Structure and Bylaws
Committee Report
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS:
The tireless devotion to the referrals the committee was tasked with this year has enabled us to set an historic precedent and left me, as the outgoing chair, awestruck. I can’t begin to express my appreciation to this outstanding group of individuals.
Our committee consists of the following members: Mark Pettit, Steve Edwards, Danny Lopez, Trevor Scheible, Katherine Holland, Howard Johnson, Erin McDonald, John Cook, Patrice Fitzpatrick, Scott Botz, Jay Blasingame, Freeman Houston, Charles Nelson, Bobbie Harmon, Beth Reinhardt, Bryan Seid, Bob Lemon, Bob Campbell and Jenn Scheible. Our new officers are as follows: Chair, Bryan Seid; Vice Chair, Steve Edwards; Co-secretaries, Beth Reinhardt and Bobbie Harmon.
REFERRALS THAT RESULTED IN MOTION:
- Referral 3156: On page 3.6 of the WSM SR #10 add at the end of the Standing Rule a new sentence. “Unless otherwise noted on motions, they will become effective at the end of the WSC in which they are passed.
Motion: Change SR 10 as follows:
All Main Motions will be submitted in writing to the Conference Chairperson and will include a proposed effective date. become effective at the end of the WSC, unless otherwise specified.
** To be effective immediately.
Second
Motion passes with substantial unanimity
- Referral # 3635: Add to manual: Summary of Motions delivered to Delegates by February 1 (150 days after the Conference ends, 60 days after delivery of transcripts.) If not delivered, WSO create a summary of motions and deliver to Delegates.
Page 4 of 15
Motion: Strike existing Standing Rule 16 on page 3.7 and replace with the following:
The WSO will oversee the preparation of the transcripts of conference session for delivery to the Conference Committee no later than 90 days following the Conference. The Conference Committee is to prepare and deliver the minutes of the WSC to the WSO for distribution to the Delegates no later than 150 days after the close of the Conference. If the Conference Committee is unable to do so, the WSO will immediately assume responsibility for preparing and distributing the minutes in the most expeditious manner possible.
Second
Teri Knight- Point of information– By stating in the beginning of the motion implies that the office itself would be doing the transcripts
Steve Edwards- The intent of the motion is the office is responsible for the transcripts.
Teri Knight – Friendly amendment
That the world service office oversee the
Accepted
Motion: Strike existing Standing Rule 16 on page 3.7 and replace with the following:
The WSO Oversee the preparation of the transcripts of conference session for delivery to the Conference Committee no later than 90 days following the Conference. The Conference Committee is to prepare and deliver the minutes of the WSC to the WSO for distribution to the Delegates no later than 150 days after the close of the Conference. If the Conference Committee is unable to do so, the WSO will immediately assume responsibility for preparing and distributing the minutes in the most expeditious manner possible.
Motion Carries unanimously
Page 5 of 15
- Referral 3509, 3661 & 3662: Strike the first sentence of Standing Rule 5c on page 3.6 of the WSM. The point of the rule is to allow tiny areas a voice, not to maximize votes for Areas not sending a full delegation.
Motion: To strike the first sentence of Standing Rule 5c, “A delegate may proxy one vote to another Conference Delegate representing the same Region.”
Second
Discussion
Cynthia Cronkhite- Point of information
About the effective date? When would this motion be effective?
Chair- The motion previous was effective immediately
Greg Barron- Speak against the motion
Billy Humphries– Motion to table
Second
Kevin Murphy –Point of order –
Can you table motion before anyone has spoke in favor?
Billy Humphries- Parliamentary Inquiry – –
Can I withdraw the motion to table?
Motion to withdraw the main motion
Objection
Motion Denied
Tammy McGahee- I speak against the motion
Tammy McGahee-Parliamentary inquiry
Does SR 14 Apply to this Motion
Chair – No
Challenge the Chair-
Second
Vice Chair- Reviews the rules for Challenge the Chair- Yes vote means you agree with Chair
No Vote means – Disagree
Tammy McGahee- Speak in favor of the Challenge
Scott Botz- Point of order –
I don’t believe the chair made a ruling – He made an opinion and therefore it is not a challenge
Chair- I did make a ruling.
Kevin Murphy – I speak against the challenge
Page 6 of 15
John Whittaker- Point of information .
What is the voting procedure on this motion?
Vice Chair – Simple majority
Candy Hall- Speak against the challenge
Brian Bell- Speak against the challenge
Freeman Houston- Speak against the challenge
Evan Anderson– Motion to call the question
Second
Motion passes
Shall the decision of the Chair stand?
Motion to sustain the Chairs decision Passes.
Alan Seagull – I speak against the motion
Brian Bell- I speak in favor of the motion
Kevin Murphy- Speak in favor of the motion
Scott Linard- Motion to table Motion: To strike the first sentence of Standing Rule 5c, “A delegate may proxy one vote to another Conference Delegate representing the same Region.”
Second
Motion passes 70-56
- Referral # 3164: That there be a minimum number of meetings, per week before a petition to become an area be considered. Suggested number of meetings – 25/week, counting H & I separately. Also, change the petition to become an area to include “letters of support” from neighboring areas and areas being affected by the potential new area.
Motion: Add a sentence to the second paragraph of page 2.6 of the WSM to read as follows:
As new Areas are created or if an established area changes its boundary definition, a “Petition to become an Area” form must be submitted, and the creation or change must be recognized by the WSC. Any group or District seeking to change Areas must complete a “Petition for a District of Group to Change Areas” form, and the change must be recognized by the WSC. It is suggested that a copy of the Area/District minutes
Page 7 of 15
showing separation has been addressed, be attached to any petition when possible.
Second
Discussion
Jackie Schickler- I speak against the motion
Greg Barron- Speak against the motion
Heidi Jonathan- Speak against the motion
John Bodkin- Speak against the motion
Teri Knight- Speak against the motion
Billy Humphries- Speak against the motion
Chair- is there any one in favor of the motion?
Billy Humphries-
Point of information
I want to know what separation has been addressed means?
Bryan Seid- Separation means a group or group of people want to form a new area and are separating from the current Area’s
Tony Drake – Speaks in favor
Steve Edwards- Speaks in favor
Freeman Houston- Speaks in favor
Barry Hanes- Speaks against the motion
Candy Hall- Speak in favor of the motion
Melvin Bureda- Speak against the motion
Bryan Seid- Speak in favor of the motion
Wilbert LaFleur– Speak against the motion
Aaron Jacobsen- Speak in favor
Page 8 of 15
Hal Kelly – Speak against the motion
Evan Anderson- Speak in favor
Leon Mason- Motion to Call the question
Second
Motion passes with minor opposition
Motion: Add a sentence to the second paragraph of page 2.6 of the WSM to read as follows:
As new Areas are created or if an established area changes its boundary definition, a “Petition to become an Area” form must be submitted, and the creation or change must be recognized by the WSC. Any group or District seeking to change Areas must complete a “Petition for a District of Group to Change Areas” form, and the change must be recognized by the WSC. It is suggested that a copy of the Area/District minutes showing separation has been addressed, be attached to any petition when possible.
Second
Motion Passes with some opposition
- Referral #2807: To change the wording of the description and /or duties of the regional assembly. Please strike the word “only” in the sentence “Voting agenda should include only the selection of the trustee candidates pursuant to the procedures outlined herein and proposed locations for future regional assemblies. Add to the line “and other issues such as Regional Conventions and insurance.”
Motion: Amend WSM page 2.14, 5th line of the Regional Service Assembly description as follows:
The voting agenda should include only the selection of trustee candidates pursuant to the procedures outlined herein, and proposed locations for future regional assemblies, and may include other issues or business pertinent to the region.
Leon Mason-speaks against the motion
Page 9 of 15
Greg Barron-speaks in favor of the motion
Jennifer Jacques-speaks for the motion.
Friendly amendment-to strike of interest and replace that with or business pertinent –
Second
Accepted
Brian Bell- speaks for the motion
Scott Botz- In favor of the motion
Shane Mertz- Speaks in favor
Teri Knight- Speaks against the motion as amended
Charles Nelson- Speak in favor as amended
Carl Warlick- Speaks against the motion
Elizabeth Saldebar-Speak in favor
David Booth- Speaks in favor
Bryan Seid- Speak in favor
Rick Delgado- Speak against the motion
John Bodkin- Speak against the motion
Sean Dugan- Speak in favor of the motion
Cynthia Cronkhite – I speak against the motion
Mark Keaser – Call the vote
Second
Motion passes with substantial unanimity
Motion: Amend WSM page 2.14, 5th line of the Regional Service Assembly description as follows:
Page 10 of 15
The voting agenda should include only the selection of trustee candidates pursuant to the procedures outlined herein, and proposed locations for future regional assemblies, and may include other issues or business pertinent to the region.
Brian Bell – Parliamentary Inquiry –
Does it require a 2/3 rds vote
Chair – No
Main Motion Fails 66-35
- Referral #2244, 2609, 2710, 2711, 2907: Trustee Nominee Selection and Process, page 4.3 of the WSM.
Motion 1: Change Vacancy, Replacement and Term on page 4.3 of the WSM as follows: All Trustee positions, except that of the World Service Office Trustee, shall be selected during the regular Trustee elections at the next WS Conference, using the existing Approved Slate approved at that Conference. The term of such Trustee positions shall commence immediately following the close of the WSC at which that position is filled, and shall end at the close of the fourth successive WSC. The WSO Trustee term shall end at the close of the 2nd successive WSC. No Regional Trustee, Trustee at Large, Non-Addict Trustee, or World Service Trustee shall serve 2 consecutive terms. The WSO Trustee may serve two consecutive two-year terms.
In the event of a vacancy in any Trustee position, except that of the WSO Trustee, with one or more years remaining in the terms of office, the position shall be filled by the prescribed process:
- Should the remaining terms be one year, the individual elected to fill the position shall be included in the slate for the next regular term. With the exception already noted, no Trustee shall serve two (2) consecutive terms.
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B. In the event the remaining term is two years or more, the individual elected to fill the potion will be ineligible for election for the next regular term.
In the event of a Trustee vacancy for any reason, an individual elected to fill the position shall fulfill a full trustee term. In the interim following a vacancy and prior to a new election, any vacant Trustee position(s) may be filled by any existing Trustee as selected by the WSBT.
With the exception already noted no trustee shall serve two consecutive terms.
** Effective Immediately
Second
Motion Passed
Motion 2: Change Regional Slate on page 4.3 of the WSM to read:
The Regional Slate of Trustee candidates shall be those candidates selected at the Regional Assembly but not yet submitted to WSC for ratification. If a Region has followed the Regional Election process, selected the minimum number of candidates, and at the time of the Conference does not have a minimum slate, then the Delegates at the Conference from the Region can select sufficient candidates to satisfy the minimum slate. and has not submitted any slate, or if no candidates on the submitted slate are selected by the TEC, then no Trustee shall be chosen from that Region that year, and the WSBT will assign an existing Trustee to fulfill the duties of that position until the next Conference, when this process begins again. The Approved Slate of candidates expires when the WSC adjourns.
*Insert Friendly amendment ( Select ) Changes to Asigns a existing
Friendly amendment accepted
Motion Passes with Substantial Unanimity
Motion 3: Change Conference Approved Slate as follows:
The candidates nominated from each Region shall be submitted to the WSC for ratification by two-thirds vote of the WSC. All Regional candidates who complete the WSC ratification process successfully shall then be considered the Conference Approved Slate of Trustee candidates. until the opening of the next World Service Conference.
Page 12 of 15
Except in the case of an unexpected vacancy, upon the opening of the next WSC, the previous Conference Approved Slate expires. This approved slate expires when the WSC adjourns.
The various Trustee Slates shall be submitted to the Conference for ratification as one of the first substantive orders of business. Each Regional Slate, Non-Addict Trustee Slate, and WSO Trustee Slate shall be presented for approval by a single vote of the Conference. The ratification of the Regional Slate also constitutes the ratification of the Trustee-at-Large designees and the WS Trustee from the Pacific South Region. If there is an objection to the slate or any individual on the slate then each individual on the slate will be considered separately.
Second
Motion Passes with substantial unanimity
- Referral #2284 & 2984: To define the reorganization process of WSBT by the conference.
Motion: On page 6.1 of the WSM, Item 4, Paragraph 3, add:
The term “reorganization” shall mean the removal of one or more Trustees and/or Directors.
Page 6.1, Item 4, Paragraph 4, delete existing sentence and change as follows:
Under such a proceeding, the WSC may:
a) Request resignations of WSBT and/or WSOB members; or
b) Remove members of WSBT and/or WSOB.
Friendly amendment – By Cynthia Cronkhite
Accepted
- Nominate new Trustees and or WSOB members
- Make all the necessary arrangements and legal prerogatives of the WSBT
Motion Passes with 2/3 rd majority
- Referral #2290 & 2660: Changes to Regional Assembly Voting Procedures.
Motion: Amend page 2.16 of the WSM as follows:
Page 13 of 15
- Each The Pacific South Region shall annually select up to not less than four and not less than two candidates to fill Trustee positions as needed. The remaining five regions shall annually elect not less than two candidates to the Trustee Election Committee. These candidates need not be present in order to be nominated or selected.
- The slate of qualified candidates submitted shall be considered by the voting members of the Assembly. To be selected, a candidate must receive a 2/3 vote of the Regional Assembly.
Delete existing subsections A, B, and C and replace with the following:
- If no candidates receive a 2/3 affirmative vote, then no trustee candidates shall be chosen from that Region for that year, and one of the Trustees-At- Large positions will fill in for that position until the next WSC.
- The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes, over 2/3rds, shall be designated as that Region’s candidates for Trustee-At-Large.
BALLOTING PROCEDURES FOR TRUSTEE CANDIDATE SELECTION:
- All voting members of the Regional Assembly shall list all candidates, in alphabetical order according to first name.
- All voting members of the Regional Assembly shall vote for up to four candidates, by placing a Yes or No next to the candidates’ names.
- All papers are handed into the chairperson, who will tally the votes.
- The four nominees who receive the highest number of votes over 2/3 of the votes will be considered the candidates. If no one receives over 2/3 of the votes, anyone with less than 1/5 of the votes is removed from the balloting procedure. The assembly then proceeds to subsequent ballots until up to four nominees have received 2/3 of the votes. On the second ballot, each voting member shall vote for up to three candidates. On the third ballot, each voting member shall vote for up to two candidates. On the fourth and fifth ballot, each voting member shall vote for one candidate.
- Any candidates who are tied with over 2/3 of the votes will go to a second or subsequent ballot.
- If no nominees have received 2/3 of the votes by the fifth ballot, the region has failed to select a slate.
[Housekeeping notes – this amendment also changes the first two sentences and the last sentence of the first paragraph of
Page 14 of 15
page 2.15 of the WSM and page 4.5 of the WSM paragraph 2 and TAL provisions
Insert # Friendly amendment- The Pacific South Regions shall annually select up to 6 and not less than 4 candidates to fill the trustee positions as needed. All other regions shall annually select up to 4 and not less than 2 to fill trustee positions. These candidates need not be present in order to be nominated or selected.
Bob Lemon- Speak in favor of the motion.
Heidi Johnathan- Call the vote
Second
Motion passes
Parliamentary Inquiry- Is a motion to refer in order
Chair- Motion to refer is out of order
Vote on the Main Motion
Parliamentary Inquiry –
Jahi Bosada- If the content of the motion changes or contradicts itself , would that make the motion invalid.?
Chair – It is conceivable that would be, however it may be possible to amend the motion later Or later in
Parliamentary Inquiry – Jackie Shickler
Does this now fall under SR 14
Chair – No the bulk of this has been in the hands of the fellowship for a year
Page 15 of 15
Vote On the Main Motion –
The Motion fails 66-40
Kevin Murphy – Motion to suspend the rules in order to end tonights Session Now
Motion Passes with noted opposition
Kevin Murphy – Motion to Adjourn
Session Ended for the Eve.