THE ISLAMIC CENTER OF TRI-CITIES

The Islamic Center of the Tri-Cities is hereby established and henceforth will be referred to as the Center. The Center is organized exclusively for religious, charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Not withstanding any other provision of these articles, the Center shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section (501) (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Upon the winding up and dissolution of the Center or adequately providing for debts and obligations of the organization, the remaining assets shall be distributed to non-profit fund, foundation, or corporation which has established its tax status under Section 501 (C) (3) of Internal Revenue Code.

The Center is established to educate all people of the essence of God's revelations to mankind as revealed in the Scripture in general and in the Book of Al Qur'an in particular and to fulfill the following purposes:

Section A 

To promote goodwill, understanding, fellowship and tolerance. The Center is open to members of all faith.

Section B 

To establish an Islamic Center and Masjid (mosque) in West Richland, Washington to hold and perform religious functions in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah** and to propagate the religion of Islam accordingly.  Amend. 4

Section C 

To provide Muslims with religious guidance based on the teachings of the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah. Amend. 4

Section D 

To provide a place for the offering of prayers and performance of other religious observances and social activities.

Section E 

To serve as a cultural institute for the dissemination of information on Islam, its teachings, history, and culture among Muslims as well as non-Muslims.

Section F 

To make available literature dealing with Islam. Amend. 4

Section G 

To organize the study of the Qur'an, language of the Qur'an, Sunnah, and the Islamic history and culture to meet the needs of Muslims and non-Muslims both adults and children. Amend. 4

** Throughout this Constitution and By Laws, The word Sunnah shall mean authenticated Sunnah (methodology) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him), according to the practices and sayings established during the time of prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h). Amend. 4

Section A 

The Center shall not involve itself in political activities of any nature, within or outside the United States, whether any Muslim groups or Nations are participant in debate or strife.

Section B 

The Center shall not be used for monetary profit, and no part of its funds or possessions be used for the benefit of any of its members. The balance of all funds received by the Center after the payment of its debts and obligations, shall be held, or used exclusively for the furtherance of the aims and purposes heretofore stated.

Section C 

The Center shall not involve itself in any form of racism, and persons advocating racism of any kind whatsoever, will not be allowed to join the center, or if they are members, shall be asked to resign or will be subject to expulsion, as outlined in article V, Sections D and E of this Constitution.

The Center shall comprise a General Assembly and an Executive Council whose respective definitions and functions follow in the next three articles.

Membership in the General Assembly shall be of two categories.

Section A 

Membership will be awarded to all Muslims upon application. Amend. 1

Section B 

All members who satisfy the criteria of Bylaws Article II Section 1 are eligible to vote in meetings of the General Assembly. Amend. 1

Section C 

(a) The ultimate responsibility of determining the course of policy and activities of the Center shall lie with the General Assembly, and issues of importance or unusual nature must be ratified by the General Assembly in accordance with voting procedure detailed in article IX.

(b) The General Assembly shall have the power to amend the Constitution, and may exercise this power according to the procedures as detailed in article IX.

(c) The General Assembly shall elect an Executive Council.

(d) The full General Assembly shall meet at least twice a year at which times the various activities of the Center shall be reported and discussed. Other meetings of the General Assembly shall be held per article VII, Section B. Amend. 4

Section D 

Any member of the Center may be deprived of his membership or be suspended for word or deed performed, sponsored, or advocated by him, which word or deed may be considered by a majority vote of the General Assembly to be detrimental to the objectives of the Center, and if such words or deeds are performed in the name of the Organization.

Section E 

Refusal to pay the dues of the Center may constitute grounds for suspension of membership, such suspension being accompanied by the cessation of all rights and privileges of membership.

Section A 

The Executive Council shall comprise the President, the Vice-President, the General Secretary, the Treasurer and the Ex-Officio. The first four officers will be elected every two years from among the members in good standing in the General Assembly. The Elections Committee shall provide election procedures, after consultation with the EC. These procedures may include the process through which different positions within the EC are designated. If no such provisions are provided by the Elections Committee, the elected EC members can select among themselves and no justification would be required for their designations. Amend. 4

Section B 

The Executive Council shall have the authority and responsibility of initiating, implementing, and supervising programs in keeping with the objectives of the Center. The Executive Council may delegate some of this authority and responsibility in specified areas to appropriate committees. Committees may provide recommendations to the Executive Council but final decisions can only be made by the Executive Council. Amend. 4

Section C 

Each Committee appointed by the majority vote of the Executive Council shall ordinarily comprise at least three members.

Section D 

The Executive Council shall keep a register of names and addresses of Muslims and others who wish to receive notices and publications of the Center.

Section E 

The Executive Council shall be responsible to keep proper accounts and other records of all financial matters pertaining to the Center, and the Treasurer shall prepare and submit for audit not later than December 15, a statement of accounts for the current year. The audited statements of accounts, as well as any reports made by the auditors, shall be published by the end of December of each year, and approved in the following annual meeting of the General Assembly in December. Amend. 4

The Executive Council shall check the books of accounts and the bank statements to make sure that the books of accounts are correct and up-to-date. In the Executive Council meetings, the interim financial reports shall be reviewed for proper planning and control of the financial matters of the Center. Other accounting procedures shall be followed as detailed in the By-Laws of the Center. The Treasurer shall also submit necessary papers to various Government agencies as required.

Section F 

The president of the Executive Council is the only authorized individual to speak to the media on behalf of the ICTC. However, the Executive Council may elect to authorize certain ICTC members or other individuals to speak to the media on behalf of the ICTC. Amend. 4

Section G 

The Executive Council shall meet at least once in two months at which time it shall review the programs under way and discuss the initiation of new programs.

Section H 

Any member of the Executive Council may resign by giving notice in writing to the President or the Vice-President. In addition, an EC member will be considered to have resigned from his/her position if this EC member moves out of the ICTC area or stops attending EC meetings for more than 3 consecutive meetings without communicating with the rest of the EC about his/her absence. When the vacancy arises in the Executive Council owing to such resignation or for some other cause, it may be filled by the unanimous vote of the remaining members. Amend. 5

Section I 

No elected member of the Executive Council shall hold the same office more than two consecutive terms, nor any office combination more than three consecutive terms. Amend. 4

The governing body of the ICTC shall consist of three entities; a Board of Directors (BOD), an Executive Committee (EC), and the ICTC General Assembly (GA). The composition and respective functions of these three entities are outlined below:

Section A : Composition

The ICTC Board of Directors (hereafter referred as Board) shall be composed of five members. All members of the Board shall be voting members of the ICTC in good standing. Two members may be elected from outside the ICTC Community. These two members should have significant interest in establishing and maintaining the ICTC. If members from other Islamic Communities are elected, they neither have to be ICTC voting members, nor do they have to live in the Tri-Cities vicinity. All Board members will serve on a voluntary basis. If for the attendance of meetings or other actions requested by the ICTC, they will be reimbursed reasonable out of pocket expenses.

Section B : Eligibility

The members of the Board shall satisfy the following requirements:

1. Shall be 35 years or older.

2. Shall be an active member of good standing and proven experience in ICTC or other Islamic Communities for a total of at least five years.

Section C : Election and Terms

1. Any member of the Board shall be nominated by any ICTC General Assembly Member. The background of the nominated member shall be checked by the ICTC President for eligibility. The nominated member shall be elected by the simple majority vote of the voting members in a regular election of the General Assembly.

2. Upon election of any new Board members, a joint assembly of the Board and the EC must vote on appointment of a Board Chairperson.

3. The Board shall select a secretary each time the Board composition changes. This selection can be by vote or any other method the Board Chairperson accepts.

4. The initial five members of the Board shall be elected to serve as described below:

   •  Three members for a period of four years

   •  Two members for a period of six years

5. On subsequent General Assembly elections (after the initial Board election), Board members shall be selected for a four-year term at each election, as Board seats become vacant. Board members need to be nominated and elected for new terms at the expiration of their terms.

6. Board members can serve up to two consecutive terms. However, any member can serve on the Board again after being out of the Board for at least four years.

7. Board members shall not be elected for any other EC position of ICTC while serving their terms on the Board.

8. When a vacancy occurs in the Board, a new member should be elected according to the procedure outlined in item 3.1 above within six months of the vacant seat. During the six months period, the Board Chairperson can appoint a member of ICTC in good standing to serve in the interim capacity (until the position is filled in the next election) to ensure the smooth working of the Board.

9. By a simple majority vote, the GA can suspend/remove any Board member for cause that, in their documented opinion, is in conflict with the ICTC mission or policies. If any such action is taken, the affected member will be given a 30-day notice and an opportunity to explain the situation and the GA shall vote again to finalize this decision.

Section D : Meetings

1. The Board shall conduct meetings at least four times per calendar year. It is preferable to conduct a meeting each quarter. Participation in all Board meetings can be in person or virtual, at the discretion of each Board member.

2. Three Board members shall constitute quorum for official deliberations and decisions by the Board.

3. The Board shall require a majority vote to act on all Board business. In the case of a tie vote, the Board Chairperson’s vote will count as two votes to break the tie.

4. The Board Chairperson shall call and preside the meeting; and the secretary shall keep the records of the proceeding and meeting minutes.

Section E : Duties and Responsibilities

Each meeting shall be brought to order promptly by the presiding officer at the time indicated. The Board shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Provide guidance and oversight on functioning of ICTC in general in accordance with the constitution. The Board shall not be involved in day-to-day affairs of ICTC or EC functions, including all its committees.

2. Supervise the performance of the EC. If the Board receives any written complaint about the performance or behavior of an EC member, the Board will conduct an investigation. In this capacity, the Board has the authority to remove this EC member after this investigation is completed and documented. The Board must vote on this decision and a simple majority vote will determine the Board decision. In case of a tie, the Board Chairperson’s vote will count as two votes to break the tie.

3. Review items submitted by the EC for Board consideration and approval or prepare and submit items and transactions in excess of $15,000 (including real estate selling, buying, financing, and construction). The Board actions in instances in excess of $50,000.0 shall be approved by the General Assembly before any action is taken by the Board. However, this restriction does not apply to non ICTC financed projects.  Any transaction less than these amounts approved by the Board and executed by the EC need not to be approved by the GA. 

4. Act as trustees for the funds and properties of ICTC. Currently the NAIT (North American Islamic Trust) is the title holder of the ICTC building. However, for any real estate property transaction, the Board shall be responsible for dealing with NAIT or any other entity. The Board can also elect to be the legal holder of all ownership documents for ICTC properties and all financial assets.

5. Interpret the ICTC Constitution and By-Laws in case of ambiguity or conflict pertaining to the Constitution or By-Laws.

6. Ensure that ICTC has adequate resources for its current and future planned projects and manage resources effectively.

7. Oversee major projects, such as expansion of ICTC.

8. Collaboration with hiring and termination of the Imam, ICTC Manager, and Sunday School Principal positions. Because of the importance and long-term nature of these positions, the EC President must obtain Board approval for hiring and terminating these positions. 

9. Conflict of interest: Because a conflict of interest can be detrimental to the ICTC decisions and reputation, Board and EC members must disclose any conflicts of interest in decisions they participate in. Any Board or EC member who believes a conflict of interest might exist or be perceived, must recuse himself/herself from voting on and deliberating issues related to this decision. Examples of conflict of interest include business decisions between ICTC and an entity where the Board member has a financial or other interest. Other examples include EC or Board decisions related to a Board family member or a spouse. The Board Chairperson also has the authority to request a Board or EC member to be excluded from such deliberations or decisions if the Chairperson believes the potential for a conflict of interest exists.

Section A 

Members shall be notified at least one week in advance regarding confirmation of dates of the meetings of the General Assembly.

Section B 

Special meetings may be held at the discretion of the President, or upon the written request of at least two members of the Executive Council or twenty five percent of the General Assembly members.

Section C 

At any meeting, the senior most member of the Executive Council shall preside.

Section D 

Quorum: The General Assembly shall not conduct a business meeting, regular or special, unless at least forty percent of its members eligible to vote are present. In the event that at least forty percent of members eligible to vote are not physically present at the election meetings and ICTC Constitution amendments meetings, absentee ballots shall be counted towards quorum requirements for only the voting phase of these two types of meetings. Amend. 4

Section E 

Each meeting shall be brought to order promptly by the presiding officer at the time indicated.

Section F 

Proper minutes of the meetings shall be kept by the General Secretary. The minutes shall include: (1) Notice of the meeting (2) Date and place of the meeting  (3) Members present in the meeting, and proposals suggested, discussed, accepted or rejected. Such minutes of the meeting shall be read and confirmed in the next meeting. The minutes shall be kept as permanent records of the Center.

Section A 

Executive Council elections should take place every two years on the second Saturday of November, unless another date is determined to be more appropriate by the Executive Council or is recommended by the Elections Committee and approved by the Executive Council. Amend. 5

Section B 

The Executive Council can select any voting method as they deem reasonable. Voting can be in person, online, or through any other method selected by the Executive Council or the Elections Committee. Amend. 5

Section C 

Decisions made in each meeting shall be made on the basis of simple majority, unless otherwise indicated elsewhere in the Constitution for special situations, issues or offices.

Section D

Certain items of business require a greater majority as follows: Amend. 1

i. Constitutional amendments require two-thirds majority of all recorded members eligible to vote. Voting procedures listed above in Section A are applicable.

ii. Transactions involving more than twenty percent of the ICTC’s assets require a two-thirds majority of all recorded members eligible to vote.

iii. Dissolution of the ICTC requires a three-fourths majority of all recorded members eligible to vote.

Section E 

The voting right shall be restricted to members who satisfy the criteria of Bylaws Article II Section 1. Amend. 1

Section A 

Prospective members shall complete a membership application. The application shall be submitted to any member of the Executive Council for processing in their first meeting after receipt of the application. The receiving officer shall sign and date a receipt for the applicant. For the purposes of satisfying chronological requirements stipulated elsewhere in this constitution, membership shall be dated from the date the application is submitted.

Section B 

For the purpose of assessing dues, membership in the ICTC is of the following two categories: 

Family – This category is eligible for two votes. The family is considered as husband and wife or one parent residing with an unmarried adult child. All other adult family members shall seek individual membership.

Individual – This category is eligible for one vote. An adult member or one parent with or without minor children

The membership dues shall be decided by the Executive Council as detailed in the ByLaws (Article III, Section 7 Part C). Membership dues for individuals, full time students, and dependent adult children are 50% of family dues. Amend. 4

Section C 

Membership dues may be paid in monthly, quarterly, or annual installments, and are due at the beginning of the payment period. Amend. 4

Section D 

Honorary membership: Lifelong membership will be granted to recognize those outstanding members, and their spouses, who have contributed an exceptional service to the ICTC. These members will be nominated by the Executive Council and confirmed by a simple majority of all recorded members eligible to vote. This voting will be made by written ballot only. Amend. 4

Section 1 

These By-Laws complement the Constitution and elaborate on the procedures and functions within its framework that determine and guide the activities of the Center. Both the Constitution and the By-Laws are to be in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah. Amend. 4

Section 2 

These By-Laws are fundamental and are approved by the General Assembly.

Section 3 

Elected Officials as well as all members shall be expected to comply with and implement these By-Laws.

Section 1 

All members who satisfy all following criteria shall be eligible to vote: Amend. 1

a. Member is an adult Muslim (at least 18 years of age);

b. Member resides in the Tri-Cities area, defined as that area within a circle of forty miles radius centered on the ICTC property at the 2900 Bombing Range Road, West Richland, Washington. Members residing beyond forty miles from the ICTC may have this criterion waived if there is not an Islamic Center closer to them than the ICTC;

c. Membership dues, as specified in the Constitution Article IX, are paid in full up to the end of the previous calendar quarter.

d. Member is active in ICTC business, defined as a) attending at least one scheduled business meeting during the preceding six months; or b) having regular involvement in various volunteer activities, such as, Education committee; Religious affairs committee; Construction and Maintenance committee. EC will decide the voter eligibility based on the above criteria; and 

Amend. 3

e. New members must attend at least two meetings prior to voting.

Section 2 

The General Assembly shall discuss and review the Executive Council's report and the Treasurer's Financial Statement. The General Assembly shall elect officers for a new term and also decide on any issue of importance or unusual nature. The Financial Statement and other important reports will be available to the General Assembly members before the meeting.

Section 3 

The Executive Council members shall be elected by the General Assembly every two years generally by ballot voting in person. However, voting by mail will also be acceptable to the election committee provided the member fulfills all requirements of the election and signs his/her name on the ballot/letter. The Executive Council can select any voting method as they deem reasonable. Voting can be in person, by completing online surveys/questionnaires, or through email as specified in the Constitution (Article IX, Section A). An election committee of two or more members shall conduct an election. Amend. 4

Section 4 

A member may be suspended temporarily upon charges brought against him in writing, filed with the Secretary and following a hearing by the Executive Council. The temporary suspension shall be in effect until a hearing of the General Assembly takes place. The General Assembly either shall confirm the decision of the Executive Council and suspend the member or shall reverse it and reinstate the member by 2/3 rd majority vote in a valid General Assembly meeting.

Section 1 

The Executive Council shall be comprised of four elected members; the President, the Vice-President, the General Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Ex-officio (the senior most member of the previous year's Executive Council). Amend. 3

Section 2 

The functions of the Executive Council shall be:

A: To implement the Constitution;

B: To plan, manage, and execute the activities of the Center in order to accomplish the purposes of the Center;

C: To carry out policies and decisions of the General Assembly;

D: To establish procedures on routine matters;

E: To coordinate and appropriate funds for the various committees;

F: To have signature authority for transactions related to projects and activities voted on and approved by the GA. The person authorized by the EC is the only authorized signature authority. Amend. 4

Section 3 

The Executive Council shall meet at least once every two months. The President shall call all such meetings, either on his own initiative or upon the request of at least two members of the said council, or twenty five percent of the General Assembly members of the Center. A meeting shall be held within ten days of the written request. The attendance of at least three members of the Executive Council shall constitute quorum for official deliberation and decision by the said council. Amend. 4

Section 4 

The PRESIDENT shall:

A: be responsible for general management and coordination of the activities of the Center.

B: Assure formulation of overall plans to implement the Constitution.

C: Call and preside over the Executive Council and General Assembly meetings.

D: Represent the Islamic Center of Tri-Cities in contacts with outside communities. He may delegate his responsibility to others with the consent of the Executive Council.

E: Appropriate funds and document the expenses of the Islamic Center of the Tri-Cities. Three categories of expenses must be clearly documented: (1) general maintenance, utilities and other bills, and emergency expenses are handled at the discretion of the EC; (2) Special projects up to a cost of $15,000 can be approved by the Executive Council; (3) Projects requiring more than $15,000 shall only be approved by the General Assembly. For all expenses, accurate accounting shall be maintained by the Treasurer.

F: Sign contracts on behalf of the ICTC. The ICTC cannot enter into a contractual agreement unless it is duly signed by the President and at least one other member of the Executive Council. Amend. 4

Section 5 

The VICE-PRESIDENT shall:

A: Assist the President in accomplishing the purposes of the Center.

B: Temporarily assume the Presidency when requested by the President, or when the President is absent, incapacitated or has resigned.

C: Coordinate the activities and responsibilities of the various committees of the Center when directed by the President.

D: Be in charge of the preparations for the General Assembly meetings when directed by the President.

Section 6 

The SECRETARY shall:

A: Prepare, and maintain minutes of all Executive Council and General Assembly meetings.

B: Prepare agenda in consultation with the President and notify members of the Executive Council and General Assembly within reasonable time with regard to impending meetings in accordance with the constitution.

C: Be responsible with the correspondence of the Center.

D: Maintain accurate list of members, and also a general mailing list of supporters and others who may be interested in the activities of the Center.

E: Maintain an up-to-date and an effective bulletin board.

F: Make regular announcements during important functions and/or events of the Center.

G: Prepare circulars, bulletins and forms.

H: Receive application form for the private use of the Center and act per article V of By-Laws.

Section 7 

The TREASURER shall:

A: Open and maintain two separate accounts namely Building account and General account.

B: Deposit all donations including Zakat and Relief in Building account. Funds in this account shall be used for improvement of the building, land, parking lot, extension of the building, improvement for the property in any way, purchase any other property and/or during an emergency.

C: Deposit all funds from application fee membership dues, etc in the General account. Day-to-day expenses shall be met from this account. The yearly membership dues may be adjusted, as necessary, to meet these expenses based on the recommendations of the Executive Council and after approval by the General Assembly. Amend. 4

D: Maintain an up-to-date record of all financial transactions of the Center.

E: Collect funds and deposit them in appropriate bank accounts as described in this section.

F: Issue checks on behalf of the Center to cover all expenses such as utility bills or bills for the operation and the upkeep of the Center. All other expenses shall be met on the basis of explanation of payment by the President, or by the Executive Council. Such payments include fulfillment of any contract signed by the Executive Council for services related to the Center, such as Imam contract, service contracts, building improvements/expansion, and maintenance contracts. Amend. 4

G: Prepare financial statements for the Executive Council and General Assembly meetings.

H: Prepare an inventory of properties of the Center to be reviewed to coincide with the new term of the Executive Council in consultation with the Chairperson of the Building Committee or more than once a year, if necessary.

I: All checks of the Center to be written and signed by the Treasurer and must be countersigned by the President or his designee.

Section 8 

Deleted. Amend. 3

Section 9 

The outgoing officers will turn over their files, documents and property of the Center at their disposal to the incoming officers within two weeks after the Annual election. This is to be accompanied with helpful information with regard to any unfinished business, outstanding charges etc. thus making a smooth transition.

Section 1 

Standing committees shall be formed by the Executive Council to advise and help in executing various specialized functions of the Center. This will give stability, continuity and depth to the organization, as it will broaden the range of participation of its members. Each committee shall designate a Chairperson for the committee. The chairperson position shall be restricted to members who satisfy the criteria of Bylaws Article II Section 1. Amend. 4

Section 2 

Five standing Committees shall be assigned tasks vital to the realization of goals of the Center. These permanent committees are:

A: Religious Affairs Committee: Religious Affairs Committee (RAC) shall comprise of members of the General Assembly based on their knowledge of Qur’an and Sunnah, and their involvement in religious activities. In the event where the Executive Council has not hired or contracted the position of Imam, the Imam will be appointed by the Executive Council based on the recommendation of this committee. The RAC is also responsible for the temporary assignment of the Imam position when short vacancies take place, such as when the Imam is on leave or sick; subject to the Executive Council approval. The RAC is responsible for the approval of any person other than the Imam or an RAC member offering Friday Khutba or leading Eid prayers. The committee shall plan and carry out programs to enhance the members’ knowledge of Islam and introduce concepts of Islam to outside groups. The committee shall provide religious guidance to the community; coordinate the efforts with other Islamic organizations; decide the first day of Ramadan, the day of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. However, the ICTC follows the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) for setting these three dates. Specific responsibilities of Coordinating Khutba; Halaka/Adult education; Da’wah activities; and interfaith activities shall be divided among the committee members. All religious activities shall be based on Quran and Sunnah. Amend. 4

B: Finance Committee: Shall be responsible for planning and conducting fund raising efforts. It shall assist the Treasurer in preparing the annual budget for the General Assembly.

C: Education Committee: Shall plan and implement educational programs for children and youth, including reading of the Qur'an in Arabic language, Sunday school and other educational activities. It shall also oversee the operation of the library with the purpose of setting up a book loan system through which Islamic literature will be available and accessible to the members of the Center. This committee shall include the Sunday School principal, vice principal, plus two to three teachers or ICTC members, all approved by the EC. This committee shall recommend the school administration members (principal and vice principal) every year after consulting with the Executive Council and the school teachers. The Executive Council President has the responsibility of selecting the principal and the vice principal. Amend. 4

D: Social Committee: Shall make plans and design programs for Islamic Holidays and other events. This committee shall also promote regularly scheduled social functions to bring the members together. It shall be responsible for keeping in touch with the Muslim community in such a way as to identify the needs thereof, recognize particular problems therein and recommend solution thereto.

E: Outreach Committee: Shall serve as a bridge between the Muslim and the Non-Muslim communities, and the Executive Council, thus helping to make the integration of all Muslims living in the community as well as new comers. This committee shall also coordinate with the Religious Affairs Committee (RAC) for interfaith activities. Amend. 4

F: Maintenance Committee: Shall manage the interior and the exterior of the building of the Center and keep all its facilities in working order so as to insure their availability in any event or as the need arises.

Section 3 

The Executive Council of the Center may also form committees such as Election Committee to deal with special or temporary tasks. The Chair persons of all committees shall report to the President. Sub-committees may be set up by the standing committee chairperson to deal with certain aspects of their respective committee functions. Amend. 4

1. The building and facilities for the Islamic Center of Tri-Cities except the Prayer Hall and the Library may be rented by a member for personal use for a limited time only. A Muslim who is not a member of the Islamic Center of Tri-Cities may also rent the Center with some prior arrangement. The renting of the Center is not transferable. Violation of this may lead to denial of renting privilege in future.

2. The rental and/or deposit fee as approved by the Executive Council shall be charged to a member for the use of the Center. This fee is to cover the utilities and other expenses. The Center shall not provide any drink, paper or plastic utensils for such personal use. The fee shall be paid along with the written request.

3. The number of people invited by the renter shall not exceed the maximum occupancy limit in accordance with city regulations and as decided by the Executive Council. The Secretary shall inform the renters of this limit. Amend. 4

4. The functions of the Islamic Center of Tri-Cities will take precedence over any renting.

5. The Center may be rented for private social functions such as birthdays, marriage anniversaries, graduation etc.

6. Rents shall not be charged (subject to approval of the EC) for private religious functions such as recitation of the Holy Qur'an in connection with occasions such as death in the immediate family of a member. Amend. 4

7. There shall be no restriction on inviting members of any other faith to the Center, provided the members of other faith do not violate the sanctity of the Center.

8. Non-Islamic activities shall not take place in the Center including but not limited to use of Alcoholic beverages, drugs, etc. The renter is responsible for all activities performed in the Center while the Center is rented.

9. The Center will be available for rent on first come first serve basis. A verbal or written request to the Secretary will be the basis of the priority list. The verbal request must however be followed by a written request within seven days.

10. If two or more members want to rent the Center on the same day, the above rule 10 shall not apply provided the first person had previously rented the Center in the same month. In that case, the second person shall have the preference.

11. Any damage done to the properties of the Center while rented, shall be the liability of the renter and the renter shall be responsible for replacement/ repair of the properties of the Center to the satisfaction of the Executive Council.

12. The renter shall be responsible for the cleaning of the Center and arranging furniture properly to the satisfaction of the Secretary. If the renter refuses to do that, the Executive Council may deny the future rental of the Center to the renter.

13. All rules, by-laws, regulations and posted signs of the Center must be observed.

14. Any member of the Islamic Community shall have the right to enter the Center to pray at any time including when the Center is rented.