i would like to propose the following amendments to the existing Standing Rules at this coming meeting, 1 december 2007,
1. to add the following officers' duties (there are none currently), and
2. to clarify the transition and authorization needed for the Vice Chair to become Acting Chair (there is none currently), and
3. to clarify the existing Standing Rules regarding officers' terms of office and election dates (it's confused).

these are simple and common duties, suggested in Robert's Rules of Order and other organizations.
imo, parts B and D are the most relevant since our election of officers is scheduled for this meeting and because of our discussions about the vice chair's responsibilities - if we re-elect the current vice chair or another, we should be clear on any transition to 'acting chair'.

5. Members - Officers

A. Officers serve at the pleasure of the Commission.

delete existing B & C:
B. Officers serve from January to January for two-year terms (even-numbered years).
C. Elections for Commission officers shall be held at a December meeting.

replace with:

    1. The Chair's duties include:
      1. chief administrative officer. (TCA 4-34-108. Chair)
      2. chair all regular and special meetings of the Commission.

    2. The Vice Chair's duties include:
      1. chair Commission meetings in the absence or at the request of the chair.
      2. assume the duties of the chair until the next Commission meeting in case of the resignation or death of the chair.
      3. assume the duties of the chair until the next Commission meeting in case of the illness and incapacity of the chair and with the written consent of three (3) other commissioners.

    3. The Secretary's duties include:
      1. draft meeting minutes to submit to Commission.
      2. collect agenda issues and draft meeting agenda to submit to Commission.
      3. safeguard contributions and funds.
      4. report financial status to Commission.
      5. send out meeting notices.
      6. serve as Sunshine Notice/Web site contact with TDEC website staff.
      7. draft annual report.
      8. preside over the meeting opening and immediate election of a chair pro tem in the absence of the chair or vice chair.

    4. Election and Terms of Office
      1. Election of the Commission's officers shall take place during the last regular meeting (December) of odd-numbered calendar years.
      2. Newly elected officers shall take office at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and serve approximately two (2) years and serve for approximately two (2) years. Their terms end (unless duly re-elected) upon the election of successors at the regularly scheduled last meeting of the year (December) of odd-numbered calendar years.
      3. The term of office for replacement officers elected by the Commission shall be the balance of the existing term of office or until being replaced by a duly elected officer.
      4. Election of officers shall be by vote of the majority present.

      change item "E" to "F", maintain text:

    5. Officers may be removed from office at any time by a majority vote of commissioners.


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tom kunesh
secretary, TN Commission of Indian Affairs
www.tdec.net/tcia/ 423. 624.3380
box 1063 Chattanooga TN 37401