PREAMBLE

The Lincoln Department of Corrections Chapter subscribes to the aims and purposes as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Nebraska Association of Public employees NAPE/AFSCME Local 61.

This chapter subscribes to the organizing approach to unionism.  The work of our chapter leaders is to build participation and solidarity within the ranks of those we represent.  Through our work we will lead by example, and build unifying relationships with other workers/members of Local 61, both within Corrections and across other agencies.  In order to aid in advancing these ideas, the Lincoln Department of Corrections Chapter herewith sets forth its bylaws of which this preamble is a part.

ARTICLE I

MEMBERSHIUP AND DUES

Section 1.  The membership shall be limited to dues paying members of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, and shall be limited to those who are employed in the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

            Section 2.   ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP: Any member of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees Lincoln Department of Corrections Chapter shall be eligible for Active Membership with all the privileges thereunto pertaining, including without limitation, the right to vote and hold office upon payment of the membership dues.

ARTICLE II

OFFICERS AND STEERING COMMITTEE

Section 1.   The officers shall consist of a President (Chairperson), Vice-President (co-Chairperson), Secretary, Treasurer, and a Sgt of Arms.

Section 2.   There shall be a Steering Committee consisting of the officers and a minimum of three elected members at large.  The members at large of the Steering Committee shall be nominated by the general membership and approved by the Chapter membership.

The Steering Committee shall, as nearly as possible be composed of members representing all divisions within the Chapter boundaries and shall, as nearly as possible reflect equal representation of professional and support staff members.  The President shall preside over the Steering Committee.

Section 3.   The Steering Committee shall have general supervision over all matters pertaining to the Chapter.  Whenever an emergency demanding immediate action arises between regular meetings, it shall have the power to act for the Chapter.  It shall attend to all matters which usually devolve upon a body of this kind.  It shall meet at least eight times per year on a regularly scheduled monthly date, at the call of the President, or upon written request of three of its members; a majority of its members shall constitute a quorum.  Its actions shall be subject to the approval of the Chapter.  All meeting of the Steering Committee shall be open to any Chapter members and there shall be a time designated in each Steering Committee agenda for input from members.

Section 4.   PRESIDENT:  It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Chapter.  The President shall be, ex-officio, a member of all committees, and shall submit names of Chapter members for committee assignments to the Steering Committee for approval.

Section 5.   VICE-PRESIDENT:  In the absence of, or in case of inability of the President to act, it shall be the duty of the Vice-President to perform all the duties of the President.

Section 6.   SECRETARY:  The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the Chapter and shall have custody of all official papers.  At the expiration of the Secretary’s term of office, all documents and property of the Chapter shall be turned over to the successor of this office.

Section 7.   TREASURER:   The Treasurer shall have custody of all monies and financial records.  The Treasurer shall render all bills for dues, and shall submit a report at each meeting of the monies received since the previous report.  The Treasurer shall pay all bills as approved by the Chapter Officers.  At the Expiration of the Treasurer’s term of office, all books, monies, documents and property of the Chapter shall be turned over to the successor of this office.  The Treasurer shall submit financial report of the Chapter to the Association Board of Directors before January 1 of each year.  The Treasurer may be bonded.  The fee for the bond shall be paid out of the funds of the Chapter.  The Chapter checking account shall require two signatures for each check written.

Section 8.   SGT OF ARMS:  The Sgt of Arms shall be responsible for keeping the meeting in order.  The Sgt of Arms shall use Roberts Rules of Order as the primary guideline for keeping order.

Section 9.   Any member of the Steering Committee who has two unexcused absences shall forfeit his/her seat.  To be excused, an Officer must be notified prior to the absence.

ARTICLE  III

COMMITTEES

Section 1.   There shall be such committees as may be deemed necessary.  Duties shall be those directed by the President and/or the Steering Committee.

Section 2.   The President shall appoint the members of committees, who shall serve for one year or until discharged.  The President shall name one member of each committee to preside over the committee.

Section 3.   A nominating committee of a minimum of three (3) members shall be appointed by the President and approved by the Steering Committee.

Section 4.   A Recruitment Committee shall be appointed by the President and shall be responsible for coordinating efforts to maintain a maximum number of NAPE members within the Chapter worksite boundaries.  The Recruitment Committee shall be presided over by a member of the Steering Committee.

ARTICLE  IV

ELECTIONS

Section 1.   Officers shall be elected annually and shall hold office for one year or until their successors are installed.

Section 2.   A plurality of votes cast shall be necessary to elect to any office.  Ties shall be broken by casting lots.

Section 3.   The Steering Committee shall fill a vacancy in an office by appointing someone to fill the unexpired term.

Section 4.   Only the Secretary and Treasurer may be elected to the same office for more than two consecutive terms.  This shall not apply to membership on the Steering Committee members at large.

           Section 5.    Elections shall be held no later than October 30^th of each year.

ARTICLE  V

AMENDMENTS

Section 1.   These Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote at any meeting of the Chapter, provided notice was served to the members one week in advance of the meeting of the substance of the amendment being considered.

Section 2.   Members serving original probation may participate in all Chapter activities, but have no voting rights until such probation is completed.

ARTICLE  VI

FISCAL YEAR

Section 1.   The fiscal year of the Chapter shall be from January to December.

ARTICLE  VII

MEETINGS

Section 1.   REGULAR MEETINGS: The Chapter shall regularly convene at least once per month at a time and place fixed by the President.  Notices of each meeting shall be mailed or posted in a convenient place two weeks in advance thereof.

ARTICLE VIII

PARLIAMENTARY   AUTHORITY

Section 1.    Roberts Rules of Order will be the Parliamentary Authority for all meetings.