OPERATING POLICY

Operating Policy

Frequency of Meetings
Council will meet three times each year. Additional meetings may be held as needed.

Quorum
For the purpose of conducting official council business, quorum will be 50% of membership.

Protocol
Meetings will be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order, 11th Edition, 2011 (www.robertsrules.com).

Decisions
Council decisions will be made on the basis of a simple majority. Dissenting votes will be noted in the minutes.

Nomination and Appointment
Council members are nominated by Council and appointed by the Executive Director of Forest Management Branch..

Term
Members are nominated for either a two- or a five-year term, as noted in Structure (above). At the conclusion of the term, or in the event of a resignation, Council will provide nominations for the ensuing term, or for the balance of the term remaining. Terms will be staggered for each new appointment within the five year period, in the interests of maintaining continuity within Council.

Chair
The Chair is responsible for preparing agendas, convening of Council meetings and preparing Council reports.

Administration
Funding support necessary for the operation of Council will be provided by the Department of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. .

Subcommittees
Subcommittees of Council will be formed as needed.

Agendas
Agendas for upcoming council meetings will be produced by the Chair and distributed by e-mail approximately two weeks in advance of each meeting. Agendas may be made available to interested persons, at the discretion of Council members.

Minutes
Council will produce minutes of each meeting. Minutes are circulated to Council members and may be made available to interested persons, at the discretion of Council members. Minutes are not confidential. Members may request confidentiality for some discussions; confidential discussions will not be included in the minutes.

Reports
Council will produce an report highlighting activities and major accomplishments. Additional reports will be produced at the discretion of Council. Council will, with the support of the Department, maintain a website (www.abtreegene.com) and will periodically post and update information and reports on the website.

Guests
Observers are welcome to attend portions of Council meetings, with the consent of Council.

Alternates
A member unable to attend a Council meeting may, at his/her discretion, nominate an alternate member and advise Council.

Attendance
Members missing more than two consecutive meetings without confirming an alternate will be removed from Council.