SANTA BARBARACOUNTY CAER
BYLAWS
Adopted & Approved December 10, 1993
Revised & Approved November 11, 1994
Revised & Approved August 18, 1999
Revised & Approved December 14, 2005
A. MISSION STATEMENT
CAER - Community Awareness and Emergency Response - is an organization initiated by industry and designed to help assure emergency preparedness and foster community right-to-know for hazardous materials. CAER is intended to serve facilities that handle acutely hazardous materials, high risk facilities such as those required to complete Risk Management Plans (RMP’s), facilities handling significant quantities of hazardous materials, government agencies and other organizations with compatible goals. Santa Barbara County CAER has additionally expanded its goal to encompass "all-risk" emergency planning and disaster preparedness to serve its members and the community with the full resources of its knowledge base.
CAER was started by the Chemical Manufacturers Association in 1985 as a voluntary program for member companies. It has evolved into a program that encompasses a broad spectrum of facilities that handle hazardous materials and respond to emergency incidents.
The Santa Barbara County CAER Chapter is a not for profit organization made up of representatives from business, industry and various governmental and nongovernmental agencies. Local elected officials and community leaders are encouraged to participate whenever possible. Santa Barbara County CAER does not endorse candidates seeking public office.
B. CODE OF ETHICS
“A Public Commitment”:
To operate our plants and facilities in a manner that protects from “all risks”the health and safety of our employees, the public, and the environment.
To recognize and respond to community concerns about all apparent hazards associated with our operations.
To ensure that all chemical emergencies are handled in a responsible safe way and that all hazardous materials are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
To participate with government and others in creating responsible laws, regulations, and standards to safeguard the community, workplace and the environment.
To share experiences, offer assistance and support planning withothers who respond to regional emergencies and disasters that affect our community.
C. OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
Elected Officers
Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
All terms of office will be for one year. An annual election of officers will be held at the end of the calendar year. The Chair and Vice Chair positions shall be from industry and require at least one year's active General Membership in CAER.
Appointed Officers
The elected Chair and Vice Chair will appoint standing committee chairs, co-chairs, and representatives as needed. Appointed officers may represent general or associate members. The current appointed officers are:
Representative – Membership
Representative – Industry At Large
Representative – Government At Large
Representative – Non-Government At Large
The Executive Committee consists of elected officers, appointed committee chairs and at large representatives. The Executive Committee will be responsible for scheduling events and will meet monthly or as scheduled by the Chair and Vice Chair.
D. MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the Santa Barbara County CAER Chapter is comprised of General and Associate members. All members shall subscribe to the Santa Barbara County CAER Chapter Code of Ethics. Associate members shall be subject to approval by the Executive Committee.
Members may be expelled for good cause, including failure to adhere to the Santa Barbara County CAER Code of Ethics. No refunds of annual membership fees will be authorized.
General Membership
Business, industry, and government agencies with responsibility for hazardous materials or other all risk concerns.
General Membership in the Santa Barbara County CAER Chapter is by organization or agency. There are no individual or personal memberships. The annual membership fee, due each January, is as follows:
1. 0 - 50 employees $50.00
2. 51 to 100 employees $100.00
3. Greater than 100 employees $200.00
4. Government Agencies$50.00
Associate Membership
Community Organizations, trade associations, consultants and other interested organizations including but not limited to organizations having an interest in hazardous materials, public safety, education and training.
Associate membership in the Santa Barbara County CAER Chapter is by organization. Associate members are voting members of the Chapter. The annual associate membership fee, due each January, is $50.00.
E. PRIVACY & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
No person or entity shall use the Santa Barbara County CAER name, logo, intellectual property and/or membership information for personal use or gain. The name Santa Barbara County CAER, logo, website and intellectual property are for the exclusive use of the association. Use of the names, addresses, telephone numbers and/or email addresses of the Santa Barbara County CAER membership for any purpose other than association business without the written authorization from the Executive Committeeare prohibited. Violations of this policy may result in the removal of the offending party(ies) from the membership of Santa Barbara County CAER.
F. FINANCES
The Treasurer shall maintain a record of all financial transactions related to the Santa Barbara County CAER Chapter. A simple majority of the Executive Committee must authorize all expenditures. The books of the Santa Barbara County CAER Chapter will be audited upon either the appointment of a new treasurer or every two years, whichever occurs first. In the event the Santa Barbara County CAER Chapter disbands, any remaining funds will be donated to a non-profit organization chosen by the prevailing Santa Barbara County CAER Executive Committee.
G. MEETING
Membership meetings will be held bimonthly or as scheduled by the Executive Committee.
H. VOTING
Business will be conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order. A simple majority of meeting attendees will be required on matters determined by the Santa Barbara County CAER Membership. Members must be notified at least 15 days in advance of any business requiring a vote. This notification may be in the form of e-mail or letter. Voting may be conducted electronically or at a scheduled meeting. Proxy voting may be allowed as determined by consensus of the Executive Committee.
Items requiring a vote of the Santa Barbara County CAER Membership are:
- Election of Officers
- Revising the Bylaws
Voting authority shall be limited to one representative of each general and/or associate member organization.
I. ORGANIZATIONAL PLANNING
The Executive Committee will be responsible for developing an annual statement of the goals and objectives for the forthcoming year, and reviewing the Bylaws as needed.
J. CONTROLLING LAW
Santa Barbara County CAER shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.If any aspect of these bylaws is found to be unlawful or unenforceable by a competent court having jurisdiction, the remaining document remains in full force.
K. CERTIFICATION
These amended bylaws of the Santa Barbara County CAER were read and accepted by the vote of the members on December 14, 2005.
Chair ______Secretary ______
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