Caught Lying?

[Guest Elise]

This does not have to do directly with Robrts Rules...

What if a board member in a casual but in public conversation, tells a homeowner something and then fails to mention that same thing when the subject comes up at a board meeting? Basically a board member told a homeowner that he acted independently in an action that was outside of his scope to do so.

At a meeting following that when the subject of the action in question came up, he said nothing of the decision to act independatly (and outside of his scope of power), and let the others present hash out the debate without admitting he made the decision to act on his own. His admition would have shown he acted outside his power and would have dramatically changed the discussion and possibly the meeting outcome.

Even though the time for homeowners to speak was over with in the meeting, is it ethical (or wise) for the homeowner to call that person out in a public fashion, reminding them of their admission, even though the opportunity to speak (in the meeting) has come and gone?

[Guest Nancy N.]

Indeed, Robert's Rules will not apply to matters like this, except for its expectation that members conduct themselves ethically ("In most societies it is understood that members are required to be of honorable character and reputation ... [RONR, 11th Ed., p. 643]").

[Rev Ed]

The last time I checked, RONR does not require members to swear an oath to act honestly - or to admit discussions they have had with others.  Perhaps no one asked this member directly at the meeting, so he/she decided to remain silent.  And even in a legal setting, a person has the right to remain silent.

[Josh Martin]

This does not have to do directly with Robrts Rules...

What if a board member in a casual but in public conversation, tells a homeowner something and then fails to mention that same thing when the subject comes up at a board meeting? Basically a board member told a homeowner that he acted independently in an action that was outside of his scope to do so.

At a meeting following that when the subject of the action in question came up, he said nothing of the decision to act independatly (and outside of his scope of power), and let the others present hash out the debate without admitting he made the decision to act on his own. His admition would have shown he acted outside his power and would have dramatically changed the discussion and possibly the meeting outcome.

Even though the time for homeowners to speak was over with in the meeting, is it ethical (or wise) for the homeowner to call that person out in a public fashion, reminding them of their admission, even though the opportunity to speak (in the meeting) has come and gone?

 

No, it is absolutely not ethical or wise to accuse the board member of such things in a public fashion, and it would be out of order to do so in a meeting. You can't go around making accusations against people in a meeting, and while RONR does not control members' behavior outside of a meeting, it seems like good advice in general to me. If members wish to pursue this, see FAQ #20.

 

I'd also note that, personally, I'm more concerned about the fact that the board member acted outside his authority in the first place.

[Apadana]

Even though the time for homeowners to speak was over with in the meeting, is it ethical (or wise) for the homeowner to call that person out in a public fashion, reminding them of their admission, even though the opportunity to speak (in the meeting) has come and gone?          

 

Is this a homeowner's association that you are referring to?  I would be careful of accusing someone of lying in any setting because it can be misconstrued as being defamatory.

[Josh Martin]

I would be careful of accusing someone of lying in any setting because it can be misconstrued as being defamatory.

 

Perhaps, but the OP should consult a lawyer regarding any legal concerns.