Quietstorm

Good day and Happy Holidays. I am wondering if both a Motion and an Amendment can be debated. I understand that a debate is limited to the merits of a specific motion, but was wondering if there are any guidelines that determine exactly what is and what is not debateable. I'm asking because the organizations Bylaws Committee will be presenting several "proposed changes" to our bylaws and wanted to find out the correct way to deal with it. Thanks in advance.

Thank you for the advice. I did check the bylaws and the elections are by ballot and there is noithing in the bylaws that adresses an uncontested/unopposed election issue. Thanks again

Our bylaws outline the process for our organizations elections. During the recent election, due to the fact everyone ran unopposed, "someone(s)" decided to call off the election. I tried telling members of our Board that noone can just independently call off the election especially where the results were not, at least, declared by acclamation. I also mentioned that they have left themselves open somone to contest the election. Is there a way that, for example, prior to any of the officers being sworn in, a writtem motion can be brought before our next general membership meeting and before the swearing in of officers at that meeting, in order "to temporarily suspend the Article and Sections governing elections "for this election ONLY"? I was also going to suggest, if the motion passes (I'm sure that it will) that at least one ballot reflect that the candidates received at least one vote and that the ballot be kept as part of the organizations records along with the minutes from the meeting. Not sure if I'm on the right path or not. Thanks in advance.

A friend of mine beongs to an organization and told me that a motion was passed in December. On February 15th a different motion kind of opposite to the December motion was brought forward. They followed "some" of Roberts Rules but not all. So does any vote on the new motion make it valid or invalid?

Thank you for the quick response. Much appreciated.

Good day, hope everyone's doing well. I have a question about how the Chairperson presents his agenda. He has two categories "Discussion Items and Action Items". He insists that those items under "Discussion" are only there for that purpose (to discuss) and become "Action Items" (for example to be voted on by the Board) "at the next meeting". And the "Action Items listed are previous "Discussion Items" to be voted on at a current meeting. Am I missing something? I don't recall seeing these items on any standard agenda. Thanks in advance.

Thank you so much. Much appreciated....

Good day all. A board member raised the question as to whether an agenda can be amended (adding a topic for discussion). I suggested that it could be either by submitting the proposed addition before the agenda is distributed (prior to a meeting), or after the meeting is called into session he could "move" to have the additional topic included on the agenda, bu there would have to be a vote. Another board member does not believe the agenda can be changed regardless. Help? Is there a particular chapter that addresses this issue? Thanks in advance.

Thank you for the response. To answer the question asked by Mr. Katz, during the reading of the minutes by the Secretary I commented on the wording. It was the Chair of the Bylaws Committee who made the comment about how the minutes should be "accurate". Thanks again. Much appreciated.

Good day. Hope everyone is doing well. I have a question of the transcribing of minutes. I tried to point out to our Chairperson that things like personal observations, judgmental comments, or wording, such as... "There were several displeased and heated opinions regarding the addition of the category and the language...", do not belong. He tried to argue that "the minutes have to be accurate and we can't take short cuts". I argued that the minutes should be concise and summarize the major points of what happened at the meeting. Not to include opinion and speculation. Help?

I appreciate the response. Thank you.

Much appreciated. Makes sense to me. Now I just have to convince some others. Have a good one.

Good day all. Not sure if this is covered by Robert's Rules, but: At our general membership meetings, as of late, our Secretary prepares minutes from our previous meeting for the members present. He makes and passes out copies for the members; but he also includes the organizations financial information (bank balances, etc.). He sites the purpose for doing so is "transparency". The financial information is presented by our Treasurer at the meetings. There are conditions in our current bylaws that specifically state that "if any member requests to examine the financial statements or reports he/she may contact the Treasurer who shall accommodate said members request...".Several members asked whether it is appropriate for the financial information to be included in the minutes especially due to the fact that, after the meeting is over, "we don't know where that (financial) information ends up and who (non-members) may get the information. Help?

They (write-ins) are not even addressed in the bylaws.

Write-in votes and nominations from the floor are not allowed in our current bylaws.