Procedure in Small Boards

[Guest L T Haytack]

I have Robert's 1990 Edition (9th edition) and I am wondering if any changes have been made to the last bulleted paragraph on page 478 that states "The chairman can speak in discussion without rising or leaving the chair; and,subject to rule or custom within the particular board, he usually can make motions and usually votes on all questions. 

 

In our Bylaws there is nothing stating that the President cannot present motions or vote at the Board of Directors meetings. Our President did so recently and I am being told that the minutes have to be corrected because SHE DID NOT MAKE THE MOTION, yet on the recording of the meeting she did infact make the motion and it was seconded and carried with no corrections made at that time.

 

The final Article in out bylaws states: The Parliamentary Authority of the Local Club shall be the current Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

 

What action do I need to take in this matter?

[Edgar Guest]

In our Bylaws there is nothing stating that the President cannot present motions or vote at the Board of Directors meetings. Our President did so recently and I am being told that the minutes have to be corrected because SHE DID NOT MAKE THE MOTION, yet on the recording of the meeting she did inf act make the motion and it was seconded and carried with no corrections made at that time.

 

The minutes should accurately record what was done, even if what was done wasn't proper (though, in this case, there seems to be no evidence of impropriety).

 

So, to answer your specific question, no action needs to be taken. Other than to oppose any "correction" to the proposed minutes that would re-write history.

[Josh Martin]

I have Robert's 1990 Edition (9th edition) and I am wondering if any changes have been made to the last bulleted paragraph on page 478 that states "The chairman can speak in discussion without rising or leaving the chair; and,subject to rule or custom within the particular board, he usually can make motions and usually votes on all questions. 

 

Slightly, but the basic principle is the same. The rule now reads as follows.

 

"If the chairman is a member, he may, without leaving the chair, speak in informal discussions and in debate, and vote on all questions.**

 

...

 

** Informal discussion may be initiated by the chairman himself, which, in effect, enables the chairman to submit his own proposals without formally making a motion as described on pages 33–35 (although he has the right to make a motion if he wishes)." (RONR, 11th ed., pg. 488)

 

In our Bylaws there is nothing stating that the President cannot present motions or vote at the Board of Directors meetings. Our President did so recently and I am being told that the minutes have to be corrected because SHE DID NOT MAKE THE MOTION, yet on the recording of the meeting she did infact make the motion and it was seconded and carried with no corrections made at that time.

 

Based on the facts provided, it sounds like the minutes do not need to be corrected.