BYLAWS
OF
THE SOCIETY OF IRANIAN ARCHITECTS AND
PLANNERS
(A
CALIFORNIA NON-PROFIT CORPORATION)
ARTICLE 1 ORGANIZATION
1.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.01 Name. The name of the organization
is the Society of Iranian Architects & Planners, which may
also be known as SIAP.
1.02 Objects. The objects of SIAP shall
be to organize and unite in fellowship the Iranian graduates in
the field of architecture, planning, interior design, and
landscape architecture; to promote the cultural, scientific, and
professional aspects of their fields; to encourage the members
to develop and advance their skills and abilities in the
profession; to provide means of communication for coordination
of mutual professional and cultural relationship with similar
Iranian organization around the globe; to promote professional
services within the Iranian community; to establish professional
relationship with similar organizations.
1.1 AFFILIATIONS
If and while affiliation will promote the purposes
and objects of the SIAP, and upon approval of the Board of Directors,
any organization may be affiliated with the SIAP unless the other
organization was formed, used or maintained for financial gain,
price-fixing or political purposes.
1.2 DEFINITIONS
a. Society: The above named Society.
b. Board: The governing Board of the SIAP,
including Officers and other Directors.
c. Basic Committees: In conformance with SIAP
Component Standards of Service: Program/Organization, Membership,
Public Relation/Web Site, Publication, Events, Education, and
Financial Committee.
d. Member: In these bylaws the term member
applies to all categories of SIAP membership.
e. Principal Member: In these Bylaws, the term
principal member applies to an Iranian individual who is the member
of SIAP per Article 2.1.1 of these bylaws.
f. Director: Officers and other Directors who are
members of SIAP Board.
g. Associate Member: In these Bylaws, the term
Associate Member applies to an individual with limited voting
rights.
h. Associate Member of the Board: Board members
with limited voting rights.
i. Inspectors: Three SIAP inspectors, who shall
be elected by SIAP members per Article 5.7 & Article 7.
1.3 STRUCTURE
1.3.1 The SIAP is a nonpolitical, non
religious, nonprofit mutual benefit membership corporation, duly
incorporated on July 7, 1998, under and by virtue of provisions of
the Corporation Code of the State of California which consists of
the following bodies:
a. The Members: Per Article 2 of these
bylaws.
b. The Basic Committee: to be formed by SIAP members per Article
6 of these bylaws.
c. The Board of Directors: to be elected from nominees of each
Basic Committee per Article 4 and 5 of these bylaws.
d. The Executive Committee: to be formed by selected Board
Members per Article 5.3 of these bylaws.
e. The Inspectors: to be elected by SIAP members per Article 7
of these bylaws.
1.4 RESPONSIBILITIES
a. The SIAP shall coordinate and represent its
membership on all matters concerning SIAP as a whole.
b. No action of any of the structural bodies of
SIAP shall directly or indirectly nullify or contravene any action
or policy of the SIAP.
1.5 GOVERNMENT
Subject to these bylaws, the SIAP shall be
governed and its affairs shall be conducted by the board.
1.6 ENDORSEMENTS
1.6.1 Endorsements of Enterprises. The
SIAP shall not sponsor or endorse any enterprise, whether public
or private, operated for profit.
1.6.2 Endorsement of Material. No
officer, director, committee member or employee of the SIAP in his
or her official capacity shall approve, endorse, sponsor or do
anything that may be deemed or construed to be an approval,
endorsement or sponsorship of any material of construction or any
method or manner of handling, using, distributing or dealing in
any material or product. The Board, however, by a two-thirds
majority of the entire Board, may approve of ways of presenting to
the architectural profession data relating to such material or
products, and relating to architecture or its practice or to the
objects and purposes of the SIAP published by others than the SIAP
provided that the said data, books or other literature have been
submitted by the Board. By the same vote, the Board may permit the
seal or other insignia of the SIAP to be imprinted
on the title page of each of the said books or
other literature for a royalty consideration or otherwise provided
that the SIAP is protected from all liability that may arise
therefrom.
ARTICLE 2
MEMBERSHIP
2.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS
2.01 CATEGORIES OF SIAP INDIVIDUAL
MEMBERSHIP
a. Principal Members
b. Associate Member
c. Honorary Member
d. Affiliate Member
2.02 ELIGIBILITY FOR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP
a. Eligibility for individual
Membership of each category shall be limited to those who are
of good character and reputation, who agree to comply with
these Bylaws and who agree to accept the rights and privileges
granted to and the duties undertaken by their category of
membership as described herein.
b. Qualifications, admission requirements,
privileges as other members in the same category; except that
SIAP may lower dues and/or assessments for such members.
2.03 CHANGES AFFECTING MEMBERSHIP
Changes in membership eligibility or
qualifications set forth in these Bylaws shall not be
retroactively applied.
2.04 PROPERTY INTERESTS
No member shall have any right, title or interest
in SIAP property at any time.
2.1 PRINCIPAL MEMBERS
2.1.1 Qualifications. Principal Members
of the SIAP are individuals who hold minimum Bachelor Degree or
equivalent in Architecture, Planning, Interior Design, or
Landscape Architecture. Such members shall demonstrate honorable
standing in the profession and in their community.
2.1.2 Admission. Principal Members of the SIAP
shall be recommended by two principal members in good standing and
approved by membership committee.
2.1.3 Rights and Privileges of Principal
Members
2.1.3.1 Title. Principal Members in good
standing may bring or otherwise use in connection with their
practice and work:
a. the initials SIAP as a suffix to
their names, and
b. the title "Member of the
Society of Iranian Architects & Planners."
2.1.3.2 Pin and Emblem. Principal Members
may use gold SIAP lapel pin and SIAP emblem within the
limitations established by SIAP.
2.1.4 Privileges of Principal Members.
a. May speak and vote on all issues submitted
to or otherwise voted upon by the membership.
b. May be appointed as members of committees
at all levels of the SIAP.
c. May serve as SIAP representative.
d. May serve on any SIAP committee and chair
any committee.
e. May serve as an Officer or director of
SIAP.
2.2 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
2.2.1 Qualifications. Associate members of SIAP are
as follows:
a. Students of School of Architecture
and/or Planning, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture.
b. Those who are employed under the
supervision of an architect in a professional or technical
capacity directly related to the practice of architecture or;
c. Those who are faculty members in
university programs in architecture who do not hold
architecture/planning degree and who are actively involved in
research, administration or the teaching of architecture.
d. Admission. Associate Members of the SIAP
shall be recommended by two principal members in good standing
and approved by membership committee.
2.2.2 Rights and Privileges of Associate Members.
2.2.2.1 Title. Associates in good
standing may indicate that they are Associates of the SIAP
and may use the title Associate SIAP.
2.2.2.2 Privileges. Associates shall
have the same rights and privileges as principal members
except as noted below:
a. Association may serve as voting
members on SIAP, provided that they hold no more than
two seats in addition to the seats assigned to principal
members of the board and must be active member(s) of
SIAP Basic Committee(s). However, Associate Members are
not eligible to vote for principal member directors.
b. Associates may speak on all issues
except formal and informal charges of unprofessional
conduct of principal members.
c. Associates may serve as members of
SIAP committees, except those involved with formal or
informal charges of unprofessional conduct by members.
d. Associates may not act as a
representative of SIAP.
2.2.2.3 Membership on the Board. When
their number in SIAP reaches one-third of total members,
Associates may elect a representative from their ranks to
serve as a member of the Board. This representative shall
be permitted to speak and vote on all issues except for
charges of unprofessional conduct by members, and shall
not be eligible to be an officer.
2.3 AFFILIATE MEMBERS
2.3.1 Eligibility for Affiliate
Membership. Individuals or those who are not otherwise eligible
for membership in SIAP and who meet one or more of the following
requirements shall be eligible for Affiliate membership in SIAP.
a. Affiliate Professional: Those individuals
with established professional reputations, or persons who are
employed outside of architectural practice but are involved in
positions allied to the field of architecture. Affiliate
Professional members may include engineers, sculptors, muralist,
artists, professionals in government, education and research,
graphic designers, lighting designers, writers and
photographers.
b. Affiliate Industry. Those individuals who
are employed by or representing firms in the construction
industry engaged in research, design, development, testing
manufacture, distribution, or training for building and
construction products or systems.
c. Affiliate Media. Those individuals
employed full-time as writers or reporters by the media,
including newspapers and trade or professional journals that are
distributed to the general public.
2.3.2 Rights and Privileges. An Affiliate
member of SIAP:
a. May not print or permit to be printed or
in any way use the name, title, initials, seal, symbol or
insignia of SIAP.
b. May not make motions or vote at any
meeting of SIAP.
c. May serve on any committee with exception
as set forth in 2.2.2.2 b & c, but may not chair any
committee.
d. May not be an Officer or Director or as a
representative of SIAP.
2.4 HONORARY MEMBERS
2.4.1 Qualifications. Any person of
esteemed character who is otherwise ineligible for membership
but who has rendered distinguished service to the profession of
architecture, or to the arts and sciences allied therewith, may
be admitted by the Board as an Honorary Member or SIAP. Not more
than two Honorary Members shall be admitted by the Board within
one calendar year. Consideration of nominees for Honorary
Membership shall be confidential and shall conform with
procedures set forth in the Rules of the Board.
2.4.2 Rights and Privileges. An
Honorary Member of SIAP.
a. May use the title "Honorary of the
Society of Iranian Architects and Planners, which title shall
not be changed or abbreviated in any way nor used with the
symbol, seal, or insignia of the SIAP.
b. May attend any meeting of SIAP and, upon
invitation of the presiding officer, may speak and take part
in the discussions of all matters except those which concern
membership, unprofessional conduct or finances but may not
make motions or vote.
c. May not be an Officer or Director, may
not serve on its committees except as an advisor, and may not
act as representative or agent of SIAP.
2.4.3 Obligations. An Honorary Member of SIAP
shall not be subject to any admission fee or dues, nor have any
monetary liability to SIAP.
2.5 INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS
2.5.1 Good Standing. The rights and
privileges of those holding an individual SIAP membership of any
category shall be conditioned upon said member being in good
standing in SIAP.
a. An individual Member of SIAP shall be in
good standing provided said Members is not in default of any
financial obligation to SIAP. For good and sufficient reasons
the Board may waive financial obligation to SIAP, in whole or
in part for the current calendar year.
2.5.2 Termination of Membership.
Individual membership in SIAP shall be
terminated at the death of the member, by resignation, or by
failure to maintain membership in good standing per decision of
the special or annual meeting of the members.
2.5.3 Reinstatement of Membership.
A resigned or terminated member of SIAP may
be reinstated subject to the approval of the Board.
2.6 GROUP MEMBERSHIP
2.6.1 Classes of Group Membership
a. Section of SIAP
b. Student Associations of SIAP
c. Affiliated Organizations of SIAP
2.6.2 Sections of the SIAP
a. Formation. A section of SIAP may be
established by SIAP members residing in a city or group of
cities in the State of California and be approved by the
Board.
a.1 It shall contain not less than ten
(10) SIAP members.
b. Bylaws. Sections of SIAP shall be
governed by the SIAP bylaws but may adopt their own
supplemental Bylaws as approved by the Board.
c. Policy Statements of the Section: policy
concerning community interest presented to a public or
quasi-public official or agency shall be in concert with SIAP
policies. If no such policy exists, prior approval of the SIAP
Board must be obtained.
d. Membership. Members of all categories of
a Section of SIAP shall retain membership in SIAP with all
interests, rights, privileges, and obligations thereto
unaltered.
e. Committees: SIAP sections may form their
own committees as related to their local needs and activities
within SIAP bylaws.
2.6.3 Student Association
a. Formation: A Student Association may be
established by SIAP members residing in a city or group of
cities in the State of California and be approved by the
Board.
a.1 It shall contain not less than ten (10) Student
Associates.
b. Bylaws: Student Association of SIAP
shall be governed by the SIAP and Rules of the Board but may
adopt their own supplemental Bylaws as approved by the Board.
c. Policy Statements of Student Association
of SIAP shall be in concert with SIAP policies. If no such
policy exists, prior approval of the SIAP Board must be
obtained.
d. Membership. Members of Student
Association of SIAP shall retain membership in SIAP with all
interests, rights, privileges, and obligations thereto
unaltered.
e. Committees: SIAP students associates may
form their own committees as related to their local needs and
activities within SIAP bylaws.
2.6.4 Affiliated Organizations
a. Affiliations. The Board, for the
promotion of SIAP purposes, may affiliate any professional,
civic, or construction organization which is not used or
maintained for financial gain, price fixing, or political
purposes. Affiliated organizations may not obligate the SIAP
or its membership in any way whatsoever.
b. Authorization of such affiliation shall
be approved by the Board by two-thirds vote for the entire
membership of the Board.
c. Establishment of such affiliation shall
be evidenced by a written agreement, duly executed by the
Board and the Affiliated Organization shall be as set forth in
the SIAP Rules of the Board.
d. Conditions. The general conditions of
SIAP for affiliation of any organization shall be set forth in
the SIAP Rules of the Board.
e. Interests, Rights and Privileges.
Affiliated Organizations shall have no financial interests,
rights or privileges in SIAP, nor SIAP in them other than
those specially agreed to by the Board at the time of the
affiliation.
ARTICLE 3 DUES
3.0 DUES
3.01 Annual Dues
a. Any member terminated for non payment of
dues and applying for reinstatement in the same year must pay
back all indebtedness to SIAP in the year of termination
before being readmitted.
b. Any member terminated for non-payment of
dues and applying for reinstatement in any year following
termination must pay a reinstatement fee, established by the
SIAP Finance Committee, in addition to full payment of current
SIAP dues.
c. The Board shall establish the annual
Base Dues for all classes of individual membership for the
following calendar year.
3.02 Base Dues
a. Members Base Dues shall be proposed by
the Board and approved by the members in annual meeting.
b. Associate Members base dues shall be established
by the Board annually.
c. Affiliate Members base dues shall be established
by the Board annually.
3.1 PAYMENT OF DUES
3.1.1 Base Dues shall be paid annually,
and shall be due and payable upon receipt of invoice.
3.1.2 Base Dues for the remainder of the first
calendar year of Membership shall be prorated by the Board and
shall become due and payable when application for membership is
approved.
3.2 WAIVER OF DUES
The Board for what it deems adequate cause,
may waive a financial obligation to the SIAP of any member in whole
or in part for the current year.
3.3 DEFAULT
3.3.1 Condition of Default
a. Any member who has not paid annual Base
Dues for any calendar year within sixty (60) days after
billing shall be in default.
3.3.2 Notice of Default
a. At each established due date, all
members shall be notified of their default, if any, and of the
amount.
b. A member in default is not in good
standing. By direction of the Board, the Secretary may publish
in a publication of the SIAP a list of those members in
default or otherwise not in good standing but shall not state
amounts owing.
3.3.3 Termination for Default
a. SIAP Notification. When Members or
Associate Members are in default as of the 31st of August in
any calendar year, the SIAP Secretary may recommend to the
Board that their membership be terminated provided they have
been sent written notice at least thirty (30) days prior to
such warning of impending termination.
ARTICLE 4
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
4.0 ANNUAL MEETING
There shall be an annual meeting of the SIAP
in the month of January at which the new officers and directors
shall be installed and the annual report shall be given.
4.1 ELECTION MEETING
SIAP election meeting shall be held in November
at which the new vice-president/president elect and other directors
for the ensuing year shall be elected in accordance with the
provisions set forth herein.
4.2 BOARD MEETINGS
4.2.1 Members of the Board may
participate in a meeting through use of conference telephone or
similar communication equipment, so long as all members
participating in such meeting can hear one another.
4.2.2 Any action required or permitted to be
taken by the Board may be taken without a meeting if all members
of the Board shall individually or collectively consent in writing
to such action. Such written consent or consents shall be filed
with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board. Such action by
written consent shall have the same force and effect as a
unanimous vote of such directors.
4.3 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD
4.3.1 Special meeting of the Board for any
purpose(s) may be called at any time by the President, any Vice
President, Secretary, or by any two directors.
4.3.2 Special meetings of the Board shall be
held upon four days written notice or forty-eight (48) hours given
personally or by telephone, telegraph, fax or other similar means
of communication. Any such notice shall be addressed or delivered
to each director at such director's address as it is shown upon
the records of the corporation by the director for purposes of
notice or if such address is not shown on such records or is not
readily ascertainable, at the place in which the meeting of the
directors are regularly held.
Notice by mail shall be deemed to have been
given at the time a written notice is deposited in the United
States mail, postage prepaid. Any other written notice shall be
deemed to have been given at the time it is personally delivered
to the recipient or is delivered to a common carrier for
transmission, or actually transmitted by the person giving the
notice by electronic means, to the recipient. Oral notice shall be
deemed to have been given at the time it is communicated, in
person or by telephone or wireless to the recipient or to a person
at the office of the recipient who the person giving the notice
has reason to believe will promptly communicate it to the
recipient.
4.3.3 A majority of the members of the Board
eligible to vote constitutes a quorum of the Board for the
transaction of business. 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 shall be regarded as the act of the board,
unless a greater number be required by law or by the Articles. A
meeting at which a quorum is initially present may continue to
transact business notwithstanding the withdrawal of directors, if
any action is approved by at least a majority of the required
quorum for such meeting.
4.4 MEMBERSHIP MEETING
4.4.1 Special Meetings of the Membership.
a. A quorum for action on business carried
on at Special Meetings shall be more than 50 percent of the
Members present or represented by written proxy. Decisions
made at such meetings shall be referred to the Board for
implementation. Voting shall be by voice vote as determined by
the presiding officer. If requested by one Member, a standing
vote shall be ordered and taken or a roll call vote may be
directed in either of which case, the proxy vote shall be
counted. A majority vote shall govern except as noted in
Article 5.9.2 of these bylaws.
b. Meeting to consider only the special
matters stated in the notice of meeting may be called by the
President of the Board, and shall be called if petitioned by
10 percent of the members or at least ten members.
4.4.2 Notice of Meeting
a. Notice of the purpose, day, place
and hour of required meetings, of any meeting concerning
changes in the status of Bylaws, property or Investment Fund;
and of Special Meetings shall be mailed to the membership at
least fourteen (14) days in advance of such meeting, if by
first class, registered or certified mail and at least twenty
(20) days if by any other class. In no event shall notice be
given more than forty-five (45) days in advance.
b. The Secretary of the SIAP shall prepare
and sign an affidavit that notice of the meeting has been
properly given to all persons who must be notified.
c. Persons at the close of business on the
business day preceding the day on which notice is given and
who are entitled to vote at the meeting, are entitled to
notice of the meeting, subject to the power of the Board to
fix a different record date.
4.5 QUORUMS AND PROCEDURES AT
MEETINGS
4.5.1 The quorums required to carry on
business at SIAP meetings for the election of SIAP officers and
directors, for action on proposed changes in the status of
Bylaws, SIAP property or Investment Fund, shall be as set forth
in these Bylaws.
4.5.2 SIAP business at any meeting, other
than at those meetings described in this section may be
conducted at the discretion of the presiding officer and any
decision shall be reported to the Board.
4.5.3 The presiding officer at all SIAP
meetings shall be the President, Vice-President-President Elect,
Secretary, Treasurer or the President's designee, in that order.
4.6 REPORT OF MEETINGS
The Secretary shall cause to be prepared a
written report of any action at a meeting where a vote was taken and
such report shall be made available to the membership. The report
shall contain the name of the person making any motion on which
action was taken as well as the name of the seconder of that motion.
ARTICLE 5
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, OFFICERS, AND DIRECTORS
5.0 MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
5.0.1 The Board shall consist of officers and other
Directors.
5.0.2 Associate students shall have one
representative on the board if their respective committee
members constitute minimum of ten students membership
categories, Associate Directors together may not constitute more
than two seats, or one-third of the number of Directors,
whichever number is greater, on the SIAP Board. Election of the
Associate Members(s) of the Board and their voting rights are
outlined under 2.2 of these bylaws.
5.0.3 If any SIAP Officer or Director fails
to attend three (3) Board Meetings without an excuse deemed
valid by the Board, then said member shall be removed by vote of
the Board and the President, with Board approval, shall appoint
a successor to complete the unexpired term of office, with
priority given to the candidate for that office who had received
the next highest number of votes.
5.1 OFFICERS
There shall be four officers who shall be members
in good standing
a. President
b. Vice President/President Elect
c. Secretary
d. Treasurer
5.2 DIRECTORS
5.2.1 The number of Directors shall be
five when the total SIAP members are up to fifty, and seven when
over fifty.
5.2.2 Each committee shall present only one
nominee for the Board of Directors. Nominees from non-committee
members shall be nominated by at least five non-committee members.
5.2.3 Directors shall be elected from committee
nominees. There shall be a minimum of three Directors from
committee nominees and maximum of two Directors from non-committee
nominees when the Board consists of five member. When the Board
consists of seven members, these numbers shall be four and three
respectively.
5.2.4 There shall be two alternative Directors
to be elected according to their ranking per number of votes. At
least one of the alternative Directors has to be from committee
nominees.
5.3 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee, whose
responsibilities and authority shall be determined by the Board,
shall be composed of the President, the Vice President, the
Secretary, the Treasurer, and one other Director. With exception of
the vice-president/president elect who shall be elected by SIAP
members, all other executive committee members shall be chosen by
the Board members by secret ballot. A tie vote in this secret ballot
shall be broken by the President.
5.4 TERMS OF OFFICE
5.4.1 The President's term is for one
year. The President may serve only one term.
5.4.2 The Vice President shall serve for one
year ascending automatically to the Office of the President.
5.4.2.1 The Secretary, whose term shall
be one year, shall serve only one full term; however, after
filling out an unexpired term the Secretary may serve a full
term.
5.4.2.2 The Treasurer, whose term shall
be for two years, shall serve only one full term; however,
after filling out an unexpired term, the Treasurer may serve
a full term.
5.4.2.3 The Treasurer may not run for
higher office without completing his/her current term of
office.
5.4.3 Directors
5.4.3.1 The terms of Directors shall be
one year.
5.4.3.2 No directors shall be elected
for three consecutive terms as board members.
5.5 SUCCESSION AND RECALL
In case of vacancy of office by death,
disability, or other cause of any SIAP Office or Director, such
vacancy shall be filled as follows:
5.5.1 Office of President
5.5.1.1 The succession to the
presidency shall be Vice President, Secretary, and
Treasurer, in that order.
5.5.1.2 The President shall first be
succeeded by the Vice President whose office shall then
remain vacant until the end of the year. After completing
the unexpired term, the President Elect shall continue as
President for the year for which he or she was duly
elected.
5.5.2 Office of Vice President
5.5.2.1 If the vacancy occurs after the
annual election, a Special Election of the membership
shall be held within forty-five (45) days to elect a new
Vice President who shall serve in that office until the
next regular election.
5.5.3 Other Vacancies
5.5.3.1 Vacancies in the offices of
Secretary, Treasurer and Director shall be filled within
one month by interim appointment for the remainder of the
term by affirmative vote of all remaining members of the
Board. If a vacancy occurs in the first year of a two-year
term and there is sufficient time to permit SIAP to elect
a successor to complete the term, the vacancy shall be
filled in this manner; otherwise, the interim appointment
shall prevail for the balance of the vacated term.
5.5.3.2 Vacancies in the office(s)) of
Student Associate Member(s) of the Board shall be filled
by election in their respective membership group.
5.5.3.3 Any officer or Director may be
recalled by the membership upon petition of twenty-five
percent (25%) plus one (1) of the members casting ballots
at the election of said Officer or Director. Upon receipt
by the Board of said recall petition, a recall election
shall be held within 45 days and shall be conducted
according to the Rules of the Board then in force.
5.6 NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
5.6.1 During September of each calendar
year, the Secretary of SIAP shall receive nominations for
available SIAP vice president/president elect and director
positions from the SIAP committees. These nominations, along
with nominees for inspector position shall be compiled into a
list and shall be mailed along with ballots to all Members at
least 21 days prior to election day.
5.7 ELECTION OF
VICE-PRESIDENT/PRESIDENT ELECT, DIRECTORS, AND INSPECTORS
5.7.1 Election for these positions shall
take place at the November meeting by secret ballot. If there is
only one nominee for any position, the President shall declare the
nominee elected by acclamation.
5.7.2 A quorum for the election shall consist of
not less than 50% of the Members in good standing present in person
or represented by written proxy. A majority vote shall govern.
5.7.3 Tie vote for President Elect/Vice
President. Should two or more candidates for the Office of the
President or Vice President receive the same number of votes,
another secret ballot shall be taken listing only the names of those
candidates. This ballot shall be sent to the Members by first class,
registered or certified mail not less than fourteen (14) days before
the December meeting, which shall be called specifically for this
purpose. The same voting and quorum provisions as stated above shall
prevail. Should the tie vote not be broken by this procedure, a
secret ballot shall be taken among the current members of the Board.
A majority vote shall govern excluding the President's vote,
required for a quorum. If a tie still persists, the current
President shall break the tie.
5.7.4 Tie vote for other positions. Should two or
more candidates receive the same number of votes, the tie vote(s)
shall be broken by a secret ballot taken from among the current
members of the Board as described above.
5.7.5 Associate Member(s) of the Board shall be
elected in November by their respective membership group.
5.8 DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS
5.8.1 The President
5.8.1.1 The President, as
administrative head of SIAP, shall exercise general
supervision of its affairs; preside at its meetings and
the meetings of the Board, sign all contracts and
agreements of SIAP other than those specifically exempted
therein, and perform such other duties of office as may be
required by the Bylaws or by direction of the Board.
5.8.1.2 The President may not obligate
or commit SIAP to any specific course of action unless the
obligation or commitment has been specifically authorized
by the Board.
5.8.2 The Vice President
In the absence or disability of the
President, the Vice President shall act in the President's
place, and shall otherwise perform such duties as may be
assigned by the Board.
5.8.3 The Secretary
5.8.3.1 The Secretary, as an
administrative officer, shall be recording and
corresponding secretary of meetings of SIAP and of the
Board, except as noted in 5.8.3.2. The Secretary shall
safeguard and keep in good order all property of SIAP,
except that assigned to the Treasurer. The Secretary shall
issue all notices, keep membership rolls, supervise the
SIAP office and employees, sign all instruments and
matters which require SIAP approval except as otherwise
provided in these Bylaws, keep the SIAP seal and affix it
on such instruments as required, prepare the reports of
the Board and SIAP in collaboration with the President and
perform all other normal or assigned duties of the office.
5.8.3.2 Delegation. The Secretary, with
the approval of the Board, may delegate to a SIAP employee
the actual performance of any or all of the Secretary's
duties as recording or corresponding Secretary, but not
the responsibility for SIAP property, the affixing of its
seal, or attestation, certification, or signing of
documents requiring the Secretary's signature.
5.8.4 The Treasurer
5.8.4.1 The Treasurer, as an
administrative officer, shall have charge of and supervise
financial affairs, records and books, except as noted in
5.8.4.3. The Treasurer shall prepare the budget, collect
funds payable to SIAP, have custody of funds, and make all
disbursements, having the custody of securities,
instruments and papers involving finances and shall make
appropriate reports to the SIAP concerning them. The
Treasurer shall perform all the other normal or assigned
duties of that office.
5.8.4.2 Signature. The Treasurer shall
sign all SIAP checks or other financial instruments that
require the Treasurer's signature except those
specifically exempted by these bylaws.
5.8.4.3 Delegation. The Treasurer, with
the approval of the Board may name SIAP employee the
Assistant Treasurer to whom the actual performance of any
or all the Treasurer's routine duties may be delegated but
not the responsibility for the custody of securities,
instruments or papers involving finances or the signing of
instruments requiring the Treasurer's signature.
5.8.4.4 Liability. The Treasurer shall
not be personally liable for loss of money or funds of
SIAP, or for any decreases in its capital, surplus,
income, reserve fund or account resulting from any of the
acts performed in good faith.
5.9 DUTIES OF THE BOARD
5.9.1 The Board shall meet once
every calendar month, except that no more than two such meetings
may be waived by its vote. The Board shall by Rule fix the time
and place of the monthly meeting. If called by the President or
by a majority vote of all its members, the Board shall hold a
special meeting, after giving four (4) days' notice by first
class mail or forty eight (48) hour's notice by telephone,
telegraph or delivery.
5.9.2 The Board shall coordinate SIAP
committees activities and report to all committees as required.
5.9.3 The Board cannot change, amend, or modify
any portion of the SIAP bylaws without prior approval of two-third
of quorum of SIAP members through member's special meeting.
5.10 DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
Neither Board nor any SIAP Officer or Director
shall delegate any authority, rights, or powers conferred by statute
of these bylaws unless such delegation is specifically prescribed or
permitted herein.
5.11 QUORUM, VOTING AND
DECISIONS OF THE BOARD
5.11.1 Quorum. A majority of members of
the Board eligible to vote on any matter shall constitute a
quorum for any meeting of the Board. Directors may vote on any
matters coming before the Board.
5.11.2 Minutes. The Board shall maintain a
written record of its proceedings.
5.11.3 Voting. Any action of the Board shall
be by majority vote of those present unless these Bylaws require
otherwise. The vote of a Member of the Board shall be entered in
the minutes at said member's request and whenever a roll call
vote is taken.
5.11.4 Associate Members of the Board may
vote on all matters coming before the Board except those
excluded under Article 2.2 of these Bylaws. Associate Members of
the Board shall not attend any executive session of the Board.
5.11.5 SIAP members of all categories may
attend any regular meeting of the Board and may participate in
its deliberations with approval from the Chair, but may not
vote.
5.12 SIAP RULES OF THE
BOARD
5.12.1 Purpose. The Board shall adopt and
keep current and available a book called "SIAP Rules of the
Board." This document shall contain rules and regulations
which supplement these Bylaws and which appear necessary or
desirable to govern the affairs and business of SIAP.
5.12.2 Revision. The Rules of the Board shall
be revised, i.e., by addition, deletion or amendment, by a
two-thirds vote of the Board. A Rule of the Board shall not be
changed more than once during a calendar year. The Rules of the
Board shall remain in full force from year to year until
rescinded by the Board.
5.12.3 Updating. The Secretary shall keep
current the Rules of the Board and shall make any changes
necessary therein, according to directives from the Board, to
eliminate any inconsistencies.
5.13 ANNUAL REPORT
5.13.1 The President shall render an
annual report on the condition, interests, activities and
accomplishments of SIAP during the year making recommendations
with respect thereto. This report shall include reference to all
changes in the Bylaws or SIAP Rules of the Board during the
year.
5.13.2 The annual report shall also include
the following financial information in appropriate detail, and
each Member shall be notified each year of said Member's right
to receive a copy of this information.
5.13.2.1 The SIAP's asset and
liabilities, including trust funds, as of the end of the
fiscal year.
5.13.2.2 The principle changes in
assets and liabilities, including any trust funds during
the fiscal year.
5.13.2.3 The SIAP's revenues or
receipts for the fiscal year, whether restricted or
unrestricted as to their purposes.
5.13.2.4 The expenses or disbursements
of SIAP to both general and restricted purposes during the
fiscal year.
5.14 BOARD POLICIES
5.14.1 Definition of Policies. The
Board may issue general statements that concern SIAP members
professional activities and its relationship with entities
outside the SIAP. They are to be effective until rescinded,
"sunsetted," or changed.
5.14.2 Positions. The Board or its authorized
representatives may make statements concerned with specific
matters. These may be pertinent for only a short time. Positions
shall not contravene Board Policies.
5.15 INDEMNIFICATION
5.15.1 To the full extent permitted by
law, SIAP shall indemnify directors, officers, employees, and
commission and committee members against reasonable expenses
incurred when such person is or was a party or threatened to be
made a party to any action, suit or proceeding by reason that he
or she is or was a director, officer, employee, or commission or
committee member of SIAP.
5.15.2 Indemnification under this section
shall be available with respect to any action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or
investigative.
ARTICLE 6
COMMITTEES
6.0 AUTHORIZATION
The Board of SIAP may authorize committees to
function in any field or activity within the powers and purposes. Each
committee shall be of the size and composition, have the powers and
duties, and perform the services prescribed by the Board, but none of
them shall be delegated the authority of the Board itself.
6.1 BASIC COMMITTEES
6.1.1 Each Basic Committee shall be formed
by minimum of 5 SIAP members in good standing according to the
needs and goals of the SIAP.
6.1.2 SIAP Rules of the Basic Committees
a. Purpose. The Basic Committees shall adopt
and keep current and available a book called "SIAP Rules of
the Basic Committees." This document shall contain rules
and regulations which appear necessary or desirable to govern
the affairs and business of each committee and shall be approved
by the Board.
b. Revision. The Rules of the Basic
Committees shall be revised, i.e., by addition, deletion or
amendment, by a two-thirds vote of the committee members and
approved by the Board. A Rule of the Basic Committees shall not
be changed more than once during a calendar year. The Rules of
the Basic Committees shall remain in full force until rescinded
by the Board.
c. Updating. The Chair of each Basic
Committee shall keep current the Rules of the Committee and
shall make any changes necessary therein, according to
directives from the Board, to eliminate any inconsistencies.
6.2 SPECIAL/TASK FORCE
COMMITTEES
These committees shall be formed based on the
specific need for a designated period of time and shall be dissolved
upon completion of their assignment as determined by the Board. These
committees shall be chaired by an assigned SIAP member as designated
by the Board.
6.3 FUNCTION
The work of all committees shall be coordinated by
a board member. Every committee may call and holding meetings and meet
with other organizations or their representatives but no committee or
any chairperson or member thereof shall obligate SIAP financially or
otherwise without prior approval of the Board.
ARTICLE 7 INSPECTORS
7.0 SIAP shall have three inspectors who must
be the principal members of SIAP in good standing.
7.1 Nomination of each inspector shall be
supported by at least three SIAP members in good standing. Board
members cannot serve as inspectors during their terms with the Board.
7.2 Election of the inspectors shall be the
same procedure as set forth in Article 5.7 of these bylaws.
7.3 Inspectors shall have full authority as to
inspect, investigate and monitor all activities as related to SIAP
affairs with respect to SIAP Bylaws.
7.4 Inspectors shall conduct their business as
a team and report to the president of SIAP or other SIAP bodies on as
needed basis.
ARTICLE 8 ADMINISTRATION
8.0 AUTHORITY
The administrative affairs of SIAP shall be governed
by the Executive Committee.
8.1 OFFICE
The principal administrative office of SIAP shall be
within the State of California.
8.2 PERSONNEL
8.2.1 The general administration of the
SIAP affairs shall be under the direction of the Executive
Committee who shall report to the Board.
8.2.2 The Executive Committee may employ other
administrative personnel, and technical personnel as it may deem
necessary. Such personnel shall report, administratively, to the
Executive Committee.
8.2.3 Employed personnel shall have their
duties and tenure, salaries, and compensation fixed, and
reimbursement for expenses incidental to their responsibilities
approved by the Executive Committee. No contract shall be made for
tenure in excess of three years.
8.3 PROPERTY
8.3.1 All title to and interest in the
assets and real and personal property of SIAP are vested and shall
remain in SIAP until it is dissolved and its affairs terminated.
In such event, its property shall be deemed to such corporations
or organizations as may then be deemed by the Board best able to
carry on the work of the SIAP and the objects and purposes of this
corporations as described in paragraph "Second" of the
Article of Incorporation and in accordance with the provisions of
paragraph "Seventh" of said Articles. In no event shall
any distribution be made to any member of the Board or to Members,
affiliates, or employees of the SIAP.
8.3.2 In furtherance of carrying on its affairs
and exercising its powers, the SIAP may take and acquire real
property for its own use and shall execute any chattel mortgage.
8.3.3 Only the Board shall have any right or
authority to solicit, receive, take or accept any gift, bequest,
or device for or on behalf of SIAP, and it shall not accept any
gifts, bequest, or device if it will not promote the objects and
purposes of SIAP or if it and its administration will place an
undue financial or other burden on the SIAP.
8.3.4 No assets or property of SIAP valued in
excess of one-fifth of the approved annual budget shall be
acquired, leased, sold, mortgaged or hypothecated; except in the
event of SIAP dissolution or for the purpose of exchange for asset
or property of like value, without a prior affirmative vote of
SIAP.
8.3.4.1 A quorum for such action shall
consist of not less than fifty percent of the Members in
good standing present in person or represented by written
proxy at the meeting where this business is to be conducted.
A majority vote shall govern.
8.3.5 No property shall be acquired or disposed
of by purchase sale, or lease, involving amounts in excess of
one-fifth of the approved annual budget without a resolution of
the SIAP at one meeting to take such action at a stated subsequent
meeting and at that meeting, an affirmative vote of the SIAP. A
quorum for such action is defined immediately above.
8.3.6 Approval for acquisition and/or disposal
of any SIAP asset or property valued or less than one-fifth of the
approved annual budget shall be by vote of two-thirds of the
Board.
8.3.7 The privilege to use the seal, insignia,
name and other intangible property of SIAP in any manner is a
revocable right granted only by the Board.
8.4 FISCAL YEAR
SIAP fiscal year shall be the calendar year.
8.5 BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS
8.5.1 In November of each year the Board
shall adopt an annual balanced budget for the following year
showing the anticipated income and expenditures for that year
and authorizing the necessary appropriations.
8.5.2 The Board may adjust expenditures and
appropriations within the aggregate total fixed in the budget, or
as may become necessary to maintain a balanced budget.
8.6 CONTRACTS
Every contract in excess of an amount as
defined in the Rules of the Board shall be evidenced by a duly
executed written agreement upon authority as stipulated in the Rules
of the Board.
8.7 AUDITS
At the close of each SIAP Treasurer's term of
office, the SIAP books shall be audited by SIAP inspectors. In
intervening years, the SIAP books shall be reviewed by SIAP
inspectors. A copy of each audit and/or review shall be reviewed by
the Finance Committee and provided to each Board Member.
8.8
GENERAL FUND DISBURSEMENTS
8.8.1 All money received as SIAP dues or
contributions shall be deposited by the Treasurer to the General
Fund in a commercial account in one or more banks designated by
the Board.
8.8.2 Every disbursement of money from the
General Fund shall be made by check of SIAP signed by any two of
the following: President, Vice President, Treasurer, or Secretary,
however, whenever possible, one of the signatures shall always be
that of the Treasurer. All bills shall be paid by such check
except that small office bills may be paid in cash from a petty
cash fund not to exceed fifty dollars controlled by Treasurer.
Such cash payments shall be duly recorded in accordance with
accepted procedures and shall be available to review upon request.
8.9 MEMBER'S INTEREST
8.9.1 An unencumbered balance of income at
the close of a fiscal year shall not be distributed as profits,
dividends or otherwise.
8.9.2 If a membership of any class is
terminated for any reason, or this Corporation is dissolved, then
in either event no Member nor any of said Member's heirs or
assigns shall have title to interest in, or right to use any
property of SIAP, or any right or privilege granted by its or its
officers by reason of such membership.
8.10 SIAP'S FINANCIAL RECORDS
8.10.1 SIAP books shall be kept so that
the General Fund account(s), if applicable, are separately
kept accounts.
8.10.2 All deposits with withdrawals shall be
entered in the SIAP books and at least quarterly the Treasurer
shall balance all accounts and reconcile them with the statement
from the bank(s).
8.10.3 Membership Ledger. SIAP books shall
include a membership ledger listing all individuals in the
several classes of membership and showing the status of their
accounts of SIAP dues and the amount and allocation of payments
made by them. Such ledger findings shall be recorded monthly to
show the number of each class of membership in good standing, in
default, under recommended suspension by membership committee or
termination by the Board.
8.10.4 Audit. As early as possible each year
after completion of the annual audit or review for the prior
year, the membership shall be informed of its basic items and
total sums together with the corresponding information in the
current budget.
ARTICLE 9 GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.0 ENDORSEMENTS
Neither the SIAP, any or its Affiliated
Organizations, or its Sections, the Board, Officers, Directors,
Committee members or employees in their capacities shall approve,
sponsor, endorse, recommend, warrant or vouch for either directly or
indirectly, any business enterprise operated for profit or any
material, facility, product or device made, sold, or used in or for
the construction or erection of buildings, or any method or manner
of building, using distributing or dealing in such.
9.1 PUBLICATIONS AND NOTICES
9.1.1 The SIAP may prepare, edit, print,
sell or otherwise distribute any document, book, data,
information or other literature promoting its object.
9.1.2 SIAP notices required to be issued by law
or by these Bylaws which are printed in an official bulletin or
communication and mailed to the members of all classes shall be
considered as properly given and served.
9.2 AVAILABILITY OF RECORDS
Except to confidential files and records
pertaining to individual SIAP Members and consideration for nominees
for honorary membership as provided herein or as determined by the
Board, all SIAP records and correspondence shall be open to
inspection by any SIAP Principal Member or Associate Member at the
SIAP office during regular business hours. SIAP members' address and
telephone number list shall not be considered as confidential
information.
ARTICLE 10 AMENDMENTS
10.0 INITIATION
Amendments to these Bylaws may be initiated by
recommendation of the Board or by written petition of not less than
ten percent of the Principal Members in good standing.
10.1 SUBSTANTIVE AMENDMENT BY
THE MEMBERSHIP
10.1.1 After due notice in accordance
with provisions stated in Article 4, herein, these Bylaws may be
amended at any regular meeting of the SIAP. A quorum at that
meeting to take such action shall consist of more than 50% of
the Members in good standing present or represented by written
proxy. A two-thirds majority vote shall govern.
10.1.2 The Board may direct the Secretary to
rearrange, retitle, or renumber the various Articles and Sections
of these Bylaws as may appear necessary because of such amendment,
ease of reference or for clarification.
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