Grant application information

Created by Resolution 2001-70 and pursuant to 2000-156, the Volusia ECHO Advisory Committee was established to oversee review of the applications for not-for-profits, municipalities and County departments (hereinafter "entities") for grants in aid and direct funding of projects and to ensure that such requests meet the objectives, criteria, procedures and guidelines of the Volusia ECHO Program; to make recommendations on awarding of funding by the County Council to eligible entities through the Program; to periodically review the criteria, procedures and guidelines of the Volusia ECHO program as established by the County Council and to make recommendations for modification; to promote a fair and objective distribution of Volusia ECHO Program proceeds to eligible and viable entities; to encourage financially responsible investments in ECHO opportunities for the advancement of the quality of life of Volusia’s residents and visitors; to review and/or assess the ECHO needs of the Volusia County community and make recommendations on how the Volusia ECHO Program can best address them. This committee shall report to and advise the County Council.

In accordance with Resolution 2001-70, the Committee shall perform those functions specifically assigned by the Volusia County Council (based upon approval of a work-plan submitted by the Committee) and shall report to the County Council at least once annually.

Article II. Governance & Rules of Procedure

The Committee shall be governed by Roberts Rules of Order Revised, Florida Sunshine Law, Public Records Law, County Council Resolution 2000-156 and 2001-70, and these By-Laws upon adoption.

Article III. Officers & Duties

In accordance with Resolution 2001-70, the Committee shall annually elect a Chair and Vice-Chair. Pursuant to Resolution 2001-70, such officers may be re-elected at the discretion of the Committee, but shall not serve more than two (2) consecutive years. The Chair and Vice-Chair shall be elected by a majority vote of the members present at the first regular meeting after April 1st of each year. The Chair shall serve as the presiding officer of all meetings and the Vice-Chair shall serve in the Chair’s absence.

Article IV. Vacancies

Vacancies shall be filled by a nomination and a majority vote of the County Council. A majority vote of the County Council is required to remove a member of the committee.

Article V. Attendance

Whereas, the Committee feels it is necessary to ensure regular attendance at meetings, three (3) unexcused absences within a twelve (12) month period commencing with the first absence of a member will be considered by the Committee as a resignation of said member. Members will be required to notify the staff liaison of their inability to attend the meeting. This information shall be presented to the Committee Chair who may grant the member an excused absence. Members who fail to notify staff of their inability to attend a meeting will be given an unexcused absence. Resignations will be forwarded to the County Council and said vacancy will be filled in accordance with Resolution 2001-70.

Article VI. Sub-Committees

Sub-Committees shall be formed as needed at the discretion of the Committee. Sub-Committee members will be appointed by the Committee Chair. Said sub-committees shall conduct their business in accordance with the Volusia ECHO Advisory Committee by-laws. The provisions of Article V do not apply to this section.

Article VII. Amendment of By-laws

Subject to County Council approval, amendments to the by-laws may be proposed at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee and must be approved by a majority vote of the Committee.

Article VIII. Quorum

In order for a meeting to be held, a quorum of members shall be present. Such quorum shall be defined as five (5) of the nine (9) appointed members being present.

Article IX. Meetings

The Committee shall establish and publish a schedule of regular meetings. Meetings may be cancelled or rescheduled at the discretion of the Chair. Additionally, the Chair may call special meetings of the Committee at his or her discretion. Said meetings shall be conducted in accordance with these by-laws.

Article X. Staff

The Growth and Resource Management Department shall provide staff assistance to the Committee during the course of its deliberations and report preparation, which assistance shall include (in conjunction with the Chair) preparation of all agendas and meeting notices, minutes and meeting places. In addition, the Department staff shall prepare for appropriate signature(s) (in conjunction with the Chair), in accordance with Committee action, all written Committee communications.

Article XI. Approval of By-Laws