Constitution and by Laws of The Fop

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CONSTITUTION

AND

BY-LAWS

FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE

CHICAGO LODGE # 7

AS REVISED

September 21, 2022


CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
CHICAGO LODGE # 7

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................... -3-

PREAMBLE ............................................................................................................................................................. -6-

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I NAME .................................................................................................................................................. -7-

ARTICLE II OBJECT ............................................................................................................................................. -7-

ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP ................................................................................................................................ -7-

ARTICLE IV BOARD OF DIRECTORS .............................................................................................................. -8-

ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIVES ...................................................................................................................... -8-

ARTICLE VI DELEGATES ................................................................................................................................... -9-

ARTICLE VII NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES .................................... -9-

ARTICLE VIII AMENDMENTS ......................................................................................................................... -11-

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY ...................................................................................................... -12-

ARTICLE II DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS ..................................................................................................... -13-

ARTICLE III DUTIES OF OFFICERS ............................................................................................................... -15-

ARTICLE IV DUTIES OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES ......................................................................................... -17-

ARTICLE V MEETINGS AND ORDER OF BUSINESS .................................................................................. -18-

ARTICLE VI DUES ............................................................................................................................................... -18-

ARTICLE VII EXPENSES AND COMPENSATION ........................................................................................ -19-

ARTICLE VIII FISCAL YEAR ............................................................................................................................ -20-

ARTICLE IX FAIR SHARE PROCEDURES ..................................................................................................... -20-

ARTICLE X COMMITTEES ............................................................................................................................... -20-

ARTICLE XI PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE ................................................................................................. -21-

ARTICLE XII AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS ....................................................................................... -21-

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CONSTITUTION
AND
BY-LAWS
FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
CHICAGO LODGE # 7

A LOCAL ORGANIZATION AFFILIATED WITH THE


NATIONAL ORDER AND STATE OF ILLINOIS ORDER
OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE

INTRODUCTION

On January 7, 1963, a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, incorporated
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 15, 1915. Under that charter, Chicago Lodge # 7, Fraternal Order of
Police, was, on January 7, 1963, constituted a Subordinate Lodge with full power to work under their
jurisdiction in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois.

The Constitution and By-Laws were presented and read to the Board of Directors on the 7th day of January
1963.

The Constitution and By-Laws were approved and accepted by the Board of Directors and membership on
the 7th of January 1963.

On the 18th of May 1981, amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws were presented and read to the
Board of Directors, at which time the Board recommended that the amendments be passed by the general
membership. The amendments were presented, approved and accepted by the general membership by a 2/3
vote of the members present on the 26th of May 1981.

On the 7th day of December 1983, amendments to Article IV of the By-Laws were presented to the Board
of Directors, and the Board recommended adoption by the general membership. The two proposed
amendments to Article IV of the By-Laws were presented, approved and accepted by the general
membership by a 2/3 vote of the members present on the 14th day of December, 1983.

On the 3rd day of November 1987, amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws were presented to the
Board of Directors and the Board recommended adoption by mail ballot to the general membership. The
amendments were presented to the membership by mail ballot, and on the 15th day of December 1987, 2/3
of those returning said ballots approved and accepted said amendments.

On the 7th of November 1989, amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws were presented to the Board
of Directors and the Board recommended adoption by mail ballot to the general membership. The
amendments were presented to the membership by mail ballot, and on the 27th day of February 1990, 2/3
of those returning said ballots approved and accepted one amendment.

On the 5th day of March 1991, amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws were presented to the Board
of Directors and the Board recommended adoption by mail ballot to the general membership. The
amendments were presented to the membership by mail ballot and on the 4th day of September 1991, 2/3
of those returning said ballots approved and accepted said amendments.

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On the 1st of October 1992, amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws were presented to the Board of
Directors and the Board recommended adoption by mail ballot to the general membership. The
amendments were presented to the membership by mail and on the 30th day of December 1992, 2/3 of those
returning said ballots approved and accepted said amendment to, Article VI Section of the By-Laws.

On the 25th of October 1993, amendments to Article III and Article IV of the By-Laws were presented to
the Board of Directors and the Board recommended that the amendments be passed by a vote of the general
membership. On the 16th of November, 1993, the amendments to Article III and Article VII of the By-
Laws were presented, approved and accepted by the general membership by a 2/3 vote of the members
present at the general meeting.

On the 5th of April 1995, amendments to Article III of the By Laws were presented to the Board of Directors
and the Board recommended that the amendments be passed by a vote of the general membership. On the
18th of April 1995, and on the 16th of May 1995, the amendments to Article III of the By-Laws were
presented, approved and accepted by the general membership by a 2/3 vote of the members present at the
general meeting.

On the 8th of August 1995, amendments to Article V of the Constitution were presented to the Board of
Directors and the Board recommended that the amendments be passed by a vote of the general membership.
On the 17th of October 1995, the amendments to Article V of the Constitution were presented, approved
and accepted by the general membership by a 2/3 vote of the members present at the general meeting.

On the 3rd of June, 1997, the amendment to Articles VII and VIII of the Constitution as well as amendment
to Articles III and XII of the By Laws were presented to the Board of Directors and the Board recommended
that the amendments be passed by a voice vote at the general membership meeting. On the 17th of June,
1997, the amendments to Articles VII and VIII of the Constitution as well as amendments to Articles III
and XII of the By-Laws were presented, approved and accepted by the general membership by a 2/3 vote
of the members present at the general meeting.

On the 9th of May, 2000, the amendments to Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution as well as amendment
to Article I, Sections 2 and 3 of the By Laws were presented to the Board of Directors and the Board
recommended that the amendments be passed by a voice vote at the general meeting. On the 19th of
September, 2000, the amendment to Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution as well as amendments to
Article I, Sections 2 and 3 of the By Laws was presented, approved and adopted by the general membership
by a 2/3 vote of the membership present at the general meeting.

On the 29th of July, 2003, an amendment to Article V, Section 3 of the Constitution was presented to the
Board of Directors and the Board recommended that the amendment be passed by a voice vote at the general
meeting. On the 16th of September, 2003, the amendment to Article V, Section 3 of the Constitution was
approved and adopted by the general membership by a 2/3 vote of the membership present at the general
meeting.

On the 21st of September, 2004, after the Board of Directors determined that the proposals were properly
submitted and after publication in the Lodge’s newsletter, in accordance with the Board of Directors
recommendations changes were approved and adopted by the general membership by a 2/3 vote of those
present at the meeting. Changes were made to the following sections: the Preamble, the Constitution:
Article III Section 3, Article VI, Section 2 and 3, Article VII, Sections 2 and 7, Article VIII, Sections 1, 2;
6 and 7, the By-Laws: Article II, Sections 4, 5 and 6, Article II Sections 1 and 10, Article III Sections 1b,
7, 8 and 9, Article V, Sections 1, 2 and 2a, 3, Article VI, Section 1, Article VII, Section 1 and 2, Article X,
Section 1, Article XII, Sections 1, 2, 6 and 7.

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On the 20th of September, 2005, after the Board of Directors determined that the proposals were properly
submitted and after publication in the Lodge’s newsletter, in accordance with the Board of Directors
recommendations changes were approved and adopted by the general membership by a 2/3 vote of those
present at the meeting. Changes were made to the following section: By-Laws Article X, Section 1.

On the 16th of September, 2014, after the Board of Directors determined that the proposals were properly
submitted and after publication in the Lodge’s newsletter, in accordance with the Board of Directors
recommendations changes were approved and adopted by the general membership by a 2/3 vote of those
present at the meeting. Changes were made to the following sections: Constitution Article IV, Section 3,
By-Laws Article III, Section 1(g), and By-Laws Article VII Section 2.

On the 19th of September, 2017, after the Board of Directors determined that the proposals were properly
submitted and after publication in the Lodge’s newsletter, in accordance with the Board of Directors
recommendations changes were approved and adopted by the general membership by a 2/3 vote of those
present at the meeting. Changes were made to the following section: By-Laws Article VII, Section 2.

On the 18th of September, 2018, after the Board of Directors determined that the proposals were properly
submitted and after publication in the Lodge’s newsletter, in accordance with the Board of Directors
recommendations changes were approved and adopted by the general membership by a 2/3 vote of those
present at the meeting. Changes were made to the following sections: Constitution Article VI, Sections 1
and 2, and Article VII Section 5.

On the 17th of September 2019 after the Board of Directors determined that the proposals were properly
submitted and after publication in the Lodge’s newsletter, the proposals were presented to the membership
for a vote. The general membership by a vote of 2/3 voted to adopt the following sections: By-Law Article
VII, Section 2 and By-Law Article II, Section 4.

On the 1st of September 2021, an amendment to Article VII of the constitution was presented to the Board
of Directors and the Board recommended that the amendment be passed by a voice vote at the general
meeting. On the 15th of September 2021 the amendment to Article VII of the constitution was approved and
adopted by the general membership by a 2/3 vote of the membership present at the general meeting.
Changes were made to Article VII Nomination and Election of Officers and Trustees of Chicago Lodge #7.

On April 20,2022 after the Board of Directors determined that the proposals were properly submitted and
after publication in the Lodge’s newsletter, in accordance with the Board of Directors recommendations
changes were approved and adopted by the general membership by a 2/3 vote of those present at the
meeting. Changes were made to the following sections: By-Law Article III section (g) and By-Law Article
VII Expenses and Compensation.

On September 21,2022 after the Board of Directors determined that the proposals were properly submitted
and after publication in the Lodge’s newsletter, in accordance with the Board of Directors recommendations
changes were approved and adopted by the general membership by a 2/3 vote of those present at the
meeting. Changes were made to the following sections: Constitution Article IV Board of Directors Section
3. and Article VII Nomination and Election of Officers and Trustees of Chicago Lodge #7.

_____________________________ ________________________________
John Catanzara Jr. Robert Noceda
President Recording Secretary

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FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE
CHICAGO LODGE # 7
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
PREAMBLE

We, the Police Officers of the City of Chicago, do hereby associate ourselves for the following purposes:

To support and defend the Constitution of the United States; inculcate loyalty and allegiance to the United States of
America; to promote and foster the enforcement of law and order with justice; to improve the individual and collective
proficiency of our members in the performance of their duties; to work for and provide improvements in the salary
and fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment of the sworn members of the Chicago Police
Department; to advocate for appointment and promotion; to create a tradition of esprit de corps insuring fidelity to
duty under all conditions and circumstances; to cultivate a spirit of fraternalism and mutual helpfulness among our
members and the people we serve; to increase the efficiency of law enforcement and thus more firmly establish the
confidence of the public in the service dedicated to the protection of life and property.

All terms used herein to denominate gender shall be generic and, whenever appropriate, the singular shall include the
plural and the plural shall include the singular. Titles to articles, sections and subsections have been included for
clerical convenience and are not deemed conclusive as to the contents or meaning of an article, section, or subsection.

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FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE CHICAGO LODGE # 7
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I
NAME

Section 1. This Lodge shall be known as the FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, CHICAGO LODGE # 7.

Section 2. The Constitution and By-Laws of this Lodge shall conform with the Constitution and By-Laws of
the Grand Lodge and the State Lodge of Illinois.

ARTICLE II
OBJECT

We, the members of the Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge # 7, associate ourselves for the following purposes:

(1) To unite all Police Officers eligible for membership into one group, in an effort to seek and obtain the most
favorable, beneficial and secure wages, hours and other terms and conditions relating to employment, through
collective bargaining, legislative activity and all other lawful means.

(2) To provide a medium for the exchange of information, knowledge and experience in the law enforcement
field, which will aid our members in improving their professional standards.

(3) To protect the constitutional, statutory and contractual rights of all members of the Lodge # 7 bargaining unit.

(4) To fairly represent Officers in resolving meritorious grievances arising out of their employment.

(5) To encourage higher professional standards of conduct among our members.

(6) To engage in and carry on such functions that will serve the best interests of this organization and our
membership.

(7) To serve our members in time of sickness or distress and to lend such assistance that will aid their speedy
recovery and tend to diminish their misfortune.

(8) To foster true patriotism among all our citizens, and to educate and encourage them to respect and defend
law and order.

(9) To promote the aims and principles of the Fraternal Order of Police on a local, state and national level.

ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Lodge membership shall be as set forth in the Grand Lodge, State Lodge and Local Lodge
Constitution and By-Laws.

Section 2. The Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge # 7, shall not strike or by concerted action, cause a
cessation of the performance of police duties, or induce other Lodges to do likewise. The penalty
for such action by any member shall be immediate expulsion from this Lodge.

Section 3. Every member, as described by the Illinois Labor Board, by virtue of his membership, authorizes
the Lodge to act as his exclusive representative relating to his wages, hours and other terms and

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conditions of employment with his employer, and grants to the Lodge final authority to present,
process and adjust any grievance or dispute arising under a collective bargaining agreement or out
of employment as is determined by the officers to be in the best interest of the Lodge.

ARTICLE IV
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. This Lodge shall have one administrative body, which shall be known as the Board of Directors.

Section 2. The Board of Directors shall be the governing body of the Lodge and shall have and exercise full
administrative powers subject to and in accordance with this Constitution and By-Laws and the
Constitution and By-Laws of the National and State Lodges.

Section 3. The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Lodge President, the Immediate Past President,
the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice-Presidents, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, three (3)
Sergeant-at-Arms, and seventeen (17) Trustees. The term of office for each of the positions listed
in this Section shall be four (4) years. This will be effective after the results of the next general
election in 2023. No member shall serve as an elected official after once achieving the rank of
Sergeant.

Section 4. Any vacancy of the Board of Directors shall be filled by appointment by the Lodge President with
the advice and consent of the Board. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the President, the 1st
Vice President will act as President until such time when an election for an acting President is held
by the Board of Directors. The acting president, elected by the Board of Directors, will fill the
remaining term of the departing President.

Section 5. The Board of Directors shall constitute the Membership Committee of the Lodge and shall actively
participate in the recruitment of new members of the Lodge.

ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIVES

Section 1. A Lodge representative for each District, Area, or other Police Unit shall be elected by the members
of the Unit he/she represents and he/she be a member of the Unit he/she represents. Said elections
are to be held within 90 days, following the election of Lodge Officers. The elected Unit
Representatives of the Lodge may, by virtue of their office, be delegates to the State and National
Conferences.

Section 2. In the event that the elected unit representative will be unable to perform his or her duties due to
extended Medical Leave, I.O.D. Leave, extended assignment to details outside of the
representative's unit or departmental suspension of more than 30 days, the President shall be
empowered to appoint an interim unit representative to discharge the duties and responsibilities of
unit representative until such time as the elected unit representative is able to return to the unit and
resume his or her elected responsibilities.

Section 3. It shall be a duty of the Unit Representatives to review any negotiated agreement and to vote for or
against the adoption of said agreement, this vote shall be advisory only to the Board of Directors to
assist the Board of Directors in their decision to recommend the ratification of said collective
bargaining agreement to the membership or a return of the negotiated agreement to the bargaining
committee for further negotiation.

Section 4. Representatives shall not be agents of the Lodge, but shall have and exercise only such authority as
may be given to them in this Constitution and By-Laws, or as may be assigned to them in writing
by the President.

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ARTICLE VI
DELEGATES

Section 1. Members in good standing who have attended at least one-half of the regular business meetings as
provided in these By-Laws and Constitution in the past 12 months may be candidates for delegates
to the State or National Conference.

Section 2. Nominations of additional members of good standing as candidates, if desired, to represent this
Lodge as delegates to the State Conference or National Biennial Conference of the National Lodge,
shall be held at a regular business meeting, at the discretion of the President of the Lodge.

Section 3. The Lodge may elect as many additional delegates and alternates as they may be entitled to
according to its membership. After the election of additional delegates, the candidates shall be listed
in numerical order according to the number of votes received. Upon final determination of the
number of delegates desired, that number highest on the list shall be declared delegates and a like
number immediately following on the list shall be declared elected as alternates to the delegates and
shall receive preference in order listed in case of a vacancy among the delegates.

ARTICLE VII
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
OF CHICAGO LODGE # 7

The elected Officers of the Lodge shall consist of a President, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice Presidents, Recording Secretary,
Financial Secretary, Treasurer, three (3) Sergeants-at-Arms, and seventeen (17) Trustees. The term of office for
elected officers of Lodge # 7 shall be four (4) years. This will be effective after the results of the next election in 2023.
The duly elected officers of the Lodge and elected/appointed unit and watch representatives by virtue of their office
shall be delegates to the State and National Conference.

A. NOMINATION AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICERS:

Section 1. Only Active members below the rank of Sergeant, who have been in continuous good standing for
two (2) years, and who have attended at least one half of the regular business meetings held in the
past twelve (12) months may be candidates for office in this Lodge. The official sign-in book and
excused absences for good cause shall be the sole materials used to determine eligibility for office.
Nominations may be made in December of each third year following December 1986. Nominations
will be made from the floor by any member in good standing and do not require a second. The
nominations cannot be re-opened after being duly closed at the nomination meeting. Any qualified
candidate will be required to sign a letter of acceptance during the month of nominations in order to
be eligible for election.

a) Excused Absences. In order to obtain an excused absence, a member must make a written request
to the Recording Secretary prior to the date of the meeting for which the excuse is requested. The
written request must state the member's name and star number, the date of the meeting for which
the excuse is requested and the reasons why the member believes that he or she is entitled to receive
an excused absence from this meeting. Upon receipt of a request for an excused absence from a
member, the Recording Secretary shall determine whether the request for an excused absence
demonstrates good cause for the granting of an excused absence. If the Recording Secretary
determines that the member has good cause for an excused absence, the Recording Secretary shall
grant that member an excused absence. If the Recording Secretary determines that the member has
failed to demonstrate good cause for an excused absence, the member shall not be credited with an
excused absence, but shall have the right to appeal the denial of an excused absence to the full Board
of Trustees for review. If a majority of the Board of Trustees believes that the member has
demonstrated good cause for an excused absence, the member shall be credited with an excused
absence.

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Section 2. The President shall promulgate election rules governing the procedures(s) and conduct of the
election not inconsistent with this Constitution and By-Laws, and shall appoint an election
committee and Chairman. It shall be the responsibility of the election committee to arrange the
preparation of ballots in a form which will assure a fair, secret and expeditious tally of all ballots
cast, and such ballots will be processed by mail in March of the year following nominations. Each
ballot shall list the nominees by the office for which they are running so that qualified voters can
vote in the manner set forth by the Election Committee.

In the event that any individual who has been properly nominated and who is eligible to hold an
office or be a unit or watch representative in Lodge # 7 is running unopposed, that individual will
be declared elected by acclamation, without the need for a vote of membership.

Section 3. The Chairman of the election committee shall appoint members of the election committee to serve
as assistants and clerks. The election committee shall provide notice of the election to all members
of the Lodge at their last known home addresses.

Section 4. The election committee shall appoint an election judge who shall have full authority to decide all
challenges, disputes and objections to the conduct of the election, including determinations of voter
eligibility, election procedures, counting of ballots and issuance of certification of election results.
Counsel for the Lodge shall be available for such legal advice and service as may be warranted.

Section 5. The election committee shall conduct the election in a manner which permits only eligible
members to vote while simultaneously guaranteeing that the secret ballot system is preserved. An
eligible member for these purposes shall be defined as a member who is current in payment of
their dues as of the December 1st deadline for the year in which the election is to take place or a
new member hired by the Chicago Police Department who became eligible to join the FOP after
the deadline but prior to the election.

Section 6. A copy of the Lodge's membership list shall be available for inspection only, and not for distribution
or copying, to properly nominated candidates upon request once during the month of February
preceding the election. In the event that a candidate wishes to distribute campaign literature to the
Lodge's membership, the candidate shall provide the literature to the Lodge, which shall make the
distribution at the candidates’ expense. A deposit sufficient to cover such distribution shall be made
to the Lodge Treasurer before such distribution is made.

Section 7. With the exception of the Office of the President, the person having a plurality of the votes cast on
the day of the election shall be deemed winner of the Office for which he is running. Each candidate
or slate of candidates shall be entitled to one (1) observer who shall be a member in good standing,
who shall not be a candidate and who shall be entitled to be present at the polls and to watch the
counting of votes by the Judges of Election. Credentials for observers shall be given out by the
Chairman of the election committee. Any challenges shall be referred to the election committee
immediately and committee ruling shall be final and binding upon this Lodge. No candidate for
office shall take active participation in the counting of the ballots.

Section 8. The Candidate having at least 50% plus one of the votes cast for the Office of the President shall be
deemed the winner of that office. If no Candidate receives a 50% plus one plurality, a run-off
election between the two top vote getters will determine the election to that office. This run-off
election is to be held within 30 days of the day original of the election results.

Section 9. The incumbent President will retain Office of the Presidency until the completion of the run-off
election.

Section 10. All elections of Officers in this Lodge by ballot shall be by secret ballot and each member in good
standing, after being qualified by the election committee, shall have one (1) vote.

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Section 11. The newly elected Officers shall take office in April at the first business meeting following the
election. Arrangements for the installation of Officers shall be handled by the outgoing President.
The installing Officer must have attained at least the office of Past President or be a National
President.

Section 12. All election materials, used and unused, shall be impounded by the Chairman, and maintained by
the Lodge President or his designee for one (1) year from the date of the election, along with the
results. If no protests are registered as to certification of results, such materials must be destroyed
one year after the day of the election. The Election Committee shall dissolve thirty (30) days after
the election.

ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Only Active members, in good standing of this Lodge, may propose an Amendment to this
Constitution. Such proposals shall be attested by the signature of eleven (11) Active members in
good standing. The signatures will not be necessary when the proposals are made by the
Constitution and By-Laws Committee appointed by the President and 1st Vice President. An
amendment on a particular subject may be presented and/or voted upon only once in a twelve (12)
month period, unless reconsideration of the proposed amendment is approved by a majority vote of
the Board of Directors.

Section 2: Proposed amendments to this constitution shall be submitted in writing to the Recording Secretary
within a two month period commencing April 1st and ending May 31st of each year or when an
issue has been identified as having significant importance to the Lodge by the President, with the
consent of the Board of Directors. The Recording Secretary upon receiving any proposed
amendments in the proper manner will then attest his or her signature, date of receiving, attest the
Seal of the Lodge and forward the proposed amendment to the Board of Directors for review,
consideration and recommendations.

Section 3. If the proposed amendments, upon the review of the Board of Directors, are found to be in conflict
(read unconstitutional) with the State or National constitution or unlawful, these amendments will
not be forwarded to the membership for a vote. In the event the submitting member does not agree
with the decision of the Board of Directors, he may appeal said decision in the following manner.
The member may appeal the decision of the Board of Directors to the State Board of the Fraternal
Order of Police of Illinois and may further appeal to the State Conference, and thereafter if the State
Board upholds the decision of Lodge # 7 Board, the member may further appeal to the National
Board of the Fraternal Order of Police, and further, if necessary, make a final appeal to the National
Biennial Conference of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Section 4: The Board of Directors shall have the option of determining whether such vote shall be by mail
ballot or voice vote of members who attend the applicable membership meeting. Members will be
given notice of any impending vote on amendments to the By-Laws or Constitution by use of the
regular monthly mailing of Lodge # 7, prior to any vote.

Section 5: All amendments to be submitted to the membership for a voice vote will be read and voted upon at
the General Business Meeting of September of that year. All amendments to be submitted to the full
membership for a mail ballot shall be mailed in the first week of September of that year for return
and counting before the General Business Meeting of October of that year.

Section 6: When an issue has been identified as having significant importance to the Lodge by the President,
with the consent of the Board of the Directors, the President shall propose an amendment to these
Constitution and By-Laws. Members will be given notice of any impending vote on such
amendment by use of the regular monthly mailing of Lodge 7 prior to any vote. The Board of

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Directors shall have the option of determining whether such vote shall be by mail ballot or voice
vote of members who attend the applicable membership meeting. If the proposed amendment is
sent for a mail ballot, it shall be returned and counted within twenty-one (21) days of the mailing.

Section 7: A two thirds (2/3) majority of the Active members present and voting at said meeting or in a mail
ballot shall be required for adoption of any amendment.

FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LODGE # 7


BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I
MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY

Section 1. All persons are eligible for membership in the Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge # 7, whose
membership is not otherwise restricted or precluded by this Constitution, or the Constitution(s) and
By-Laws of the Grand Lodge and/or Illinois State Lodge, provided that no such restriction or
preclusion shall be based upon race, creed, color, sex, national origin or age. Suspended or expelled
members, or any person who is not a member in good standing, i.e. not current in the payment of
dues, assessments or other financial obligations shall not be considered members for any purpose.

Section 2. An Active member is any person in good standing who is a sworn employee or on pension from
sworn employment with the City of Chicago Police Department. The Board of Directors of Lodge
# 7 may determine that the circumstances warrant acceptance of, or extension of, a qualified
individual's active membership. Only Active members in good standing shall be permitted to vote,
except that only those members in good standing below the rank of Sergeant, in a bargaining unit
may vote on ratification of the collective bargaining contract and related matters affecting that
bargaining unit.

Section 3. No member shall be simultaneously a member of Chicago Lodge # 7 and any other Subordinate
Lodge.

Section 4. All applications for membership in Chicago Lodge # 7 shall be upon forms maintained for that
purpose by Chicago Lodge # 7.

Section 5. All Active members shall be required, as a condition of membership, to pay all dues established by
Chicago Lodge # 7 for Active members. All Associate members shall be required, as a condition
of Associate membership, to pay all dues established by Chicago Lodge # 7 for Associate members.

Section 6. Any person who is a member of, or subscribes to, or support the principles of any organization
having as its purpose the overthrow of the government of the United States by force or violence or
to deny to citizens the guarantees of the Bill of Rights shall not be eligible for admission to
membership in Chicago Lodge # 7, nor shall any such person hold membership in Chicago Lodge
# 7. If any member is found guilty of a violation of this section after a trial in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this Constitution and By-Laws, he or she shall be barred from membership
in this Lodge.

Section 7. The Board of Directors is the regularly constituted membership committee of Chicago Lodge # 7
and a majority vote of the Board of Directors shall be required for approval or disapproval of
membership applications.

Section 8. Applications rejected for membership shall be sent notification of rejection and a refund in full of
any monies turned over to the Lodge at the time of application. Said rejected applicant shall be
eligible for reapplication after a lapse period of ninety (90) days from the date of first rejection.

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Section 9. Any member who desires to resign from membership in the Lodge shall provide timely written
notice of the desire to resign to the President, who, upon verification that the request is timely, will
provide the member and the Financial Secretary of the Lodge with written notice that the withdrawal
has become effective, provided that any delinquency or obligation due and owing is first fulfilled or
paid. Notice of intention to withdraw from membership in the Lodge shall be deemed timely if it is
received by the President between ninety (90) and sixty (60) days prior to the scheduled expiration
date of the collective bargaining agreement covering the member seeking withdrawal. Upon receipt
of notice that a request for withdrawal has been approved, the Financial Secretary shall provide
notice of the withdrawal, along with notification that the individual, is to be converted to the
payment of fair share fees, to the member's employer.

Section 10. In the event that any active member becomes disabled or ill for a period of six months or more and
finds himself unable to pay his current dues, the Lodge will, upon application of the member, pay
his per capita tax and will carry him or her as an Active member in good standing until returned to
duty.

Section 11. Any member who will enter military service by recall or selective service, the Lodge will, upon
application by that member, assume his per capita tax for each year in the service until thirty (30)
days after discharge from such military service.

ARTICLE II
DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS

Section 1. Every member of this Lodge agrees that, in consideration for the benefits of membership conferred
upon him or her pursuant to the terms of this Constitution, he or she shall be subject to discipline
for any action, inaction or omission which constitutes a violation of his or her duties and obligations
as stated in this Constitution and By-Laws. Every member agrees that termination of membership
does not terminate his or her liability for discipline for acts occurring during the term of his or her
membership.

Section 2. Any member may be disciplined for committing any one or more of the following offenses:

(a) Violating any provision of this Constitution and By-Laws, or the Constitution and By-Laws of the
Grand or State Lodge;

(b) Failing to pay dues, fines, assessments, fees and other financial obligations in a timely manner;

(c) Obtaining membership through fraudulent means or misrepresentation;

(d) Causing or attempting to cause withdrawal or secession of this or any Subordinate Lodge from the
State or Grand Lodge;

(e) Working contrary to the interests of or accepting membership in any labor organization whose
interests are contrary to those of the Fraternal Order of Police.

(f) Unreasonably, unlawfully or improperly disturbing the peace or harmony of any meeting of the
Grand or State Lodge or of this or any other Subordinate Lodge, or any of their offices;

(g) Embezzling, misappropriating, fraudulently receiving, wrongfully handling, or failing to account


for the funds of this Lodge;

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(h) Using the name and/or logo of this Lodge or the Fraternal Order of Police for soliciting funds or
advertising or similar activities except as provided elsewhere in this Constitution and By-Laws;

(i) Furnishing a complete or partial list of the members of this Lodge; the State Lodge or the Grand
Lodge to any person other than those whose governmental position or Grand, State or Subordinate
Lodge office entitles them to have a list, without specific written approval from the President of the
organization whose membership is being disclosed;

(j) Deliberately interfering with any officer or representative of the Grand, State or any Subordinate
Lodge in the discharge of his or her duties;

(k) Violating the membership obligation or performing any acts of insubordination against the authority
of the Grand, State or any Subordinate Lodge; or causing or attempting to cause withdrawal from,
decertification of or undermining the exclusive status of this organization;

(l) In the case of any officer or representative of this Lodge, failing to faithfully perform the duties of
his or her office or position or accepting dual compensation or expenses for the performance of
duties related to his or her office or position.

Section 3. Any member may be charged, tried and disciplined for violation of any of the above provisions, or
for offenses set forth in the Grand or State Lodge Constitution or By-Laws, in accordance with the
procedures provided below.

Section 4. Charges shall be in writing and shall describe the alleged violations. Upon receipt of such charges,
the Recording Secretary shall immediately distribute copies of the charges to the accused member
and to the members of the Board of Directors of the Lodge. The President, with the advice and
consent of the Board of Directors, shall appoint an impartial special committee of three (3) members
of the Board, including a Chairperson, who shall act by majority vote. When charges are brought
against the President of the Lodge, the impartial special committee shall be appointed by the First
Vice-President with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors. The Chairperson shall
schedule a date, place and time for a hearing on the charges, not less than thirty (30) days from the
date on which a copy of the written charges are served upon the accused member. Written notice
of the special committee hearing date, time and place shall be provided to the parties and reasonable
requests for a continuance shall be directed to the panel for decision.

Section 5. At the hearing, a recording of the proceedings shall be maintained, and the accused member shall
be provided with an opportunity to present evidence in opposition to the evidence presented in
support of the charges against the member. At the next scheduled board meeting, the committee
shall present its recommendation as to whether the evidence as a whole supports the charges against
the member, and what, if any, penalty the special committee believes is appropriate in the event that
the accused member is found guilty. Penalties may include fines, suspension, loss of privilege
and/or expulsion from membership in the Lodge.

Section 6. The accused member may appear before the Board to contest the recommendation.

Section 7. Any member who shall fail to pay Lodge dues at the time that they are due to the Lodge shall be
expelled from membership in the Lodge upon the Lodge's determination that an arrearage exists.
Upon request of the expelled individual, a hearing will be held before the Board of Directors to
determine whether the members shall be reinstated to membership and the fine, if any, to be imposed
upon the individual upon his reinstatement.

Section 8. Any individual who possesses information that a member of this Lodge has engaged in actions or
inactions which, if proven, would constitute a violation of the Constitution or By-Laws of this Lodge
or the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand or State Lodges shall file specific written charges

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against the member with the Recording Secretary.

Section 9. After a hearing by the Board of Directors, and in the event found guilty of such act or omission by
a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors, the member shall forfeit his membership and all
benefits of this Lodge and the Fraternal Order of Police. Following such a decision, this member
has the right to appeal the decision of the Board of Directors to the State Board of the Fraternal
Order of Police of Illinois and may further appeal to the State Conference, and thereafter if the State
Board upholds the decision of Lodge # 7 Board, the member may further appeal to the National
Board of the Fraternal Order of Police, and further, if necessary, make a final appeal to the biennial
conference of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Section 10. Any member who shall present his membership card, auto emblem, or decal to any unauthorized
person or persons, shall, upon the filing of a complaint and the presentation of proof of said actions,
be immediately dismissed from the Lodge. The President and the attorney for the Lodge may then
take action to prosecute the recipient of said materials under 720 ILCS 5/17-2.

ARTICLE III
DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. The President shall:

(a) Be the Chief Executive Officer of the Lodge. He or she shall preside at all meetings of membership
and meetings of the Board of Directors. He or she shall have general management and supervision
of the business and affairs of the Lodge, its officers and employees, and shall see that all orders and
resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. He or she shall execute any and all
contracts that may be authorized by the Board of Directors. He or she shall appoint all Lodge
Representatives as stated in the Collective Bargaining Contract with the advice and consent of the
Board of Directors. He or she and the 1st Vice President shall appoint all committees; the President
shall appoint the majority members with 1st Vice President appointing the minority members. The
President shall be an ex officio member of all committees. He or she shall have power to appoint a
committee picked in this fashion from the Board of Directors or membership to inquire into any
affair or matter affecting or concerning the welfare of Lodge # 7, or to appoint such other committees
as he deems relevant to the interests of the Lodge. The President shall furnish a surety bond for the
faithful performance of his or her duty in such amount as shall be specified by the Board of Directors
and paid for by the Lodge.

(b) He or she shall call special meetings of the Board of Directors when he or she deems it necessary or
upon petition of a majority of the Board of Directors. At each session of the Board, he or she shall
ensure that a full and complete report of the official business transacted by him or her subsequent
to the last meeting of the Board is submitted, together with such recommendations as he or she may
deem advisable. He or she shall ensure that a budget is submitted to the Board of Directors for
approval. He or she shall convey to his or her successor all unfinished business of the Lodge.

(c) Together with the Financial Secretary and/or Treasurer and/or Recording Secretary he or she shall
attest all warrants or vouchers for disbursement from any fund of the Lodge. He or she shall appoint
a parliamentarian for this Lodge. By virtue of his office, he or she shall be a delegate to the Biennial
State Conference and to the Biennial National Conference.

(d) He or she shall be responsible for all labor disputes involving this Lodge and shall have the authority
to take such action as in his or her judgment will further the best interests of the Lodge and its
members.

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(e) He or she shall have the authority to interpret the Constitution and By-Laws subject to the review
of the Board of Directors.

(f) He or she shall fill vacancies not otherwise provided for in this Constitution and By-Laws for the
term of such office, provided that the individual appointed to fill the vacancy shall fulfil the same
eligibility requirements as stated for that position and the appointment shall be approved by a
majority of the Board of Directors.

(g) The salary of the President shall be equal to an E-6 level as set forth in the 2021 Chicago Police
Department Position and Salary Schedule and shall be increased periodically in the same amount as
percentage increases granted to bargaining unit officers. If a President is a retiree from the Chicago
Police Department or becomes retired while serving as President, he/she shall not suffer any
reduction to theE-6 level amount due to he/she receiving his/her earned retirement benefit.

(h) The individual holding the Office of the President shall be limited to three (3) consecutive terms as
President and upon completion of the third consecutive term shall no longer be eligible to stand for
election to the Office of the President.

Section 2. The Immediate Past President Shall:

Attend the Biennial State Conference and meetings of the Board of Directors. He or she shall advise
and assist the President and Board of Directors in the performance of their respective duties and
shall execute such assignments as may be ordered by them or either of them. When there is no
living Immediate Past President, these duties shall be performed by the last living Immediate Past
President.

Section 3. The First Vice President shall:

Preside at meetings of the Board of Directors and General meetings in the absence of the President,
and otherwise generally perform the duties of the President during his or her absence. He or she
shall appoint the minorities to all committees and perform other duties that are incident to this office
as directed by the Board of Directors. By virtue of his or her office, he or she shall be a delegate to
the Biennial State and National Conferences.

Section 4. The Second Vice President shall:

(a) Fulfill the duties of the 1st Vice President during his or her absence. He or she shall see that
everyone in attendance during the regular monthly business meeting signs the registration book.

(b) Compile a list of the members of this Lodge in good standing who have fulfilled the requirements
of these By-Laws relative to becoming a candidate for office or for delegates. He or she shall also
present a full and complete copy of this list to the President and Recording Secretary on the day
such nominations are to be accepted. By virtue of his or her office, he or she shall be a delegate to
the Biennial State and National Conferences.

Section 5. The Third Vice President shall:

Preside at meetings of the Board in the absence of the President and 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents.
He or she shall assume duties laid out in Sections 3 and 4 of this Article. By virtue of his or her
office, he or she shall be a delegate to the Biennial State and National Conferences.

Section 6. The Recording Secretary shall:

(a) Have custody of books, records, documents, seal of the Lodge, office paraphernalia and equipment,

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under the general authority of the President and Board of Directors. He or she shall take a record
and transcribe minutes of all general meetings, meetings of the Board and shall submit the same for
approval or rejection at the next meeting. He or she shall conduct the general correspondence of the
Lodge. Together with the President, he or she shall attest all warrants or vouchers for cash
disbursements from any fund of the Lodge. He or she shall attest, under the seal of the Order, all
duly authorized contracts of the Lodge. He or she shall be the official custodian of the Constitution
and By-Laws, which shall be authenticated by the seal of the Lodge and signature of the President
and Secretary. He or she shall be responsible for determining whether a member is entitled to be
credited with an excused absence from a Lodge meeting and for all other matters pertaining to
attendance at Lodge meetings and their effect on eligibility for Lodge office. He or she shall sign
all checks duly authorized by the President and Secretary and cosigned by the President or Treasurer.

(b) Keep a record of the official amendments adopted, amending the Constitution and By-Laws, duly
authenticated by the seal of the Lodge and signatures of the President and Secretary, in a book known as
the Book of Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws. By virtue of his or her office, he or she shall
be a delegate to the Biennial State and National Conference.

Section 7: The Financial Secretary shall:

Along with the Treasurer be custodian of the funds of the Lodge. He or she shall perform a quarterly
review of the deposits to assure that all monies received by the Lodge have been forwarded to the
Treasurer and deposited in the proper accounts of the Lodge. He or she shall furnish a surety bond
for the faithful performance of his or her duties in such an amount as shall be specified by the Board
of Directors and paid for by the Lodge. By virtue of his or her office, he or she shall be Chairman
of the membership committee. He or she shall assist the President in the selection of the Unit and
District Representatives. He or she shall sign all checks duly authorized by the President and
Secretary and co-signed by the President and/or Treasurer for disbursement of funds. By virtue of
his or her office, he or she shall be a delegate to the Biennial State and National Conferences.

Section 8. The Treasurer shall:

Assure that all incoming monies for the Lodge shall be delivered into the record for deposit in the
proper accounts of the Lodge and shall, with the Financial Secretary be the custodian of the funds
of the Lodge. He or she shall furnish a surety bond in the amount specified by the Board of Directors,
which surety bond shall be approved by the Board of Directors and financed by the Lodge. He or
she shall sign all checks duly authorized by the President and Secretary, and co-signed by the
President and/or Financial Secretary and/or Recording Secretary for disbursements of funds. He or
she shall keep an itemized record of all receipts and disbursements, and shall deposit all funds
collected in a bank approved by the Board of Directors. He or she shall set up special accounts for
special funds and allocate to each respectively, the amounts allocated and collected therefore. He
or she shall perform such duties as usual and incident to the office. He or she shall prepare quarterly
reports for the Board on the conditions of the funds. By virtue of his or her office, he or she shall
be a delegate to the Biennial State and National Conferences.

Section 9. The Three (3) Sergeant-at-Arms shall:

Have charge of ascertaining that all present at meetings are in good standing. They shall have charge
and control of all meeting places and permit only qualified persons to enter or remain. They shall
assist the President in the execution of such duties he may order. By virtue of their office they will
be delegates to the Biennial State and National Conferences.

ARTICLE IV
DUTIES OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Section 1. The seventeen (17) elected Trustees with the other elected officers shall constitute a Board which

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shall be known as the Board of Directors. They shall elect from among the Board of Trustees, by
voice vote or other means, one member to be known as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Section 2. It shall be the duty of this Board to manage the permanent and invested funds of the Lodge.
Permanent and invested funds are to include buildings, property, equipment, furniture, and all other
invested funds of the Lodge.

Section 3. This Board shall obtain bonds for all Officers as prescribed by these By-Laws.

Section 4. The Chairman of this Board at the end of each fiscal year shall select four (4) Trustees to be
responsible for the audit of the Treasurer's books.

Section 5. The seventeen (17) Trustees by virtue of this office, shall be delegates to the Biennial State and
National Conferences.

Section 6. The Board of Trustees shall review all appeals from denials of excused absences rendered by the
Recording Secretary.

ARTICLE V
MEETINGS AND ORDER OF BUSINESS

Section 1. The Board of Directors shall meet once each month, the date and time to be set by the President and
at such other times as the Board or the President may determine. A quorum of fifteen (15) of its
members shall be necessary for the transaction of business.

Section 2. The general membership meetings of Chicago Lodge # 7 shall be held each month, on a date and
time specified by the Board of Directors. The general membership meetings of July and August
may be suspended each year by the Board of Directors.

Section 2(a). At a general membership meeting or any special meeting of this Lodge, a quorum shall be not less
than five (5) elected officers and fifty (50) members of the Lodge in good standing.

Section 3. ORDER OF BUSINESS

1. Opening Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance


2. Reading of previous meeting minutes
3. Report of Officers
4. Report of Board of Directors
5. Report of Board of Trustees
6. Bills and Communications
7. Reports of Committees
8. Introduction of resolutions
9. Unfinished Business
10. New Business
11. Nomination petitions accepted and filed
12. Election of Officers
13. Good of the Order
14. Installation of Officers
15. Adjournment

ARTICLE VI
DUES

Section 1. The Active membership dues of this Lodge shall be collected pursuant to the checkoff provision of

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the relevant collective bargaining agreement and shall be increased by a majority secret ballot vote,
except as specified below, upon reasonable advance notice, of those Active members in good
standing at the meeting where the vote is taken. Any increases in the state and/or national per capita
taxes will be passed along to the active membership to the nearest $.25 (twenty-five cent) increment
per pay period.

Dues as of ratification of the 1987 Amendments, shall be $7.50 per pay period and shall be increased
each year thereafter (to the nearest half-dollar) by the percentage annual increase in pay provided to
members of the bargaining unit under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Effective after ratification of this amendment, by 1 May 2018, with consideration given to the
Departmental payroll deduction change-over; the dues for members covered by Legal Defense will
be five dollars ($5.00) per pay period. This increase will be used exclusively for Legal Defense.
The Legal Defense Committee will establish the guidelines for disbursement from this fund and said
guidelines will be subject to approval by two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Board of Directors. The
Legal Defense Fund will be audited separately and the audit results will be published annually.

Section 2. Failure by any member, regardless of class, to pay dues upon notification of this obligation shall
result in the member's immediate expulsion from membership in the Lodge.

Section 3. Each year the Lodge shall notify all members of the bargaining unit of the Lodge's expenses for the
prior year. The purpose of this notice shall be to allow fair share employees, who are not members
of the Lodge, but who are required to pay a fair share fee to the Lodge, to object to the fair share
payments required by the collective bargaining agreement between the Lodge and the City of
Chicago. The amount of these fair share payments is determined by the Fair Share Committee
pursuant to the Lodge's fair share policy.

ARTICLE VII
EXPENSES AND COMPENSATION

Section 1. The Board of Directors members, as such, shall not receive any stated salaries for their services, but
by resolution of the Board, a fixed sum and expenses, if any, may be allowed for attendance at each
regular and special meeting, provided, that nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude
any Officer from serving the Lodge in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefore.

Section 2. The Board of Directors is authorized and empowered consistent with these By-Laws and
Constitution, to provide and fix the salaries and terms and conditions of employment for all Officers
and employees of this Lodge, including, but not limited to such fringe benefits as vacations with
pay, holidays, sick leave, time off for personal reasons, and in connection therewith to make
payments covering health, welfare and pension benefits and/or the purchase or lease of automobiles
and the maintenance and expense thereof. The Board of Directors may only authorized an
automobile, which is the sole property of the Lodge, to be traded in towards the purchase or lease of
another automobile for the Lodge, sold for fair market value based on an appraisal by reputable
company as deemed by the Board of Directors, or junked due to its dilapidated condition. The Board
of Directors is further authorized and empowered to provide allowances, direct and indirect
disbursements, expenses and disbursement of expenses for such Officers and employees. The
allowances and disbursements stated above will be reviewed at least yearly by the Board of Trustees
who will present their recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval. Provided that the
salary, terms, and conditions of any Officer shall not be decreased or reduced during an officer's
term of office.

Since the Officers and employees are constantly performing duties on behalf of this Lodge, during
all hours of the day and night and they are also incurring expenses for the benefit of the Lodge, the
Board is hereby authorized to provide weekly expense allowances to be received by the Officers
and employees. These allowances are to be paid over and above salaries, it being estimated that

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well over the amounts of such allowances are expended by the Officers and employees in connection
with the work of this organization. These allowances will be reviewed at least yearly by Board of
Trustees who will present their recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval.

In addition to the allowances set forth above, all Officers and employees may be reimbursed for all
other expenses incurred in connection with their activities upon presentation of appropriate written
statements or accounts. The written statements will be subject to audit by the Board of Trustees
who will present their recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval.

Any actions taken by the Board of Directors in this Section must be reported at a General Meeting
following the Board of Directors meeting at which such actions take place.

The Board of Directors shall set the salary of the Lodge Representatives at an amount equal to the
E-5 level as set forth in the 2021 Chicago Police Department Position and Salary Schedule and shall
be increased periodically in the same amount as percentage increases granted to bargaining unit
police officers represented by Chicago Lodge # 7. If a Field Representative is a retiree from the
Chicago Police Department or becomes retired while serving as a Field representative, he/she shall
not suffer any reduction to the E-5 level amount due to he/she receiving his/her earned retirement
benefit. The Lodge Representatives shall not be eligible for a monthly stipend or quarterly payments
as set in the Position and Salary Schedule. Any Board of Director, in order to be eligible for a
monthly stipend, must attend and address a minimum of two (2) roll calls (other than the Member’s
own unit of assignment), or other Membership event only after receiving the pre-approval of the
Lodge President as well as the Lodge First Vice-President; or forfeit ½ of the monthly stipend per
each of the two roll calls or other Membership events not attended.

ARTICLE VIII
FISCAL YEAR

Section 1. The fiscal year of the Lodge shall begin on the first day of January and end on the last day of
December in each Calendar year.

ARTICLE IX
FAIR SHARE PROCEDURES

Section 1. A fair share shall be collected pursuant to policy approved by the Board of Directors, which is
consistent with applicable law.

ARTICLE X
COMMITTEES

Section 1. After the installation of Officers of this Lodge and no later than the June Board meeting, the
President and 1st Vice President shall appoint the standing committees. Any member in good
standing may serve as a committee member and each committee shall have at least three (3)
members. The President will start the appointments by naming the committee chairperson and the
appointments will alternate with the President appointing the majority and the 1st Vice President
appointing the minority of the members. A complete list of the Standing Committees and their
members shall be presented to the Board of Directors by the June Board meeting for the Boards
approval.

A. The following will be the Standing Committees:

1. Grievance 5. Retiree
2. Safety 6. Constitution and By-Laws
3. Legal 7. Legislative

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4. Disabilities 8. Health and Insurance

B. Each of the Standing Committees will meet monthly or as needed and report to the Board of
Directors at each a Board meeting.

Section 2. Either the President or the Board of Directors may move for the creation of Special Committees to
investigate any issue confronting the Lodge. Special Committees will be appointed by the same
method used for appointing Standing Committees. Special Committees will cease to function when
they have completed their duties and made a report.

ARTICLE XI
PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE

Attorneys, Accountants and such other professional, special or expert services as may be required for the organization
shall be designated by the President with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS

Section 1. Only active members, in good standing of this Lodge may propose an amendment to these By-Laws.
Such proposals shall be attested by the signature of eleven (11) active members in good standing.
The signatures will not be necessary when the proposals are made by the Constitution and By-Laws
Committee appointed by the President and 1st Vice President. An amendment on a particular subject
may be presented and/or voted upon only once in a twelve (12) month period, unless reconsideration
of the proposed amendment is approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Section 2: Proposed amendments to these By-Laws shall be submitted in writing to the Recording Secretary
within a two month period commencing April 1st and ending May 31st of each year or when an
issue has been identified as having significant importance to the Lodge by the President, with the
consent of the Board of Directors. The Recording Secretary upon receiving any proposed
amendments in the proper manner will then attest his or her signature, date of receiving, attest the
seal of the Lodge and forward the proposed amendment to the Board of Directors for review,
consideration and recommendations.

Section 3. If the proposed amendments, upon the review of the Board of Directors, are found to be in conflict
(read unconstitutional) with the State or National By-Laws or unlawful, these amendments will not
be forwarded to the membership for a vote. In the event the submitting member does not agree with
the decision of the Board of Directors, he may appeal said decision in the following manner. The
member may appeal the decision of the Board of Directors to the State Board of the Fraternal Order
of Police of Illinois and may further appeal to the State Conference, and thereafter if the State Board
upholds the decision of Lodge # 7 Board, the member may further appeal to the National Board of
the Fraternal Order of Police, and further, if necessary, make a final appeal to the National Biennial
Conference of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Section 4: The Board of Directors shall have the option of determining whether such vote shall be by mail
ballot or voice vote of members who attend the applicable membership meeting. Members will be
given notice of any impending vote on amendments to the By-Laws or Constitution by use of the
regular monthly mailing of Lodge # 7, prior to any vote.

Section 5: All amendments to be submitted to membership for a voice vote will be read and voted upon at the
General Business Meeting of September of that year. All amendments to be submitted to the full
membership for a mail ballot shall be mailed in the first week of September of that year for return
and counting before the General Business Meeting of October of that year.

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Section 6. When an issue has been identified as having significant importance to the Lodge by the President,
with the consent of the Board of the Directors, the President shall propose an amendment to these
Constitution and By-Laws. Members will be given notice of any impending vote on such
amendment by use of the regular monthly mailing of Lodge 7, prior to any vote. The Board of
Directors shall have the option of determining whether such vote shall be by mail ballot or voice
vote of members who attend the applicable membership meeting. If the proposed amendment is
sent for a mail ballot, it shall be returned and counted within twenty-one (21) days of the mailing.

Section 7: A two thirds (2/3) majority of the Active members present and voting at said meeting or in a mail
ballot shall be required for adoption of any amendment.

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