Posts Tagged ‘local government’
Don’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 MoreAnn’s podcast interview, “Running Amazing Council Meetings,” with Jim Hunt
I had the pleasure this summer of a lively conversation with Jim Hunt, host of “Amazing Cities and Towns” podcast. Jim is a former mayor and councilmember in Clarksburg, West…
Read MoreChanging course: Using Robert’s Rules to alter a prior action
It seems that a lot of confusion prevails within our local government bodies about the Motion to Reconsider and how to use it. This article describes when and how to…
Read MoreMeeting or session: what’s the difference in Robert’s Rules?
When a group of people gather together to conduct their organization’s business, they are in a meeting. The group of people is called an “assembly,” and the event by which…
Read MoreNine planning commission and citizen advisory pitfalls
Planning commissions and citizen advisory committees are a key aspect of our society. Whether it’s a library board, a civil service commission, a parks and recreation board, a lodging tax…
Read MoreCommittees in Robert’s Rules
Do you want committees that run smooth and effective meetings? Download our paper, “Committees in Robert’s Rules,” to learn how they can. Committees in Robert’s Rules – Introduction A committee…
Read MoreAre your meetings seven hours long?
This strange time of COVID-19 is producing some strange situations. We hear reports of local government meetings lasting far into the night, in some cases taking as long as…
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…
Read MoreCan 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…
Read MoreMinor mistakes in Robert’s Rules don’t invalidate action
A recent news report described how a school board, realizing that no one had seconded the motion they approved, went back at the next meeting and voted on it again.…
Read More