Meeting

[Guest Traci]

Can the president make a comment and not allow discussion during a meeting?

[Richard Brown]

Well, the president shouldn't be making "comments" to start with....   but, the devil is in the details.  Comments... by anyone... when no motion is pending are generally out of order.  There are exceptions, though.  We need to know a little more.

[Guest Traci]

It was more less a statement but no one was allowed to comment on it 

[Richard Brown]

2 minutes ago, Guest Traci said:

It was more less a statement but no one was allowed to comment on it 

That didn't really tell us much more. 

Was it during debate?  During reports?  Out of the blue when no business was pending?  We really need some details.  All comments (or statements) are not created equal.

[Guest Traci]

During catering business report typically questions are asked but a statement was made before her statement there would be no discussion 

[Richard Brown]

During reports, questions about the report are permitted.  Technically, it is the motion "Request for Information".  It is in order during or immediately after a report is given, before moving on to another item of business.   The  chair does not have the right to arbitrarily declare that there will be no questions, but the person giving the report does not have to respond to questions. See "Request for Information on pages 294-295 of RONR. 

Edited to add:  It would also be in order, during or immediately after a report, for a member to make a motion dealing with something in the report.  An example would be a motion to refer a recommendation in a report to a committee for further study or a motion to undertake something mentioned in the report.  For example, if the chairman of the building and grounds committee reported that the clubhouse roof is in leaking and in need of repair, a motion to hire a contractor to inspect or repair the roof would be in order.   So would questions about the extent of the disrepair.

[Guest Traci]

There was no motions made; just a comment about the catering business and her statement of no discussion

[Gary Novosielski]

So, you let her get away with it, right?  Then I guess she got away with it.

If any members wanted to discuss the issue, they could have made a Request for Information which the president should entertain.  If the question addressed to the presdent, she could, of course refuse to answer.  Or, they could simply make a motion on the topic and discuss it in debate.  The president can't keep people from debating motions.  Alternatively, with a 2/3 vote they could move to Suspend the Rules and discuss the catering business without a motion.

[Guest Traci]

She is the president & stated in the very beginning that there would be no discussion ; this is why I pose the question?

[jstackpo]

Sounds like the beginnings of a dictatorship.

Or a president who is rather unsure of herself.

[Richard Brown]

2 hours ago, Guest Traci said:

She is the president & stated in the very beginning that there would be no discussion ; this is why I pose the question?

Well, we have told you several times that she has no  authority to do that and she should not have said it.  If it happens again, you or any other member can make a point of order that questions and motions about a report are in order at the time the report is made.  If she rules against you, appeal her decision to the assembly.  The appeal requires a second and a majority vote to overrule the decision of the chair. 

Also, as Mr. Novosielski stated, a motion to suspend the rules to permit general discussion of the report would also be in order.

Bottom line:  The president has no authority to declare that there will be no discussion after a report.  Next time she tries it, raise a point of order and then appeal her decision if necessary. 

[Guest Traci]

Thank you for your help & clarification