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Building Enclosure Council of Chicago Charter and By-Laws (BETEC, AIA, NIST)

ARTICLE I: Intent

  1. The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), and The American Institute of Architects (AIA) have agreed to the development of NIBS/AIA Building Enclosure Councils in a number of major cities that will organize and provide an interdisciplinary forum where architects, engineers (structural, mechanical, etc.) consultants, manufacturers, contractors, developers, owners, facility managers, etc. can meet.
  2. Goal: This diverse collaboration was established to promote the pursuit of excellence in the design, construction, and performance of the building enclosure.

ARTICLE II: Charter Agreement

The Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, Inc. (AIA Chicago), hereby establishes the Building Enclosure Council (BEC) Chicago as a local component activity in association with the AIA Chicago Technical Issues Knowledge Community under the National Building Environment and Thermal Envelope Council (BETEC)/AIA Agreement.

WHEREAS BETEC is a council of the NIBS; and

WHEREAS the National AIA and BETEC desire to establish a series of autonomous Building Enclosure Councils (BECs) in 8 to 12 cities across the United States to serve as forums for Building Enclosure/Building Science issues of local concern; and

WHEREAS AIA Chicago and BEC Chicago have had a productive and mutually beneficial relationship since 2006;

AIA Chicago and BEC Chicago agree to the following:

  1. BEC Chicago will be organized to provide an interdisciplinary forum where architects, engineers (structural, mechanical, etc.), consultants, manufacturers, contractors, developers, owners, facility managers, and other interested individuals can meet.
  2. The intent is to provide a means by which all those with an interest in the enclosure (envelope) of commercial, institutional, and residential structures and the related building science can discuss common issues, obtain information, discuss local issues, and otherwise address subjects relating to the building enclosure.
  3. BEC Chicago shall operate within the requirements of the National BETEC/AIA Agreement.
  4. BEC Chicago shall secure all right, title, and interest in and to publications and other intellectual property produced by or for BEC Chicago in the name of AIA Chicago.
  5. AIA Chicago shall grant the National AIA and/or NIBS a nonexclusive license to distribute, reproduce, display, and use the publications and other intellectual property in all media, now known or hereafter devised, including the Internet, without payment of any royalty or license fee.

ARTICLE III: Logos of NIBS and the AIA:

  1. The trade and service marks of NIBS, the National AIA and AIA Chicago are limited to use by BEC Chicago only when accompanied by a statement properly identifying the nature of the connection of the BEC with NIBS and the AIA as described herein above. This may include use on correspondence, Web sites, educational events, written literature, and marketing material.
  2. NIBS and the National AIA and AIA Chicago may choose to endorse or sponsor specific events organized by BEC Chicago, such as a symposium. Such sponsorship will be claimed only if NIBS and the National AIA and AIA Chicago give specific written approval.
  3. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this agreement, neither the name, the logo, nor any other intellectual property of the National AIA or AIA Chicago shall be used in a manner inconsistent with requirements specified in the governance documents of the National AIA or of AIA Chicago, or the AIA’s graphic standards.
    1. Each use of AIA name, logo, or other intellectual property in connection with this Agreement shall be subject to the prior written approval of the National AIA and of AIA Chicago.
    2. Each use of the NIBS or BETEC name, logo, or other intellectual property in connection with this Agreement shall be subject to the prior written approval of NIBS.

ARTICLE IV: Termination of Charter:

This agreement may be terminated at any time by AIA Chicago, BEC Chicago, the National AIA, or NIBS, without cause, upon three months written notice to the other party. In the case of termination of this agreement, BEC Chicago shall no longer be entitled to describe themselves as cooperating with NIBS, BETEC, or the National AIA, or to use the NIBS or AIA name, trademarks, or service marks, and neither party shall have any further obligation to the other party hereunder.

ARTICLE V: By-Laws of BEC Chicago

SECTION 1: Organization

  1. BEC Chicago will be organized as a standing subcommittee of the Technical Issues Knowledge Community - Chicago Chapter of the AIA and shall describe itself in its documents and correspondence using the following language “BEC Chicago, a Committee of AIA Chicago cooperating with the National Building Environment and Thermal Envelope Council, National Institute of Building Sciences and the American Institute of Architects.”
  2. BEC Chicago will be an autonomous from the National AIA and NIBS regarding any revenues (from seminars, meetings, etc.) and expenses.

SECTION 2: BEC Chicago is intended to:

  1. Participate within the network of established Building Enclosure Councils or professional groups across the US to promote the exchange of information and technology;
  2. Provide a focus/forum at the local level for those with an interest in the Enclosure (Envelope) of Buildings (all buildings) and the related Building Science;
  3. Promote and encourage discussion, training, education, technology transfer, and the exchange of information about regional (Great Lakes and surrounding areas) issues and cases, relevant weather conditions, and all matters concerning the building enclosure and the related science;
  4. Initiate and promote cross-disciplinary and cross-responsibility dialogue, i.e., laterally between professions, and vertically among designers, manufacturers, suppliers, fabricators, constructors, building operators, developers, insurers, and others with an interest in the building enclosure; and
  5. Facilitate improvements with respect to process, namely inspection, approvals, codes, regulations, standards, liability matters, and the like for matters that affect the building enclosure.

SECTION 3: Officers and Terms:

  1. BEC Chicago will be governed by a Board of Directors, elected from a majority (greater than 50%) of the BEC Chicago membership that participates in the election. Director’s terms shall be a period of two years beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31. Elected Board members may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms within any one board position. At least one (1) Board member must be a Member, Associate Member, or Affiliate Member of AIA Chicago.

    The elected Board of Directors shall be as follows:
    1. The Chairperson: Must be a Member of NIBS. Term begins on January 1 of even numbered years. The Chairperson is not elected, but becomes Chair after being elected as Vice Chair.
    2. The Vice-Chair - Chairperson-Elect: Elected to succeed the Chairperson. Term begins on January 1 of even numbered years. Must be a Member of NIBS at the time of his/her elevation to Chairperson.
    3. Secretary: Term begins on January 1 of even numbered years.
    4. Treasurer: Term begins on January 1 of odd numbered years.
    5. All elected Board Members shall have voting rights.
  2. Non-Elected Board Members:
    1. The Chairperson of AIA Chicago’s Technical Issues Knowledge Community shall be invited to participate as a voting Board Member of the Chicago BEC.
    2. The Past Chairperson of BEC Chicago shall be invited to participate as a voting Board Member.
    3. Committee Chairs may also be invited to attend Board Meetings, but shall have no voting rights in Board decisions or other procedural matters, unless so approved by the elected Board Members.
  3. The Board of Directors shall meet regularly as may be necessary, but not less than quarterly at a time and place established by the Secretary. Board Meetings shall be presided over by the Chairperson or Vice-Chair in the absence of the Chairperson. A quorum of two thirds of the Board of Directors must be present for any voting actions.

SECTION 4: Election of Officers / Vacant Appointments:

  1. The Secretary shall hold elections for board officers within three months of the term ending date. Elections shall be by secret ballot and will be limited to a 30-day voting / balloting process. Electronic or written methods of balloting are acceptable. Announcement of the result(s) shall be within one week of the close of election balloting.
    1. Election results will be developed based on a 50% majority of BEC Chicago membership participating in the election.
  2. Resignation: Any Board Member may resign his/her position for personal or professional reasons with notification to the Chairperson or a member of the Board.
  3. Vacant Board Positions: The Chairperson may appoint qualified people to fill vacant board positions to fill out any remaining term limit. Appointed board positions are eligible to run for and be elected to any Board position.

SECTION 5: Duties of the Officers:

  1. Chairperson:
    1. Presides over Board of Directors;
    2. Develops agenda for Advisory Committee meetings.
    3. The BEC Chicago Chair or his/her delegate will serve as the liaison to BETEC for all matters including notes, newsletters, dues, national and local events, and activities, and matters of national significance. The Chair will also serve as an ex-officio member of the National Board of BETEC.
    4. The BEC Chicago Chair or his/her delegate will serve as the liaison to the AIA Chicago for all matters including notes, newsletters, dues, national and local events, and activities, and matters of national significance. Preferably this person should also be a member of the AIA Building Science Knowledge Community.
  2. Vice-Chair / Chairperson Elect:
    1. Assumes the role of Chairperson when required.
    2. Monitors committee and program activities and coordinate with AIA Chicago program staff for scheduling and development, as necessary.
    3. Creates vision for future role/goals of BEC Chicago.
  3. Secretary:
    1. Record and distribute the minutes of the meetings of the Board; maintain the membership directory and handle official correspondence.
    2. Responsible to call for, coordinate, and secure balloting for elections.
  4. Treasurer:
    1. Coordinate with AIA Chicago Accounting's receipt and depositing all BEC Chicago income and payments.
    2. Approve all bills and expenditures to be paid by AIA Chicago from BEC Chicago funds.
    3. Prepare, in cooperation with the Board of Directors, an annual budget to be submitted to AIA Chicago by November 1 of each year for the next calendar year.
    4. Coordinate fundraising as may be necessary.
    5. Report annually to the BEC Chicago Board of Directors and the AIA Chicago Board of Directors on funds received and expended.

SECTION 6: Meetings

  1. BEC Chicago meetings shall be held monthly or as decided upon by the Board and Program administrator. Meetings shall be conducted to further the goals and the Charter of the Building Envelope Councils.
  2. There shall be one meeting annually, dedicated to the business of the Council. This annual business meeting shall be established by the Board of Directors and presided over by the Chairperson or his/her designated representative.

SECTION 7: Council Committees:

  1. The Board of Directors shall establish Committees as may be required for the operation of the Council; for special events; or as is necessary to meet the goals and objectives of the Council. Chairpersons for committee’s shall be appointed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
  2. Committees will be established to service monthly or special programs; membership; or website activities.

SECTION 8: Dues, Fees, and Expenses:

  1. BEC-Chicago shall not profit from its organization or activities
  2. No annual dues or fees shall be required to be a member of the Council.
  3. The BEC Chicago Treasurer shall develop procedures to cover approved expenses for website maintenance, special events, and other operating expenses within the following parameters:
    1. All BEC Chicago funds collected will be deposited with AIA Chicago, and the BEC Chicago Treasurer will monitor such collects and transfers, review AIA Chicago invoicing and collections, and coordinate with AIA Chicago accounting regarding BEC Chicago funds. AIA Chicago Financial Manager shall submit quarterly reports to BEC Chicago.
    2. Any expenses shall be paid through AIA Chicago, utilizing BEC Chicago sponsorship funds, and all expenditures shall require majority approval by the voting BEC Board Members.
    3. AIA Chicago requires dual approval from BEC Chicago Chairperson and BEC Chicago Treasurer.
  4. Costs associated with accounting services provided by AIA Chicago will be reimbursed to AIA Chicago as outlined herein. AIA Chicago will provide services to the BEC Chicago:
    1. AIA Chicago’s Accounting support services for basic BEC Chicago operations will be billed based on a yearly rate mutually agreed upon by AIA Chicago and BEC Chicago by November 1 of each year. This includes invoicing and depositing Annual and Special Event Sponsorship funds, paying BEC Chicago expenses from BEC Chicago funds, and coordinating quarterly and on an as needed basis with the BEC Chicago Treasurer.
    2. BEC Chicago funds held by AIA Chicago shall remain BEC Chicago funds, and surpluses shall not revert to AIA Chicago at the end of the fiscal/calendar year. BEC Chicago retains control over the use of these funds.
    3. Yearly budgets prepared by BEC Chicago for AIA Chicago must remedy any deficits from the previous calendar year.

SECTION 9: Amendments or Changes to the By-Laws:

  1. Changes in the By-Laws of BEC Chicago may be recommended to the Board of Directors by any active member of the Council. Recommendations, changes, or amendments shall be made in writing and directed to the attention of the BEC Chicago Secretary.
  2. The Board will review any proposed amendment or change and provide to the BEC Chicago membership a recommendation for acceptance or rejection.
  3. By-Law changes must be approved by a total of seventy five percent (75%) of the BEC Chicago active rostered membership at the time of the proposed change, or a minimum of 75% of all BEC Chicago members responding to the By-Law change.
  4. Any By-Law change or amendment will be published by the Secretary and distributed to the membership and to AIA Chicago.