teleconferencing

[Guest emb]

our organization has been allowing teleconferencing and video conferencing at both board and general meetings, for the last several years. Unbenknownst to anyone until several days ago, Robert's Rules does not allow this unless it is in the bylaws of the organization (which it is not). In order to get it in to the by laws an amendment is required ( which will most likely pass) but the process takes 3 months. in the meantime can teleconferencing be "grandfathered" in as per precedent? If not, are all votes taken at meetings that were telecfonferenced null and void. Teleconferencing is necessary since the board is split in half as to location at the time of the meetings. It is in the general interest of the president to disallow teleconferencing because it works in his favor to pass issues that he wants when half the board can't vote. if he disallows it now what happens to all votes taken through teleconferencing in the past?

[Chris Harrison]

in the meantime can teleconferencing be "grandfathered" in as per precedent?

No (RONR p. 19, p. 251[d], p 263 ll. 15-24, pp. 423-424).

If not, are all votes taken at meetings that were telecfonferenced null and void.

A Point of Order should be raised that all actions taken via teleconference are null and void per RONR p. 251(d) and the President should rule the Point Well Taken (which sounds like will happen).

if he disallows it now what happens to all votes taken through teleconferencing in the past?

See my above responses. However, the body of which these votes took place can ratify all or some of the actions taken if enough members who are in favor of those actions show up to the meeting (RONR pp. 124-125).

[Guest emb]

thanks chris. However I didn't understand the last post. Are you saying that if enough board members show up at a board meeting they can retroactively ratify anything passed in the previous meetings that used teleconferencing. The problem is that half the board members are up north and the board meeting takes place in florida. the president is using this position to leave out the board members from the north.

[David A Foulkes]

When you say half, what are you referring to as far as numbers for members of the board? That is, is the number of board members equally split between the north and Florida?

Are there any members in Florida who would approve an amendment for teleconference meetings?

What is the quorum for board meetings?

[Josh Martin]

Are you saying that if enough board members show up at a board meeting they can retroactively ratify anything passed in the previous meetings that used teleconferencing.

Assuming you have enough members who are physically present to constitute a quorum, yes, the board may choose to ratify any or all of the decisions made by teleconference.

It would also be possible to ratify past actions at a validly held teleconference meeting, if and when teleconferencing is authorized by your Bylaws.

The problem is that half the board members are up north and the board meeting takes place in florida. the president is using this position to leave out the board members from the north.

The salient point for this forum is that teleconferencing is not valid unless authorized by your Bylaws, and how this factors into anyone's personal agenda is immaterial so far as the rules are concerned.

[Guest Edgar]

The problem is that half the board members are up north and the board meeting takes place in florida.

Then, unless the location is mandated by the bylaws (or some other rule), hold the meeting "up north" (though you might need a tad more than half the members to attend).