George Mervosh

Is that the Canadian or Brooklyn spelling of good?

You'll understand after about 15 years.....at least that's how long it's taken me.

It's fine if the bylaws authorize one. If they don't you'll have to amend the bylaws to provide for such a position.

Yes,

The executive committee is really a board within a board (p. 485), but in your case it seems to be the board, so yes, minutes should be taken.

Makes sense. Thanks. Given that short list our original poster should be somewhat reassured that none of those things would be considered usurping the board's authority.

Present and voting is the standard in RONR as well. 6 yes and 2 no achieves the required 2/3 vote. The blank ballot is an abstention just like the member who did not cast a ballot. See http://www.robertsrules.com/faq.html#6 as well.

That rule cannot be suspended since it does not relate to his duties in connection with a meeting. Perhaps the board should consider appointing someone else committee chair until the bylaws can be properly amended.

I don't know, but it's likely a rule in statute, so the original poster should probably take it up with the board's solicitor to get the answer.

Mr. Huynh - I think he said there were no absentees.

I can't get rid of this box for some reason, but to followup on SG's comments, I agree they probably didn't want the EC to be powerless, but if we take the OP at his word, I'm open for ideas as to what they can really do.

I'm inclined to believe the assembly can delegate it's authority on this matter, simply because I don't see any prohibition against it in the book, and I"m not sure the bylaw provision is written to prohibit it. In fact I think it's a splendid idea to have a handful of people decide the matter over a much larger group, where it may be difficult to decide and consume a great deal of the assembly's time making the decision.

You, I have complete faith in, Weldon. I do remember those meetings, and yes, the technology isn't always so good.

Your executive committee has no powers. Even if they did, they can't do anything that conflicts with any action taken by the board. About all they can do is sit and chat about the organization, strategize perhaps, or play poker and drink. If they try and do something official, business wise, in that setting, it's all null and void since you've said the bylaws don't confer any powers to them.

In other words, e-meetings are nothing short of a disaster when it comes to applying the rules in RONR? Who knew?

1) They have no powers if none are specified in the bylaws. 2) They can refuse to allow non "EC" members to attend under the rules in RONR. 3) No. A board meeting must be properly called for it to be a proper board meeting.

John, he just said it was read. He didn't say anything about a motion/second/placed before the assembly in the facts provided in post #1. But it would be good to know, Guest Jerry, exactly what happened? Was a motion made to accept it? Did you place it before the assembly for consideration if there was?

If they are members, yes.

Your interpretation seems reasonable so I'd stick with the previous responses.

There can be no discussion without a motion pending. That would be the reason to rule any discussion out of order.

If notice is required to vote on something, that rule is not suspendable. RONR (11th ed.), pp. 263-264 As to your second question, I think the obvious answer is, yes.

There's lots of things not expressly stated in the book (this edition or other ones), but I'm content to advise others based upon what the intent of the rule is supposed to be.

Indeed. Do you think another alternative is for some of the committee members to notify the appointing power who could instruct the committee to meet at a certain place and time?

If the chair refuses to call a meeting of a committee, even after the first meeting, it is my opinion any two members can call one. I'm not saying our original poster Debbie refused, by the way.

No, but there are certain provisions which may be suspendable. Care to be very specific as to what you want to suspend?