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INNES HOSE COMPANY, INC.
aka, Canton Fire Department
Department No. 2
Canton, Pennsylvania

The following is a complete revision or amendment of the Innes Hose Company, Inc., and supersedes all other By-Laws of said Company.
Article 1: Company Name and
Objectives Article 2: Leadership Article 3: Members Article 4: Duties of Line
Officers Article 5: Duties of Line
Officers Article 6: Duties of
Members Article 7: Probationary
Members Article 8: Behavior of
Members Article 9: Member Costs Article 10: Donations Article 11: Meetings Article 12: Nominations and
Elections Article 13: Alcohol Article 14: Committees Article 15: Sale of
Property Article 16: Meeting Protocol and
Miscellaneous Article 17: Signatures Article 18: Coverage Area Article 19: Business
Concept Article 20: Dissolution of Innes Hose
Company Article 21: Bonding Article 22: Risk and Reward
Article 1 - Company Name and Objective
I Section Name1.1.1 This Company shall be known by the name of: Innes Hose Company Inc., of Canton PA, and sometimes referred to as the Canton Volunteer Fire Department, Department No. 2
1.1.2 Innes Hose Company, Inc., May be referred to as Company or department in these Bi-Laws.
I Section 2 Mission Statement
1.2.1 The Innes Hose Company's mission is to protect life and property from loss, suffering and damage due to Fire, Environmental hazards, Natural or Man-Made disasters, and/or Motor Vehicle accidents within the communities that we are contracted to protect or the area of mutual aid. These things will be accomplished through emergency response and/or public education to the best of the company's ability.
I Section 3 Affidavit - Documentation
1.3.1 The company herby declares the following provision: Innes Hose Company Inc., of Canton, PA strictly prohibits the use of any surplus funds for private inurement to any person in the event of sale, or dissolution of the company.
Article II - Leadership
II Section 1 Civil Officers2.1.1 The Civil Officers of this company shall consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, and Board of Directors.
II Section 2 Line Officers
2.2.1 The line Officers of this company shall be a Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain, 1st Lieutenant, 2nd Lieutenant, Fire Police Captain, Fire Police Lieutenant, Forest Fire Warden, and Assistant Forest Fire Warden.
II Section 3 Fire Police
2.3.1 The Fire Police shall be made up of members of the company who state in writing to the general membership that they aspire to become Fire Police.
2.3.2 All approved Fire Police member must complete an approved basic Fire Police Course (Training) consisting of 16 hours within one year of their appointment as a Fire Police to continue in the capacity of a Fire Police.
2.3.3 Fire Police will be accepted by the host municipality, and be sworn in by the February meeting, annually.
II Section 4 Board of Directors
2.4.1 The Board of Directors shall consist of eight (8) members; the Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, President, Vice President, Treasurer, Trustee and one member of the General Membership as elected by the company.
2.4.2 The Borough Council and the Township Supervisors of all municipalities protected, and the Innes Hose Company, Inc. Relief Association shall be invited to annually appoint a single representative to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors, but who shall hold no voting powers at such meetings.
II Section 5 Election of Officers and Board Members
2.5.1 At the regular membership December meeting of the Innes Hose Company, Inc., the Officers shall be elected or appointed as the follows:
2.5.2 Civil Officers: Shall be elected by the General Membership eligible to vote.
2.5.3 Line Officers: Shall be elected by the Active Fire Fighters eligible to vote.
2.5.4 2nd Lieutenant: Shall be appointed by the Chief of the company at the February meeting.
2.5.5 Forest Fire Warden and Assistant: Shall be appointed by the Chief of the company at the February meeting.
2.5.6 Fire Police Captain and Lieutenant: Shall be voted on by the Active Fire Fighters of the company.
2.5.7 Board of Directors: One member will be voted to the Board at the December elections.
II Section 6 Expiration of Office Term
2.6.1 At the expiration of the term of office, all Officers of the Company shall deliver to their successor in office, all books and papers, money or other property belonging to the company in their possession.
Article III - Members
III Section 1 Membership3.1.1 There shall be six classes of members of the company: Active Firefighters, Active Members, Social Members, Life Members and Honorary Life Members.
3.1.2 All firefighters of Innes Hose Company, Inc. shall be 18 years or more of age.
3.1.3 All junior firefighters of Innes Hose Company, Inc. shall be between the ages of 14 and 17 years of age. Upon their 18th birthday the individual may apply to become a firefighter of Innes Hose Company, Inc..
III Section 2 Active Firefighters
3.2.1 To be considered as an active firefighter the individual must (1) respond to 25% of all incidents, (2) attend 25% of all scheduled training events, and (3) attend 25% of all work bees.
3.2.2 The individual must also attend 25% of the Regular Membership Meetings per year (this constitutes a total of three (3) meetings per year).
III Section 3 Active Members
3.3.1 To be considered as an active member of company the individual must respond to 10% of all incidents, attend 10% of all scheduled training events, and attend 10% of all work bees.
3.2.3 The individual must also attend 25% of the Regular Membership Meetings per year (this constitutes a total of three (3) meetings per year).
III Section 4 Probationary Members
3.4.1 Probationary member shall be a new member recently voted into the Company.
3.4.2 This individual will need to attain an active status, either active firefighter or active member, within the first year.
3.4.3 This individual will also need to complete one certified school within the first year of membership.
III Section 5 Honorary Life Member
3.5.1 The General Membership shall appoint any Honorary Life Member.
3.5.2 Any Honorary Life Member shall have all of the benefits of a "Life Member" of Innes Hose Company.
III Section 6 Life Members
3.6.1 Any member who has completed five (5) consecutive years as an active firefighter shall be known as a Life Member of Innes Hose Company, Inc..
3.6.2 The Life Member shall have the benefits of not paying annual dues.
III Section 7 Social Membership
3.7.1 Shall be any member that does not make the qualifications for active firefighter or active member for the prior year, provided the individual is not an Honorary Life Member or a Life Member of the Company.
III Section 8 Rejection/Expulsion
3.8.1 No rejection applicant or person expelled from the company may apply or reapply for membership within one calendar year of the rejection/expulsion.
III Section 9 Resignations
3.9.1 All resignations shall be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors who shall have full power to act.
3.9.2 Should any Line or Civil Officer leave office before the end of their term, for any reason, the officers under this position would be asked to move up one position in the line. Any position that remains unfilled, or if the officers remain in place without moving up in line, would then revert back to the General Membership for the election of the position.
3.9.3 No resignation shall be accepted until the person has paid all fines and dues and delivered to the Treasurer their keys to any properties they may have in their possession belonging to Innes Hose Company, Inc.
III Section 10 Members Rules
3.10.1 The members shall be governed by any regulations that may at any time be adopted by the Board of Directors and/or membership and penalties therein prescribed shall be enforced in all cases of violations of the same.
III Section 11 Discrimination
3.11.1 There shall be no discrimination in the department membership because of sex, race, religion or age.
3.11.2 The one exception to this is all firefighters must be 18 years or more of age.
3.11.3 The company will not tolerate any sexual harassment of the membership.
Article IV - Duties of Civil Officers
IV Section 1 President4.1.1 It shall be the duty of the president to preside at all meetings and maintain and command order.
4.1.2 The president shall have been a member of Innes Hose Company for at least 2 years and have been a civil officer of the company for a minimum of 1 year in the past 5 years.
4.1.3 The president shall decide all questions of order without debate, subject to appeal of the Board of Directors.
4.1.4 The President shall call a special meeting whenever necessary or upon the request of (3) three members.
4.1.5 The President shall appoint all standing and special committees.
4.1.6 The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.
4.1.7 The President shall discharge all committees when their duties are terminated, or if they neglect their duties, and fill all vacancies on the committees.
4.1.8 The President shall have a vote as a member in general elections.
4.1.9 The President shall attend at least 9 Monthly and 9 Board meetings and as many special meetings as possible.
IV Section 2 Vice President
4.2.1 The Vice President, in the absence of the President, shall perform all the duties and enjoy all the privileges of the president in any work in which the Vice President may be engaged.
4.2.2 The Vice President shall attend at least 9 Monthly and 9 Board meetings and as many special meetings as possible.
IV Section 3 Secretary
4.3.1 It shall be the duty of the Secretary to call the roll at all meetings, and to keep correct minutes of all slated and special meetings in books kept for that purpose.
4.3.2 Shall appoint a member to preside over a Regular Membership meeting that the President or Vice President are absent.
4.3.3 The Secretary shall inform all newly elected members of their election and to furnish each a copy of the Bi- Laws within five (5) days after the election.
4.3.4 The Secretary shall notify all members of all special meetings and every committee of its appointment through its Chairperson, at the meeting in which the committee is announced.
4.3.5 The Secretary shall keep a financial account between the company and its members and notify all members who are in arrears, collect all moneys due to the company, and pay the same to the Treasurer, taking their receipt for same, and to keep an account thereof with an account of all orders drawn on the treasurer, draw and sign all orders upon the Treasurer by order of the Company.
4.3.6 The secretary, and Fire Chief, shall keep a record of all members present at all fires and drills as presented by the Officer in charge.
4.3.7 The Secretary shall record in the minute books of the Company, the minutes of the Board of Directors meetings.
4.3.8 The Secretary shall carry on all correspondence of the Company, keeping a copy of the same for future reference.
4.3.9 The Secretary shall have the power to request that the President appoint one (1) or two (2) members to assist the Secretary whenever necessary.
4.3.10 The Secretary shall attend at least 9 Monthly and 9 Board meetings and as many special meetings as possible.
4.3.11 The secretary shall be in charge of all building rentals, with the assistance of the Treasurer.
4.3.11.1 All building rentals will be posted at the Social Building on a specified calendar.
4.3.11.2 The Secretary, and Treasurer, is therefore responsible for soliciting individuals to clean buildings of Innes Hose Company.
IV Section 4 Treasurer
4.4.1 It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to keep an account of all receipts and disbursements of money in a book kept for that proposes.
4.4.2 The Treasurer shall receive from the Secretary or members all monies belonging to the company, and pay the same only on receiving an approved invoice or authorization from the President, Chief, Board of Directors or approval by the General Membership.
4.4.3 The Treasurer shall receive from the Secretary all monies belonging to the Company, and pay the same only upon receiving an invoice and approval by the General membership.
4.4.4 Books shall be available at any time for the inspection by an Auditing Committee upon request of the Board of Directors.
4.4.5 Shall assist the Budget Committee in determining a budget.
4.4.6 Reports Company accounts at each Regular Monthly Meeting of the General Membership.
4.4.7 Provides a copy of the monthly financial report to the Secretary for recording.
4.4.8 Provides a quarterly report to the Board of Directors on all accounts and Budget status.
4.4.9 Shall make sure all company bills are paid on a monthly basis.
4.4.10 Attends as many functions as possible that bring in or require the handing out of monies for Innes Hose Company.
4.4.11 For those functions that the Treasurer cannot attend, then the Treasurer shall appoint a person to act as an alternate.
4.4.12 Will have been a member of Innes Hose Company for a minimum of 2 years.
4.4.13 The Treasurer shall attend at least 9 Monthly and 9 Board meetings and as many special meetings as possible.
4.4.14 The Treasurer shall assist the Secretary with the duties of the "Rental of Buildings" as per 4.3.11.
IV Section 5 Chaplain
4.5.1 It shall be the duty of the Chaplain to conduct all devotions of the Company.
4.5.2 The Chaplain shall see that all members are remembered at times of sickness or death, to themselves or their families by flowers, baskets, cards, or whatever The Chaplain considers appropriate.
4.5.3 Chaplain shall be an appointed position by the Board of Directors.
IV Section 6 Board of Directors
4.6.1 The monthly meeting of the board of directors shall follow the Regular Membership Meeting.
4.6.2 The President shall call special meetings when he/she deems it necessary or at the request of at least three (3) directors.
4.6.3 The Board of directors shall organize after the Regular Monthly Meeting on the first Tuesday after January 01 of the New Year.
4.6.4 Five (5) members constitute a quorum.
4.6.5 The President shall be ex-officio Chairperson on the Board.
4.6.6 The Company elected secretary shall be the Secretary on the Board of Directors, and requested to attend all meetings of the Board.
4.6.7 Minute Books shall be included in the minute books of the Company. The board of Directors minutes must be properly approved by the general membership at the next scheduled regular meeting at which time they are considered to be official and binding.
4.6.8 The Board of directors shall have full charge of the engine house, real estate and all property of the Company.
4.6.9 The Board of directors will authorize repairs to all apparatus and property and be responsible to the Company for the care of the property.
4.6.10 It shall be the duty of the Board of directors to act immediately on all written cases of appeal presented to them.
4.6.11 The Board of Directors decision is to be presented to the company at the next regular meeting, at which time the company may revise this decision with a (2/3) two thirds favorable vote.
4.6.12 They shall examine the roll book of the Company at the October meeting and report all members dropped from the Active to the Social status at the October meeting of the Company.
4.6.13 The Board shall establish any policy it deems necessary. Said policies shall be kept in writing in a policy manual and remain in effect until revoked by the Board. These policies may be established, annulled, or changed by two thirds (2/3) majority vote by the General Membership at the regular meeting.
4.6.14 Members of Municipalities must be present at a minimum of 9 Board Meetings per year.
4.6.15 It is preferred by Innes Hose Company that the representative of the municipality to the board not be a member of Innes Hose Company to avoid a conflict of interest.
IV Section 7 Trustee
4.7.1 The trustee will have the duty to supervise all properties of Innes Hose Company, Inc.
4.7.2 It shall be the duty of the trustee to complete any emergency repairs, up to $500.00, with the exception of essential services.
4.7.3 It shall be the duty of the trustee to provide up keeps of all Innes Hose Company Property, i.e. lawn mowing, garbage, painting, etc..
4.7.4 The Board of Directors will appoint a committee of two (2) assistants to help the trustee with these duties, upon the recommendation of the trustee.
4.7.5 It shall be the duty of the trustee to file a monthly work report for properties owned by Innes Hose Company, Inc. to the Board of Directors.
Article V - Duties of Line Officers
V Section I Chief5.1.1 It shall be the duty of the Chief to see that all apparatus and fire station are kept in good working order.
5.1.2 To have command of the Fire Company at all times except at meetings.
5.1.3 To obtain a discharge from emergencies as soon as possible.
5.1.4 To observe that each member does their duty.
5.1.5 To grant a leave of absence to each member when deemed necessary.
5.1.6 To report to the board as to the status of all apparatus and building(s) under his control.
5.1.7 The Chief is responsible for the proper maintenance, inventory and assignment of all equipment, so that it will be continually available for service.
5.1.8 The Chief will direct the company at all dispatched incidents and calls out as CANTON 1.
5.1.9 The Chief is held strictly accountable for all actions and delegates' authority accordingly.
5.1.10 The Chief shall keep a record of all emergency calls.
5.1.11 The Chief will keep a correct account and post monthly all members names that attend emergency situations and present it to the Board of Directors at their October meeting for determination of the active list.
5.1.12 The three (3) company Chiefs will periodically review and/or update the Standard Operating Procedures for changes. The Board of Directors must approve any and all changes. The Board of Directors may also request that the Standard Operating Procedures be changed and/or updated. The Chief is responsible for enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures.
5.1.13 The Chief will attend a minimum of 35% of all incidents, attend 35% of all scheduled training events, and attend 35% of all work bees.
5.1.14 The Chief will also attend 9 regularly scheduled meetings and 9 board meetings and as many special meetings as possible.
5.1.15 The chief is responsible for establishing a budget for the fire related equipment and activities. (This pertains to firefighting equipment, fire station, training and fire related expenses.)
5.1.16 The Chief will ensure the safety of all members at all emergency incidents.
V Section 2 Deputy Chief
5.2.1 It shall be the duty of the Deputy Chief to aid the Chief in the discharge of the duties of the Chief and to act as Chief in that persons absence.
5.2.2 When acting in the capacity of the Chief, that person shall report to the Chief upon their arrival, stating what has been done and if approved by the Chief carry out same.
5.2.3 Is responsible for equipping each member with personal protective firefighting gear, and reporting any and all needs to the Relief Association and the Fire Chief.
5.2.4 Responds to all calls and calls out as CANTON 2.
5.2.5 The Deputy Chief shall attend 30% of all incidents, attend 30% of all scheduled training events, and attend 30% of all work bees.
5.2.6 Will attend 9 monthly and 9 board meetings per year and as many special meetings as possible.
V Section 3 Assistant Chief
5.3.1 It shall be the duty of the Assistant Chief to aid the Chief in the discharge of the Chief's several duties and to act as Chief in the absence of the Chief or Deputy Chief.
5.3.2 When acting in the capacity of the Chief, that person shall report to the Chief upon the Chief's arrival, stating what has been done and if approved by the Chief, carry out same, otherwise countermand what may be necessary and substitute the orders of the Chief.
5.3.3 Responds directly to the scene on incidents and calls out as CANTON 3.
5.3.4 Assists the chief in completing incident reports.
5.3.5 Responsible for completing maintenance reports on all apparatus for the Chief.
5.3.6 The Assistant Chief shall attend 30% of all incidents, attend 30% of all scheduled training events, and attend 30% of all work bees.
5.3.7 Will attend a minimum of 9 monthly and 9 board meetings and as many special meetings as possible.
V Section 4 Captain
5.4.1 Responds directly to the scene of incidents and calls out as CANTON 4.
5.4.2 Reports to the Fire Chief after any incident that they have command over.
5.4.3 Assists with incident reports.
5.4.4 Will attend 25% of all incidents, 25% of all scheduled training events, and 25% of all work bees.
5.4.5 Will attend a minimum of 6 monthly meetings per year and as many special meetings as possible.
V Section 5 1st Lieutenants
5.5.1 Responds directly to the scene of incidents and calls out as CANTON 4.
5.5.2 Reports to the Fire Chief after any incident that they have command over.
5.5.3 Assists the Deputy Chief in accordance with 5.2.3
5.5.4 Assist in completing incident reports
5.5.5 Will attend 25% of all incidents, 25% of all scheduled training events, and 25% of all work bees.
5.5.6 Will attend a minimum of 6 monthly meetings per year and as many special meetings as possible.
V Section 6 2nd Lieutenant
5.10.1 Responds to the scene of incidents and calls out as CANTON 6.
5.10.2 Reports to the Fire Chief after any incident they are in command of.
5.10.3 Assists with completing incident reports.
5.10.4 Reports to the Chief on the status of all equipment relating to Rescue or Quick Response program.
5.10.5 Will attend 25% of all EMS related incidents, 25% of all scheduled training events, and 25% of all work bees.
5.10.6 Will attend a minimum of 6 monthly meetings per year and as many special meetings as possible.
5.10.7 Will assist to make sure all documents for QRS runs are complete, accurate and filed correctly.
5.10.8 Will make sure that all monthly QRS reports are transmitted to the state.
V Section 7 Forest Fire Warden
5.7.1 Completes reports that are required by the forestry department.
5.7.2 Responds to the scenes of Wild Fires.
5.7.3 Reports directly to the Fire Chief or Highest-ranking officer on the scene.
5.7.4 Calls out on the radio as 2FW1 for wild fire only.
5.7.5 Falls into command structure after the Lieutenant for on scene operations.
5.7.6 The fire chief appoints the position, with the approval of the state of Pennsylvania, and to go into effect at the February meeting.
V Section 8 Assistant Forest Fire Warden
5.8.1 Perform the duties of Forest Fire Warden in their absence.
5.8.2 Responds directly to the scene of Wild type fires only.
5.8.3 Falls into the command structure after the Forest fire warden.
5.8.4 Calls out on the radio as 2FW2 for wild type fires only.
5.8.5 This position will be appointed by the Fire Chief and the Forest Fire Warden and will go into effect at the February meeting.
V Section 9 Fire Police Captain
5.9.1 It shall be the duty of the Fire Police Captain to issue all equipment to all fire police of the company.
5.9.2 It shall be the duty of the Fire Police Captain to keep an inventory of all fire police equipment.
5.9.3 Shall complete any and all reports required of the Fire Police Captain by the State.
5.9.4 Shall fall into the command structure of the company after the 1st Lieutenant (CANTON 5)
V Section 10 Fire Police Lieutenant
5.10.1 Shall complete the duties of the Fire Police Captain in their absence.
5.10.2 Shall fall into the command structure of the company after the Fire Police Captain.
Article VI - Duties of Members
VI Section 1 Active Firefighters6.1.1 Active Firefighter status will be placed upon an individual when they attain 25% attendance at emergency incidents, 25% attendance at scheduled trainings, and 25% attendance at scheduled work bees.
VI Section 2 Active Members
6.2.1 Active Member status will be placed upon an individual when they attain 10% attendance at emergency.
VI Section 3 - Social Members
Article VII Probationary Members7.1.1 At the end of the probationary period of one year, and if the member meets all requirements for Active Status, they shall be considered an Active Member.
Article VIII - Behavior of Members
VIII Section 18.1.1 Every member shall at all times conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner.
8.1.2 Offenses and charges against any member shall be presented to the Board of Directors. The Board shall then send the charged member a certified letter to appear and answer the charges at least one (1) week prior to the Board of Directors meeting held for this purpose.
VIII Section 2
8.2.2 At the time of an alarm, the officers in command are to hold totally responsible for results of all firefighters operations; therefore it shall be the duty of all members to immediately and explicitly obey all orders given to them by their Superior Officers.
8.2.3 Failure to do so will result in the case being presented to the Board of Directors for their decisions on possible expulsion from the Fire Department or other disciplinary action.
VIII Section 3
8.3.1 All changes preferred against Officers or Members that are laid before the Board of Directors shall be thoroughly investigated by the Board and if charges are sustained;
8.3.2 The Board of Directors shall have the power to suspend or expel such Officer or Member.
VIII Section 4
8.4.1 No Officer or Member shall be remov3ed from office or expelled until he/she has been served with a notice of the time and place of meeting of the Board of Directors.
8.4.2 The Officer or Member will be furnished with a copy of the charges preferred against them by the Secretary at least one (1) week previous to the meeting of the Board.
VIII Section 5
8.5.1 When any charges are preferred against any Officer or Member, he or she shall be suspended from discharging the functions of their office.
8.5.2 If, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, the charges warrant such action, until the charges preferred against them are disposed of, and immediately upon receiving the money, effects, and other property belonging to the company in their possession until the cause of such suspension is removed.
VIII Section 6
8.6.1 All Officers and Members shall have the right of appeal to the Board of Directors if at any time they feel their Superior Officer is unjustifiably persecuting them.
8.6.2 This appeal must be in writing stating the reason for the appeal and presented to the President of the Board of Directors before the Board's next regular meeting.
Article IX - Member Costs
IX Section I Dues9.1.1 Active Firefighters, Active Members and Social Members shall pay dues per the following schedule:
Initial Fee*: $10.00
Active Firefighters: $5.00
Active Members: $5.00
Social Members: $5.00
Life Members and Honorary Life Members are exempt from paying dues.
*This money would be used for the probationary member's dues for the remainder of the colander year, and their background check.
9.1.2 All dues must be paid at a regular meeting with the deadline being prior to the beginning of the April meeting of the General Membership.
9.1.3 All assessments and other indebtedness to the company shall be considered dues belonging to the General Fund.
IX Section 2 Member Indebtedness
9.2.1 If a member does not pay his/her dues by the April meeting of the General Membership, they will be dropped from membership and have to reapply under the provisions of 3.8.1.
9.2.2 No Member shall be installed in office that is indebted to the company.
9.2.3 The Secretary shall read the names of all delinquent members at the February through April General Membership meetings.
9.2.4 After the March meeting and within two weeks of the April meeting the Secretary shall send a regular postage letter (to the last known address on file with the Secretary) to all Members that are in arrears with their dues. They shall be informed that they will be dropped from membership if the indebtedness is not paid off to the Treasurer prior to the start of the April meeting.
Article X - Donations
All donations to the Fire Company shall be placed in the General Fund unless stipulated otherwise by the donor or majority vote the General Membership.
Article XI - Meetings
XI Section 1 Regular Meeting11.1.1 The regular meeting of this Company shall be held on the first Tuesday evening of each month at 7:00 PM with the Board of Directors Meeting to follow at 8:00 PM.
11.1.2 In the absence of both the President and Vice President, a Chairman Pro-term shall be elected by a majority vote of the Members present.
11.1.3 Two meetings per year will be scheduled for last Sunday in June, for the July meeting for the Canton Fireman's Fair, and the first Sunday in December for elections, these are addendums to 11.1.1.
11.1.4 A member must personally answer to the roll call at a meeting to be considered present unless the President excuses him or her.
11.1.5 In an effort to shorten the amount of time it takes to read the roll call, the Secretary shall read only the members names that have attended a previous meeting in the prior year. At the end of the roll call, the Secretary shall also ask the question: "ARE ANY MEMBERS PRESENT WHO'S NAME WAS NOT CALLED?" The Secretary shall add that member's name(s) to the next verbal roll call when taken.
XI Section 2 Order of Business
11.2.2 The following shall be the order of business at regular meetings:
1 Invocation and Flag Salute by Chaplain
2 Roll Call
3 Visitors Comments
4 Reading of the Minutes of the last regular meeting
5 Reading of the Board of Directors minutes from the last meeting
6 Discussion of the Board of Directors minutes
7 Treasurers Report
8 Bills, communications and actions thereon.
9 Chief's Report
10 Report of Committees
11 Nominations of New Members
12 Election of Candidates for Membership
13 Unfinished business
14 New business
15 Adjourn
XI Section 3 Special Meetings
11.3.1 A meeting may be called at any time by order of the President.
11.3.2 Three (3) days the Secretary shall give prior notice of such meetings to the members by paging and posting at the fire station.
11.3.3 The following shall be the order of business at Special Meetings.
- 1 Roll Call
- 2 Business of Special Meeting
- 3 Adjourn
Article XII - Nominations and Elections
Elections shall be held in December and elected members shall hold office until their successors are elected. Nominations for all offices must be in good standing with the company.XII Section 1 Order of Elections
12.1.1 Line Officers shall be elected first, as the Chief and his Deputy Chief and Assistant Chief are automatically elected to the Board of Directors.
12.1.2 Captain and 1st Lieutenant
12.1.3 Fire Police
12.1.4 Civil Officers shall be elected second, as the President and his Vice President and Treasurer are automatically elected to the Board of Directors.
12.1.5 Secretary
12.1.6 Board of Directors (One member elected to the Board of Directors)
12.1.7 Trustee (One member voted in as the trustee will automatically be elected to the Board of Directors.)
12.1.8 Relief Association
XII Section 2 Nominations
12.2.1 A list of nominations shall be prepared for all the offices (except the Board of Directors) from the Nominating Committee, which is established at the October regular meeting, at the November and December meetings.
12.2.2 The ballots will be made after the December Nominations.
12.2.3 The President is to strike out any nominations of a member who is one of the top three (3) Chief Officers (Chief, Deputy Chief, and Assistant Chief) and one of the top 4 Civil Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) for a second office.
12.2.4 If any nominee fails to receive the majority vote, he or she may automatically add their name to the ballot as a write-in candidate, for another office.
XII Section 3 Line Officer Requirements
12.3.1 Nominations for all Line Officers must meet the following requirements and Nominees must be derived from the current active firefighter list, these requirements will take effect prior to the October General Membership Meeting of 2004:
12.3.2 Chief Officer Requirements:
12.3.2.1 Must have been a Deputy or Assistant Chief at least one (1) year and have been a Captain or Lieutenant for at least one (1) year in each position within the last 10 years with Innes Hose Company.
12.3.2.2 Will have attained the following training requirements: basic arson investigation, Hazmat Recognition and Identification, be certified on all apparatus, Essentials of Firefighting, Pump 1 certification, be EVOC certified, completed IST, completed a basic rescue class, completed Aero medical Landing Zone class, and completed Incident Command.
12.3.3 Deputy Chief Officer Requirements
12.3.3.1 Will have been a Captain or Lieutenant for a minimum of 1 year.
12.3.3.2 Will have a minimum of Pump 1, EVOC, IST, Hazmat R&I, completed an Arson Detection class, and completed Essentials of Firefighting.
12.3.4 Assistant Chief Officer Requirements
12.3.4.1 Will have been a Captain or Lieutenant for a minimum of one year.
12.3.4.2 Will have a minimum of Pump 1, EVOC, Hazmat R&I, IST, and Essentials of Firefighting.
12.3.5 Captain and 1st Lieutenant
12.3.5.1 Will attain a minimum of EVOC, IST and Hazmat R&I
12.3.6 2nd Assistant Lieutenant (appointed Position)
12.3.6.1 Will have a minimum of EVOC, IST, Hazmat R&I, and Pennsylvania First Responder.
12.3.7 Forest Fire Warden
12.3.7.1 The Fire Chief with the approval of the State of Pennsylvania appoints position.
12.3.7.2 Must have completed Basic Wild land Firefighter (PA130) and Basic Fire Behavior (PA190).
12.3.8 Assistant Forest Fire Warden
12.3.8.1 Appointed by the Fire Chief and the Forest Fire Warden.
12.3.8.2 Must have completed Basic Wild land Firefighter (PA130)
12.3.9 Fire Police Captain
12.3.9.1 Must have completed Hazmat R&I
12.3.9.2 Must have held a position as an active Fire Police for a minimum of one year.
12.3.10 Fire Police Lieutenant
12.3.10.1 must have completed Hazmat R&I
12.3.10.2 must have held a position as an active Fire Police for a minimum of one year.
12.3.11 Any By-Law change(s) in the Line Officer and/or the Chief Officer Requirement(s) will NOT take effect for one year from the date they are adopted.
12.3.12 A list of approved courses will be kept and posted in the station.
12.3.13 The secretary shall keep a Line Officer Candidate list of all members completing the proper training requirements.
12.3.14 Candidates wishing to be on the list must meet the requirements before the October regular meeting to be nominated.
12.3.15 The Board of Directors will evaluate the requirements for line officers annually.
XII Section 4 Elections
12.4.1 Elections will take place at the second December meeting.
12.4.2 This meeting will be brought to order after the regular December meeting has come to a close and will be opened as a special meeting in accordance with 11.3.3 for the sole purpose of elections.
12.4.3 No member shall hold two (2) offices, except Board of Directors and Chaplain.
12.4.4 In case of a tie vote on the original office, the candidates will be placed in a run-off election with a new set of ballots.
12.4.5 Membership on a committee does not constitute an office within the probation of the By-Laws.
Article XIII - Drugs & Alcohol
XIII Section I Company Property13.1.1 All beer, alcohol and drugs will not be consumed on the fire company premises or at any fire company functions held there.
13.1.2 With the exception of the Social Hall and the Fair grounds of which the House Committee rules apply.
13.1.3 Illegal Drugs will not be permitted to be consumed or brought on to company property at anytime.
XIII Section 2 Company Equipment
13.2.1 Any member that drives any fire department apparatus while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will automatically be expelled from the fire company.
Article XIV - Committees
XIV Section 1 Membership Committee14.1.1 Shall consist of 6 members of the company.
14.1.2 The President of the Innes Hose Company shall appoint this committee.
14.1.3 It shall be the duty of this committee to act on all applications for membership.
14.1.4 It shall be the duty of this committee to make sure that a background and reference check is completed on the said applicant.
14.1.5 It shall be the duty of this committee to interview said applicant.
XIV Section 2 Fund Raising
14.2.1 The Fund Raising Committee shall consist of five (5) members of the company appointed by the President.
14.2.2 It shall be their duty to organize and carry out any fund raising events for the company.
XIV Section 3 Contracts
14.3.1 The Contract committee shall consist of the Board of Directors.
14.3.2 It shall be their duty to prepare and distribute all fire contracts for the municipalities in the fire company's district.
XIV Section 4 Audit
14.4.1 The Audit Committee shall consist of three (3) persons appointed by the President and approved by the Board of Directors.
14.4.2 It shall be their duty to audit the company's financial records each year.
14.4.3 The audit is to be done no later than May 15 for the previous year and presented to the General Membership at the June meeting by the committee.
XIV Section 5 Budget
14.5.1 The Budget Committee shall consist of the Board of Directors.
14.5.2 The Committee shall construct a working budget based upon the recommendations of the Fire Chief and the President of the company.
14.5.3 The committee shall meet each year to present the budget to the General Membership no later than the December regular membership meeting each year.
XIV Section 6 Special Committees
14.6.1 The President may appoint special Committees at any meeting or when ordered by two/thirds (2/3) vote of those present and such committees shall report at the next scheduled meeting unless otherwise instructed.
XIV Section 7 Grievance Committee
14.7.1 Shall consist of 3 members, who have at least 2 years of membership.
14.7.2 The board of directors shall appoint this committee annually.
14.7.3 It shall be their duty to investigate any grievance put forth to them, in writing, by a member of the company.
14.7.4 The committee will present their findings to the Board of Directors in person or writing.
XIV Section 8 Bingo Committee
14.8.1 Shall consist of 6 members, two (2) of which will be the Treasurer and Secretary and four other members appointed by the President.
14.8.2 Shall run Bingo on Wednesday nights
14.8.3 Shall solicit help from the General Membership of Innes Hose Company.
XIV Section 9 Jr. Fire Fighter Committee
14.9.1 The Jr. firefighter committee will consist of 5 members appointed by the President.
XIV Section 10 Fair Committee
14.10.1 The fair committee shall consist of 5 members appointed by the President.
XIV Section 11 Food Committee
14.11.1 The food committee shall consist of 5 members appointed by the President.
XIV Section 12 Banquet Committee
14.12.1 This committee shall consist of 5 members and will be appointed by the President.
14.12.2 It shall be the duty of this committee to set up the Appreciation Dinner for the first Saturday in November.
14.12.3 It shall be the duty of this committee to have the final proposal for the appreciation dinner ready for review by the October Regular Membership Meeting.
XIV Section 13 By-Laws Committee
14.13.1 This committee shall consist of 6 members appointed by the President with the first person read from the list being the chairman of the committee.
14.13.2 This committee shall meet on a quarterly basis.
14.13.3 This committee is entrusted with the task of changing, adding or deleting any parts of the by-laws in accordance with Article 16 Section 1.
Article XV - Sale of Property
XV Section 1 Items $1500.00 or More15.1.1 Unwanted property or equipment thought by the Board of Directors to be worth more than fifteen hundred dollars ($1500) must be advertised in at least one local media one month in advance of a regular monthly Board of Directors meeting being defined as the deadline date. The Board of Directors shall open all offers at this meeting.
15.1.2 All offers shall be either hand delivered or mailed and received by the Secretary prior to the deadline meeting.
15.1.3 The Board of Directors may set a minimum offer.
15.1.4 Any and all offer may be rejected by a majority vote of the Board of Directors when offers are reviewed.
XV Section 2 Items under $1500
15.2.1 Items valued at less than fifteen hundred dollars may be offered to the General Membership at a regular meeting.
15.2.2 Notice of intent to sell items must be given at least on month in advance at a regular meeting.
15.2.3 Board of Directors reserves the right to set a minimum bid.
Article XVI - Miscellaneous
XVI Section 1 By-Law Changes16.1.1 The Sec4retary shall note any potential By-Laws changes throughout the year and include them in the minutes.
16.1.2 The By-Law Committee shall conduct a meeting(s) as needed to draft any proposed additions, changes, and/or deletions. The By-Laws Committee shall also solicit input from the membership. The first person listed on the committee list shall be the Chairperson of the By-Laws Committee.
16.1.3 The Secretary shall read the proposed additions, changes, and/or deletions to the Fire Company and into the minutes during the regular membership meeting. This shall be considered the "first reading".
16.1.4 During the next regular meeting the proposed additions, changes, and/or deletions shall be read again. This shall constitute the "Second Reading"
16.1.5 After the "Second Reading" a vote shall be taken in order to approve or disapprove the By-Law changes. If at least two-thirds (2/3) of the eligible voters who voted, vote affirmatively, the By-Law changes shall be considered made and shall take effect immediately. A roll call volt shall be taken, if necessary.
XVI Section 2 Meeting Protocol
16.4.1 On all questions of Parliamentary Law, Casings Manual, Roberts Rule of order will be the guide of the company.
XVI Section 3 Grievance Committee Guidelines for Innes Hose Company, Inc.
According to Roberts Rules of Order
(YOU MAY HAVE GUIDELINES AS PART OF BY-LAWS as they are not specific)
1. No action of the Grievance Committee can be taken without a majority of the Committee present.
2. The grievance shall be between two or more members of the department.
3. Any recommendation of disciplinary action by the Grievance Committee shall be submitted to the Board of Directors.
4. All hearings are to be private between Committee and Complainants.
5. Parties involved, when possible, will maintain confidentiality.
6. The Committee shall consist of three (3) members and two members of the Committee must be present to hold a meeting.
7. The Committee will meet with the parties involved within 14 days.
8. The Committee report to the Board of Directors if any complaint cannot be solved within the Committee.
9. Grievances, hearing and results shall be kept and filed for at least three (3) years in all parties personnel file.
10. The Committee may change these guidelines when and if necessary.
XVI Section 4 Leave of Absence
16.4.1 Any member who's membership status changes during the year due to an accident, death, immediate family situation(s) or other unavoidable circumstances as deemed by the Board of Directors as "Beyond the Members Control" may be granted a "Leave of Absence" and his/her membership status may stay the same providing it is approved by the Board of Directors with a 2/3 affirmative vote. This status shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors at the end of the length of time granted for the "Leave of Absence" and may be renewed by the same process.
XVI Section 5
16.5.1 Any and all typographical and/or grammar errors of these By-Laws do not require a By-Law change, but will be corrected as noticed and/or required.
Article XVII - Signatures
17.1.1 Checks shall require two (2) signatures, one being the Treasurer of the Company and the second being any authorized representative of the company on file with the bank.17.1.2 It shall be the policy of Innes Hose Company that No two individuals in a household shall have control of Innes Hose Company funds as per 17.1.1.
Article XVIII - Coverage Area
18.1.1 We will provide primary protection to any contracted municipality. We will also provide mutual aid to any department or municipality that requests assistance and is in good standing with Innes Hose Company through mutual aid agreements as resources are available.
Article XIX - Business Concept
XIX Section 119.1.1 This organization, Innes Hose Company, Inc., will operate as any corporation would in every day operations.
19.1.2 This organization will try to stay ahead of technology to better serve the public.
XIX Section 2 Goal
19.2.1 The goal of this organization is to protect the citizens of the contracted municipalities and all other mutual aid areas.
19.2.2 Maintain up to date record.
19.2.3 Maintain up to date vehicles.
19.2.4 Maintain up to date public education programs.
19.2.5 Maintain up to date firefighting equipment.
19.2.6 Keep all of our citizens safe from harm to the best of our abilities.
XIX Section 3 Financial Plan
19.3.1 Maintain 3-year contracts with the municipalities we serve.
19.3.2 Perform fundraisers throughout the year.
19.3.3 Rent the buildings as they are available at rates set by the board of directors.
19.3.4 Perform annual budgets.
19.3.5 Perform 5 and 10 year long range plans for building and equipment replacement.
19.3.6 Work with the community for support.
19.3.7 Submit for as many grants as possible.
XIX Section 4 Resource Requirements
19.4.1 Technology requirements
19.4.2 Personnel requirements
19.4.3 Resource requirements
19.4.4 Financial, distribution, promotion, etc.
19.4.5 External requirements
19.4.6 Products/services/technology required to be purchased outside the company.
Article XX - Dissolution of Innes Hose Company
20.1.1 Upon the unforeseen dissolution of Innes Hose Company, Inc:20.1.1.1 All Fire related property of Innes Hose Company, Inc. will revert back to the Host Municipality.
20.1.1.2 All other Innes Hose Company, Inc. Properties shall be sold at public auction to pay off any residual debt load of the company.
20.1.1.3 Any profit shown after the payment of any debt load of the company, shall be divided amongst charities decided by the Board of Directors.
Article XXI Bonding
21.1.1 The Treasurer of Innes Hose Company shall be bonded for twice the available equity that the Treasurer has on hand for any unforeseen financial loss through actions of the Treasurer.
Article XXII Risk and Reward
XX Section 1 Risk
20.1.1 Always have the risk of losing life or limb
20.1.2 Minimized by using common sense
20.1.3 Minimized by training
20.1.4 Minimized by maintaining equipment
20.1.5 Minimized by public education
XX Section 2 Reward
20.2.1 The personal satisfaction that you have helped protect the public.
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