– VETOED BY EGO –
Posted 8 April 2014 - 12:05am by Thomas Bates
A while back, we posted a draft of a Commendations bill. It went over without issue, and so, we’re passing the bill in the presented form. Thanks go to Jack for originally proposing this particular instance of the idea, and authoring the draft (and thus, the bill itself).
Bill #1
Commendations
Commendations are awarded to individuals or groups of individuals within the Club to recognise the work they have conducted above and beyond what is required of them.
Levels of Commendation
There are two levels of commendation that can be awarded:
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Fleet Commanders Commendation or Department Directors Commendation. These can be awarded by Fleet Commanders or Department Directors for work associated with their Fleet or Department, in consultation with the President.
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Presidential Commendation. This can be awarded by the President for work associated with multiple departments and fleets.
Citations
Each commendation must be accompanied by a short citation stating what the individual or group has done to deserve the commendation. If approved, this citation will be recorded alongside the commendation.
Limitations
Only one commendation can be awarded for a particular piece (or pieces) of work. It is therefore essential that Fleet Commanders and Department Directors Commendations are raised with the President prior to being issued.
Presentation
Individuals will be notified when a Commendation is awarded to them. A list of recipients, along with citations, will be writen as an edict at the middle and end of presidential terms. Where possible, individuals will be presented with the commendations during the next STF AWards ceremony.
-Thomas Bates
–President
—7 April 2014
– VETO 1 –
Posted 8 April 2014 - 4:35pm by Joe P
Myself and Jack Dipper have decided as EGOtists to veto Bates Bill #1. Jack will be seconding this veto later when he is at a keyboard, and has asked me to post the initial veto first.
We are vetoing the bill specifically because it is unclear as to whether or not it is intended to be a standalone bylaw or a modification to an existing bylaw. We have no issue with the intent of the bill.
We think that the bill may be appropriate as an amendment to an existing bylaw. I personally think that it would make sense as an amendment to GO (http://www.star-fleet.com/library/bookshelf/charters/charter-go.html), because it adds powers to Fleet Commanders and Executive Department directors at the same time, and that is the document which defines their powers. Jack expressed an opinion that it may make sense to append to MOO (http://www.star-fleet.com/library/bookshelf/charters/charter-moo.html). Either way, if it is an amendment, it needs to be clear what is being amended.
We also think that the bill could be a standalone bylaw. If this is done, it should be more explicit that a new bylaw is actually being created, similar to how other such bylaws are done. For instance, with the bylaws name and perhaps a convenient acronym.
The argument was made publicly by Jen Herr that the bill is not sufficient for a standalone bylaw, but should rather be an edict. We think it could stand as an edict as well, however we do not choose to have an opinion as to whether this is better suited as a bylaw or an edict.
If it is decided to attempt to pass the bill again, please remember that the edited text of the bill must stand for review prior to passage.
Joe P
EGOtist
– VETO 2 –
Posted 8 April 2014 - 7:53pm by Jack Dipper
As Joe indicated, I am also vetoing Bates Bill #1 on the grounds that it is not sufficiently clear as to whether it is a new bylaw or a modification to an existing one.
The definition for a bylaw is as follows:
“A Bylaw is defined as any edict which establishes clubwide policy or governs administrative features of the club. The litmus test for determining what constitutes a Bylaw is to decide whether or not it has a profound and long term impact upon the club or its administration.”
As the Commendation system proposed is designed to be a lasting practice and is a club wide policy, my opinion is that it is best suited to be part of a bylaw. I do not feel that it, on its own, is profound enough to be a standalone bylaw. My recommendation is that, as it deals with how members are recognised (akin to promotions) it sits better within the Member Order and Organization bylaw.
However, I also want to make it clear that I do not want us to find ourselves in a position where we are debating how to best legislate for a protracted period of time. Whether it’s an edict or a bylaw, the intent and implementation of the commendation is clear. We have far more pressing matters to deal with, and we just need to crack on and start commending our members for their hard work.
Jack