Calling the question

[Guest susan butler]

If an item on the agenda receives a motion, and that motion is seconded, can the president put the item off because he does not like where the outcome of the discussion? If a Board member at that time requests the question be called, is it not mandated to call the question?

[Josh Martin]

If an item on the agenda receives a motion, and that motion is seconded, can the president put the item off because he does not like where the outcome of the discussion?

No.

If a Board member at that time requests the question be called, is it not mandated to call the question?

No. The motion for the Previous Question requires a 2/3 vote (and it is generally not permitted in small boards - about 12 members or fewer). (FAQ #11; RONR, 10th ed., pg. 192; pg. 470)

[Kim Goldsworthy]

If an item on the agenda receives a motion, and that motion is seconded, can the president put the item off because he does not like where the outcome of the discussion?

"... because he does not like the outcome ...?"

No. Of course not.

I would outraged if any chairman or president failed to act as a proper chair just because he didn't like something.

Chairmen/Presidents have no such veto power.

I would replace that chairman A.S.A.P.

If a Board member at that time requests the question be called, is it not mandated to call the question?

No.

A single member's urge to close debate and vote is not enough.

It is a motion. (See "Previous Question" in RONR.) - It needs to be seconded. It needs to be adopted (or rejected).

So, "No," a single board member cannot call the question.

The board (via a two thirds vote) can adopt a motion to close debate and vote immediately (i.e., adopt the Previous Question).

Oh! And, "no," the president cannot refuse to entertain a motion on the Previous Question - except if the board is using the subset of rules for "small boards and committees" in RONR, where RONR recommends that such bodies not use the motion.

[Matt Schafer]

If an item on the agenda receives a motion, and that motion is seconded, can the president put the item off because he does not like where the outcome of the discussion?

Once a motion is made and seconded, the president is obligated to state the question. This is the act that officially sets the question before the board and opens it up for debate. However, if the president thinks that the motion is out of order, he must say so. The motion might not be allowed at that particular time, or it may violate a provision in the bylaws, or there may be something else wrong with it that makes it invalid. (That ruling can then be appealed.) But I believe that the president is required to do one or the other. Other folks here can chime in if I'm wrong.

If a Board member at that time requests the question be called, is it not mandated to call the question?

That depends on what you mean by "calling" the question. If you mean, "Can a board member ask for an immediate vote on the motion, with no debate or amendment?" then, no. This is what is called making a motion for the Previous Question. The motion hasn't yet been stated by the president, so no vote can be ordered on it. (Once the board is debating a motion, the use of the Previous Question to close debate is explained very well by Kim Goldsworthy above.)

What you are probably looking for is a way to tell the president that the motion must be stated so that the board can debate it. If this is the case, then when a motion is made and seconded, if the president fails to state the motion or rule it out of order, a board member can raise a Point of Order. The president should then ask what your point is, and you can then say something like, "A motion has been made and seconded. It must be stated so that the board may debate it." If he then rules that you are correct, he should state the question, and then the board may proceed to debate. If he rules that you are not correct, then a board member can Appeal.

At this point, things can start to go downhill quickly, so let's hope that the Point of Order is all that is necessary to get the president back on track.