BYLAWS OF THE SIERRA HEALTH COUNCIL
ARTICLE I - Name
The name of this organization shall be called the Sierra Health Council.
ARTICLE II – Location
The Sierra Health Council office is located at 360 W. 4th Street, Room # 116, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.
ARTICLE III – Mission and Vision
The mission of the Sierra Health Council is to contribute to the quality of life by promoting and supporting the health and the wellness of all people in Sierra County regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities or religious beliefs.
ARTICLE IV – Purpose
The purpose of the Sierra Health Council is to facilitate opportunities for communication and collaboration pertaining to community health concerns among community organizations, agencies, and individuals. The Sierra Health Council serves as a meeting place and clearinghouse for the initiation and dissemination of ideas among its members for the purpose of improving the health of Sierra County.
ARTICLE V – Definition of Health
The Sierra Health Council defines health as the highest quality of living that can be experienced mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and environmentally.
ARTICLE VI – Structure and Function
Section 1: Meetings
The general membership of the Sierra Health Council meets monthly. The Board of Director and Committee meetings may be called at the discretion of the respective Chair to conduct necessary business.
Section 2: Membership
In addition to representatives of various organizations and agencies, membership in the Sierra Health Council is open to anyone in the community who is interested in promoting the health and wellness of Sierra County. All members are expected to adhere to the Ground Rules that have been established as a standard of behavior at all meetings.
2.1 Voting
Voting privileges at the Sierra Health Council membership meeting shall be granted to any member who has attended at least two meetings in the previous six months prior to any vote. Any organization or agency need not send the same representative in order to retain health council voting privileges.
2.2 Quorum
A quorum at any meeting shall consist of the majority of the members. The members of the Board of Directors present at any Sierra Health Council meeting may decide to postpone any vote if fewer than 5 members are present at the meeting.
2.3 Duties and Responsibilities
Members are encouraged to:
o Attend meetings on a regular basis.
o Provide information about the health and wellness of county residents in their sphere of influence.
o Contribute knowledge, expertise, and data as needed for a community health profile.
o Serve on a committee.
o Spend one hour per week supporting the mission and vision of the health council.
Section 3: Committees
Committees may be established based on the needs of the community and/or directions from the Sierra Health Council membership. Committees shall be formed upon request to the Board of Directors and, if approved, shall be presented to the membership for consideration. The Board of Directors shall then appoint the committee chairs and vice chairs. Any decision of the committee involving funding or personnel shall be presented to the Board of Directors for final approval.
Section 4: The Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall serve as volunteers but may be reimbursed for legitimately authorized expenditures. The Board of Directors shall have full power to manage and control the affairs and property of the Sierra Health Council and shall have full power by majority vote to adopt rules and regulations governing the actions of the Board of Directors. The Sierra Health Council Board of Directors shall include the following members:
- President also serves as the Chair of the Sierra Health Council meetings.
- Vice President/Co-Chair serves in the absence of the President/Chair.
- Secretary is responsible to record and maintain the official minutes of Board of Directors and Sierra Health Council meetings and maintain the membership list.
- Treasurer is responsible to maintain financial records, pay bills in a timely manner, report to Board of Directors and the Sierra Health Council all financial transactions.
- Three members at large represent the interests of the Sierra Health Council membership.
4.1 Elections of Board of Directors
Members interested in serving on the Board of Directors shall submit a letter of interest and resume to the Board 30 days prior to the Annual Meeting. Submissions will then be reviewed and a list of the candidates will be drawn up and presented at the Annual Meeting for a vote.
4.2 Terms of Office
The President/Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected for a two year term. Vice president/Co Chair and members at large shall be elected for a one year term. All Directors shall serve until their successor is elected and qualified.
4.3 Voting
Voting at Board of Director meetings will be conducted according to Robert’s Rule of Order. Any three Board members may elect unanimously to poll Board Members for approval of urgent specific actions. Such polling may take place by telephone, email, or in person. Voting will take place with all members present at the next Board of Directors meeting.
4.4 Quorum
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the duly elected Board members present in person or electronically at any given meeting.
4.5 Resignation
Any Board member may resign upon giving written notice to President/Chair Secretary. The Board prefers to receive 30 days notice.
4.6 Removal
Except as otherwise provided by law, at any meeting of the Board of Director called expressly for that purpose any Director may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of the majority of the Directors then in office.
4.7 Vacancies
A vacancy on the Board of Directors prior to the expiration of the term shall be filled by a person elected by the remaining members of the Board of Directors. They shall hold office for the unexpired term of their predecessor.
ARTICLE VII Miscellaneous
Section 1: Fiscal Year
The Sierra Health Council fiscal year shall be from July 1st of the current year to June 30th of the following year.
Section 2: Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Sierra Health Council will be held during the 3rd Quarter of each year for the election of the Board of Directors. This meeting will be publicly advertised 15 days prior to the event and open to the entire community.
ARTICLE VIII Amendment to Articles
These articles may be altered, amended or repealed in whole or in part as long as there is a two-thirds vote by Health Council members, once in a fiscal year, as long as written notice of any proposed changes to the Articles has been given to the Sierra Health Council members at least 14 days before the meeting.
