Question about reading of the minutes

[Guest Dan Johnson]

Quick question, when the secretary is reading the minutes from the past meeting, what info doesn't have to be read? For example, does the secretary have to read the entire treasurer's report from the past meeting, or does it suffice if he says, "Treasurer's report was given and approved"?

Also, does every motion being referenced need to have who moved to approve, who seconded, etc. read, or is it okay to just say "The motion was approved"? Thanks.

[Tim Wynn]

Quick question, when the secretary is reading the minutes from the past meeting, what info doesn't have to be read? For example, does the secretary have to read the entire treasurer's report from the past meeting, or does it suffice if he says, "Treasurer's report was given and approved"?

Also, does every motion being referenced need to have who moved to approve, who seconded, etc. read, or is it okay to just say "The motion was approved"? Thanks.

The secretary should read every word of the minutes. However, the minutes should not contain reports (except certain oral reports); the minutes should simply state that the report was received and placed on file.

For each motion, the maker and the exact text of the motion, as disposed of, should be included, along with an indication that it was debated and amended, if applicable, and how it was disposed of.

See RONR (11th ed.), Section 48, for the finer details.

Also, the treasurer's report should not be adopted. See RONR (11th ed.), p. 479, ll. 5-9.

EDITED to add a sentence that the Magnificent Edgar apparently already provided.

[Guest Edgar]

"Treasurer's report was given and approved"?

The treasurer's report should simply be received (not accepted, not adopted, not approved) and filed, as Mr. Wynn notes.

And if you distribute a copy of the (draft) minutes to all members in advance, you can skip the reading (unless a single member demands it).