Bylaws
BOUNDARY SEARCH AND DIVE RESCUE TEAM, INC.
BYLAWS
November 9, 2023
ARTICLE I
NAME AND PURPOSE
SECTION 1.
The name of this BSDRT shall be “BOUNDARY SEARCH AND DIVE RESCUE TEAM, INC” (BSDRT), with headquarters at 6821 Riverside Street, P.O. Box 1274, Bonner’s Ferry, Idaho 83805.
SECTION 2.
The purpose of BSDRT is to provide to the general public a well-trained and well-equipped team of volunteers, which, under the authority of the Boundary County Sheriff, can carry out search and rescue operations and other urgent assignments. Also, to promote and protect the general welfare of the Citizens of Boundary County, the State of Idaho, and the United States of America.
ARTICLE II
MISSION STATEMENT AND CORE VALUES
SECTION 1. MISSION STATEMENT
Boundary Search & Dive Rescue Team is a volunteer organization which operates under the authority of the Boundary County Sheriff and can only be activated by the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office. Our purpose is to provide a well trained and equipped search and rescue force to support Boundary County. We strive to uphold the highest standards in professionalism, safety, and compassion, while delivering effective and timely response in critical situations.
SECTION 2. CORE VALUES
A. Integrity and accountability: BSDRT is founded on ethical behavior and values by our members and partners. Our commitment extends throughout the organization as we interact with agencies, the public and one another.
B. Fiscal accountability: We emphasize fiscal accountability and transparency by ensuring that all expenditures directly or indirectly reflect the trust placed in BSDRT by its donors and grant providers.
C. Teamwork: We maintain an environment of mutual respect and trust founded on open, honest communication. We embrace the diversity of our team and individual perspectives in working together to achieve our common goals.
D. Training: BSDRT will train and prepare to provide professional level skills and support to the requesting agency(s) and community. BSDRT will act as a volunteer organization, active in both the response and recovery phases of incidents.
E. Dedication: BSDRT members will adhere to the minimum standards set by BSDRT and governing agencies. Members will strive to attend meeting, training, and missions as much as possible. Members will endeavor to go beyond minimum training standards for search and rescue related work.
F. Excellence: We achieve excellence through constant training and preparation as our members continually exercise their skills using materials and equipment required to deliver the highest quality of service possible in any environment.
G. Operations: We will strive to deliver service that meets or exceeds the requested assistance while ensuring the safety and well-being of our members, partners, and community.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1.
Membership shall be limited to qualified individuals eighteen (18) years of age, or older, who are willing to perform search and rescue duties under any conditions and who meet and subscribe to the purpose and requirements of BSDRT and must be approved by the Board of Directors and the general membership.
SECTION 2. SPONSORS
A sponsor shall be any individual or business desiring to contribute to BSDRT. Sponsors shall not be subject to call out on missions, nor be required to attend meetings, nor pay dues, nor participate in the business of BSDRT. Contributions shall be tax deductible while the BSDRT’s 501-c3 status is active.
SECTION 3. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
A. Associate membership status may be given to individuals by majority vote from the Board of Directors.
B. Associate membership status may be granted to individuals who may be called upon to act as a member of the organization because of a service, special skill set, and/or possess a recognized professional credentialing (i.e USGC licensing, professional Avalanche Rescue, Whitewater Rescue Technician, etc.).
C. Associate members are exempt from the following sections of BSDRT bylaws: Article III Section 4.A.2, Article III Section 4.A.5, Article III Section 4.B, and Article III Section 5.
D. Required Training for Associate Members includes: IS 100.b (ICS 100) and IS 200.b (ICS 200), first aid and CPR, and a 4 hour class in basic SAR skills. Included in the 4-hour class will be anatomy of a SAR mission, navigation, and radio procedures. If the associate member is operating under one of the special teams, more specific training may be required. Under the discretion of the board of directors the required training may be waived only if the individual’s skill set, recognized professional credentials or prior training meets the requirements.
E. Associate members are not eligible to vote at the annual meeting.
F. Associate members are not eligible to accept nomination to the Board of Directors.
G. Associate Members may not respond to BSDRT operations unless requested by BSDRT President or the on-scene incident commander.
SECTION 4. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
A. New membership applicants are required to complete the following training:
1. First Aid and CPR (adult and child)
2. BSDRT SARTEC Certificate / Emergency Response International (ERI) Basic SAR Skill
3. IS 100.b (ICS 100) and IS 200.b (ICS 200)
4. Boundary County Communications Class
5. Map and Land Navigation Course
ALL REQUIRED TRAINING MUST BE COMPLETED DURING THE TWELVE (12) MONTH PROBATION PERIOD. NASAR SARTEC III training and certifications will be accepted as the same level of training as the BSDRT SARTEC Certification / ERI Basic SAR Skills. Members, and prospective members who have completed an equivalent; or hold a higher level certificate from NASAR, or ERI may use those certificates to satisfy Article III Section 4.2. Certificates must have been obtained within the past five (5) years and be from another SAR team where the applicant was in good standing.
B. The applicant will be required to pay an application fee of $25.
C. Upon probation completion and membership acceptance, the new member will be issued one (1) Boundary Search and Dive Rescue Team patch, and one (1) standard uniform shirt.
D. All new members will be required to undergo a twelve (12) month probation period and at the end of such time the Board of Directors will make a recommendation to the membership on whether to approve or disapprove their acceptance. The general membership will then vote to determine the acceptance of the individual into the status of member in good standing. If required training is completed and initiative is shown, the board may recommend early completion of probation and acceptance into membership earlier than twelve (12) months.
SECTION 5. ATTENDENCE REQUIREMENTS
A. To maintain member in good standing status, a member must have attended a minimum of six (6) BSDRT events during the calendar year, complete twenty (20) hours required training (specialty team training does not apply to this minimum), and participate in one (1) mock search.
B. If a member fails to meet the minimum requirements they will be placed into a probationary status for six (6) months or until they meet the minimum requirements.
C. If after the six (6) month probation the member still has not met the minimum requirements they will be removed from the roster.
D. A member may request a leave of absent from the team, those requests will be reviewed and granted on a case-by-case basis by the BSDRT board of directors.
E. A member must be in good standing to be able to vote at the annual elections meeting.
SECTION 6. CAUSES FOR DISMISSAL (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE)
A. Willful destruction or abuse of BSDRT property or equipment
B. Slander against any of BSDRT members
C. Misrepresentation of BSDRT to the public or other government officials
D. Falsifying information on the membership application
E. When a member’s personal action as a representative of BSDRT creates a harmful situation for any individual
F. Unauthorized use of BSDRT equipment, materials, or monies
G. Disruptive behavior to the normal operations of the BSDRT
H. Refusal to follow BSDRT rules and protocols or adhere to BSDRT mission statement and core values
ANY MEMBER DEEMED GUILTY OF ANY OF THE ABOVE SHALL BE ENTITLED TO A HEARING BEFORE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. If the board dismisses the member from membership, all BSDRT property must be returned.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS & BOARD of DIRECTORS
SECTION 1.
A. No person shall be elected to an office in BSDRT unless he/she is a member in good standing.
B. The officers of BSDRT shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary & Treasurer. In order to be elected to the presidency of BSDRT, the member must have been a member in good standing for minimum of one (1) year.
C. The officers and the board of directors shall be elected by majority vote of the members in good standing present at the annual meeting. No proxy or absentee ballots are allowed.
D. The board of directors shall consist of seven (7) voting members. One (1) shall be the Vice-President of BSDRT one (1) shall be the Treasurer of BSDRT and one (1) shall be the Secretary of the BSDRT. The remaining members will be elected by the membership by majority vote at the annual meeting.
SECTION 2. TERMS OF OFFICE
A. Board of directors: Two (2) members shall be elected for a one (1) year term. Two (2) members shall be elected for a two (2) year term. Two (2) year board member terms will be offset to provide continuity of operations. With one position being elected in odd numbered years, the other will be elected in even numbered years.
B. Officers: All officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer) will be elected for a term of one (1) year.
C. All terms of office shall run from January thru December of a calendar year.
D. Vacancies: in the event of any vacancy occurring in an office, the board of directors shall appoint a member in good standing to fill that position for the remainder of the unexpired term.
SECTION 3. VOTING
A. All voting by the membership or the board of directors shall require a majority vote for approval or disapproval of a motion/nomination.
B. The presiding officer may not vote except when there is a tie vote. Then he/she must vote to break that tie.
C. Voting in elections will be conducted via ballot. All other voting will be conducted via voice vote or a show of hands.
ARTICLE V
DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The board of directors is authorized to formulate the policies of the BSDRT, to provide direction for its officers, to recommend changes to the bylaws and carry out their duties as set forth in these bylaws.
SECTION 2. OFFICERS
A. President: Shall preside at all meetings of BSDRT and carry on those responsibilities assigned to him/her by the bylaws.
B. Vice-President: Shall, during the absence or temporary incapacity of the President, perform the duties and have the same power as the President.
C. Secretary: Shall keep all of BSDRT records, including minutes of all meetings, a roster of members, list of all committees, send out any required notice of meetings, receive applications for membership and discharge all the usual secretarial functions of the office.
D. Treasurer: Shall keep the accounts of BSDRT in a bank approved by the board, disburse the funds of BSDRT as directed by the board in a timely manner, receive all monies from fundraisers, donations, reimbursements etc., shall submit a Treasurer’s report at the general meetings and shall prepare any necessary forms to send to state for reimbursement of expenses. The Treasurer shall also prepare, and file, a 990 or 990 EZ annually as required by the IRS.
ARTICLE VI
DUES
SECTION 1.
A. Dues of BSDRT shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00) for each member. Dues shall be payable on the 1st of January each year. Any member who has not paid their dues by the 31st of January each year shall have their “good standing” status revoked until dues are received.
B. Dues may be waived with approval from the board of directors
C. Dues will be assessed for membership in the Idaho State Search and Rescue Association (ISSAR). ISSAR dues are currently five dollars ($5.00) which comes out of dues paid to the BSDRT.
D. Dues may be assessed on a voluntary basis for membership in national associations.
E. BSDRT is hereby authorized to receive monies from other sources and own property.
F. Dues collected by BSDRT shall be used as a the board directs.
ARTICLE VII
MEETINGS
SECTION 1.
A. The general business meetings will be held on the second Thursday of each month as 6:30pm at the Boundary County Waterways Building located at 6821 Riverside St, Bonner’s Ferry, Idaho 83805. If a date change is required, membership will be notified seven (7) days in advance.
B. The annual meeting of BSDRT held in December shall be for the purpose of electing officers and board members for the coming year.
C. Notice of any special meeting of BSDRT shall be given to the membership at least seven (7) days prior to said meeting.
D. Board meeting shall be held on the last Tuesday of every month.
ARTICLE VIII
TRAINING
SECTION 1. TRAINING COORDINATOR
A. The Training Coordinator shall be appointed by the board of directors in December of each year and shall serve for term of one (1) year. The Training Coordinator shall schedule all required training classes as set forth in ARTCLE III Section 4 and 5, as well as other training that will better our knowledge and bring forth a quality search team. Instructors or teachers of these training sessions must be qualified and/or certified in the appropriate teaching skills in accordance with the laws of the State of Idaho. All training must be pre-approved by the board of directors.
B. All specialty team leaders are responsible for on-going training pertaining to their specific specialty team and will work in conjunction with the Training Coordinator to ensure that all required and necessary training needs are being met.
C. Records of all training provided and/or attended shall be maintained by the Training Coordinator. These records shall be retained for a period of seven (7) years.
D. All members of BSDRT are required to attend a minimum of twenty (20) hours of training per year, not including specialty team training, and a minimum of one (1) mock search to maintain a member in good standing status.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. QUORUM
A quorum shall consist of three (3) members of the board of directors for the a board meeting. One member must be the president or his/her designee.
SECTION 2. AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
The bylaws may be amended only by the following procedure: Suggestions or recommendations or additions shall be submitted to the board of directors for consideration and recommendation to the membership for action. An amendment to the bylaws may by done by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote at any general meeting.
SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS
A. Member in good standing – A member whose dues are paid, who has completed probation and has been accepted into the general membership and who has met the 50% attendance requirement.
B. Probationary Member – A member who has not been accepted into the membership as a member in good standing.
C. Associate Member – An individual who may be called upon to act as a member of the BSDRT because of a service, special skill set, and/or possess a recognized professional credentialing.
D. Meeting – All general, special and annual meetings of the BSDRT.
E. Supplies – Materials owned by BSDRT including decals, I.D., patches, caps and other items excluding equipment essential to the operation of the BSDRT.
SECTION 4. RULES OF ORDER
“Robert’s Rules of Order” newly revised shall be the guide to conducting the business of BSDRT where the bylaws are silent on the question.
SECTION 5. PERSONAL GAIN
No officer or member of BSDRT shall use BSDRT as a means of furthering any personal, political, or other aspirations, nor shall BSDRT take part in any movement not in keeping with the mission statement and core values.
SECTION 6. ACTIVITIES
All activities of BSDRT shall be conducted within the limits of the laws of Boundary County, State of Idaho and the United States of America unless requested by another agency and approved by BCSO. BSDRT and its members shall conduct themselves in accordance with the mission statement and core values.
SECTION 7. REIMBURSEMENT
A. A reimbursement request must be approved by the board prior to incurring the reimbursable expense.
B. Receipts must be presented for reimbursement.
C. For an expense to be considered reimbursable a member must demonstrate how the required funds will be use to benefit the organization.
D. Fuel reimbursement for missions does not require pre-authorization.
E. In a situation requiring rapid action, the president of BSDRT, or his/her designee, can approve a one-time reimbursement of up to one hundred ($100.00) dollars without board approval.
SECTION 8. PERSONAL EQUIPMENT USAGE
Personal equipment used for training or missions will not be covered by BSDRT. Fuel may be reimbursed if the expense qualifies and approved by the board, but wear and tear, breakdown or damage is NOT covered by BSDRT. All personal equipment is used at the owner’s risk.
ARTICLE X
DISSOLUTION
SECTION 1.
In the event of dissolution, the net assets of the BSDRT, being property, equipment, and monies shall be donated to whomever is deemed by the membership at its last meeting. No funds shall be disbursed to the benefit of any of this BSDRT’s members.
SUBMITTED TO MEMBERSHIP: November 9, 2023
APPROVED BY THE MEMBERSHIP: December, 14 2023
Officers:
President: Mario Anest, Vice-President: Ron Klein, Secretary: Missy Nelson
Treasurer: Tom Kichenmaster, Director: Pat Bennett, Director: Brandon Shaver
Director: Nathan Gomez, Director: Ava Wion