting of the organization. Directors shall be elected by a majority vote of the current members present. The Assistant Chief, Equipment Deputy Chief, and Training Deputy Chief shall be elected on even years, beginning in 2006, and the Chief, Secretary Deputy Chief, and Treasurer Deputy Chief shall be elected on odd years, beginning in 2007.

SECTION 9. NOTICE An official meeting requires that each member have written notice mailed or e-mailed two weeks in advance of a regular meeting and two days in advance of a special meeting.

SECTION 10. QUORUM FOR MEETINGS A quorum shall consist of four of the members of the Board of Directors. Except as otherwise provided under these Bylaws or provisions of law, no business shall be considered by the board at any meeting at which the required quorum is not present. Absence of a Quorum will be noted and the meeting adjourned.

SECTION 11. MAJORITY ACTION AS BOARD ACTION Every act or decision done or made by a majority of the directors present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present is the act of the Board of Directors, unless the organization's Bylaws or provisions of law require a greater percentage or different voting rules for approval of a matter by the board.

SECTION 12. CONDUCT OF MEETINGS Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be presided over by the Chief of the organization or, in his or her absence, by the Assistant Chief of the organization or, in the absence of each of these persons, by a Chairperson chosen by a majority of the directors present at the meeting. The Secretary of the organization shall act as secretary of all meetings of the board, provided that, in his or her absence, the presiding officer shall appoint another person to act as Secretary of the Meeting. Meetings shall be governed by the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order, as far as such rules are not inconsistent with or in conflict with the organization's Articles of Organization, these Bylaws, or with provisions of law.

SECTION 13. VACANCIES Vacancies on the Board of Directors shall exist (1) on the death, resignation, or removal of any director and (2) whenever the number of authorized directors is increased. Any director may resign effective upon giving written notice to the Chief of the Board, the Assistant Chief, the Secretary, or any other officer, unless the notice specifies a later time for the effectiveness of such resignation. No director may resign if the organization would then be left without a duly elected director or directors in charge of its affairs, except upon notice to the Office of the Attorney General or other appropriate agency of this state. Directors may be removed from office, with or without cause, as permitted by and in accordance with the laws of this state. Unless otherwise prohibited by the organization's Bylaws or provisions of law, vacancies on the board may be filled by approval of the board of directors. If the number of directors then in office is less than a quorum, a vacancy on the board may be filled by approval of a majority of the directors then in office or by a sole remaining director. A person elected to fill a vacancy on the board shall hold office until the next election of the Board of Directors or until his or her death, resignation, or removal from office.

SECTION 14. NONLIABILITY OF DIRECTORS The directors shall not be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, or other obligations of the organization.

SECTION 15. INDEMNIFICATION BY ORGANIZATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS The directors and officers of the organization shall be indemnified by the organization to the fullest extent permissible under the laws of this state

ARTICLE 4 OFFICERS

SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF OFFICERS The officers of the organization shall be the Program Coordinator, the Chief, the Assistant Chief, the Secretary Deputy Chief, the Training Deputy Chief, the Equipment Deputy Chief, and the Treasurer Deputy Chief. The organization may also have one or more Assistant Chiefs, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers, and other such officers with such titles as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS Any person who is an active member in good standing with CERT may serve as an officer after a minimum of three months with the team.

SECTION 3. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE Officers shall be elected by the members at the March meeting and each officer shall hold office until he or she resigns or is otherwise disqualified to serve, or until his or her successor is elected and qualified, whichever occurs first.

SECTION 4. REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION Any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Board of Directors, at any time. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors or to the Chief or other officer of the organization. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of receipt of such notice or at any later date specified therein, and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. The above provisions of this Section shall be superseded by any conflicting terms of a contract that has been approved or ratified by the Board of Directors relating to the employment of any officer of the organization.

SECTION 5. VACANCIES Any vacancy caused by the death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or other cause of any officer shall be filled by the Board of Directors. In the event of a vacancy in any office, other than the Chief, such vacancy may be filled temporarily by appointment by the Chief until such time as the Board shall fill the vacancy. Should the vacancy be the Chief, the Assistant Chief will serve as Acting Chief until the Board of Directors elects a replacement.

SECTION 6. DUTIES OF CHIEF The Chief shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the organization and shall supervise and control the affairs of the organization and the activities of the officers. He or she shall perform all duties incident to his or her office and such other duties as may be required by law, by the organization's Bylaws or by the Board of Directors, which may be prescribed from time to time by the membership. Unless another person is specifically appointed as Chairperson, the Chief shall preside at all meetings of the board and at all meetings of the members. Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, by the organization's Bylaws, he or she shall, in the name of the organization, execute such deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, checks, or other instruments which may from time to time be authorized by the Board of Directors or the Program Coordinator.

SECTION 7. DUTIES OF ASSISANT CHIEF In the absence of the Chief, or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the Assistant Chief shall perform all the duties of the Chief and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions on the Chief. The Assistant Chief shall have other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law, by these Bylaws, or as may be prescribed by the Chief or Board of Directors. He or she is the second level on the chain of command.

SECTION 8. DUTIES OF SECRETARY DEPUTY CHIEF Certify and keep at the principal office of the organization the original, or a copy, of these Bylaws as amended or otherwise altered to date. Keep at the principal office of the organization or at such other place as the board may determine, a book of minutes of all meetings of the directors, and, if applicable, meetings of committees of directors and of members, recording therein the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, how called, how notice thereof was given, the names of those present or represented at the meeting, and the proceedings thereof. See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law. Be custodian of the records of the organization and, as authorized by law or the provisions of these Bylaws, duly executed documents of the organization. Keep at the principal office of the organization a membership book and record the date of membership and rank held.

SECTION 8. DUTIES OF SECRETARY DEPUTY CHIEF (cont.) Exhibit at all reasonable times to any director of the organization, on request thereof, the Bylaws, the membership book, and the minutes of the proceedings of the meetings of the organization. In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as may be required by law, by the organization's Bylaws or which may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the Board of Directors. He or she shares the third level on the chain of command with the other Deputy Chiefs.

SECTION 9. DUTIES OF TREASURER DEPUTY CHIEF Have charge and custody of, be responsible for, all funds and securities of the organization, and deposit all such funds in the name of the organization in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the Board of Directors. Receive, and give receipt for, monies due and payable to the organization from any source whatsoever. Disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the organization as may be directed by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements. Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the organization's properties and business transactions, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, and losses. Exhibit at all reasonable times the books of account and financial records to any director of the organization, on request. Render to the Chief and directors, whenever requested, an account of any or all of his or her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the organization. Prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify, or cause to be certified, the financial statements to be included in any required reports. In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as may be required by law, by the organization's Bylaws or which may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the Board of Directors. He or she shares the third level on the chain of command with the other Deputy Chiefs.

SECTION 10. DUTIES OF TRAINING DEPUTY CHIEF Coordinate training with the Program Coordinator and the other officers. He or she will maintain training attendance records for the team. In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Training Officer and such other duties as may be required by law, by the organization's Bylaws or which may be assigned him or her from time to time by the Board of Directors. He or she shares third level on the chain of command with the other Deputy Chiefs.

SECTION 11. DUTIES OF EQUIPMENT DEPUTY CHIEF Responsible for all team equipment. Issue equipment to members as needed. Maintain inventory of equipment available and of equipment issued, and ensure the equipment is in proper working order. In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Equipment Officer and such duties as may be required by law, by the organization's Bylaws or which may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the Board of Directors. He or she shares the third level on the chain of command with the other Deputy Chiefs

ARTICLE 5 COMMITTEES

SECTION 1. MEETINGS AND ACTION OF COMMITTEES Meetings and action of committees shall be governed by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2. COMMITTEES There shall be three standing committees: Finance, Fund Raising, and Ranking. Finance headed the Treasurer, Fund Raising by the Secretary, and Ranking by the Training Officer. Other temporary committees may be formed, as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 6 RULES, REGULATIONS, AND CODE OF CONDUCT A set of rules, regulations, and code of conduct shall be established by the Board of Directors that will regulate the conduct and operation of the team. This will be a separate document that may be updated by the Board of Directors as needed

ARTICLE 7 EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS, DEPOSITS, AND FUNDS

SECTION 1. EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS The Board, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, may by resolution authorize any officer or agent of the organization to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the organization, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized, no officer, or member shall have any power or authority to bind the organization by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable monetarily for any purpose or in any amount.

SECTION 2. CHECKS AND NOTES Except as otherwise specifically determined by resolution of the Board, or as otherwise required by law, checks, drafts, promissory notes, orders for the payment of money, and other evidence of indebtedness of the organization shall be signed and countersigned by two of the following, the Treasurer, the Chief, the Assistant Chief, or the Program Coordinator

SECTION 3. DEPOSITS All funds of the organization shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the organization in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.

SECTION 4. GIFTS The Board of Directors may accept, on behalf of the organization, any contribution, gift, bequest, or devise for the nonprofit purposes of this organization

ARTICLE 8 ORGANIZATIONAL RECORDS AND REPORTS

SECTION 1. MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS The organization shall keep at its principal office: (a) Minutes of all meetings, of the board, of committees, and of all meetings of members, indicating the time and place of holding such meetings, whether regular or special, how called, the notice given, and the names of those present and the proceedings thereof; (b) Adequate and correct books and records of account, including accounts of its properties and business transactions and accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains and losses; (c) A record of its members, if any, indicating their names and addresses and, if applicable, the class of membership held by each member and the date of membership; (d) A copy of the organization's Bylaws as amended to date, which shall be open to inspection at all reasonable times.

SECTION 2. ORGANIZATIONAL SEAL The Board may adopt, use, and at will alter, an organizational seal. Such seal shall be kept at the principal office of the organization. Failure to affix the seal to organizational instruments, however, shall not affect the validity of any such instrument.

SECTION 3. DIRECTORS' INSPECTION RIGHTS Every director shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect and copy all books, records, and documents of every kind and to inspect the physical properties of the organization and shall have such other rights to inspect the books, records and properties of this organization as may be required under the organization's Bylaws and provisions of law.

SECTION 4. PROVISIONS OF INSPECTION Any inspection under the provisions of this Article may be made in person after a written request 48 hours in advance.

SECTION 5. PERIODIC REPORT The board shall cause any annual or periodic report required under law to be prepared and delivered within the time limits set by law

ARTICLE 9 AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

SECTION 1. AMENDMENT Subject to the power of the membership of CERT to adopt, amend, or repeal the Bylaws of this organization and except as may otherwise be specified under provisions of law, these Bylaws or any part thereof may be altered, amended, or repealed and new Bylaws adopted by approval of the Board of Directors

ARTICLE 10 CONSTRUCTION AND TERMS

Should any of the provisions or portions of these Bylaws be held unenforceable or invalid for any reason, the remaining provisions and portions of these Bylaws shall be unaffected by such holding. All references in these Bylaws to the organization's Articles shall be to the Articles of Organization, Organizational Charter, Corporate Charter, or other founding document of this organization filed with an office of the Illinois Secretary of State and used to establish the legal existence of this organization.
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* Springfield CERT Rules and Regulations *
GENERAL RULES

CERT members are governed by a high ideal of honor, integrity and courteous conduct. All members of the team will be expected to act accordingly at all times, whether on or off duty, reflecting credit upon themselves as well as the team. Any member in violation of these rules and regulations is subject to suspension and / or removal from the Springfield CERT team by the decision of the Board of Directors.

Section 1 - MEMBERSHIP

Membership in Springfield CERT includes any person, 18 years or older, who lives in Springfield or Sangamon County and has had the required training. There are two levels of membership:

1. Full member: This person has had all required CERT training (120+ hours of basic training) and completed the final practicum experience successfully. This person has full voting rights in elections and can assume officer positions by election, as well as official IC roles in training or a disaster response

2. Associate member: This person:
May attend all meetings, trainings, and activities
May do online or on-ground CERT training from approved website or Springfield CERT; if online training, must do practicum with next Springfield CERT class held
Has no voting rights, or nominations to office positions
Must fill out application and sign hold harmless form
Will be issued a temporary paper ID card
Will not receive any equipment, shirts, etc. until complete basic training
Will not be placed on City Watch List until complete basic training
If responding to actual deployment, will be used in non-hazardous roles
If responding to actual deployment, must be paired up with active member
May hold an associate membership for 2 year maximum, or until next available basic training is offered
Cannot assume officer positions or official IC roles in training or a disaster response

Section 2 - PROMPTNESS
Officers and members must be prompt and energetic in discharging their duties. They shall be thorough without being reckless and shall exert their greatest energy and best ability and judgment to their duty at all times.

Section 3 - MEMBERS RELATIONSHIPS
All officers and members shall treat and address each other in a courteous manner. They shall work together in harmony and exhibit a courteous demeanor in their relationships with each other. Neither officers nor members shall speak disrespectfully of or to each other.

Section 4 - DISCHARGING DUTIES
Officers shall be firm, fair, and exact in the discharge of all their duties. Acting Officers so assigned shall assume the full duties and responsibilities of the position to which they are assigned.

Section 5 - ALTERCATIONS
No altercations or fisticuffs will be permitted among members, nor with visitors, such conduct being a serious breach of discipline and may result in reprimand, suspension, or dismissal.

Section 6 - MEMBER LANGUAGE
No member of Springfield CERT shall use coarse, profane, or insolent language or show disrespectful to another member or any citizen.

Section 7 - MEMBER CONDUCT
No member shall conduct themselves, on or off duty, in a way that will tend to bring discredit or ill-repute to Springfield CERT or any of its members as a group or as individuals

Section 8 – DRUG USE/ABUSE AND WEAPONS

Members shall not conduct themselves in any way that is a violation of federal, state, county, or local law in regards to the use and/or abuse of drugs and weapons. Members shall use good judgment when notified of a CERT response following use of prescription drugs or alcohol. Members should not respond if impaired.

Section 9 - IMMORAL AND INDECENT CONDUCT
No member shall be party to any immoral or indecent conduct. Sexual fraternization between members, while on duty, is prohibited.

Section 10 - SEXUAL HARASSMENT, ORIENTATION, DISCRIMINATION
No member shall be a party to any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, or handicap status as defined by Title V11 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 as amended, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and 1974, the City's Equal Employment Opportunity Polices or any other pertinent legislature, executive, or administrative issuance's.
Sexual harassment may be defined as influencing or offering to influence or threatening the career, pay, or job of another person, woman or man, based on prohibited items. Sexual harassment may further be defined as unwelcome deliberate or repeated comments, gestures, or physical contact of a sexual nature in a work or duty-related environment.

Section 11 - OBEYING ORDERS
All members of Springfield CERT shall promptly and thoroughly carry out all assignments received from superior officers, which do not endanger the team or its individual members, and which are not in conflict with the law, ordinance, or Team Directives and Procedures.

Section 12 - COPY OF RULES AND REGULATIONS
All Springfield CERT personnel read and become thoroughly familiar with the rules and regulations of Springfield CERT, as well as with all special and general orders related to the team. Each member is responsible for keeping his or her copies of this material and update as revisions are made.

Section 13 - INTERNAL AFFAIRS
No information relative to the internal affairs of the Springfield CERT will be released without proper authorization from an authorized representative of the team (i.e., public information or other officer).