Welcome! to the Water Quality Lab Analyst Section Website. The WQLAS is dedicated to the advancement of skills and knowledge pertinent to the arts and sciences of water quality laboratory analysis. By facilitating the flow of information, we hope to raise the standard and continuity of the water quality industry. In the following pages you will find information about the WQLAS and how to join, expert laboratory related information and advice, as well as training and employment opportunities. The Awards and Gallery pages are designed to recognize and highlight the accomplishments of individuals and laboratories throughout the region. WQLAS Constitution By-laws Name
The name of this organization shall be: The Water Quality Laboratory Analysts Section of the Western Oregon Region of the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association. ARTICLE II
Purpose The objectives of this organization shall be the advancement of skills and knowledge pertinent to the arts and sciences of water quality laboratory analysis, the assurance of reliable, credible water quality laboratory data, and the enhancement of water quality technology through application of laboratory arts and sciences. ARTICLE III
Geographic Scope The geographical boundaries of this organization shall be those of the Western Oregon Region of PNCWA and shall be made to conform to any subsequent changes in those boundaries within the State of Oregon. ARTICLE IV
Membership Section 1. Any person actively engaged in water quality laboratory analysis within the geographical boundaries set forth in ARTICLE III shall be eligible for membership. Section 2. Associate membership may be extended to persons engaged in activities pertinent to water quality laboratory analysis. Associate membership shall not necessarily be limited to the geographical boundaries set forth in ARTICLE III. ARTICLE V
Officers The officers of this organization shall be President, Vice-President, Executive Secretary, Treasurer, and two (2) Directors. The officers shall comprise the Board of Directors of the organization. ARTICLE VI
Rules of Order Roberts Rules of Order, Revised shall govern this organization in all cases where applicable, provided there is no conflict with the by-laws or Special Rules of Order of the organization. ARTICLE VII
Amendments Section 1. Amendments to the Constitution may be effected by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members voting at or before the regular meeting following the regular meeting at which the proposed amendment was introduced in writing, provided that all members are notified two (2) weeks in advance of such amending action. The Board of Directors shall provide a mechanism for notification of members and absentee voting. Section 2. Amendments to the Constitution shall be subject to approval by (the appropriate official of) PNPCA. Membership
Section 1. Membership shall be individual, not in the name of a government, company, or firm. Section 2. Application for membership shall be made to the Board of Directors through the Executive Secretary. A favorable majority vote by the Board of Directors shall effect acceptance of the applicant as a member upon payment of current dues. Section 3. Any member whose dues are in arrears six (6) months shall be excluded from membership, provided that any member so excluded may be reinstated by the Board of Directors upon payment of current dues. Section 4. Associate membership may be extended to persons not actively engaged in water quality laboratory analysis within the geographical boundaries set forth in ARTICLE III of the Constitution but who are engaged in pertinent activities. Associate members shall not be eligible to hold office nor eligible to vote on amendments to the Constitution or by-laws. ARTICLE II
Dues Section 1. Annual dues shall be five ($5) dollars payable upon January 1 of the current year. Section 2. Payment of dues shall entitle members to all rights and benefits which may accrue from membership. Section 3. Payment of dues shall entitle associate members to all privileges not specifically excluded by the Constitution and By-Laws. Section 4. The Board of Directors shall provide a mechanism for special assessments as the need arises. ARTICLE III
Election of Officers Section 1. Officers of the organization shall be elected from the membership. Section 2. Officers shall be members of PNPCA or shall make application for PNPCA membership within thirty (30) calendar days of election. Section 3. The President, Vice-President, Executive Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected to serve one (1) year terms. The Directors shall be elected to serve two year terms except that at the first Annual Election Meeting one (1) Directorship shall be designated by the presiding officer as a one year term such that the Directorships shall expire in alternate years. Section 4. A nominating committee appointed by the President shall meet at least two (2) months prior to the Annual Election Meeting to select at least one candidate for each office to be filled. Section 5. The President, Vice-President, Executive Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected at the Annual Election Meeting and shall serve through the next Annual Election Meeting. One Director shall be elected at each Annual Election Meeting and shall serve through the second subsequent Annual Election Meeting. Section 6. A quorum for election of officers shall consist of a simple majority of the members voting at or before the Annual Election Meeting. The Board of Directors shall provide a mechanism for notification of members and absentee voting. Section 7. Officers may be removed for cause by a three-fourths (3/4) majority of members voting at or before any regular meeting. The Board of Directors shall provide a mechanism for notification of members and absentee voting on such recall action. Section 8. Vacancies, except in the Presidency, shall be filled by the Board of Directors. Appointees shall serve until the term of the office expires. ARTICLE IV
Duties of Officers Section 1. The President shall exercise general supervision of the affairs of the organization subject to the direction of the Board of Directors. The President shall preside at all meetings of the organization and of the Board of Directors. The President shall appoint all committee members and shall sit as a member, ex officio, of all committees. The President shall perform all other duties prudently construed as those of a president. Section 2. The Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President in the President’s absence and shall succeed the President in case of vacancy in that office, to serve until the next Annual Election Meeting. Section 3. The Executive-Secretary shall prepare records of the proceedings of all organization meetings, attend to necessary correspondence, and maintain current records of the membership including status of dues and mailing lists. In the absence of the President and Vice-President, the Executive Secretary shall assume the duties of those officers at all organization meetings. Section 4. The Treasurer shall receive, disburse, and account for all monies of the organization. The Treasurer shall prepare and deliver a credible accounting of the fiscal affairs of the organization at each regular meeting. In the absence of the President and Vice-President, and Executive Secretary, the Treasurer shall assume the duties of those officers at all organization meetings. Section 5. The Board of Directors shall function as an executive committee in handling the affairs of the organization subject to the will of the majority of the membership as expressed by vote at the regular meetings. ARTICLE V
Meetings Section 1. Regular meetings shall be held quarter-annually at such times and places as may be determined by the Board of Directors and the membership. Section 2. Special meetings may be held at such times and places as determined by the Board of Directors. Section 3. The Annual Election Meeting shall be the last meeting of the year, held during the last quarter of the calendar year. Section 4. A recording secretary shall be appointed by the presiding officer of each meeting. ARTICLE VI
Amendments Amendments to the By-Laws may be effected by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members voting at or before the regular meeting following the regular meeting at which the proposed amendment was introduced in writing, provided that all members are notified two (2) weeks in advance of such amending action. The Board of Directors shall provide a mechanism for notification of members and absentee voting. |