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Hillcrest Home Page » Hillcrest Fire Company By-Laws

Hillcrest Fire Company By-Laws
 

Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Company INC.

By-Laws

table of contents









Revised: 1973,1989, 2001,2007



ARTICLE I

NAMES AND OBJECTIVES OF THE FIRE COMPANY


The name of this association shall be Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Company Inc., Town of Orchard Park, County of Erie, and State of New York. The Objectives of the Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Company Inc. are:


  1. To establish and maintain protection from fires and provide similar Emergency Rescue Service within the said district.


  1. To increase and maintain the interest of its members in mutual safety and protection of the community against these hazards.


  1. To cultivate and promote social activities for the moral and intellectual improvement of its members.




ARTICLE II

Governing Body


  1. The Orchard Park Board of Fire Commissioners (OPBFC) is the governing body of the Firematic and Emergency Medical Service (E.M.S.) functions of the Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. (Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co.). All members must adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by this said board of the Orchard Park Fire District. In cases where Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. by-laws exceed minimum requirements of Firematic (Line) and E.M.S. functions set forth in the district rules; Hillcrest by-laws will be the minimum standard.


  1. Fiscal year: December 1 to November 30.

Calendar year: January 1 to December 31.


ARTICLE III

REQUIREMENTS AND ELECTIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP



  1. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP


    1. The active membership shall be limited to sixty (60) active members at least eighteen (18) years of age.


    1. Any member shall have the privilege of presenting the name or names of candidates for membership, which shall be accompanied by written application, upon report of the investigating committee. If found favorable, their name shall be put before the general membership at the next regular business meeting, and then must be elected by two thirds (2/3) of the members present.


    1. Any person eighteen (18) years of age or over, of good character and standing, shall be eligible for membership in this Fire Company. Applicants must also meet requirements of the OPBFC at their discretion.



  1. PROCEDURE FOR THE ELECTION TO MEMBERSHIP


    1. An applicant must appear before the Executive Board meeting to present their application and not the regular business meeting.


    1. The Executive Board of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. will screen the applicant through the Police Department.


    1. If the Executive Board finds the applicant unfit of character or moral integrity, their application will be denied with no further action necessary. If an applicant is found to be unfavorable they shall be notified by mail of such findings.


    1. If the applicant is found to be favorable, their name shall be placed before the general membership at the next regular business meeting, where, by secret ballot, it will be decided on by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership present. If the Fire Company approves the applicant their application will be forwarded to the OPBFC for district approval.



  1. RULES OF PROBATION


    1. After the OPBFC approves the applicant, they will be personally contacted by letter or telephone by the Chief or President of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. and told of their acceptance.


    1. It shall be compulsory that each candidate take an oath of allegiance to said by-laws of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. as follows:


I (state your name) do solemnly swear to abide by the rules, regulations, and by-laws of the Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Company and the Orchard Park Board of Fire Commissioners. I will promote, support, and aid in all Fire Company activities to the best of my ability. I will respect all members, property, and decisions of the Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Company and the Board of Fire Commissioners, and of persons and properties involved with the performance of my duties. I will discharge the duties bestowed upon me to the best of my ability.


    1. All new members, upon approval of their application by the OPBFC, will be subject to a six (6) month probation period and adhere to the following rules of probation.


a) After acceptance, a new member must complete the yearly attendance requirements as outlined in Article IV Sec. D. within the six (6) month probationary period.

    1. E.M.S. only members are required to successfully complete a CPR course within six (6) months of acceptance by the fire district. The E.M.S only member must begin a basic E.M.T. or higher-level course within one (1) year of acceptance, and must successfully complete the required course within 2 years of acceptance. The E.M.S. only member must then maintain the required certification(s) and CPR card to remain an active member.


    1. Members who apply as firefighters must successfully complete the required basic firefighter course as set forth by the OPBFC within two (2) years of acceptance.


    1. All persons who apply for membership are considered members in training for a two (2) year period as per Article II Section 2 of the OPBFC by-laws.


  1. A probationary member does not receive a key to the fire hall under any circumstances, until their probation period expires.


  1. No probationary member, under any circumstances, will receive a Fire Company uniform or jacket until their probation period expires.


    1. Probationary members may receive a Fire Company cap and tee shirt.


  1. A probationary member does not have the right to vote at any regular or special meeting including election of officers.


  1. After the new member’s probationary period has expired, at the next regularly scheduled Executive Board meeting their performance will be evaluated. If it is found that the probationary member has been successful in completing attendance and training requirements in the Fire Company they will be granted all rights and privileges. If, however, their behavior, attitude or attendance is not acceptable, the Executive Board may, by a vote of the majority of the members present, recommend either extending the applicants probation or revoking their application.


  1. All members in training will be reviewed by the Executive Board after two (2) years of acceptance where their attendance of schools and performance, as described in these by-laws will be evaluated and acted upon.


ARTICLE IV

DUTIES OF MEMBERS


  1. It shall be the duty of all members to obey all commands of their officers.


  1. It shall be the duty of all members to be prompt at all meetings and drills.


  1. Every member shall respond to all calls, when available, according to the Standard Operating Guidelines, (S.O.G.’s) as set forth by the Fire Chief.


  1. Meetings/Drills


    1. It shall be necessary for Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. Firefighters to attend four (4) business meetings, and the required fire and rescue drills as outlined in the (OPBFC) By-Laws Article VI Section 2.


    1. It shall be necessary for Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. firefighters who also hold a valid first responder card, emergency medical technician card, or a card exhibiting advanced levels of training beyond these requirements, to attend four (4) business meetings, and the required fire and rescue drills as outlined by the OPBFC By-laws Article VI Section 4.


    1. It shall be necessary to the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. E.M.S. only members to attend four (4) business meetings, and the required rescue and fire drills as outlined in the OPBFC By-laws Article XIII Section 4.


    1. All members of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. must respond to a minimum of five percent (5%) of the total number of fire calls and five (5%) percent of the total number of rescue calls of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. for the calendar year as outlined in Article II Section of the OPBFC bylaws. Drill and meeting obligations are to be met during a standard calendar year running from January 1 thru December 31. Any active member not complying shall be subject to action before the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. Executive Board and the OPBFC.


Note: 10% of fire calls and 10% of EMS calls are required for the point system.


  1. No alcohol is to be consumed while attending drills, calls, meetings, or any other official function of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. until authorized by the officer in charge. Any member drinking prior to any function who is intoxicated may be excused by the officer in charge from the function and may by subject to disciplinary action.


  1. No person shall deface or damage in any way the property of the Fire Company or the Fire District. At no time shall any member loan to any person not a member of this Fire Company any uniform, badge, key, or equipment unless approved by the Trustees, or in the case of an emergency by order of the Chief or President.


  1. It is the responsibility of each member to see that the hall is secure. The last member to leave the hall is to make sure all doors are locked, all furniture put back in place and all lights are turned off.


  1. Members are obligated to keep the hall in a neat and clean condition at all times.


  1. No alcohol is to be served or offered to anyone under the age of 21.


  1. The office is to be used by Fire Company members only.


  1. No rubber goods shall be allowed in the meeting room, kitchen, lounge, and office.


  1. No beer is allowed in the apparatus room unless authorized by the officer in charge.


  1. No person shall be guilty of using insulting, indecent, or improper language, or be guilty of conduct not becoming of a member nor otherwise bring disgrace upon the Fire Company. Any violation shall be subject to disciplinary action.


  1. Children that are in the hall are to be supervised by parent or adult in charge.


  1. The Fire Company lounge shall be for the exclusive use of members and their guests only.


  1. Members will be responsible for the actions and conduct of their guests.


  1. It shall be the duty of all members to actively participate and support all fund raising activities of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co.



  1. It is mandatory that all members participate in the Annual Fund Drive and Chicken Bar-B-Q. The President or a designated chairman of the event only may excuse members from said activities.


  1. The Executive Board recognizes conflicts with employment and family commitments and will allow substitute service for any fundraiser if just cause is proven. Said service can be clerical work, purchasing, advertising or any such support duties necessary to maintain a successful program.


  1. Failure of a member to fulfill all aspects of their fund raising duties shall be justification for disciplinary action against said member. The failure to participate shall also be additional evidence of delinquency in any hearing involving a given members annual review of drills, meetings and calls, as per Article IV of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. by-laws.


  1. Any member may resign their membership at any time by submitting their resignation in writing to the Recording Secretary. Upon submission of their resignation, the member shall forfeit all rights and privileges of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. and shall return all Fire Co. and district property assigned to them.


a). Members who have five (5) consecutive non-delinquent years may be eligible for exempt status and must apply to the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. Exempt Organization for any benefits.

ARTICLE V

NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS


The purpose of this article is to provide guidelines and procedures to the membership of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. for the annual nomination and election of officers. It will be the responsibility of the elected and appointed officers to maintain the operation of the Fire Company in an orderly manner and to oversee all aspects of the Firematic (Line) and Executive responsibilities of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co.


LIST OF OFFICERS


The Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. shall consist of the following elected officers, and said officers, with the exception of the Trustee, will serve a one year term that will commence on January 1 and conclude on December 31 of the year immediately following the Fire Company election in December. Trustees shall be elected for a term of three (3) years, and none of the terms shall commence nor expire in the same year. For the specific duties and responsibilities of the officers, see Articles VI & VII.


FIREMATIC


  1. Chief

  2. First Assistant Chief

  3. Second Assistant Chief

  4. Fire Captain

  5. Truck Lieutenants for Each Piece of Fire Apparatus

  6. Rescue Captain

  7. Rescue Lieutenant






EXECUTIVE


  1. President

  2. Vice President

  3. Recording Secretary

  4. Corresponding Secretary

  5. Treasurer

  6. Sergeant at Arms

  7. Three (3) Trustees


NOMINATION OF OFFICERS


The President, or person acting in his absence, shall appoint a nomination committee consisting of five (5) members. These appointments will be made each year at the business meeting held in September. Said nominating committee will be appointed only after careful consideration of the entire Fire Company roster and with those individuals in agreement to serve the committee and will include at least one past Chief and one past President.


DUTIES OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE


The nominating committee shall present a slate of qualified candidates to the membership at the October business meeting. Nominations from the floor will be accepted at the November business meeting. When the President has closed nominations, no further names will be accepted, The President shall declare, “nominations closed” after calling for the nominations for each office three (3) times. Any nominations made at the November business meeting will be placed upon the December ballot after due consideration in regards to qualifications of the candidate by the nominating committee. The nominating committee is granted authority to waive any minimum requirements as set forth by the OPBFC.


A member may hold a Firematic office and an Executive office concurrently. At no time, will the member holding the office of President or Chief hold any other office at the same time, whether it is Firematic or Executive.


BALLOT


The ballot shall consist of all Line officers (Firematic) and all Executive officers. It will contain one opening for Trustee. It shall contain all names of members nominated by the nominating committee and those nominated from the floor. The ballot shall be prepared prior to the December election meeting and shall provide a space for write in candidates for each office. The nominating committee of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. shall prepare the ballot.


    1. The President and Vice-President shall appear on the ballot as one office, with the two candidates one for President and one for Vice-President.


    1. Absentee ballots shall be provided, but will only be counted against the results of the first ballot.


QUALIFICATIONS FOR CANDIDACY


Candidates for office must meet minimum meeting and drill requirements as set forth in Article IV Sec. D of the Hillcrest By-Laws, and as per the rules and regulations of the OPBFC. In order to be placed on any ballot for election to any office, a candidate must not have any outstanding or delinquent debts or obligations to the Fire Company. This expressly includes, but is not limited to: jackets, uniforms, and borrowed Fire Company property.


Members of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. Exempt Organization who are not active members of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. and are in good standing of the Exempt Organization per their by-laws, are eligible to run for, or be appointed only to the office of Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Trustee, or Sergeant at Arms of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. as per the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. regulations.


1) Exempt Firepersons can only fill these positions if no active members are available for the given office.


  1. These officers will have voting power on corporate matters only, and cannot vote on any personnel matters.


  1. These officers are not eligible for the awards program through the point system.


  1. There may be a maximum of two (2) two exempt officers in a calendar year.


Any member of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. Exempt Organization who is in good standing of said group is eligible to serve on a standing committee of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co.


ELECTION OF OFFICERS


The Secretary will post the date and time of the annual election of officers following the November meeting.


The Annual Election of Officers of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. will be held on the first Thursday following the second Tuesday of December. Election of officers and the Treasurer presenting the annual budget for approval will be the only business to be conducted at the election meeting. The President, with the approval of the Executive Board, may conduct limited business on an emergency basis, if it is deemed that such business is financially imperative or would be detrimental to the welfare of the Fire Company if delayed. This by-law should not be construed to create a general meeting and is limited to the emergency business only. The President may receive such approval of the Executive Board by polling the members telephonically.


A member who has not completed their probationary period, and has not been accepted as a full vested member of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co., may not vote in the December election of officers.


A member who has outstanding debts may not vote in the Fire Company elections.


Any member on suspension may vote at the Fire Company elections at the discretion of the Hillcrest Executive Board.


A member not present for the initial ballot may not vote on subsequent ballots to break a tie that night.


It shall take a plurality of the members present at the election to win an office.


Only offices not decided on the first ballot shall be subject to additional ballots. All names that appeared on the first ballot shall appear on subsequent ballots. If a candidate desires, they may have their name removed from subsequent ballots by verbally communicating their desires to the body present. No further action will be needed by the membership and the candidates name will be removed. If an office is not decided by the end of three (3) ballots, (an initial and two subsequent), that office shall be voted on at the next regular business meeting. At no time will more than three (3) ballots be allowed in one evening. If an office is not decided at the end of three (3) ballots, the member holding the office at the time of the elections shall remain in the office until it is decided.


The nominating committee shall oversee the election with the most senior member in years of service serving as the head election teller. The head teller will announce the names of the winner, without giving the total number of votes received by any candidates. Exceptions will be allowed in the event of ties. Totals will be announced for subsequent ballots. Ballots and totals for each elected officer will be available for inspection by a member for one half hour after the election has concluded. After the one half hour time period has expired, the Secretary shall announce that all ballots and tally sheets will be destroyed.


The nominating committee may, at its discretion, waive any or all qualifications for cause.


VACANCIES


Vacancies in any office shall be filled by appointment. In the case of a Line officer, the Chief shall make the appointment. An Executive vacancy will be filled by an appointment of the President. All such appointments are subject to the approval of the Executive Board. The appointee shall serve until the next general election with the exception of the office of Trustee where the appointee shall fulfill the remainder of the term.


All Firematic appointments will be subject to the approval of the OPBFC.

ARTICLE VI

DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS


  1. PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT


    1. It shall be the duty of the President to call regular and special meetings, to preside at all meetings, to preserve order, to decide all points of order that may arise subject to an appeal of their decision to the members of the Fire Company, but on such an appeal a majority of all members present shall be necessary to reverse their decision.


    1. The President shall appoint a Chaplain as well as members of standing committees, which shall hold office for one (1) year, or until removed. The President shall appoint various delegates and alternates.


    1. The President shall cast the deciding vote only in the event that the Fire Company has three consecutive tie votes on an issue before the membership.


    1. The President shall enforce and carry out the Constitution and By-Laws of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. to the best of his/her ability.


    1. The President shall call a special meeting upon written request from five (5) members. The request shall state the object of the call. Said meeting shall be called within seven (7) days upon the receipt of the written request. The President shall notify the membership of the special meeting through the regular accepted channels of communication.


    1. The President and Vice President shall both sign signature cards at the banks where Fire Company funds are deposited and to have full authorization of the Treasurer’s duties in case of emergency.


    1. It shall be the duty of the Vice President to perform the duties of the President in case of the latter’s absence.


    1. The President/Vice President or their designee shall be responsible to provide all new members with the current by-laws, policies, and regulations as well as updates of changes to all members.


  1. RECORDING SECRETARY

  1. It shall be the responsibility of the Recording Secretary to keep the records of all business meetings. They shall further be responsible for keeping the Fire Company executive records and files up to date and orderly.


  1. The Recording Secretary shall collect all fees and turn them over to the Treasurer of the Fire Company.


  1. The Recording Secretary shall receive all mail and distribute it to the appropriate persons.


  1. The Recording Secretary shall maintain Executive, Firematic and E.M.S. attendance records from the preceding years.


  1. TREASURER


  1. The Treasurer shall receive and disburse all funds as approved by the Fire Company or Executive Board.


  1. The Treasurer shall present a detailed report at the regular business meeting each month of all financial transactions of the Fire Company.


  1. The Treasurer shall collect all fines imposed, and perform other such duties, as the President shall direct.


  1. The Treasurer shall present an annual report to the Fire Company.


  1. The Treasurer shall present an annual report to the Executive Board at the December meeting for the previous fiscal year.


  1. The Treasurer shall submit an annual budget to, and not later than the October Executive Board meeting for the following fiscal year.


  1. The Treasurer shall present quarterly records to the Senior Trustee not later than two (2) week after the close of each fiscal quarter.


  1. The Treasurer shall submit the records for an annual independent review to be available by February Executive Board meeting.


  1. Treasury Fiscal Year: December 1st to November 30th


10.) The Treasurer shall sign the signature cards at the bank(s) where Fire Company funds are deposited


  1. CORRESPONDING SECRETARY


    1. The Corresponding Secretary shall attend to all correspondence concerning the Fire Company.


    1. Shall send out all bulletins, special notices and newsletter to the membership.


    1. Shall see that copies of all executive correspondence dispatched are held on file for Fire Company reference and inspection.


  1. SERGEANT-AT-ARMS


    1. Sergeant at Arms shall assist in preserving order at all meetings, under the direction of the officer in charge.


    1. Shall not permit anyone except a member of the Fire Company to enter a meeting unless authorized to do so by the officer in charge.


    1. Shall open each meeting under the direction of the officer in charge, by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.


  1. TRUSTEES


    1. It shall be the duty of the Trustees to take care of all Fire Company goods and property and to act as a buildings and grounds committee.


    1. The Trustees shall propose new and necessary improvements, and report on the same at each meeting.


    1. They shall report annually on all properties in the Fire Company’s possession and condition of it. Said report shall be available to the membership for inspection.


    1. The senior Trustee shall be chairperson.



  1. CHAPLAIN (appointed)


    1. Shall distribute fruit baskets and floral arrangements to the sick or deceased members and their families.


    1. Shall distribute sympathy and get well cards to the members and their families.


    1. Shall lead the Company in prayer at funerals, and when appropriate at meetings and other functions.

ARTICLE VII

DUTIES OF FIREMATIC OFFICERS


  1. FIREMTAIC OFFICERS


  1. CHIEF


      1. The Chief shall be present at all fires, if possible, and direct and command the Fire Company.


      1. The Chief shall release the Fire Company after the fire is extinguished, and at a time he/she deems all equipment properly housed and in response readiness.


      1. The Chief shall have sole responsibility of releasing any member at any alarm of fire.


      1. The Chief shall have the power to delegate responsibility to the Line officers, as he/she deems necessary.


      1. The Chief shall provide a monthly report stating the previous months fire activities. Included will be all pertinent information on fires, schools scheduled, and Firematic procedures concerning the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. He/she shall also report, to the best of their knowledge, on any meeting or activities that may need Fire Company action before the next regularly scheduled Fire Company meeting.


      1. The Chief shall record all pertinent facts regarding alarms of fire, as nearly as possible, on a “fire report” sheet to be housed in the Hillcrest Fire Hall.


      1. The Chief shall see that the fire apparatus is kept clean and in good working condition at all times.


      1. The Chief shall be responsible for the calling and conducting of all fire drills.


      1. The Chief shall give full instructions to the Fire Police Lieutenant and the Fire Police who are under jurisdiction of the OPBFC.


      1. The Chief, or one of the Assistant Chiefs, shall be required to attend all General Meetings of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Orchard Park Fire District.



      1. The Chief shall write all material requisitions or so designate an assistant.


      1. The Chief shall be required to provide (S. O. G.’s) to the Fire Company on an annual basis and update them, as he/she deems necessary.


      1. The Chief can appoint an Engineer to any vehicle as deemed necessary.


      1. The Chief or designee shall maintain the monthly drill and call sheet and post them conspicuously at the hall. These sheets will be kept up to date all the time.


  1. ASSISTANT CHIEF


      1. It shall be the duty of the Assistant Chief, in the absence of the Chief; the highest-ranking Assistant Chief shall assume responsibilities of the Chief.


      1. The Assistant Chief shall be responsible to carry out all duties directed to them by the Chief as stated in Article VII, Section A, Subdivision 4. (Duties of the Chief).


  1. FIRE CAPTAIN


      1. The Captain shall see that all equipment is in response condition, before and after all calls, drills, and inspections.


      1. The Captain will coordinate all fire vehicles at the fire alarms and drills under the direction of the Fire Chiefs.


  1. TRUCK LIEUTENANTS


      1. It shall be the duty of the Truck Lieutenants to see that their respective trucks are maintained in proper running order at all times.


      1. They shall see that all working parts and equipment assigned to their truck is in top working condition.


      1. The Truck Lieutenants shall report all breakdowns, malfunctions, and problems that arise with their respective trucks to the Fire Captain or Chief as soon as possible.


II. RESCUE OFFICERS


A.) RESCUE CAPTAIN


      1. The Rescue Captain shall be responsible for the initial and continuing training of rescue personnel.


      1. The Rescue Captain shall conduct two (2) monthly rescue drills. He/she may also schedule special rescue drills. He/she shall maintain official attendance records of all such drills.


      1. It shall be the duty of the Rescue Captain to oversee the administration of first aid to any and all victims of accident or sudden illness.


      1. The Rescue Captain shall be responsible for the acquisition of supplies and the maintaining of such supplies in a condition and quantity to ensure the functioning of the rescue truck in an efficient manner.


B) RESCUE LIEUTENANT


      1. The Rescue Lieutenant shall assist the Rescue Captain and shall fulfill the duties and authority of the Rescue Captain in his/her absence.


      1. It shall be the responsibility if the Rescue Lieutenant to see that the rescue truck is maintained in a proper running condition at all times, and also to see that all rescue equipment is cleaned and maintained in good working order.



III. FIRE POLICE


1) The Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Co. will have Fire Police as set forth in Article VIII of the by laws of the OPBFC.


2) All Fire Police candidates and one Lieutenant will be appointed by the Fire Chief and subject to approval by the OPBFC.


3) All Fire Police must complete an approved Fire Police school.






ARTICLE VIII

EXECUTIVE BOARD


  1. Shall consist of all current Line and Executive officers.


  1. Attendance to the Executive Board meeting shall be limited to members of the Executive Board unless otherwise requested to attend by the acting chair.


  1. The President shall chair all Executive Board meetings.


  1. The Executive Board shall have charge of all affairs of the organization between meetings. It shall designate bank(s) in which funds of the organization shall be deposited.


  1. It shall have the power to hear and act upon grievances, complaints, excuses for non-attendance at meetings or other authorized functions of this organization and shall, after due process, be empowered to set punishment as it deems necessary and in the best interest of the organization. Any member who will be subject to disciplinary action before the Executive Board will be notified in writing at least 15 days prior to this hearing.


  1. The Executive Board shall call a special Executive Board meeting upon the request of two (2) members of the Executive Board


  1. A quorum of 50 percent of the Executive Board members must be present to hold any Executive Board meetings. In addition, a majority vote by the Executive Board members present at the meeting is necessary to pass any issue before the board.


  1. The Executive Board has the power to spend up to $500.00 per meeting.


  1. Regular Executive Board meetings are scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:30 PM.


ARTICLE IX

LIFE MEMBER



Life membership is an honor bestowed upon members who have served as Chief or President and who have a minimum of ten (10) years of service to the Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Company. A Life Member may also be granted to any member who has completed fifteen years of service to the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. and has exhibited exemplary service and commitment to the fire service. No past member shall be granted Life Membership who has left the fire service for more than one (1) year. Life Members shall have the privilege of attending all Fire Company meetings and functions. A Life Member shall also be granted use of all Fire Company equipment and facilities after approval of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. At no time shall a Life Member be required to pay dues.


  1. In order for a Life Member to vote on an issue presented and acted upon at a regular or special meeting of the Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Company, including election of officers, they must maintain an active status with the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. This does not preclude any Life Member who has been removed from the active rolls of the OPBFC from expressing any opinion, view or objection to an issues presented for action. An inactive Life Member shall have available to them, upon a written request, a key to the Fire Hall.


HONORARY MEMBER


A person may be elected to Honorary membership in the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. by a vote of three quarters (3/4) of the members present at the Annual Election of Officers in December. A candidate for Honorary Membership shall have contributed substantially to the advancement of the goals of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co.


1) In order for a person to be elected to Honorary Membership their name shall be placed in nomination and seconded at the November business meeting. Election of such member shall be on the regular ballot of officers in December.


2) At no time shall more than one individual be nominated or elected to Honorary Membership in a given year. This does not require that any such Honorary Membership be granted on a yearly basis.


ARTICLE X

MEETINGS


  1. The regular monthly meetings of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. shall be held on the first Wednesday of each month at 8:00 PM


  1. Order of business:

Reading and approval of previous meeting(s) minutes

Roll Call at 8:30 PM

Treasurer’s Report

Report of Committees

Presentation of bills and action on it

Communications

Rescue Report

Chief’s Report

Commissioner’s Report

Nomination and election for membership

Unfinished and Miscellaneous Business

New Business

Trustees Report

Chaplain’s Report

Good and Welfare

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Adjournment


  1. Fire Company meetings will be run according to Robert’s Rules of Order.


  1. A quorum of 50 percent of the active members must be present to hold any business meeting.


  1. The monthly meetings of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. Executive Board will be held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm.


  1. The annual elections of officers of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. will be held on the 1st Thursday after the 2nd Tuesday in December at 8:00 pm.


  1. The Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. can change the day or time of any said meeting due to conflicts if members are notified within a reasonable time frame.

ARTICLE XI

AMENDMENTS


  1. No alterations or amendments shall be made to these By-laws unless purposed in writing at a regular business meeting of the Hillcrest Vol. Fire Co. Said amendment shall be referred to the By-law Committee who shall report at the next regular business meeting on any conflicts with existing By-laws or constitutional rights.

    After approval by the By-Law Committee of said proposed by-law change, it shall be posted for a period of thirty, (30) days. After which time it may be acted upon and passed by three-fourths (3/4) vote of active members present.


  1. Should the By-Law Committee fail to report at the proper time, the matter might be considered by the membership as a whole and immediate action had thereon.


ARTICLE XII

ASSOCIATED ORGANIZATIONS



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Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Company
Orchard Park, NY 14127
7125 Ellicott Road
(716) 662-3950