Posts Tagged ‘ground rules for meetings’
Was this proper use of “Point of Information”?
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…
Read MoreWhen can you bring up a new topic during a meeting?
At a recent council meeting I attended, the city issued a proclamation honoring efforts to assist the homeless. In responding to the proclamation, a local pastor asked the council to provide extra funding for their project. Before the mayor could move on to public comment, a council member made a motion to provide the funding.…
Read MoreCan member explain vote against consent agenda?
Dear Dinosaur: During our consent agenda vote, we have a board member who often votes nay. After their vote, they always feel the need to interrupt our process to give an explanation as to why they voted against the agenda Item. My question is, does a board member have a right to explain their vote…
Read MoreWhen and how can you change your vote?
A reader contacted us with some concern because a member of her local government body had changed their vote in order to be able to move reconsideration at the next meeting. Was this legitimate? A note about “reconsideration” First off, readers should know that ordinarily, the motion “to reconsider” can be made only during the…
Read MoreCitizen attacks fellow citizen, swears – what can be done?
Dear Dinosaur: During public comment at a virtual meeting, one citizen was making blasphemous comments about another citizen in attendance, was escalating in emotion, and calling him names and added a few cuss words. Then he pulls out pictures and past memos, etc. I’m clear about allowing the citizen his freedom of speech. He can…
Read MoreHostages of her ranting
Dear Dinosaur: One board member was dissatisfied with the way the bylaws amendment process was handled. At the membership meeting, she proceeded to monopolize the meeting and refused to stop having the conversation. So we were all hostages of her ranting. Is there anything to do? Answer: At a meeting, a member of an organization has…
Read MoreHow disagreeable are your meetings? Take our survey
We had some wild stories at our webinar on “difficult board chair or member.” One person commented, “Seems like Zoom makes all interactions tougher and bolder.” While the norm has not descended to the level of the Handforth Parish Council (see this internet sensation here, or search for “Jackie Weaver”), clearly many meetings are problematic.…
Read MoreOnly one vote – does the motion pass?
Dear Dinosaur: A motion was made by one board member. After discussion, the other board members did not feel adequately informed about the issue at hand to cast an educated vote. The board member who made the motion insisted on a vote. The vote was taken and resulted in one yes vote with 4 abstaining…
Read MoreWhen public pressure is intense, what can you do?
At a recent workshop, a director from a school board split by pandemic-related decisions asked me what board members can do in the face of intense public pressure. These are tough times for local non-partisan government bodies, for sure. Here are some thoughts about what can be done. Download PDF Listen to your constituents, while…
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…
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