Carroll County Democratic Central Committee Meeting Minutes August 15th, 2013 Committee members in attendance Jackie Jones, Frank Rammes, Jim Gregory, Corynne Courpas, Don West, Neil Ridgely, Dorothy Scanlan, and Jackie Schrenker-Case. Other attendees Bob Fenity (MDP), Maria Warburton, and Paula Monroe-Davidson Meeting was held in the Large Meeting Room of the Westminster Branch of the CCPL and was called to order by Jackie Jones, Chair, at 7:03pm and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Chair's Report Bill Tilghman, Democratic candidate for the 1st Congressional District, would like to speak with members of the CCDCC. Frank R. suggested that he and other candidates be invited to our CCDCC Breakfast on October 26th. Special Presentation Bob Fenity (rfenity@mddems.org), new Executive Director for the Maryland Democratic Party, addressed the group. He updated us about activities with the State Party, including keeping volunteers engaged, improving communications, availability of training and the Maryland Democratic Party Rapid Response program. He urged us to have at least one member registered with this group. Secretary's Report July's minutes were sent to CCDCC members via e-mail. A motion to approve minutes was made by Corynne C., 2nd by Frank R.., vote unanimous. Treasurer's Report Treasurer's report was sent out via e-mail to the members and showed a current balance of $10,005.44. Motion to approve report by Frank R., 2nd by Dorothy S., vote unanimous. Club Reports South Carroll Democratic Club is selling car magnets as a fundraiser, and their first meeting for the Fall will be Wednesday, September 4th at 7 pm in the Eldersburg area Senior and Community Center. Mary Ellis also asked that any information suitable for publication in the Bulletin should be forwarded to her (maryellis1945@gmail.com). Committee Reports Neil R. gave his Local Politics report, including the Lynn Mallick affair, ongoing Ethics Amendment discussions, the Educational Surplus, Happy Face time in Open Session, possible elimination of Impact Fees through 2016, 'secret' meeting at the Farm Museum, more electronic Billboards, Rothschild says HUD is coming to Carroll County, changes at the Farm Museum, adoption of the Finksburg 'Plan', additional protection for lawn service businesses, more Commissioner candidates, additional money to the Cranky Counties' Fund and the $400,000 Carroll County Educational Opportunity Fund. There were no Events, Fundraising, Election Committee, Grassroots/Outreach, or Communications reports. Old Business There was a brief discussion about Fallfest, scheduled for September 28th and 29th. Our registration fee has been paid and spot reserved. Corynne C. suggested we register on-line in January of each year, rather than waiting until the last minute. Frank R. suggested raffling off tickets to the Breakfast at the event in exchange for contact information. Dorothy S. will send a letter to Mary Ellis, thanking her for her service to the CCDCC. There was a discussion about an amendment to the By-Laws about nominating members from out of district. Don W. made a motion that we accept the changes written by Anita R. and Greg P., Corynne C. 2nd, vote unanimous. There was also a discussion about when a CCDCC member can be removed for failure to attend meetings. Our By-Laws state Òmore than three consecutive meetingsÓ, so no action is indicated at this time. There was mention that perhaps that is too long a period to wait before counseling and removal. There was much discussion about the upcoming CCDCC cook-out with Congressman Van Hollen at Neil's home. We agreed to set a budget of $500 for food and beverage for the event. Don W. unveiled the gift for the Congressman made by his wife Cindy M. that will be presented that evening. New Business Jackie J. intends for us to put together a pamphlet to hand out at the Fallfest. Dorothy S. said that she would try to pull it together. The CCDCC added two new members, Maria Warburton and Paula Monroe-Davidson. Welcome to the Central Committee! Announcements The next regular meeting for the CCDCC will be Thursday, September 19th, 2013, starting at 7 pm, in the Large Meeting Room of the Westminster Branch of the CCPL. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm. Respectfully submitted, Don West, Recording Secretary CCDCC CONSTITUTION OF THE CARROLL COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE ARTICLE I - Authority and Purpose The Carroll County Democratic Central Committee is constituted as the governing body of the Democratic Party in Carroll County, MD under the authority of the Democratic State Central Committee of Maryland and shall exercise all the powers, rights and privileges granted it under the Constitution of Maryland, the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Constitution of the United States and the By-Laws of the Maryland Democratic Party. The Carroll County Democratic Central Committee (herein known as the ÒCommitteeÓ) shall promote the election of nominees of the Democratic Party of Maryland. The Committee shall conduct the business, organize the activities and foster the growth of the Democratic Party in Carroll County, MD. ARTICLE II - Membership of the Committee The Committee shall consist of fourteen (14) members elected by the Democratic voters of Carroll County in the party's gubernatorial primary. Ten (10) shall be elected from five (5) districts commensurate with the current commissioner districts - one (1) man and one (1) woman from each district. The selected county-wide members shall consist of four (4) members - two (2) men and two (2) women. Persons running for a district position must be a registered Democrat living within that district. Members shall serve a four (4) year term and/or until their successors qualify. County-wide vacancies shall be selected by all remaining Committee members after a fair and thorough process, to be determined by the Committee at the beginning of its term. District vacancies shall be filled by nomination of the remaining member of the district with approval of a majority of the Committee. If no successor is proposed within two (2) months, or both seats within the district are open, then any Committee member may move to fill the vacancy with any individual who is a registered Democrat residing anywhere within the County. It shall be the duty of members to diligently attend meetings of the Committee and of the Democratic State Central Committee. Any member who misses more than three (3) consecutive meetings shall be counseled by the Chairperson and could be asked to resign. If the Recording Secretary determines that any Committee member has failed to meet the Committee's attendance rule, the Recording Secretary shall immediately report it to the Chairperson. The member may appeal the Chair's decision and appeal that decision to the Committee as a whole. Removal of a member of the Committee must be approved by a majority vote of the Committee. Further appeal may be submitted to the Maryland State Democratic Party. Upon motion by any member at any meeting of the Committee, and approval by a majority of members present and voting, a petition to remove a member for any cause specified in Article III, Section 6 of the Maryland Democratic Party By-Laws will be sent to the Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party. 6. A member who ceases to reside in Carroll County or in the district from which the member has been elected or appointed, may not continue to serve on the Committee; such member shall be considered to have resigned. ARTICLE III - Responsibilities It shall be the duty and responsibility of each member of the Committee to promote the interest of the National Democratic Party (the 'National Party'), the Maryland Democratic Party (the 'State Party'), and the Carroll County Democratic Party. The Committee shall represent the State Party within the County and perform such functions as required by the laws of the State of Maryland, the Charter and By-Laws of the National Party and the Constitution and By-Laws of the State Party. The Committee shall promote the interest of the Democratic Party and its candidates over those of the opposing political parties and candidates. The Committee shall: . Present names of candidates as required by law to the Governor for appointment . Make recommendations and present names regarding various political appointments as required by law, in writing, to the Governor, Federal Officials and local officials. . Raise funds for the local Democratic Party and State Party . Cooperate with the State Party in all matters relating to the Democratic Party of Maryland . Be responsible for promoting election campaigns and all facets thereof in cooperation with the Democratic Party candidates . Support all candidates in a Democratic primary without endorsing any one or group of candidates . Support all Democratic candidates in a general election The Committee shall keep a current copy of its By-Laws on file with the State Party and elsewhere required by law. ARTICLE IV - Meetings The outgoing Committee shall schedule the first meeting of the newly elected committee for no later than twenty (20) days following the Gubernatorial primary. This meeting shall be chaired by the outgoing Chairperson, if said Chairperson is still on the Committee. If the previous Chairperson was not elected to a new term, the top vote getter amongst all candidates who ran for the Committee shall chair the first meeting. The first order of business shall be the election of officers for the coming year. Arrangements shall be made to transfer records if a new Treasurer and/or Recording Secretary are elected. The Committee may request an audit of the Committee's financial records at this time. The Committee shall hold at least nine (9) regular meetings in every full calendar year. The time and place shall be determined by the Chairperson, unless otherwise agreed to by the Committee. The meeting shall be held as centrally located as possible. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson, or by any three (3) members. Special meetings may NOT be called for the purpose of electing officers of the Committee. The general authority for the rules of procedure of the Committee shall be those contained in the latest edition of Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised, except when they shall be in conflict with the Constitution of the United States or laws of Maryland, the Constitution or By-Laws of the Maryland Democratic Party or the Constitution, By-Laws or Rules of the Carroll County Democratic Central Committee. The number of members required for a quorum for the conduct of business will be fifty percent (50%) of the whole number of current members of the Committee. ARTICLE V - Officers / Nominations of Officers Nominations of Officers There shall be elected from the membership of the Committee: Chair, Vice Chair, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer. These officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the Committee to a term of two (2) years or until their successor qualify. A vacancy in any office shall be filled within two (2) months after the beginning a new term. In August of the second year in office, the Chairperson shall appoint a Nominating Committee. It shall consist of no less than two (2) general committee members. At the September meeting of the second year, the Nominating Committee will present the names of those who have agreed to run for office. Nominations may be made from the floor. At the October meeting of the second year, voting will take place by secret ballot. At the November meeting of the same year, Officers will be installed for a new term of two (2) years. Duties of Officers Chair: The Chair shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Committee and shall generally supervise its activities. The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Committee and shall exercise the customary powers and duties of that position. The Chair shall have the authority to create and appoint special ad hoc committees and perform such other duties as may be required by law or as may be directed by the Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party or Central Committee. Vice Chair: Shall serve as the 'acting' Chair if the Chair is unable to do so or during the absence or disability of the Chair. In the event of a vacancy, the Vice Chair will serve as the Chair until a successor is elected and qualifies. The Vice Chair shall have such other duties as may be assigned by the Chair or the Committee. Recording Secretary: The Recording Secretary shall be responsible for recording and preserving the Minutes of the meetings of the Committee. The Recording Secretary shall have custody of all books, papers, records and other official documents of the Committee. The Recording Secretary shall maintain current copies of the Committee's Constitution and membership list and supply the same to the Maryland Democratic Party and Maryland State officials as necessary. Corresponding Secretary: Shall send out meeting announcements, shall generate all communications that go 'outside' the group and shall keep a list of information on all volunteers. Treasurer: Shall keep accounts of all monies received or raised by the Committee and shall deposit those monies and other valuables in the name of the Committee in such depositories and banks within Carroll County as the Committee shall designate. The Treasurer shall not expend or disburse any money, valuables or things, or incur any liability whatsoever, except with the authority and direction of the Committee or with its prior approval in a budget. The Treasurer shall prepare and present financial reports for the regular meeting of the Committee. The Treasurer may be bonded in such amounts as may be determined by the Committee; the cost to be paid by the Committee. ARTICLE VI - Code of Ethics Members of the Committee shall be subject to the same substantive rules of ethical guidance as State public officials to assure that they shall, at all times, conduct themselves in a manner that reflects creditably upon the office that they serve; shall not use their office to gain special privileges and benefits; and shall refrain from action in their official capacities when their independence of judgment would be adversely affected by personal interests. ARTICLE VII - Amendments Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by any member of the Committee by distributing written copies to all members at any regular meeting of the Committee. It may be amended by the favorable vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Committee at the next regular meeting after the amendment is proposed. These By-Laws shall become effective immediately following their adoption by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) majority present and voting. If approved, this document shall be filed with the Maryland State Democratic Party within ten (10) days after adoption. ADOPTED: ____________________________2013 Chair: ____________________________________ Vice Chair: ________________________________ Recording Secretary: ________________________________