RogerB (Colorado)
Posts: 5,067
Posts: 5,067
Posted:
On another thread there has been discussion regarding open board meetings. Concerns have been expressed about the additional time involved in allowing non-board members to attend board meetings. Following are a few suggestions by which the board can conduct open board meetings without significantly extending the meeting time.
During the first half hour(max)the Chair can recognize owners to allow them to present comments. Each speaker can be limited, such as up to 2 minutes. It is important to require any proposals requesting board action be provided in writing. The Chair should not allow any discussion by or between the owners during or between each presentation. Allow only one speaker per subject. Advise owners about the open board meetings and these procedural rules. Encourage submittal of written requests in advance so all board members can receive them with their board packet; then they can come prepared in case action by the board is deemed desirable. Once the remainder of the meeting starts invite the non-board members to leave or to stay. If they stay do not allow them to participate unless the board agrees someone has useful informations they want to hear.
The Chair can adjust these guidelines to the extent necessary to have a good meeting without significantly extending the time. Often this time can be offset by conducting more efficient meetings. Do you provide a board packet which includes the agenda, minutes, financial report, managing agent report, and committee reports? That will allows almost all of the remainder of the meeting time to old busines (tabled items up for consideration)plus new business. And available items related to these can also be included in the board packet so the board members come prepared.
Remember those Ps,
RogerB
During the first half hour(max)the Chair can recognize owners to allow them to present comments. Each speaker can be limited, such as up to 2 minutes. It is important to require any proposals requesting board action be provided in writing. The Chair should not allow any discussion by or between the owners during or between each presentation. Allow only one speaker per subject. Advise owners about the open board meetings and these procedural rules. Encourage submittal of written requests in advance so all board members can receive them with their board packet; then they can come prepared in case action by the board is deemed desirable. Once the remainder of the meeting starts invite the non-board members to leave or to stay. If they stay do not allow them to participate unless the board agrees someone has useful informations they want to hear.
The Chair can adjust these guidelines to the extent necessary to have a good meeting without significantly extending the time. Often this time can be offset by conducting more efficient meetings. Do you provide a board packet which includes the agenda, minutes, financial report, managing agent report, and committee reports? That will allows almost all of the remainder of the meeting time to old busines (tabled items up for consideration)plus new business. And available items related to these can also be included in the board packet so the board members come prepared.
Remember those Ps,
RogerB