Administrative Reports

[Guest Guest User]

During a public meeting where an administrative council has to give reports, do they have to be pertinent to the business items? Where in the Robert's Rules could i find this?

[Rob Elsman]

If this question arises out of a possible conflict with an open meetings law ("sunshine law"), then you will need to ask an attorney; otherwise, there are too many facts missing for me to understand the fact situation and give a coherent answer.

[Atul Kapur]

On 1/24/2024 at 8:30 PM, Guest Guest User said:

During a public meeting where an administrative council has to give reports, do they have to be pertinent to the business items? Where in the Robert's Rules could i find this?

Under RONR, the reports (from boards, officers, and committees) are themselves business items, as you can see from headings (2) and (3) in the standard order of business:

Quote

41:5 Basic Headings Covering Business Proper. The customary or “standard” order of
        business comprises the following subdivisions:
        1) Reading and Approval of Minutes
        2) Reports of Officers, Boards, and Standing Committees
        3) Reports of Special (Select or Ad Hoc) Committees
        4) Special Orders
        5) Unfinished Business and General Orders
        6) New Business

If your organization has adopted its own order of business, hopefully reports are one of the headings there, as well.

[Gary Novosielski]

On 1/24/2024 at 8:30 PM, Guest Guest User said:

During a public meeting where an administrative council has to give reports, do they have to be pertinent to the business items? Where in the Robert's Rules could i find this?

There is no specific requirement that reports must relate to other business items, although reports can contain recommended motions which, when moved, become business items.

Edited January 25, 2024 at 07:46 PM by Gary Novosielski