Audience Raising "point of order"

[Guest DiDi]

We are a home owners association with seven board members. It is a large association with over 1000 members, however only 10 to 20 members show up for our monthly board meetings (we have an annual members meeting once a year for elections, etc, more members show up for that).

During our monthly board meetings, some members of the audience raise "point of order" from time to time during the meeting. In the past, the board chair has recognized those points of order and allowed the member of the audience to speak or put in their 2 cents worth (sometimes the chair recognizes them, sometimes they don't). Some have raised points of order regarding Robert's Rules.

It is getting to the point where our meetings are not flowing as well as they could, and sometimes these points of order complicate matters and bring more discussion into the mix, further complicating things. It is almost getting to the point where we are having a board of 10 or 12 or fourteen (on occasion).

My question is, is this allowed? Is this normal? Is this a problem that is going to grow if something is not done to curb this? I understand members of the audience are trying to help (for the most part), but some are starting to use it as a disruption, or an avenue to "speak their mind" on a topic. We do allow time at the beginning and end of each meeting for questions and answers.

Does Robert's Rules address this? I have been looking and maybe I am confused with wording like "members" and "non members", etc. Any clarification would be appreciated, and thanks for your help. DiDi

[J. J.]

While the rules could be suspended to premit it, the rules preclude audience member from making motions (p. 3).

[Chris Harrison]

Unless your bylaws or other applicable governing documents say otherwise only members of the body which is meeting (the Board) have any right to attend let alone participate during the proceedings (RONR p. 644 ll. 29-35, p. 648 ll. 11-14). So unless nonmembers (of the Board) are given some rights beyond what RONR does the Board could just order all nonmembers leave the meeting. If the Board wants to allow nonmembers to participate in the meeting they are free to do so (except for allowing nonmembers to vote) but they are then responsible for whatever worms that come out of that can. For RONR's definition of what a member is see p. 3 ll. 1-5.

[Rev Ed]

Anyone who is not a member of the Board has no rights at a Board meeting unless statute, the HOA's By-laws, or a Board resolution allow for it. Non-members do not have the right to attend, enter into discussion, make motions, vote, raise points of order, etc. Therefore, if applicable statute or the HOA's By-laws do not state anything on the issue, the Board could simply hold meetings in Executive Session and refuse to allow anyone to attend meetings. Or it can hold meetings in the open (except for discussion and voting on sensitive issues) and pass a resolution stating that non-members may attend but must not interfere in the running of the meeting and must remain silent.

[Chris Harrison]

the Board could simply hold meetings in Executive Session and refuse to allow anyone to attend meetings.

The Board can still exclude nonmembers without having to go into Executive Session.

[Guest Guest]

Yes, meetings are open to members (in good standing) of the association. That is specific in our bylaws. However, nothing is mentioned regarding their participation, and our bylaws also state RR is the authority at meetings.

There usually is no problem, and sometimes some members of the audience are helpful for matters like history or previous events, clarifications, etc. However, sometimes it is not and as mentioned before, is starting to get abused by a few, especially when they feel compelled to make a point of order, or point of inquiry/information, etc. then they incorporate themselves into the discussion the board has taken up. It then leads to delays, disagreements, etc.

Probably that is the reasons why the RR has addressed this. Thanks for the page reference. I kept looking deep into the book, never thought it was in the first few pages. DiDi

[Steven Britton]

Yes, meetings are open to members (in good standing) of the association. That is specific in our bylaws. However, nothing is mentioned regarding their participation, and our bylaws also state RR is the authority at meetings.

There usually is no problem, and sometimes some members of the audience are helpful for matters like history or previous events, clarifications, etc. However, sometimes it is not and as mentioned before, is starting to get abused by a few, especially when they feel compelled to make a point of order, or point of inquiry/information, etc. then they incorporate themselves into the discussion the board has taken up. It then leads to delays, disagreements, etc.

Probably that is the reasons why the RR has addressed this. Thanks for the page reference. I kept looking deep into the book, never thought it was in the first few pages. DiDi

BTW, a Point of Order is a motion and is in a catagory called "Incidental Motions." Non board members at a meeting still aren't permitted to "raise" or "move" one.

[Guest DiDi]

BTW, a Point of Order is a motion and is in a catagory called "Incidental Motions." Non board members at a meeting still aren't permitted to "raise" or "move" one.

Excellent point! Thank you! DiDi

[Steven Britton]

BTW, a Point of Order is a motion and is in a catagory called "Incidental Motions." Non board members at a meeting still aren't permitted to "raise" or "move" one.

And I meant to say non board members at a board meeting aren't permitted to move one.