Posts by Ann Macfarlane
The Neuroscience of You and good decisions
I’ve been fascinated by Chantel Prat’s book, The Neuroscience of You. She does a great job making complex information about the brain accessible to a lay person like me. Up…
Read MoreCan board member see previous minutes?
Dear Dinosaur: Is a newly voted board member allowed to see the previous 12 months of board minutes? Answer: A board member has the right to view all the board…
Read MoreDoes a motion that was passed and then rescinded go in the minutes?
Dear Dinosaur: Does a motion that was passed, then rescinded at the same meeting, go in the minutes? If not, then is the motion to rescind also not put in…
Read MoreExtra rules to add to Robert’s Rules
Robert’s Rules of Order is a daunting subject for many folks who haven’t yet seen how much it improves meetings. We strive in Jurassic Parliament to distill key information that…
Read MoreHow do I handle nominations for mayor? Do nominations need a second?
Dear Dinosaur: At our council meeting, councilmembers will appoint a mayor for the new year from among the council. My question is how to manage the possibility of there being…
Read More“Order of Business” says when you can make a motion
It is a fundamental principle of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th edition (RONR) that main motions must be taken up at the proper time on the agenda. (A…
Read MoreDon’t attack the staff in public
Several local government officials have recently described to us situations where elected officials are criticizing and attacking the staff during public meetings. This must not happen. Councilmembers and board members…
Read MoreCan a recording serve as our minutes?
Dear Dinosaur: Can we totally dispense with written minutes and simply make a recording of the meeting available and the official record? Answer: Under the requirements of common law, minutes…
Read MoreRun, don’t walk, to buy Robert’s Rules of Order Fast Track
Reader, I am over the moon about Jim Slaughter’s new book, Robert’s Rules of Order Fast Track. This brief, affordable and funny guidebook will give you the tools to apply…
Read MoreNo second – should motion be recorded in minutes?
Dear Dinosaur: A councilmember made a motion and no one seconded it. Should it be included in the minutes? Answer: This is a simple question with a slightly complex answer.…
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