Bylaws

Section 1: Name –

1. The Janesville Shade Tree Advisory Committee shall be hereafter known as J-STAC.

Section 2: Purpose --

1. The MISSION of J-STAC shall be to:

Promote and Enhance the Beauty and General Welfare of Janesville's Urban Forest.

2. J-STAC will strive to reach consensus on matters concerning community forestry policies in Janesville.

3. J-STAC will work to coordinate the activities of the institutions, entities and persons involved in community forestry matters in Janesville, and collaborate with other STACS, so that duplication and inefficiency are avoided and the most beneficial and economical urban forestry policies are adopted wherever possible.

Section 3: Membership and Rights of Membership --

1. The J-STAC will seek the broadest possible membership, involving representatives of government entities, institutions, businesses and persons involved in community forestry matters in Janesville, Rock County and south central Wisconsin. Members attending no meetings for a full year shall be considered inactive.

2. The rights of a member are to attend meetings of J-STAC, to vote upon questions that are considered by the STAC, and to serve on and vote in task forces established by the STAC.

3. No member of J-STAC, other than Officers of the STAC, may speak in the name of the STAC or act in its behalf without prior authorization of the STAC or its Officers.

4. A roll of members shall be maintained by the Secretary/Treasurer and shared with J-STAC.

Section 4: Officers & Organization of the J-STAC –

1. The affairs and projects of J-STAC shall be administered by a Chairperson and a Recording Secretary/Treasurer. Additional Officers may be added as needed with approval of the STAC. Officers will be elected by a majority vote of the STAC. Fiscal matters will be the responsibility of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin. (hereinafter referred to as CFSW) a non-profit organization.

2. Officers shall be elected from within STAC membership at the regular October meeting and shall assume office on January 1 following the election.

3. The terms of office for Secretary/Treasurer and Chairperson shall be one year. Terms of office for additional Officers shall be determined by the STAC at the time of election.

4. The Chairperson Shall:

Set the agenda for each meeting of the J-STAC and distribute it to the members in advance of the meeting; it may be amended by a majority of members attending each meeting;

Appoint new members, members of STAC task forces and assign duties to such task forces, all with approval of the STAC;

Serve as spokesperson for the STAC on issues where the committee has adopted positions;

Supervise the preparation of reports, such as summaries of the STAC’s advice on community forestry matters, annual budgets and accomplishment reports, subject in each case to approval by the STAC;

Perform other duties as authorized or requested by a vote of the STAC;

5. The Recording Secretary/Treasurer shall:

Ensure that a correct copy is kept of all STAC meetings;
Ensure that a copy of meeting minutes is sent to all STAC members within 30 days of each meeting;
Ensure that a report of annual accomplishments, developed by the Chairperson, is updated and published by Jan. 31, each year.
Call a regular meeting to order, if circumstances should prevent the chairperson from attending, and preside over the selection of a temporary chairperson, elected from the STAC members present, who will lead the remainder of that particular meeting;
Assist the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, which acts as fiscal agent for the J-STAC, in preparation of fiscal reports and disbursement of payments;

Section 5: Meetings –

Regular J-STAC meetings will be held monthly, on the last Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. Meeting locations will be announced in the agenda mailings and may change as needed. Special meetings may be held when necessary upon call of the Chairperson.
Minutes of each meeting shall be recorded and a copy shall be mailed to all members and supporting agencies.
An annual list of STAC accomplishments shall be submitted to the membership by January 31 of each year.

Section 6: Adoption and Amendment of these Bylaws –

1. These Bylaws shall be deemed adopted when approved by a majority vote of the STAC; a copy shall be sent to the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin. The CFSW shall receive confirmation of elected officers immediately after elections.

2. These Bylaws may be amended when approved by a majority vote of the STAC, if the text of the amendment is distributed to members at least 10 days prior to the vote.

These Bylaws were adopted by a majority of the members of the J-STAC in attendance at its regular meeting held on the 31st day of October, 2001.

Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council Bylaws

http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/forestry/uf/council/bylaws.html