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Was this proper use of “Point of Information”?
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Dear Dinosaur: A board member at a condo association meeting made a motion. The motion did not receive a second. The board member then said, “Point of Information,” and continued to state his opinion of why the motion was important. Was this the proper use of “Point of Information? If so, what is the use of having the rule that if a motion is not seconded there is no further discussion?
Answer: No, this was an improper use of “Point of Information.” This motion is a question, and cannot be used as a cover to provide one’s opinion. In fact, Robert’s Rules of Order now gives “Request for Information” as the name of this motion, though “Point of Information” may also be used.
The chair should have stopped this person, or a board member could have made a Point of Order. The reason would be, “The member is using the motion Point of Information improperly, since the motion is a request for information, and not an opportunity to debate.”
If you are the chair, you can interrupt and say, “The motion ‘Point of Information’ is a question. What information does the member require?”
For further information, see our articles:
Dear Dinosaur provides simple, practical answers to questions about Robert’s Rules and parliamentary procedure. Send your questions to Dear Dinosaur here. Our answers are based on Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 12th edition. As always, nothing in this post constitutes legal or business advice. For specific issues, seek a qualified authority.
No need for seconds in HOA board setting (12 members or less)
Joe, you are absolutely right. Robert has different rules for small boards, as we discuss in this article. However, Jurassic Parliament recommends that boards require a second, to make sure that at least two people want to talk about a motion.