bigred73

Thanks for the response. If the action has already been carried out but all parties, including the employee, agree to rescind can we move forward with it?

If a motion is voted on and approved unanimously and at a later date (two months after the original vote) it is discovered that the vote was based on misinformation, inadvertent or otherwise, from the presiding officer, can the vote be rescinded if a majority of those voting, but not all, would have voted against the motion if given accurate information. If so, what are the legal ramifications (i.e. a lawsuit) of doing so? This was a vote related to a personnel matter. (I realize this is vague but I would rather not give additional information.)

I understand that a friendly amendment is not appropriate since one person can’t agree to amend a motion . However, at a recent meeting one member stated “I would like to make a friendly amendment to postpone voting on this.” A second member seconded it. The proposer of the original motion, thinking this a request for a friendly amendment, said she did not accept the request and business continued with no further discussion. Since the request to postpone, even though preceded by the words friendly amendment, was seconded should discussion and a vote have occurred? If yes, is it too late to do anything?

During staff reports at our Council meeting a staff member provided incorrect information. The minutes of the meeting accurately report his incorrect information so what would be the process for correcting the minutes. In other words, how does one correct minutes that accurately report what was said but what was said was inaccurate?

Thanks for the reply. Would it be permissible for my City Council to follow the modified rules for small boards as described on page 447 - 448?

I understand that small boards my follow somewhat modified procedures (pp 486 - 487 in 11th edition). But I am not clear on what determines whether a body is a board. Is it based solely on the title of the entity? For example if one group is called a town board and another a city council but both serve the same function , does the first group constitute a board but not the second under Robert's Rules? The description (pp 8 - 9) of a board indicates it is frequently smaller than most other assemblies and its operation is determined by responsibilities and powers delegated to it or conferred on it by authority outside itself. One of the examples provided of a board is a "village board that operates like a small city council." I am on a city council of 7 members. Our responsibilities are detailed in the city ordinances. Would we be a board or legislative body? If we are a legislative body are we still ok to follow the procedures for a small body? Thanks for any insight you are able to provide.

The local Planning Commission recommended a zoning change and then passed it along to City Council as required. There is then supposed to be a public hearing and three readings. The public hearing was held and then it went to City Council for the first reading. A motion to reject the proposed zoning change passed by a six to 1 vote on first reading at the City Council meeting. Is there still a second reading (and ultimately a third reading) since the zoning change was not approved at first reading or does it die and no second reading occurs at the next Council meeting? If a second reading is required and there is a vote that supports the change does that vote take precedence over the vote at the first reading? I can't find the answer in any city by-laws, policies etc. In fact I can't find any statement of the purpose of a first reading. Thanks for any help.