|
ARTICLE I - NAME
Section 1
The name of the
organization shall be the Ohio State Highway Patrol Retiree’s
Association; hereafter referred to as “The Association”. For
brevity, “The Association” may be officially referred to as
“OSHPRA”.
Section 2
Motto, Seal and/or Logo:
At the 1976 Annual Meeting a logo and/or seal which are used on
letter head, envelopes, membership cards, lapel pins, apparel
and for other non-commercial uses was adopted. A logo or slogan
can also be used as the Executive Board may so direct.
Back
to Top
The object, business and
purpose of “The Association” are non-political, non-sectarian
and non-profit. It is formed as a fraternal, patriotic and
historical association, and shall be devoted to strengthening
and perpetuating a stronger alliance between members of “The
Association”.
Section 1
“The Association” will
constantly strive to assist all members, their widows, widowers
and orphans.
Section 2
“The Association” will
constantly strive to perpetuate the memory and history of the
Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Section 3
“The Association” will
constantly strive to maintain true allegiance to the Government
of the United States, the State of Ohio and all sub-divisions
there under.
Section 4
“The Association” will
support and assist in maintaining law and order.
Section 5
“The Association” will
support and maintain a strong, positive relationship with the
staff and active members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Section 6
"The Association" will
give support as needed and provide Retired Trooper Reserve
Auxiliary with members to assist the Ohio State Highway Patrol
and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary in times of
emergency as declared by the Superintendent. This function is
authorized under Section 5503.11(A) and (B) of the Ohio Revised
Code. Indemnification, immunity, injury, liability and damages
while acting under this section of the Ohio Revised Code and are
not in any way the responsibility of "The Association" or its
officers.
Back
to Top
Section 1
A retired member is
defined as any person who served as an active member of the Ohio
State Highway Patrol and has retired in accordance with Sections
5505.16, 5505.17 and 5505.18 of the Ohio Revised Code.
A. Retired members shall be accorded all
the rights, benefits and privileges which may from time to time
accrue to members of “The Association” in good standing,
including holding office, membership on committees and voting
rights, whether by attendance or by absentee ballot procedures
which may be established by the Executive Board.
B. Definition of a retired member shall
include Associate Members as defined in Section 3.
C. Definition of a retired member shall
include Associate Members, with the exception of eligibility in
the Retired Trooper Reserve Auxiliary, as defined in Section 3
subsection (B).
Section 2 - Honorary Members
Honorary member is
defined as any individual, except those eligible to become a
regular dues paying member, who has been nominated, screened and
accepted as having made an outstanding contribution to the
welfare and betterment of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and/or
“The Association”.
A. Such nominees shall be subject to the
approval of the Executive Board at any quarterly, Executive
Board, special or annual meeting by a majority vote of those
members attending the meeting.
Such nominees shall first be subject to the
approval of a standing committee on membership and credentials.
B. Any honorary member provided for in
Section 2 above may be removed from membership in “The
Association” for cause, such as, but not limited to, treason
against the Government of the United States, the Government of
the State of Ohio, or conviction of a felony in a lawful court
of the United States, State of Ohio or any other jurisdiction.
Removal from membership may only be in accordance with
procedures adopted by the Executive Board of “The Association”.
Such procedures must provide for due process.
C. Honorary members, as heretofore defined,
will not be entitled to hold office or exercise voting rights
within the Ohio State Highway Patrol Retirees’ Association.
D. A candidate for honorary membership,
other than widows, widowers or orphans, may be nominated only by
a retired member of “The Association” who is in good standing.
Section 3 -
Associate Civilian Members
Associate member is
defined as one who has retired as a civilian employee of the
Ohio State Highway Patrol.
A. Membership will be conferred upon
confirmation of such retirement and the payment of dues in the
amount approved by the membership.
B. Associate members shall be entitled to
all rights, privileges and responsibilities normally accorded a
member with the exception of becoming a member of the Retired
Trooper Reserve Auxiliary.
Section 4 -
Associate Sworn Members
A. An Associate Sworn member is defined as
one who has been duly appointed to the ranks of the Ohio State
Highway Patrol but left the service prior to being eligible for
retirement or a Highway Patrol Auxiliary civilian member who has
left active service in good standing.
B. Associate sworn members, as heretofore
defined, shall be entitled to receive all communications and
mailings, attend social functions and attend regularly scheduled
meetings. They shall not be entitled to hold office or exercise
voting rights within the Ohio State Highway Patrol Retirees'
Association.
C. An associate sworn member provided for
in this section may be denied membership or removed from
membership in "The Association" for cause, such as, but not
limited to, treason against the government of the United States,
the Government of the State of Ohio, or conviction of a felony
in a lawful court of the United States, State of Ohio or any
other jurisdiction. Removal from membership may only be in
accordance with procedures adopted by the Executive Board of
"The Association".
D. To become an associate sworn member in
good standing an applicant must submit correspondence requesting
membership and be recommended by an active current member. The
application request will then be processed by the Membership
Committee in accordance to set procedures and for vote at the
next scheduled meeting.
Annual dues for Members
and Associate Members of “The Association” shall be $12.00 per
year, payable either by monthly electronic payroll deduction
authorized by the member or prior to January 1st of each year by
full payment. The dues assessment will be set on the calendar
year from January 1st through December 31st.
Section 1
-
Spouses of deceased
members, orphans of deceased members and/or honorary members
shall not be required to pay membership dues.
Section 1 -
President
The President shall
serve as the Chairperson of the Executive Board. The President
shall preside at all quarterly, annual and special meetings, and
unless specified in the By-Laws, he/she shall appoint the
Chairperson and Members of all standing and special committees.
He/she shall be an Ex Officio member of all committees.
Section 2 -
1st Vice President
The 1st Vice President
shall preside at all quarterly, annual or special meetings in
the absence of the President, and when so acting will have the
same power and authority as the President, and;
A. Shall be the Chairperson of the
Membership and Credential Committee.
B. Shall be the Chairperson of the Budget
and Audit Committee.
C. Shall perform such other duties as from
time to time may be assigned to him/her by the President or the
Executive Board.
Section 3 -
2nd Vice President
The 2nd Vice President
shall preside at all quarterly, annual and special meetings in
the absence of the President and the 1st Vice President, and
when so acting will have the same power and authority as the
President, and;
A. Shall be the Chairperson of the Annual
Meeting Committee.
B. Shall perform such other duties as from
time to time may be assigned him/her by the President or the
Executive Board.
Section 4 -
Secretary
The Secretary shall be
responsible for the maintenance of all records of “The
Association”, and;
A. Shall keep, or cause to be kept,
accurate and complete records of quarterly, annual and special
meetings and shall authenticate same upon approval.
B. Keep on file all committee reports.
C. Keep organization membership roll and
roll call of members present when required.
D. Notify officers, committee members, and
delegates of their election or appointments, furnish committees
whatever documents are required for the performance of their
duties and have on hand at each meeting a list of all existing
committees and their members.
E. Maintain records books in which By-Laws,
Special Rules of Order, Standing Rules and Minutes are entered,
with any amendments to these documents properly recorded, and
have current books on hand at every meeting.
F. Send out to the membership a notice of
each quarterly, annual or other special meeting and conduct
general correspondence which is not a function proper of other
officers or committees.
G. Prepare, prior to each meeting, an order
of business for use of the presiding officer, showing the exact
order of all matters known in advance that are due to come up.
H. In the absence of the President, 1st
Vice President or 2nd Vice President the Secretary shall call
the meeting to order and preside over such meeting until
election of a Chairperson Pro-Tem which should take place
immediately.
I. Be responsible for the forwarding of all
members a resume of all quarterly, annual or special meetings
and/or any publication of “The Association”.
J. The Secretary shall perform other duties
as from time to time may be assigned him/her by the President or
the Executive Board.
Section
5 - Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be
entrusted with the custody of the funds of “The Association” and
shall be bonded for a sum sufficient to protect “The
Association” from loss. Said bond shall be paid by “The
Association”, and;
A. Shall receive and give receipts for
monies due and payable to “The Association” from any source
whatsoever, and deposit such monies in the name of “The
Association” in such banks, trust companies or other
depositories as shall be selected by the Executive Board.
B. All funds withdrawn from the account or
accounts shall be vouchers. These vouchers shall be signed by
two officers of “The Association”, the President and the
Treasurer. In the absence of either of these officers, they
shall be signed by the 1st Vice President. Facsimile signatures
may be approved for use by the Executive Board as authorized by
Article V, Section 6 of these By-Laws.
C. Make a full financial report annually or
as the By-Laws may prescribe, and make such interim reports as
the Executive Board may direct.
D. In general, perform all duties incident
to the office of the Treasurer, and such other duties as from
time to time may be assigned to him/her by the President or
Executive Board.
Section
6 - Executive Board
A. The Executive Board of “The Association”
shall be composed of the following sixteen members; President,
1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer,
Immediate Past President, Superintendent of the State Highway
Patrol or designated staff officer and nine members-at-large,
one to represent each of the State Highway Patrol Districts one
through nine, and to be appointed by the President, subject to
the approval of members present at the annual business meeting
or any Executive Board meeting. Three members-at-large are to be
selected for a three year term annually to replace the three
members-at-large whose term expires that year.
The members-at-large, with the advise and
approval of the President, shall select an alternate member from
the represented district. The alternate member may attend in
lieu of the member-at-large, or with the designated
member-at-large, but each district shall be authorized to cast
only one ballot on any issues before the Executive Board of “The
Association”.
B. Members of the Executive Board shall
attend annual meetings, quarterly meetings and any special
meeting which may be called by the President as he may deem
necessary for the good of the organization.
C. The Executive Board will have the power
and authority to transact all regular business of “The
Association”. Any additional authority delegated to officers of
“The Association” shall be by resolution duly enacted at a
regular quarterly Board Meeting adopted by not less than a
two-thirds majority.
D. The Executive Board may authorize the
disposal of any records and declare designated records to be of
a permanent nature.
Section 7 -
Chaplain
The Chaplain shall be
appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the President.
Section 8 -
Vacancy
A. Any vacancy in an elected office or
member of the Executive Board shall be promptly filled by an
appointment by the President with the advice and consent of the
Executive Board.
Section 1
At least one month prior
to the annual meeting each year, the President shall appoint a
nominating committee consisting of three members of the
Executive Board.
Section 2
The purpose of said
nominating committee will be to prepare a slate of nominees to
fill all offices of “The Association”. The slate of nominees
will be presented at the annual meeting.
Section 3
The annual meeting
agenda will provide that the President shall call on the
chairperson of the nominating committee to present and nominate
individually each person selected by the committee for each
office of “The Association”.
Section 4
Following the receipt of
a proper second to each nomination, the President shall then
call for nominations from the floor for each office.
Section 5
After receiving a proper
second to each floor nomination, it shall then be at the
discretion of the President as to whether he/she calls for a
voice vote, vote by show of hands, or by a secret ballot.
Section 6
A simple majority vote
of members present and voting at the annual meeting shall be
required to confirm election to any office.
Section 7
In the event of a tie
vote for any office, a secret ballot shall be conducted until
such tie is broken.
Section 8
Should there be no floor
nominations, the President may call for a motion to accept the
entire slate of nominees presented by the nominating committee
by acclamation.
Back
to Top
Section 1 -
Standing Committees
The President shall
within 30 days following installation appoint membership in
accordance with these By-Laws to serve on the following Standing
Committees:
A. Membership and Credentials Committee:
The duties shall be to screen prospective honorary members and
to resolve any questions of eligibility to exercise voting
rights, qualification to hold office or to attend meetings. This
committee will also encourage all persons eligible to become
members, and make a serious effort to encourage former members
whose dues have elapsed to become members in good standing.
B. Annual Budget and Audit Committee: The
duties shall be that of preparing an annual budget is such form
and at such time as the Executive Board may direct, and that of
preparing an annual audit of all accounts of “The Association”
and/or any special audit as may from time to time be directed by
the Executive Board. The committee will submit all budgets
prepared and reports of findings on all audits conducted to the
Executive Board at such time as the Board may direct.
C. Annual Meeting Committee: The duties will
be that of selection of a suitable location and a suitable date,
in accordance with Article X, Section 1 of these By-Laws, for
holding each annual meeting of “The Association”, and that of
planning an agenda of social activities to be held in
conjunction with annual meetings for the pleasure and
entertainment of members and their guests.
D. Legislative Liaison
Committee: The duties shall be to maintain and effective liaison
with the legislature and its members on matters pertaining to
the welfare of all retirees, widows, widowers and orphans toward
the end that the purpose defined in Article II of these By-Laws
are accomplished. This committee shall also maintain close
liaison with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, federal, other state
and local police agencies in regard to the coordination of all
matters of mutual interest.
E. Retired Trooper Reserve
Auxiliary: The duties shall be to assist the organization,
training and coordination of the retired members who choose to
serve in the Retired Trooper Reserve Auxiliary. The committee
will be chaired by the President of the Association and will aid
in the coordination of services provided to the Ohio State
Highway Patrol and assist in accomplishing the mission of the
unit.
Section 2 -
Special Committees
The President shall,
during his term of office, appoint members to serve on special
committees including but not limited to the following:
A. A Nominating Committee, a Resolution
Committee and any other committee pursuant to a motion duly
passed by the membership in a quarterly or annual meeting, or
any special committee which the President from time to time may
deem necessary to accomplish the purposes of “The Association”.
B. Nominating Committee: The duties shall
be as stipulated in Article 6 of these By-Laws.
C. Resolution Committee: The committee
shall assist the Executive Board in screening all resolutions
presented to them as provided in Article X, Section 1 (D) of
these By-Laws and shall make recommendations to the Executive
Board on each resolution before it is taken before the
membership. Resolutions which do not receive a two-thirds
majority vote of approval by Executive Board members present
will not be brought up for a vote of the membership.
The President will however make an oral
report to the members on all resolutions which fail to receive a
favorable vote and a brief explanation of the reason.
D. All committee members, after notice of
their appointment, shall render patient and diligent attention
to the matters of business entrusted to them. They will present
their reports as required in a manner determined by the
President, the Executive Board or as out-lined elsewhere in the
By-Laws.
Section 1
“The Association”
benefit fund is established to provide financial assistance to
any benefit recipient of the Highway Patrol Retirement System.
Financial assistance shall be limited to the payment or partial
payment or the reimbursement of such payment or partial payment
of any costs incurred for health care services and supplies not
otherwise covered by health care insurance.
A. Request for financial assistance can be
made by the benefit recipient or a member on his/her behalf.
B. Requests shall be in writing on forms
approved by the Executive Board.
C. The Executive Board shall meet at the
direction of the President for approval of all applications.
D. A portion of the annual membership dues
shall be designated for the benefit fund in sufficient amount to
maintain a balance of $3,000.00, including accrued interest, in
a separate account.
E. Members of the Executive Board are
authorized to accept monetary gifts and donations to this fund
from individuals, groups or organizations.
All members in good
standing will be eligible to hold any elective or appointed
office of “The Association” regardless of residence or area
affiliation. The nine members-at-large will be appointed in
accordance to Article V, Section 6 (A) and will represent the
State Highway Patrol Districts one through nine to assure
statewide representation.
Section 1
“The Association” shall
meet in annual meeting once each year on a date not earlier than
September 15th nor later than November 15th. The actual date and
location of the annual meeting will be recommended by the Annual
Meeting Committee. The date, time and location of each annual
meeting will not be final until approved by action of the
Executive Board.
A. Notice of date, time and location of
each annual meeting shall be furnished to all members of “The
Association” not less than 45 days in advance of the date
selected.
B. A general agenda, containing all known
items of a business nature to come before the membership and of
social activities planned, will be supplied in printed form upon
request to any members in advance of the meeting date.
C. Detailed minutes of all quarterly,
Executive Board and annual meetings will be recorded by the
Secretary and filed as a permanent record of “The Association”.
The Secretary shall distribute a copy of same to each member
within a reasonable period, not to exceed 60 days, after a
quarterly, Executive Board or annual meeting date.
D. All resolutions, for consideration by
members while in quarterly meetings or in business sessions at
an annual meeting, shall be submitted to the Chairperson of the
Executive Board not later than 30 days in advance of any meeting
date. All resolutions so submitted will be referred to the
Chairperson of the Resolutions Committee for screening action as
provided in Article VII, Section 2 (C) of these By-Laws.
Section 2
Executive Board meetings
shall be held not less than one meeting each three months, on a
schedule to be announced in advance by the Chairperson. The
Executive Board may, in addition, hold special meetings at the
call of the Chairperson. Detailed minutes shall be kept of all
Executive Board meetings and are to become a permanent record of
“The Association”. Such minutes shall be made available upon
request of any retired member of “The Association” who wishes to
review same.
Section 3
Other standing
committees provided for in these By-Laws shall hold meeting as
frequently as necessary to meet the responsibilities of the
committees. The Chairperson of each committee will be
responsible for giving all members advance notice of the date,
time and place of each meeting. Detailed minutes of meetings
shall be recorded and given to the Secretary and will become
part of the permanent records of “The Association”.
Back
to Top
Except as otherwise
provided in these By-Laws, all quarterly, annual, special and
committee meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Roberts
Rules of Order, latest published edition.
Section 1
Presiding officers will
conduct all meetings in an orderly fashion and in accordance
with the following agenda format:
A. Call to order
B. Roll call (if required or desired)
C. Reading and approval of minutes
D. Reports of officers, boards and standing
committees
E. Reports of special committees
F. Special orders and announcements
G. Unfinished business
H. New business
I. Any other item for the good of “The
Association”
J. Date, time and location of the next
meeting
K. Adjournment
Section 2
A simple majority of the
sixteen (16) members of the Executive Board present shall
constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business at
any quarterly, special, annual or Executive Board meetings.
Section 3
A simple majority of
committee members present shall constitute a quorum for the
purpose of transacting business at all meetings of standing or
special (Ad Hoc) committee meetings.
Back
to Top
Section 1
Any retired member in
good standing may submit an amendment which proposes to change
or add to these By-Laws.
A. All amendments which propose to change
or to add to these By-Laws must be submitted in writing to the
Chairperson of the Executive Board.
B. The Chairperson of the Executive Board
shall assign each proposed amendment to the Resolutions
Committee for review and recommendation. Then each proposed
amendment will be brought before the Executive Board at the next
scheduled quarterly, annual or special meeting of the Executive
Board with the Resolution Committee’s recommendation.
C. The Executive Board shall discuss and
evaluate each proposed amendment received. Those amendments
which receive the necessary two-thirds vote from the Executive
Board will be printed for distribution to all members in good
standing at least 30 days prior to the next Executive Board
quarterly, annual or special meeting of “The Association” and be
prepared to present each proposed amendment to the membership
for a vote to accept or reject.
D. Only those retired members in good
standing who are present, or those who have submitted an
absentee ballot in accordance with procedures which the
Executive Board may promulgate, will be eligible to vote on a
proposed amendment to these By-Laws.
E. In the case of a proposed amendment to
these By-Laws a simple majority of all votes cast by members in
good standing will be required for adoption.
Any member, officer or
Executive Board member may be reimbursed for actual expenses
incurred in the performance of “The Association” activities.
Expenses normally would be limited to mileage costs, postage
costs, telephone costs or any actual costs incurred in attending
authorized meetings or awards dinners. Reimbursement will be
made on written request from the member.
The President and the
Treasurer shall have the authority to allow reimbursement under
the circumstances listed. In the event that either the
President or Treasurer is the member requesting reimbursement,
the Secretary will be next in line to co-authorize the request.
If the request exceeds $50.00 it shall be brought before the
Executive Board for approval. Any reimbursement that the
President and/or Treasurer consider warrants a more extended
review can be brought before the Executive Board prior to
authorization.
Back
to Top
If dissolution of “The
Association” should occur, or become necessary, the Executive
Board shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of
all the liabilities of “The Association”, dispose of all the
assets of “The Association” exclusively for the purposes of “The
Association”. The disposal of assets shall be in such a manner,
or to such an organization or organizations existing and
operating exclusively for purposes similar to those set forth
in Article II hereof as shall at the time qualify as an exempt
organization or organization under Section 501 (C) (4) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of
any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Executive
Board shall determine.
Back
to Top
The following are
proposed changes to the By-Laws to recognize the role of the
Ohio State Highway Patrol Retirees Association in providing
support and members to the Retired Trooper Reserve Auxiliary.
This is the final draft approved at the Quarterly meeting on May
9, 2003. The vote by the membership to make the proposed changes
will take place at the August 9, 2003 meeting.
Back
to Top
Section 6
"The Association" will
give support as needed and provide the Retired Trooper Reserve
Auxiliary with members to assist the Ohio State Highway Patrol
and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary in times of
emergency as declared by the Superintendent. This function is
authorized under Section 5503.11 (A) and (B) of the Ohio Revised
Code. Indemnification, immunity, injury, liability and damages
while acting under this section of the Ohio Revised Code are not
in any way the responsibility of "The Association" or its
officers.
Back
to Top
Section 1
C. Definition of a retired member shall
include Associate Members, with the exception of eligibility in
the Retired Trooper Reserve Auxiliary, as defined in Section 3
subsection (B).
Section 3
B. Associate members shall be entitled to
all rights, benefits, privileges and responsibilities normally
accorded a member with the exception of becoming a member of the
Retired Trooper Reserve Auxiliary.
Section 1
E. Retired Trooper Reserve Auxiliary: The
duties shall be to assist in the organization, training and
coordination of the retired members who choose to serve in the
Retired Trooper Reserve Auxiliary. The committee will be Chaired
by the President of the Association and will aid in the
coordination of services provided to the Ohio State Highway
Patrol and assist in accomplishing the mission of the unit.
Per an email received
from Bob Carson, cc Charlie Linek and Shel Senek, Tuesday,
October 9.2007 revision to the By-Laws, approved at the May 4,
2007 meeting.
Back
to Top
Section 4 - Associate Sworn Members
A. An associate sworn member is defined as
one who has duly been appointed to the ranks of the Ohio State
Highway Patrol but left service prior to being eligible for
retirement or a Highway Patrol auxiliary civilian member who has
left active service in good standing.
Back
to Top |
