Constitution And Bylaws

Article I

Section I: Purpose
 

The purpose of this Association shall be to promote and strengthen the principles and practices underlying the laws and ordinances relative to the enforcement of housing codes.

Section II: Objectives

1. Promotion of health and safety in all dwelling units.
2. Development of close cooperation with other housing agencies, associations and individuals having similar interests.
3. Uniform administration of policies and procedures.
4. Development or promulgation of a statewide housing code.
5. Continuing education of members and the public.
6. Promotion of housing strategy and plan to address Michigan's housing problems.

Article II

Section I: Membership
 

There shall be three (3) types of membership, namely: Principal, Associate and Honorary.

• Principal Membership shall be open to persons who are actively engaged in and have the responsibility for inspection and/or enforcement of codes and ordinances regulating existing dwelling units and premises, building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, zoning and all other codes involved in the construction of all buildings, or are educators or community development employees in the area of housing, housing rehabilitation or code enforcement.
• Associate Membership shall be open to all suppliers, contractors, construction designers, building material sales personnel and other individuals or companies associated with the housing industry.
• Honorary Membership shall be open to individuals who have rendered unusual service in the furtherance of the objectives of this Association. Application for membership shall be made to the Secretary on forms furnished by the Association. Applicant shall be classified and admitted to membership by the membership committee.

Article III

Section I: Officers
Officers of the Association shall be:

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer

All officers shall be elected for a one-year term and must be principle members at the time of election and during their term of office. No member shall be eligible for re-election for the same position for more than two consecutive terms.

Section II: Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall consist of nine (9) members: four (4) officers, four (4) directors and the immediate past president.

The immediate past president is a non-elected board member and shall serve no more than two (2) consecutive terms.

Section III: Election of Officers
 

Nominations. The names of candidates for Officers and Directors as required by Sections I and II shall be presented by a nominating committee appointed by the President.

Any principal member may make additional nominations from the floor. All nominations shall then be placed before the principal membership at the annual meeting.

• NOTE: The nomination committee shall strive to preserve statewide representation among the Officers and Directors.

Vacancies. Should the President vacate office, the Vice President shall assume the Presidency for the remainder of the term. Vacancies in all other offices shall be filled by a combined majority vote of the Directors and the Officers.

Voting. Only principal members of the Association are entitled to voting privileges.

Terms of Office. Terms of offices shall begin upon adjournment of the annual meeting. All officers shall be elected for one-year terms. Directors shall be elected for two-year terms with two Directors elected each year.

Section IV: Duties of Officers and Directors
 

1. The President shall:
   1. Notify the members and/or Board of matters pertaining to the Association;
   2. Prepare an agenda for all Board and Membership meetings
   3. Appoint a director to serve as chairperson of any standing committees such as: education, membership, legislation, financial, website management and certification.
2. The President may appoint special committees when required or requested at any general meeting.
3. Each chairperson may appoint five additional committee members from the principal membership.
4. Standing committee member terms shall be one year. Longer service shall be at the pleasure of the committee chairperson.
5. The Vice President shall act in the absence of the President and perform as directed by the President.
6. The Secretary shall keep the records and minutes, take care of correspondence and other related duties as the Board of Directors may direct or as assigned by the President.
7. The Treasurer shall keep records and verification of all charges, expenditures and funds received and disburse funds of the Association as directed and approved by the Board of Directors. Financial reports shall be made at each meeting and at other times as requested by the Board. The President may assign other duties.
8. Directors shall assist the President and the Association. They shall also serve as the auditing committee.
9. All officers and members of the Board of Directors understand the importance of attending the monthly Board meetings and will strive to be present. Any elected Officer or Director shall be removed from the Board when absent for more than three Board meetings in a six month period except when that absence is excused by an action of the Board.

Article IV

Section I: Meetings of the Membership
 

There shall be an annual meeting per year. The Board of Directors shall set the Date. The Board of Directors may set additional membership meetings. A minimum of 15 days notice shall be given for all meetings.

Section II: Quorum
 

1. Representation at any membership meeting by at least 10 members entitled to vote constitutes a quorum.
2. Representation at any Board of Directors meeting by at least four members shall constitute a quorum.

The Fiscal Year of the Association shall begin on June 1^st.

Article V

Amendments. Association by-lays may be amended at any membership meeting by a vote of three-fourths of the eligible voters present, provided that at least thirty days notice of the proposed amendment shall have been sent to each Association member.

Article VI

Dues. There shall be an annual membership cost. The Board of Directors will determine the annual cost. There shall be an Institutional Rate structure with dues assessed at the annual membership cost for the first five members and half the annual cost for the remaining members from the same organization or municipality. All institutional rate membership applications shall be submitted together.

Membership dues shall be for the calendar year. Delinquent members lose all voting and office holding privileges.

Article VII

The order of business of the annual meeting shall be as follows:

1. Call to Order
2. Reading of the minutes
3. Reading treasurers Annual Report
4. Presidents report
5. Report of committee chairpersons
6. Old Business
7. New Business
8. Election of officers
9. Adjournment

The order of business for all other meetings shall be set by the President and approved by the Board of Directors.