Dear Dinosaur Advice Column

Got questions about Robert's Rules of Order?

Ann Macfarlane is a dinosaur who knows her stuff.
She explains the complexity of Robert's Rules so it makes sense.
She loves hearing from readers with their questions about Robert's Rules of Order.

©  CanStock Photo/andrewgenn
© CanStock Photo/andrewgenn

Dear Dinosaur

Can we vote on 10 ordinances at once?

By Ann Macfarlane / January 19, 2021 / Comments Off on 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…

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Host shuts eligible directors out of meeting

By Ann Macfarlane / December 6, 2020 /

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…

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How can we approve November minutes with 3 new board members?

By Ann Macfarlane / December 5, 2020 / Comments Off on How 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…

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Failed motion can’t be made again – true or false?

By Ann Macfarlane / November 27, 2020 / Comments Off on Failed 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…

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I want it on the record!

By Ann Macfarlane / November 23, 2020 /

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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