Ann Macfarlane
If you are setting out on the path to become a parliamentarian that we describe here, these are the best tools to have. Links current as of publication. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th edition, Robert’s Rules Association, published by Public Affairs, an imprint of Perseus Books LLC. Can order it ring-bound from National…
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A councilmember writes: “Our city attorney and mayor are arguing that ‘there are no requirements to adopt Robert’s Rules or parliamentary procedures’ for our city council meetings.” What can I say in response? You are already following parliamentary procedure Unless state law says otherwise, the attorney and mayor are right that there is no legal…
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Dear Dinosaur: I am a school board trustee, and no members of my board have a firm grasp on parliamentary procedure, including our board president. I have done my best to follow parliamentary procedure in meetings, but it is difficult because the chair often brushes off my motions. For instance, during the last meeting, I…
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Dear Dinosaur: My homeowner’s association allows for public comments. However, we have members who want to make written comments and keep it anonymous. I don’t think this is right. You need to know who your members are, and they alone are allowed to participate in the proceedings. I don’t see how we could just allow…
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Dear Dinosaur: Our board of directors held its biennial election for new officers in December. Our next board meeting is scheduled for January 10. Our question is: When does a new president assume the responsibilities of the office, and how is that transition handled? As the current board president, do I turn over responsibilities to the new…
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Dear Dinosaur: A member of our board relentlessly wants the minutes for the January 2024 meeting to include the content of a conversation he had at that meeting. At every meeting, he makes a motion to do this. Our minutes provide the actions of the board but not direct quotes from people. How can we…
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There are three broad types of financial reports that a board of directors needs to process. Here is an explanation of how to handle them. DOWNLOAD PDF Expenditures requiring board approval before payment Some boards have the responsibility of approving payments before they are made. In this case, the list of checks, warrants, expenditures, etc.…
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Dear Dinosaur: In our committee meeting, someone made a motion, and before a second could be made, discussion began. Upon completion of the discussion, the meeting chair said, “There is a motion and a second, all in favor?” The vote was cast without a second. Is this ok? Answer: If someone makes a motion and…
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Dear reader, A friend recently sent me this list of 15 issues that are puzzling for the council he staffs. Does your council struggle with any of these? Let us know by sending an email here! This will help us tailor our training to your real needs. Many of these issues are addressed in self-paced…
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Dear Dinosaur: Our council meeting took an interesting turn last week. The council comment period was over, and they were winding up public comments when two of our council members decided they had more to say. Are they allowed to speak during public comments? Should they recuse themselves from the meeting and then make their…
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