Previous By-Laws

Article I - Purpose

The Osceola County Library Advisory Board is a citizen's advisory board organized primarily for the purpose of providing assistance to the Board of County Commissioners to advise them regarding various aspects of the Library system and created by Ordinance 89-18.

Article II - Membership

1. Number of Members

   The Osceola County Library Advisory Board shall consist of seven (7) members.

2. Appointment of Members

   Each County Commissioner may nominate one member from his/her respective district for membership to the Advisory Board. The Board of County Commissioners shall also appoint two (2) at-large members. When practicable, one (1) of the members shall be a member of the Friends of the Library group and one (1) of the members shall be a member of the Osceola County Bar Association. An affirmative vote of a majority of the quorum of the Board of County Commissioners shall be required before a nominee is appointed.

3. Term of Membership

   The term of service for members of the Advisory Board shall be made for a term of two (2) years each. Each member shall serve only two (2) full successive terms. All members of the Advisory Board shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of County Commissioners throughout their terms, and as such, any member may be removed for any reason by a majority vote of the Board of County Commissioners.

Article III - Officer and Member Responsibilities

1. Officers

   Officers shall be a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and a Secretary.

2. Election of the Officers

   The Advisory Board shall, by majority vote, annually elect Officers from among its members at the first meeting of each calendar year. Each Officer shall retain his/her elected position for a term not to exceed one (1) year. Vacancies in Office shall be filled by special election at the next regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners immediately after the vacancy has occurred. Such action may be delayed until a later meeting upon proper motion by a member of the Board of County Commissioners.

3. Chairperson shall...
   1. Preside at all meetings of the Advisory Board.
   2. Execute all documents authorized by the Advisory Board.
   3. Serve as the spokesperson for the Advisory Board.
   4. With approval of the Advisory Board, may appoint sub-committees of one or more individuals to determine and report on any matter requested by the Board of County Commissioners and may appoint the chair of such committees.
   5. Authorize special meetings upon appropriate request.
   6. Approve or deny requests made by non-members to appear before the Advisory Board during regularly scheduled or special meetings.
   7. Serve as a liaison between the Department of Library Services and the Board of County Commissioners.
4. Vice-Chairperson shall...

   Assume all duties and responsibilities of the Chairperson in the event that the Chairperson is absent.

5. Secretary shall...

   Keep the minutes of all meetings and shall keep on file a copy of all minutes.

6. Board Member

   Each member of the Advisory Board shall strive to promote and support the operation of the Osceola County Library System, including raising awareness within the community of library services.

Article IV - Functions of the Advisory Board

1. Promoting and supporting the administration and operation of the Osceola County Library System and the Department of Library Services.
2. Promote and support Florida Public Library Standards as adopted by the Florida Library Association on March 24, 2004.
3. Act as liaison between the citizens of Osceola County, the Department of Library Services, and the Board of County Commissioners.
4. Serve as an information and advisory vehicle for the Board of County Commissioners.
5. Appoint sub-committees to review and investigate matters as requested by the Library Director or the Board of County Commissioners.
   1. Inquiries directed to the Advisory Board shall be in writing and signed by the inquiring party.
   2. The findings of the Advisory Board shall be in a written format and present the appropriate advisory recommendation.
   3. These reports will be considered public record and open for review by the public.
6. Consider various programs and aspects of the Library System upon the request of the Board of County Commissioners, the County Manager, and/or the Library Director.

Article V - Administration

1. Regular Meetings
   1. Regular meetings shall be on a quarterly basis as set by the Advisory Board.
   2. The Advisory Board is subject to Florida=s Government in the Sunshine and Public Records Laws.
   3. The Advisory Board is subject to Florida=s Government in the Sunshine and Public Records Laws.
2. Special Meetings

   Special meetings may be called at the direction of the Chairperson upon request by two (2) or more members of the Advisory Board or, under exceptional circumstances, by the Library Director.

3. Meeting Minutes / Recommendations
   1. The minutes of all meetings shall be kept by the Department of Library Services.
   2. Copies of said minutes shall remain on file with the office of the Osceola County Commissioner's Clerk of the Board.
   3. Copies of all written advisory opinions issued by the Advisory Board shall also remain on file with the Clerk of the Board.
4. Code of Ethics

   The Osceola County Library Advisory Board is governed by the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees of the State of Florida. Each member shall govern themselves accordingly, whether individually or collectively.

5. Transaction of Business

   A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of four (4) members of the Advisory Board who are present, in person, for the meeting. When there are vacancies in the membership of the Advisory Board, the quorum required shall be reduced to the number equal to half (1/2) the Advisory Board membership plus one (1). The quorum shall not be reduced in instances of absenteeism.

6. Absentee Policy

   Two (2) consecutive unexcused absences or two (2) total absences in a year shall be reported to the County Commission with a recommendation for a replacement. An excused absence requires notification to one of the Advisory Board Officers prior to the meeting. If prior notification is impossible or is impractical under the circumstances, then notice shall be given to one of the Advisory Board Officers as quickly as possible.

7. Rules of Order

   Roberts' Rules of Order, newest edition, shall govern the conduct of all meetings of the Advisory Board.

8. Amendments
   1. Amendments to the by-laws may be made; however, all amendments require the majority vote of the Advisory Board members.
   2. Written notice of the proposed amendment(s) must be provided by mail to each member at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting at which the proposed amendment is scheduled for voting.
   3. A copy of the revised by-laws shall be filed with the Osceola County Commissioner's Clerk of the Board.

The By-Laws for the Osceola County Library Advisory Board, as stated above, are hereby approved by the Osceola County Library Advisory Board and approved at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on 8/4/2008.