(continued)
3. Nominations must be in writing, listing biographical data, work experience, specific merit as to why this nominee is worthy of the award, contributions to the surveying profession and civic contributions. These nominations may only be made by a local chapter.
Selection Procedure
1. The Awards Committee shall determine if the award should be given and if so, select a recipient from the nominees submitted.
2. This award, if given, shall be presented at the Annual Meeting.
Vern Wayne Hanan Memorial Community Action Award
This award was originated in 1988. It is not mandatory that this award be given each year.
Qualifications
1. Nominee shall be a Registered Professional Land Surveyor and/or a licensed state land surveyor in the State of Texas.
2. Nominee must be a member in good standing of TSPS and a member of a TSPS Chapter.
3. Nominee must show witness to outstanding civic and educational contributions to Community, State and Profession.
Nomination Procedure
1. The Awards Committee shall correspond with the Chapter Presidents and TSPS Board of Directors during the month of the first quarterly TSPS Board of Directors meeting of the need to submit nominations.
2. Nominations must be received by the Awards Committee prior to the second quarterly TSPS Board of Directors meeting.
3. Nominations must be in writing, listing biographical data, work experience, specific merit as to why this nominee is worthy of the award, contributions to the surveying profession and civic contributions. These nominations may only be made by a local chapter.
Selection Procedure
1. The Awards Committee shall determine if the award should be given and if so, select a recipient from the nominees submitted.
2. This award, if given, shall be presented at the Annual Meeting.
Chapter President of the Year Award
This award was originated in 1998. It is not mandatory that this award be given each year.
Qualifications
Nominee shall be a Registered Professional Land Surveyor and/or a Licensed State Land Surveyor in the State of Texas.
Nominee shall be an active member in TSPS and a sitting chapter president or immediate past president of a chapter.
The nominee shall have exhibited outstanding service to the Chapter of which he/she is president.
Nomination Procedure
The Awards Committee shall correspond with the Chapter Presidents and TSPS Board of Directors during the month of the first quarterly TSPS Board of Directors meeting of the need to submit nominations.
Nominations must be received by the Awards Committee prior to the second quarterly TSPS Board of Directors meeting.
Nominations must be in writing, listing biographical data, work experience, specific merit as to why this nominee is worthy of the award, contributions to the surveying profession and civic contributions. These nominations may be made by a voting member of TSPS or by a local chapter or by the Chapter Activities Committee Chairman or the Executive Director.
Selection Procedure
The Awards Committee shall determine if the award should be given and if so, select a recipient from the nominees submitted.
This award, if given, shall be presented at the Annual Convention.
Geospatial Professional of the Year
It is not mandatory that this award be given each year.
Qualifications
1. Nominee shall be regularly engaged in a geospatial related field of practice.
2. Nominee must be a member in good standing of TSPS and a member of a TSPS
Chapter.
3. Nominee shall have exhibited outstanding service to the Geospatial Profession
within a period of two years prior to the upcoming Annual Convention.
Nomination Procedure
1. The Awards Committee shall correspond with the Chapter Presidents and TSPS
Board of Directors during the month of the first quarterly TSPS Board of Directors
meeting of the need to submit nominations.
2. Nominations must be received by the Awards Committee prior to the second
quarterly TSPS Board of Directors meeting.
3. Nominations must be in writing, listing biographical data, work experience,
specific merit as to why this nominee is worthy of the awards, contributions to the
geospatial profession and civic contributions. These nominations may be made by a
voting member of TSPS or by a local chapter.
Selection Procedure
1. The Awards Committee shall determine if the award should be given and if so,
select a recipient from the nominees submitted.
2. This award, if given, shall be presented at the Annual Convention.
Special Awards
Special Awards will be considered be the Awards Committee when deemed appropriate.
Section 17. The President may at any time appoint special committees for such purposes as the President may deem fit.
Section 18. The terms of all committees shall expire at the close of the Annual Convention following their appointment or election unless re-appointed by the President.
ARTICLE V
ADMISSION OF MEMBERS
Section 1. Applicants for membership in the Society, other than honorary members, must submit an application in proper form to the TSPS office.
Section 2. Applicants for membership received by the TSPS office shall be compiled and approved and accepted by the Executive Committee. Pro-rated dues may be approved by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VI
DUES AND ASSESSMENTS
Section 1. The annual dues of members of the Society, which shall be paid to the Secretary-Treasurer by all classes of membership except honorary and life members, shall be determined annually by the Board of Directors; and such determination shall be submitted to the membership at the Annual Meeting for approval or substitution of another amount for annual dues. If no action is taken at the Annual meeting, the annual dues for the preceding year shall be continued and paid. Honorary and life members will not be required to pay annual dues.
Section 2. Annual dues shall be payable prior to January 1 of each year. The Secretary-Treasurer shall mail a bill to each member before that date, stating the amount payable. Members failing to pay dues by April 1 shall cease to receive any Society publications other than dues notice and any Annual Meeting Registration fee. Members failing to pay dues ten days prior to the Annual Meeting shall have their votes disqualified. Members in arrears one year shall lose all privileges of membership until such arrears are met, and members more than two years in arrears shall be automatically dropped from the Society.
ARTICLE VII
OBLIGATIONS
Section 1. No obligations except normal operating expenses approved by the Board of Directors shall be incurred. No continuing obligation exceeding 25% of the then current budget may be entered into without a two-thirds approving vote of the Board of Directors. Any obligations exceeding this amount shall require a two-thirds approving vote of the Board.
Section 2. The payment of all normal operating expenses shall be approved first by the President. Payment of any unusual obligations shall be approved first by the Board of Directors and then passed on to the President for processing. All expenses within budget may be paid by the Executive Director or Management Consultant with approval of the President.
ARTICLE VIII
MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meetings - The Board of Directors shall regularly convene at least once each calendar quarter on a date selected by the President. Notices of each meeting shall be mailed at least two weeks in advance. A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
Section 2. Special Meetings - Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President upon his own volition, or upon request of the Board. Purpose of such meetings shall be set forth in notice to members; said notices shall be mailed at least two weeks prior to the day of meeting. No business other than that for which the meeting was called shall be transacted, except this rule may be suspended with the consent of three-fourths of the Board members present or represented at the meeting.
Section 3. Executive Committee Meetings - The President may call a meeting of the Executive Committee whenever required to transact any business of the Society between Board meetings. A majority of the committee shall constitute a quorum.
Section 4. Annual Meeting - There shall be a meeting of all the membership between September 1 and December 1 of each year, which shall be designated as the Annual Meeting. The location of the Annual Meeting will be fixed in the following rotation of central cities: Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and at the discretion of a majority vote of the Board of Directors an alternate location outside of the central cities may be selected. The Executive Director will be responsible for obtaining a viable proposal from the appropriate convention city and the Board of Directors shall approve the location and dates selected.
Section 5. Special Meeting - A special meeting of the membership of the Society may be held at any time with the approval of the Executive Committee or Board of Directors upon a two-week written notice to the membership stating the purpose of the meeting.
Section 6. Quorum - Twenty members, including five members of the Board of Directors, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Society.
Section 7. Proxies - A member of the Board of Directors, including Officers of the Society, may appoint in writing any Registered member in good standing in the Society as his proxy at any specific regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors. This proxy shall be delivered to the President or Secretary-Treasurer prior to the convening of the meeting. The Board of Directors by the unanimous consent of those present after convening may accept a verbal proxy or waive other irregularities.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended in accordance with provisions set forth in Article XI of the Constitution.
ARTICLE X
RULES OF PROCEDURE
Section 1. The order of business of all meetings shall be conducted in accordance with "Robert's Rules of Order."
ARTICLE XI
ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Section 1. All Officers and Directors of the Society shall be elected for the term of office and in the manner provided in Article VII of the Constitution.
ARTICLE XII
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. All Officers, Directors and Employees of the Society and such others as specified from time to time by the Executive Committee, shall be indemnified by the Society against all expenses and liabilities including counsel fees, reasonably incurred or imposed upon them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made a party, or in which they may become involved, by reason of being or having been an Officer, Director or Employee of the Society, or any settlement thereof, whether the person is an Officer, Director or Employee at the time such expenses are incurred, except in cases wherein the Officer, Director or Employee is adjudged guilty of willful misfeasance or malfeasance in the performance of duties.
The foregoing rights of indemnification shall be in addition to and not exclusive of all other rights to which the indemnified may be entitled.
TEXAS SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS
CHAPTER CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
Recognizing that the ancient profession of land surveying is now, more than ever, a vital social and economic influence in the State, the Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors does hereby dedicate itself to the advancement of the surveying profession so as to serve both the public interest and the interests of its members.
ARTICLE I. OBJECTIVES
The Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors shall be a non-profit organization, chartered under the provisions of Article XII of the Constitution of said Society, whose objectives shall be:
To advance, in the broadest sense, the profession of surveying and mapping in the area served by the Chapter; to aid and contribute to the education of its members and the general public in attaining high surveying standards, both technical and ethical; to provide a local headquarters for a closer association of its members and to provide for local meetings.
ARTICLE II. DEFINITIONS
In this Constitution, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires, the following definitions shall apply:
"Director" means a Director of the Chapter.
"Officer" means an Officer of the Chapter.
"Board" or "Executive Board" means the Board comprised of Directors and Officers of the Chapter.
"Registered" or "Registered Surveyor" means any person who is registered under the current Professional Land Surveying Practices Act and all amendments thereto.
"Member" and "Membership" designates individually and collectively those persons of all classes of membership, as defined in Article IV hereof, who shall become a member of the Chapter.
"Member in good standing" designates any member of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors and any member of a local Chapter whose dues are currently paid and who is not subject to any disciplinary action by either said Society or Chapter.
ARTICLE III. NAME AND LOCATION
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors.
Section 2. The area in which the activities of the Chapter shall be conducted, after approval by the Board of Directors of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors, shall consist of the following counties: The Charter of the Chapter may be revoked or amended at any time by the said Board.
Section 3. The headquarters of the Chapter shall be located in , Texas, and the place of meeting shall be selected by the Executive Board.
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Only members in good standing in the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors shall be eligible for membership in the Chapter. Any such member of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors may become a member of the Chapter upon approval of his application by the Executive Board and upon payment of the annual dues.
Section 2. Any member of another Chapter whose dues are currently paid and who shall change his domicile to the area served by the Chapter may, at his election, affiliate with the Chapter without any further payment of dues for the fiscal year.
Section 3. There shall be six classes of membership, namely: Registered Member, Associate Member, Affiliate Member, Life Member, Honorary Member and Student Member. The classification of each member in the Chapter shall be the same as that held in the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors.
Section 4. The rights and prerogatives of members in the affairs of the Chapter shall be as follows:
a. Registered members may hold any office and may vote.
b. Associate/Surveyor Intern members may hold any office except President and may vote.
c. Affiliate members may hold the office of Secretary-Treasurer only and may not vote.
d. Life members shall have the same rights and prerogatives to which they were entitled before attaining life membership.
e. Honorary members shall not be eligible to vote or hold office.
f. Student members are any student of a School of Higher Education (College Level) recognized by the Board, who is interested in surveying. Student members shall not be eligible to vote or hold office in the Chapter.
Section 5. A member expelled or suspended from the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors shall be automatically expelled or suspended from the Chapter.
Section 6. A member may be expelled from the Chapter, suspended for a specified length of time, or reprimanded for a willful disregard of the Chapter's principles and objectives and for professional conduct detrimental to the Chapter's welfare. Expulsion, suspension or reprimand shall require a two-thirds vote of the entire Board, and thirty days notice of the charges against the offending member shall be given in order that the offending member may be present and heard at the hearing on such action. Any member of the Chapter who is disciplined by the Executive Board shall forfeit all rights and prerogatives in Chapter affairs according to the terms of the disciplinary action taken. Any officer or director of the Chapter against whom disciplinary charges are pending shall be disqualified from service on the Executive Board only while the Executive Board is conducting hearings on the charges brought against the offending member.
Section 7. Any disciplinary action approved by the Executive Board shall not affect the status of the individual's membership in the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors, but the Executive Board shall keep the president and Secretary-Treasurer of the Society fully informed of the charges made, the evidence presented and the action taken.
ARTICLE V. OFFICERS AND BOARD
Section 1. The officers of the Chapter shall consist of a President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, and a Secretary Treasurer.
Section 2. There shall be an Executive Board containing ten members which shall consist of: the immediate past President, the immediate past Secretary-Treasurer, the four elected directors and the officers of the Chapter. The President of the Chapter shall act as Chairman of the Executive Board.
Section 3. Each officer and director may be re-elected. In the event that the President and the Secretary-Treasurer are re-elected, the number of members on the Executive Board shall be reduced accordingly.
Section 4. The duties of the officers and the Executive Board shall be in accordance with the Bylaws.
ARTICLE VI. COMMITTEES
Section 1. Standing committees to handle the affairs of the Chapter shall be appointed by the President as soon as possible after the Annual Meeting. Each member of the Chapter and the President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors shall be notified by mail within fifteen days after all standing committees are appointed. The duties and the method of appointment of standing committees shall be in accordance with the Bylaws.
Section 2. The President may at any time appoint special committees for such purposes as the President may deem fit.
Section 3. The terms of all committees shall expire at the close of the Annual Meeting following their appointment.
ARTICLE VII. ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Section 1. All officers and directors shall be elected for the term of office and in the manner provided in this article.
Section 2. There shall be four directors elected for a term of two years, with two directors elected each year, except that in the first year in which the Chapter receives it's Charter, two of the four directors shall be elected for a term of one year.
Section 3. In case of vacancies, officers and directors shall be appointed by the Executive Board to fill the unexpired term.
Section 4. The Nominating Committee shall nominate one or more candidates for each office and directorship to be filled. All candidates must be members in good standing of the Chapter and must be eligible to hold office as specified under Article IV hereof. Nominations may also be made by petition. Each such petition shall be signed by not less than ten (10) members, (at least two of whom must be Registered Members) who are eligible to vote and whose dues are currently paid. Said petition to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee. The names of all nominees of the Nominating Committee and the names of all those nominated by petition, if any, shall be submitted to the Executive Board by the Nominating Committee not later than thirty (30) days before the Annual Meeting. It shall be the duty of the Executive Board to ascertain if all candidates, including those nominated by petition, meet the qualifications for office as set forth in this Constitution and to approve all candidates so qualified. In the event any candidate is not qualified for the office to which the candidate has been nominated, the Executive Board shall select and substitute a qualified candidate for the office. Following approval of the slate of candidates by the Executive Board and not later than 14 days prior to the Annual Meeting, the Secretary-Treasurer shall mail a ballot, containing all nominees for each office, to all members of the Chapter eligible to vote. All ballots to be valid must be returned to the Secretary-Treasurer by 5 p.m. of the day before the Annual Meeting. The Secretary-Treasurer shall transmit all valid ballots to the Tellers Committee appointed by the President to tabulate votes. The Tellers Committee shall certify the result of the vote to the membership of the Chapter at the Annual Meeting.
Section 5. Any officer or director may be removed from office for neglect of duty, inefficiency or malfeasance. A two-thirds vote of the entire Executive Board, after a full hearing before the Board, is necessary for such removal.
Section 6. The new officers and directors shall be installed at the Annual Meeting and shall take office immediately upon the close of said meeting.
ARTICLE VIII. MEETINGS
Section 1. The kind, time and place of meetings shall be as provided in the Bylaws. In order to avoid conflict, no meeting of the Chapter membership shall be held less than two weeks before, or two weeks after, the Annual Meeting of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors.
ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
Section 1. All amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws must first be approved by a majority of the entire Executive Board before the amendments are submitted to the Chapter membership.
Section 2. After approval by the Executive Board, the Secretary-Treasurer shall mail a ballot containing the proposed amendments to all members of the Chapter eligible to vote, and all ballots to be valid must be returned to the Secretary-Treasurer within thirty (30) days from the date of mailing. A two-thirds affirmative vote of the entire Chapter membership voting shall be required for approval of any amendment.
Section 3. All amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws approved under the provisions of section 1 and 2 above must be submitted to and approved by the Board of Directors of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors in order to become effective.
Section 4. The Board of Directors of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors may amend this Constitution and Bylaws at any regular meeting and such amendments shall be binding upon the Chapter.
TEXAS SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS
CHAPTER BYLAWS
ARTICLE 1. FISCAL YEAR
Section 1. The name of this origination shall be the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors (TSPS) and the fiscal year of the Chapter shall terminate at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting which shall be held as specified in Article VII, Section 2. of these Bylaws.
ARTICLE II. DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS
Section 1. President. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Chapter and of its Executive Board. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee. The President shall appoint the chairman and members of all committees. The President shall delegate members to represent the Chapter.
Section 2. Vice-President. In the absence of, or in case of inability of the President to act, or at the request of the President, it shall be the duty of the 1st Vice-President, and other officers in order of precedence, to perform all the duties of the President.
Section 3. Secretary-Treasurer. The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the Chapter and shall have custody of all official papers and records. The Secretary-Treasurer shall notify the membership of the Chapter of the various meetings as well as the slate of nominees for office. The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep in a separate book a copy of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Chapter, entering all amendments as they are adopted and approved, giving date of adoption and approval for reference in order to keep this official Constitution and Bylaws up to date. The Secretary-Treasurer shall notify officers, directors and delegates of their election or appointment and shall furnish committees with all papers referred to them. The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep a register of Chapter members available and shall distribute a Chapter roster to the membership once each year. The Secretary-Treasurer shall act as Secretary for the Executive Board. The Secretary-Treasurer shall conduct the correspondence of the Chapter and shall read all letters at the Chapter Meetings.
Section 4. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also keep an accurate record of all moneys of the Chapter which The Secretary-Treasurer shall deposit in a bank to be designated by the Executive Board. The Secretary-Treasurer shall receive all bills and shall pay same by check when so ordered by the President. The Secretary-Treasurer shall submit a report to the Executive Board when requested, within fifteen (15) days, of the moneys received and disbursed since the previous report. At the Annual Meeting, the Secretary-Treasurer shall submit a written report of the activities of the secretary-treasurer's office, including a complete financial statement of all collections and disbursements. All these records and moneys shall be turned over to the successor and the outgoing secretary/treasurer shall receive a receipt therefore.
Section 5. The Executive Board may, at their discretion, require the Secretary-Treasurer to be bonded and shall fix the amount of the bond. The bond shall be paid out of Chapter funds.
ARTICLE III. DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. The Executive Board shall have supervision of all matters pertaining to the Chapter. Whenever an emergency demanding immediate attention arises between regular meetings, it shall have the power to act for the Chapter. The action of the Executive Board shall be reported to the membership not later than the next regular meeting.
Section 2. The Executive Board shall meet at least once in each quarter of the year at the call of the President or upon the request of three of its members. A simple majority shall constitute a quorum at any Executive Board meeting.
ARTICLE IV. COMMITTEES
Section 1. There shall be five standing committees: Membership, Program, Public Relations and Education, Nominating and Audit. These committees shall be appointed by the President with the concurrence of a majority of the Executive Board.
Section 2. Membership. The Membership Committees shall solicit applications for membership, shall ascertain the eligibility and classification of the applicant, and shall submit same to the Executive Board. All applicants must meet the qualifications set out in Article IV of the Chapter Constitution. A current membership card shall be accepted as prima-facia evidence of membership in the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors.
Section 3. Program. The Program Committee shall plan and arrange programs which will advance the objectives of the Chapter.
Section 4. Public Relations and Education. The Public Relations and Education Committee shall serve as a contact committee between the Chapter and the general public, the press and other groups in furtherance of the objectives of the Chapter and the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors.
Section 5. Nominating The Nominating Committee shall consist of three Registered members who shall be appointed by the President subject to ratification by the Executive Board. It shall nominate a slate of officers and directors for submission to the membership prior to the next Annual Meeting as provided in Article VII, Section 4, of the Chapter Constitution.
Section 6. Audit. The Audit Committee shall audit the books of the Secretary-Treasurer at any time an audit may deemed advisable by the Executive Board.
Section 7. Special. Special committees shall meet and report at the earliest possible date after appointment for their specific assignment.
ARTICLE V. DUES
Section 1. The annual dues of the _______________ Chapter shall be fixed by the Executive Board, not to exceed one half the annual dues of TSPS in each classification per year except that Life members and Honorary members of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors shall not be required to pay dues.
Section 2. Annual dues shall be payable on or before January 1 of each year. The Secretary-Treasurer shall mail a bill to each member before that date stating the amount of dues payable. Members failing to pay dues thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Meeting shall have their votes disqualified. Members in arrears one year shall lose all privileges of membership until such arrears are met and members more than two years in arrears shall be automatically dropped from Chapter rolls.
ARTICLE VI. OBLIGATIONS
Section 1. No obligations except normal operating expenses, shall be incurred. No continuing obligations may be assumed without a two-thirds approving vote of 50 percent of the Chapter membership.
Section 2. The payment of all normal expenses shall be approved by the President and paid by the Secretary-Treasurer.
ARTICLE VII. MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meetings. The Chapter shall convene at least once each quarter at a time and place selected by the Executive Board, although additional meetings may be held if desired. Notices of each meeting shall be mailed to the membership at least one week in advance.
Section 2. Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting of the Chapter and installation of new officers shall be at least two week's prior to the Annual Meeting of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors.
Section 3. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Chapter may be called by the President upon his own volition, upon request of the Executive Board, or upon written request of ten members of the Chapter addressed to the President or the Executive Board. The purpose of the meeting shall be fully set out in the notice to the members, and said notices shall be mailed to the membership at least one week prior to the day of the meeting.
ARTICLE VIII. REPORTS TO THE TEXAS SOCIETY
OF PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS
Section 1. Two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors, a written report shall be submitted to the President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors and to the Chapter Activities Committee giving the financial and membership status of the Chapter and presenting details of any business desired to be brought before the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors at its Annual Meeting. It shall be the duty of the President to supervise the preparation of this report and sign same. The President, or his duly appointed representative, shall present this report at the Annual Business Meeting of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors.
Section 2. Any specific reports requested by the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors, other than those covered in Section 1, shall be submitted by the President or Secretary-Treasurer as required.
ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended in accordance with the provisions of Article IX of the Constitution of the Chapter.
ARTICLE X. PROPERTIES
Section 1. All properties, monies and records of the ________________Chapter shall become the property of and be surrendered to the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors at the time the Chapter of the ___________________ Chapter is surrendered or revoked.
ARTICLE XI. RULES OF PROCEDURE
Section 1. The business of all meetings of the Chapter and the Executive Board shall be conducted in accordance with "Robert's Rules of Order."
INDEX TO CHAPTER BY-LAWS
AMENDMENTS ......................... Section 1 ..... Article IX
ANNUAL REPORT (To Chapter) ......... Section 4 ..... Article II
BOND ............................... Section 5 ..... Article II
COMMITTEES
Five standing committees ...... Section 1 ..... Article IV
Membership committee .......... Section 2 ..... Article IV
Program ....................... Section 3 ..... Article IV
Public Relations & Education .. Section 4 ..... Article IV
Nominating .................... Section 5 ..... Article IV
Audit ......................... Section 6 ..... Article IV
Special Committees ............ Section 7 ..... Article IV
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS ............. Section 1 ..... Article II
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS ........... Section 3 ..... Article II
DUES ............................... Section 1 ..... Article V
Delinquent dues ............... Section 2 ..... Article V
FINANCIAL RECORDS .................. Section 4 ..... Article II
DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE BOARD
Duties ........................ Section 1 ..... Article III
Meetings ...................... Section 2 ..... Article III
DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS
President ..................... Section 1 ..... Article II
Vice President ................ Section 2 ..... Article II
Secretary-Treasurer ........... Section 3,4 ... Article II
FISCAL YEAR ........................ Section 1 ..... Article I
MEETINGS
Regular meetings .............. Section 1 ..... Article VII
Annual meetings ............... Section 2 ..... Article VII
Special meetings .............. Section 3 ..... Article VII
Board meetings ................ Section 2 ..... Article III
MEETING NOTICES .................... Section 3 ..... Article II
MINUTES OF MEETINGS ................ Section 3 ..... Article II
NOTIFICATION OF ELECTION OR
APPOINTMENT ................... Section 3 ..... Article II
REGISTER OF MEMBERS ................ Section 3 ..... Article II
OBLIGATIONS
Limitations ................... Section 1 ..... Article VI
Approval ...................... Section 2 ..... Article VI
PROPERTIES ......................... Section 1 ..... Article X
REPORTS TO TSPS
Annual reports ................ Section 1 ..... Article VIII
Special reports ............... Section 2 ..... Article VIII
RULES OF PROCEDURE ................. Section 1 ..... Article XI
POLICY AND PROCEDURE
I
LEGISLATIVE POLICY
1. The Texas Society of Professional Surveyors proposes to keep informed as to all matters that may affect surveyors, the surveying profession, and the public welfare in those fields where surveyors have a professional responsibility to the public, and, after investigation and evaluation in each particular instance, to take such action as may be determined to be necessary or desirable to protect the interests of the surveyors, the profession, and the public.
2. The Society will concern itself with any matter--
a. Affecting the current Professional Land Surveying Practices Act and all amendments thereto.
b. Affecting the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying.
c. Regulating the practice of any other profession or any trade or surveying profession, or surveying practice.
3. The Society will oppose specifically any action--
a. Weakening the current Professional Land Surveying Practices Act and all amendments thereto.
b. Affecting adversely the efficient administration of the current Professional Land Surveying Practices Act and all amendments thereto.
c. That directly, indirectly, or by implication restricts the definition of the term "Professional Land Surveyor" or the term "Professional Land or State Land Surveying" as now defined in Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, Article 5282c, and all amendments thereto.
4. The Society will take specific action--
a. To secure in any matter that directly or indirectly requires surveying services, a provision that such services are to be performed by a Professional Land Surveyor.
b. To secure in any matter in connection with public works a provision authorizing the agency charged with supervisory responsibility to utilize the services of Registered Professional Land Surveyors in any matter involving land boundaries and description.
5. The Society will not endorse the candidacy of any person for political office.
6. The Society will not request the appointment of or endorse any one individual Registered Professional Land Surveyor for appointment to public office when several qualified Registered Professional Land Surveyors are believed available for the position, provided, however, the Board of Directors may in the case of a reappointment submit and endorse the incumbent for appointment.
7. When deemed appropriate or when requested by the appointive authority, the Board of Directors will submit the names of several Registered Professional Land Surveyors believed to be available and qualified.
8. When deemed appropriate the Board of Directors may in its discretion endorse and support the confirmation of any qualified Registered Professional Land Surveyor already under the appointment to Public Office.
II
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY AND PROCEDURE
1. The Executive Committee shall have full authority to interpret the Public Affairs Policy of the Society between meetings of the Board of Directors. Under emergency conditions, any member of the Society shall call the President, if immediately available by telephone, and if not so available, any other member of the Executive Committee. The President, if so available, or if not, the member of the Executive Committee who was contacted, shall call all members of the Executive Committee who are immediately available by telephone. Then the President, if available, or if not, the member of the Executive Committee who was contacted shall take appropriate action in Public Affairs matters as determined by the majority of the immediately available members of the Executive Committee.
2. No Committee of the Society nor the Chairman of any Committee acting as such shall take any action in support of or in opposition to any Public Affairs except at the request of, or after approval by the Executive Committee, the Public Affairs Committee, or the President.
3. The Executive Committee is authorized to give the Public Affairs Committee such instructions as it may deem necessary in order to effectuate the Public Affairs Policy, and immediately notify the Board of such action. The Chairman of the Public Affairs Committee is authorized to carry out all instructions of the Executive Committee.
4. The Board of Directors may veto or change any interpretation or instruction given by the Executive Committee, provided, however, that the interpretations and instructions of the Executive Committee shall remain in full force and effect unless vetoed or changed by the Board of Directors.
5. The Executive Committee will make a continuing study of established Public Affairs Policy and Procedure and report thereon to the Board of Directors from time to time with appropriate recommendations as to changes deemed desirable or necessary.
6. The Executive Committee will make quarterly and annual reports to the Board of Directors outlining activity and progress.
III
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
The General and Special Functions and Duties of Special Committees shall be in accordance with the General and Special Functions and Duties of Standing Committees as defined in the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society. Each Committee should:
1. Chapter Activities
a) Encourage and assist Chapters in carrying on the Chapter Activities
b) Coordinate Chapter and Society work program.
c) Develop and keep up to date a guide on Chapter Activities.
2. Constitution and Bylaws
a) Promote uniformity between the Society and the Chapter Constitution.
b) Study amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society and of the Chapters, and make recommendations of desirable changes in order to facilitate and expedite the furtherance of Society objectives.
3. Historical
a) Collect historical articles, diaries, recollections, memoirs, field notes, transcriptions, maps, photographs, instruments, etc., relative to Texas Surveyors and Surveys.
b) Prepare a Historical Chronicle and, periodically, prepare supplements to it and after approval by the Board of Directors, furnish it in final form to the Publication Committee for issuance to all members.
c) Encourage and assist in historical ceremonies, the placing of bronze plaques, and other celebrations commemorating surveyors, Surveys and Boundaries.
d) Obtain Sound Tapes recording the voices of Surveyors' recollections of their own work, other Surveyors and their descriptions, mannerisms and other personal characteristics and work, outstanding Surveys, Boundary problems, and other matters.
e) Make transcriptions of all Sound Tapes.
f) Edit the Sound Tapes, make copies as appropriate, and loan copies to Chapters for their use in Chapter Programs.
4. Public Affairs
a) Represent the Society in matters relating to Public Affairs.
b) Make a continual study of Public Affairs policies and procedures and report thereon to the Executive Committee from time to time with appropriate recommendations.
c) Review current public affairs and, with the approval of the Executive Committee, take appropriate action.
d) If considered advantageous by the Public Affairs Committee and if approved by the Executive Committee, subscribe to various services relating to various public affairs.
e) Receive, investigate, and with the approval of the Executive Committee, take action on complaints or instances of public matters adversely affecting the public interest, the profession of surveying or individual surveyors.
5. Publications
a) Publish The Texas Surveyor.
b) Publish such other publications as may be authorized.
6. Resolutions
a) Receive from members of Chapters, resolutions to be presented at the Annual Meeting.
b) Edit or redraft such resolutions if necessary, subject to approval of the sponsors, and forward copies to each Chapter and to the Secretary at least four weeks prior to the meeting at which the resolution is to be considered.
c) Present resolutions as directed by the President or Board of Directors.
d) Nothing contained in this section shall preclude any qualified member at the Annual Meeting from making a motion that the assembly take certain action on any proper business brought before the Society for action.
e) Send to families of our deceased associates a Resolution of sorrow and regret.
7. Revenue
a) Make studies as to the effect of the present dues on the members of the Society and whether increased dues with increased services would be beneficial or detrimental or whether lowered dues, with less services, would be beneficial or detrimental to the welfare of the Society and the public interest.
b) Make studies relative to delinquent dues and assist the Secretary-Treasurer in their collection.
c) Assist the Secretary-Treasurer in explaining and collecting assessments.
CANONS OF ETHICS
AND
RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
FOR THE TEXAS SOCIETY OF
PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS
FOREWORD
Honesty, justice and courtesy form a moral philosophy which, associated with mutual interest among people, constitutes the foundations of ethics. The surveyor should recognize such a standard, not a passive observance, but as a set of dynamic principles, guiding conduct and way of life. It is the surveyor's duty to practice the profession according to these Canons of Ethics.
At the keystone of professional conduct is integrity. Surveyor's will discharge professional duties with fidelity to the public, employers and clients; and with fairness and impartiality to all. It is their duty to be interested in public welfare and to be ready to apply all special knowledge for the benefit of mankind. They should uphold the honor and dignity of the profession and avoid association with any enterprise of questionable character. In dealings with fellow surveyors, they should always be fair and tolerant.
DUTY TO PUBLIC
CANON 1. SURVEYORS WILL HOLD PARAMOUNT THE WELFARE, PROPERTY, AND SECURITY OF THE PUBLIC IN THE PERFORMANCE OF PROFESSIONAL DUTIES.
SURVEYORS. . .
Rule 1. Will not promote private interest at the expense of the public good.
Rule 2. Will realize that they are responsible for the effect of the their work.
Rule 3. Will report only true facts or true evidence when expressing an opinion or conclusion in testimony or public forums.
Rule 4. Will assist the public to understand the purpose and principles involved in surveying.
Rule 5. Will recognize the need to serve the community, not only in a professional capacity, but also in a civic capacity.
DUTY TO CLIENT
CANON 2. SURVEYORS WILL BE A FAITHFUL AGENTS OR TRUSTEES OF THE CLIENT.
SURVEYORS. . .
Rule 6. Will not exaggerate professional qualifications in advertising or testimony.
Rule 7. Will not practice or offer to practice in any field in which they are not proficient and legally entitled to practice. They may engage the assistance of qualified persons to aid in the proper performance of services requested by the client.
Rule 8. Will be honest in all estimates, reports, statements and testimony.
Rule 9. Will advise clients of possible problems or conflicts of interest before accepting employment.
Rule 10. Will not allow unforeseen difficulties or conflicts to adversely affect the quality of the services.
Rule 11. Will not disclose information concerning the business affairs of clients or employers without their consent.
Rule 12. Will not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one interested party for the same service or for services pertaining to the same work without the knowledge and consent of all interested parties.
DUTY TO PROFESSION AND TO OTHER SURVEYORS
CANON 3. SURVEYORS WILL ACT IN A MANNER THAT UPHOLDS THE HONOR, INTEGRITY AND DIGNITY OF THE SURVEYING PROFESSION.
SURVEYORS. . .
Rule 13. Will strive to perform services in a manner which brings credit to the surveying profession.
Rule 14. Will avoid any conduct or associations which bring discredit to the surveying profession.
Rule 15. Will not offer to pay, either directly or indirectly, any commission, political contribution, gift, or other consideration in order to secure work, exclusive of securing salaried positions through an employment agency.
Rule 16. Will not use the office or membership in a professional society to promote selfish interests or interests of the client.
Rule 17. Will not maliciously discredit or injure the reputation of the surveying profession or another surveyor.
Rule 18. Will cooperate in extending the effectiveness of the surveying profession by interchanging ideas and experience with other surveyors.
Rule 19. Will recognize the need to promote the profession by contributing to the work of professional societies, schools and the scientific and technical press.
Rule 20. Will, whenever possible, name the person or persons who may be individually responsible for the discovery of original corners, writings, development of theories or other accomplishments.
Rule 21. Will not accept by voice or silence, credit rightfully due another surveyor.
Rule 22. Will not sign or seal maps, reports or other data prepared by someone else unless prepared by an employee under their direct supervision.
Rule 23. Will not represent as their own, the maps, reports, or the data prepared by someone else unless prepared by an employee under their direct supervision.
Rule 24. Will report any unethical, illegal or unfair practice of a surveyor to the proper authority and be willing to substantiate such practice.
Rule 25. Will recognize the value of any surveying service and uphold the principle of appropriate and adequate compensation for those services.
DUTY TO EMPLOYEES OR EMPLOYER
CANON 4. SURVEYORS WILL CONTINUE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT THEIR CAREER AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THOSE UNDER THEIR DIRECT SUPERVISION.
SURVEYORS. . .
Rule 26. Will encourage and assist in the education and advancement of those under their direct supervision.
Rule 27. Will encourage and assist those under their direct supervision to be active in professional societies.
Rule 28. Will encourage salaries commensurate with the qualifications of survey personnel.
Rule 29. Will be a faithful agent or trustee of their employer.
Rule 30. Will not practice or offer to practice private surveying services without the knowledge and consent of their employer.