taffy571 Posted August 3, 2012 at 11:18 PM Report Share Posted August 3, 2012 at 11:18 PM Hello,I am on the board of directors at a campground. We have had fire bans all around us, so we posted a sign for a fire ban in the campground. The county downgraded it to an advisary, we feel for the safety of our campers 429 we should continue the ban as so far we still have had no rain, we are amoungst Pine trees, (don't take long for them to ignite) Now there are some members fighting us, they don't want the fire ban to continue. My question is is it legal for us to fine them, if they do have a campfire, as we have no rule in that effect. A quick reply would be appreciated..Thanking you in advance.Taffy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Harrison Posted August 3, 2012 at 11:23 PM Report Share Posted August 3, 2012 at 11:23 PM You cannot assess fines unless the bylaws authorize them (RONR p. 643 ll. 12-15). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rev Ed Posted August 4, 2012 at 12:45 AM Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 at 12:45 AM Also, does the Board have the power to make a ban to begin with? Check the By-laws of the organization to see if the Board even has the right to make a fire ban in the first place. If the authorities issue a ban that is one thing, but the Board may not have the power to do so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taffy571 Posted August 4, 2012 at 04:26 AM Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 at 04:26 AM The authorities issued the ban in the first place, they have downgraded it now as an advisory, which means a small contained fire with fire extinguisher on hand also a hose, not to leave unattended at any time. We feel that members drinking or not drinking around a campfire no matter how big or small is not good. The campground has hundreds of Pine trees, which with no rain, very dry, one spark can set off anything, So hence the fire ban in the park as a precaution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstackpo Posted August 4, 2012 at 11:02 AM Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 at 11:02 AM I agree with your concerns about fires, but the parliamentary issue here is whether your board -- whatever group it is -- has the authority to enforce such a ban on the members of your group.The (higher) "authorities" you speak of -- Park Service? -- presumably do, but does your board? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trina Posted August 4, 2012 at 12:09 PM Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 at 12:09 PM Where do other campground rules in your organization (things like handling of trash, rules about parking vehicles, quiet hours, stuff like that) come from? Maybe that would give a suggestion on how to handle a rule about fires.If the campers are members (as I think you stated), a meeting of the members -- perhaps an emergency/special meeting under the circumstances -- could adopt a rule about the fires, even if the board does not have that authority. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sMargaret Posted August 4, 2012 at 02:58 PM Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 at 02:58 PM Additionally, what power is given to your board by your members between general meetings? Some boards have the power to conduct business between meetings (business that is allowed by the bylaws, that is), and some don't.So there's really two questions, from a parliamentary point of view - can your organization make rules such as campfire bans and imposing fines, and can your board make rules like this between general meetings?As JDStackpole has pointed out, the fire issue is a concern, but the issue for this forum is the parliamentary issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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