Small Boards lack of a second

[Tomm]

The board (9 members) typically always asks for a "second" during board meetings. If no "second" the chair declares the motion dead. 

Because small boards don't require a "second" can a member demand a vote be taken even if nobody "seconds' the motion? Granted, the outcome of the vote would no doubt be the same however, non-board members quests in attendance would get to see that!

There seems to be nothing in the bylaws that states all motions require a "second".

Are small boards required to function under the procedures for small boards?

[George Mervosh]

On 12/1/2021 at 11:50 AM, Tomm said:

The board (9 members) typically always asks for a "second" during board meetings. If no "second" the chair declares the motion dead. 

Because small boards don't require a "second" can a member demand a vote be taken even if nobody "seconds' the motion? Granted, the outcome of the vote would no doubt be the same however, non-board members quests in attendance would get to see that!

There seems to be nothing in the bylaws that states all motions require a "second".

Are small boards required to function under the procedures for small boards?

No. 

In your second paragraph do you mean a member of the board (because it would be silly if a board member demanded a vote and did not simply second the motion)?

[Dan Honemann]

On 12/1/2021 at 12:07 PM, George Mervosh said:

The board (9 members) typically always asks for a "second" during board meetings. If no "second" the chair declares the motion dead. 

There is nothing wrong with this. 

[Tomm]

I'm thinking in terms of the following:

A board member makes a motion to divide the question but nobody "seconds" the motion. I understand how a "no-second" means nobody else is in favor of the motion but a forced vote would, kinda, expose the members more as individuals rather than a kinda hiding in anonymity? 

[George Mervosh]

On 12/1/2021 at 12:16 PM, Dan Honemann said:

There is nothing wrong with this. 

Other than I didn't say it, I agree!

Edited December 1, 2021 at 05:21 PM by George Mervosh

[George Mervosh]

On 12/1/2021 at 12:18 PM, Tomm said:

I'm thinking in terms of the following:

A board member makes a motion to divide the question but nobody "seconds" the motion. I understand how a "no-second" means nobody else is in favor of the motion but a forced vote would, kinda, expose the members more as individuals rather than a kinda hiding in anonymity? 

I think it's time to give this one up, Tomm.  As previously noted, the board is doing nothing wrong on this issue.

[Tomm]

On 12/1/2021 at 10:38 AM, George Mervosh said:

I think it's time to give this one up

Roger-that!  Sorry

[Gary Novosielski]

On 12/1/2021 at 12:18 PM, Tomm said:

I'm thinking in terms of the following:

A board member makes a motion to divide the question but nobody "seconds" the motion. I understand how a "no-second" means nobody else is in favor of the motion but a forced vote would, kinda, expose the members more as individuals rather than a kinda hiding in anonymity? 

Remember that some motions must be divided upon the demand of a single member.  See: RONR (12th ed.) 27:10

[Josh Martin]

On 12/1/2021 at 10:50 AM, Tomm said:

Because small boards don't require a "second" can a member demand a vote be taken even if nobody "seconds' the motion?

Under the small board rules, yes.

On 12/1/2021 at 10:50 AM, Tomm said:

Are small boards required to function under the procedures for small boards?

No. Further, it's not necessarily an all or nothing proposition. A small board could, for example, choose to have a requirement for motions to be seconded, but otherwise follow the procedures for small boards. In my experience, this is a fairly common arrangement.