Board of Director Meetings

[Den Baer]

We have a board who now restricts all members/stockholders of the homeowners assoc. from the board of directors meetings as if they operate completely under Executive Session; this has never happened before in the history of the corp. By-laws do not specifically say they can have closed sessions nor do they allow open meetings to the membership, however in the past they were open. To say the least, we are pressuring this group to have them open, while we are being threatened by police action to leave the building.

Though our By-laws do not speak of Roberts Rules, RR has been used to accomplish certain actions in the past.

Your comments will be much appreciated.

Thank You,

DB

[Kim Goldsworthy]

We have a board who now restricts all members/stockholders of the homeowners assoc. from the board of directors meetings as if they operate completely under Executive Session; this has never happened before in the history of the corp.

The Book says that it is a common practice for a board to hold 100% of its meetings in executive session.

No violation of Robert's Rules of Order has occurred.

[Larry Cisar]

Next election, elect a different board!

[Den Baer]

Thank you, Both for your comments. Seems the State of New Hampshire has left the Homeowners Associations to fend for their own unlike other states who have seen the possibilities when it comes to transparency. Unfortunately this board finds itself spending precious $$ on Private Property issues and overspending the limits allowed by the By-laws without approval of the vote of the members. Having done so, and being restricted from the meetings to actually see the persons perform these dealings we have discovered, we started a website to expose them.

So far they have been held at bay in moving forward on their pet projects, and hopefully I will improve in my addressing the members through the site. www.thestevefoleyreport.com

It is all so difficult to have a board running rampant and feeling as if one's hands are tied behind one's back. Yes, we will try to gain seats in the next election of course. And pester the State house for meaningful legislation which is overdue regarding rights.

Further comments are welcome.

Thank you,

S.Foley, Plymouth, MA

[Dan Honemann]

Actually, further comments may not be all that welcome, since this forum is dedicated to discussion of the meaning and proper application of the rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order.

If you have any questions at all about these rules, please feel free to post them.

[hmtcastle]

we will try to gain seats in the next election of course

You may not have to wait that long. See FAQ #20.

Alternatively (or additionally) convince the board members that their seats are in jeopardy.

See also Official Interpretations 2006-12 and 2006-13.

[Den Baer]

Actually, further comments may not be all that welcome, since this forum is dedicated to discussion of the meaning and proper application of the rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order.

If you have any questions at all about these rules, please feel free to post them.

[Den Baer]

Thank you, I understand.

[Rev Ed]

At the end of the day, the only was to change the situation is to change the By-laws. The Board, according to RONR, has the right to meet in Executive Session, and if required to move into Executive Session at any point during a meeting. Thus, the owners, if they wish to have a right to attend the Board meetings as observers, must amend their own By-laws to limit when and how the Board enters into Executive Session. Other then that, the Board is quite correct to meet in Executive Session.

P.S. if RONR ("the book") is not specifically mentioned in the By-laws of your organization, the owners may want to amend the By-laws to specifically include it.