Dear Dinosaur
Can we vote on 10 ordinances at once?
Dear Dinosaur: We have 10 ordinances on tonight’s agenda for pay increases for all Village employees. Each ordinance covers a department. After they discuss each piece and nothing has to be revised or discussed further, can they vote all ten ordinances in one vote, rather than voting on each one individually? Answer: From a Robert’s…
Read MoreHow can owners discuss anything at HOA meeting?
Dear Dinosaur: The management company at our HOA won’t let the members propose anything for the agenda of the annual meeting. They say only the board can make the agenda. How in the world can the owners get to discuss something at an association meeting that the board president may not want to talk about…
Read MoreHost shuts eligible directors out of meeting
Dear Dinosaur: With Zoom, the host kept eligible directors from entering into their board meeting while allowing others in. Then, after finally allowing those unwanted but eligible members to enter the meeting, the host removes him/her repeatedly from the meeting so that they are unable to participate in discussions, deliberation, and vote. Another method utilized…
Read MoreHow can we approve November minutes with 3 new board members?
Dear Dinosaur: During the last election, three of our five board members were replaced with new directors, who take their oath of office at the December meeting. Our question is regarding the approval of the November board minutes. With three of the five being new board members who were not in attendance at the November…
Read MoreFailed motion can’t be made again – true or false?
Dear Dinosaur: In my first year on the city council, I have made several motions which have all failed. My colleagues say, “Don’t make a motion you know will fail because once it fails it cannot be made again.” Is this true? Answer: No, this is wildly wrong. According to Robert’s Rules of Order, during…
Read MoreI want it on the record!
Dear Dinosaur: When a member of our city council says, “I want this on the record!” do we have to include their remarks in the minutes? Answer: Not necessarily. Robert’s Rules says that the purpose of minutes is to record the actions taken by the body. In general, minutes should not include individual remarks. If…
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