1. These Standing Rules may be amended at any business meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the District Council present, without prior notice.



2. The first semi-annual business meeting in each year shall generally be held in the Spring and the second business meeting shall coincide with the Rose Show and Conference which are typically held in the Fall.



3. Local societies are encouraged to host the Rose Show and Conference. It is recommended that the host society(s) use the Conference Guide Workbook and update it as soon as possible but no later than ninety (90) days after the conclusion of the Conference.



4. The host society(s) for each business meeting shall provide a financial statement showing expenses and income involving the event(s) as soon as possible but no later than ninety (90) days after the conclusion of the meeting or December 31, whichever comes first. The financial statement submitted after the Fall Conference and Rose Show shall include all Conference expenses and income for this event.



5. The host society(s) for each business meeting shall provide meeting facilities of sufficient size and accessibility at reasonable cost to the District.



6. The host society(s) for each business meeting shall provide registration, accommodations and meals to the District Director for the duration of the event, as needed.



7. The host society(s) for the District Conference and Rose Show shall pay to the District a fee of two dollars ($2.00) for each paid registrant at the time the financial statement is filed (see Rule #4).



8. The President of each local rose society in the District shall notify the Secretary at least ten (10) days before the District meeting of the names of the voting representatives for that society.



9. Each voting representative from the local rose societies shall register with the Secretary upon arrival at the Business Meeting.



10. The manner of voting at the Business Meeting shall be determined by the presiding officer.



11. The newly elected District Director shall choose the installing officer for the Installation of the Deputy Director, Treasurer and Secretary.



12. The newly elected Treasurer shall prepare the election year Financial Statement with the assistance and cooperation of the immediate Past Treasurer.



13. In the absence of the District Director the designated co-signers for District checks shall be the Deputy District Director or the Secretary who shall have their signature card on file with the District financial institution. No two people residing in the same household shall co-sign for District checks.



14. The District member of the National Nomination Committee shall provide a copy of the rules and guidelines for choosing a recipient of the District Silver Honor Medal to each Awards Committee member.



15. The membership of the District Awards Committee shall not be held secret. Each member of the committee may request nominations of worthy individuals from their local society members; however, as stated in the American Rose Society (ARS) rules for selecting the recipient of the award, the individuals nominated and the vote shall remain secret from the local societies.



16. The Criterion shall be published quarterly.



17. Sixty (60) days notice shall be given to all local societies regarding any scheduled schools or seminars. Notice should also be placed in The Criterion and on the District web site.



18. District Rose Show Trophies shall be maintained by funds in a District Trophy Fund. Each local society is requested to contribute at least five dollars ($5.00) annually to this fund. Engraving fees for the trophies shall be paid out of this fund, as well as trophy repair and maintenance.



19. To donate a trophy for a District Award, a proposal shall be presented to the District Trophy Chair for preliminary approval and consultation.



o Trophies must have a durable carrying case to protect the trophy and its base.

o The trophy and its case must weigh less than twenty-five (25) pounds and be easily portable.

o The trophy, case and criteria for the award shall be presented at the next business meeting for approval by the District Council.

o There shall be adequate room on the base for twenty (20) years of name plates.

o The trophy shall automatically become the property of the District.

20. The District Trophy Chair shall review and approve all District Rose Show schedules for proper wording and criteria for classes awarding District Trophies.



21. Separate funds shall be kept for District Schools and Seminars. Registration fees adequate to cover costs shall be charged for attendance.



22. A Memorial Fund shall be maintained to help new societies get started. Donations may be made to this fund in memory of living or departed members, rosarians, and loved ones.



23. No unbudgeted expenses shall be incurred by the District without approval of the Executive Committee, except that the District Director may spend up to $100 in unbudgeted expenses subject to the subsequent approval of the Executive Committee.



24. The agenda for each business meeting shall be posted on the District web site at least 30 days prior to the meeting.



25. Local society executive officers are expected to be ARS members.



26. The Parliamentarian shall assist and advise at all Executive Committee and District Business meetings.



27. The Consulting Rosarian Chair, Horticulture Judges Chair, Arrangement Judges Chair and Memorial Fund Chair shall be authorized to disperse funds from the appropriate accounts to cover expenses applicable to their specific area of responsibility using the proper Check Request Form.



28. The District Director, at the end of their term or at transition of the District Treasurer shall appoint a Financial Review Committee of two (2) or more persons to review the District financial records.

Approved: March 2, 2002
Revised and Approved: March 20, 2004