Need Robert's Rules?

Started by RobertG • 9 replies • 2448 views

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RobertG (Arizona)
Posts: 505

Posted:

Our board voted down a motion to use Robert's Rules of Order on the basis they felt that everyone used these rules anyway and thus didn't need a motion to establish this policy (new HOA - first meeting). Do you think they are safe in doing this?

LisaS (Illinois)
Posts: 341

Posted:

They can either accept or deny adopting Roberts Rules, so long as they adopt some sort of 'rule policy' (i.e. meeting conduct for Association members and/or Board members)

Without some sort of direction, many people have no idea how a meeting is conducted, or how to conduct themselves. Our Board (I am VP) adopted a casual code of conduct for meetings involving the five of us. We get along very well, and even when we disagree there is respectful discourse.

Our annual open meeting features an agenda, and a general statement by our President reiterating that we will follow our agenda, no outbursts will be allowed, and those who wish to be heard will all be allowed to speak, etc. This way, people know what to expect of us and what is expected of them. It keeps the meeting rolling, and keeps us from chaos!

Lisa

RobertG (Arizona)
Posts: 505

Posted:

If your legal documents don't specify what rules to use, then how would you know to use Robert's versus someone elses or even make up your own?

RogerB (Colorado)
Posts: 5,067

Posted:

RobertG, if they felt everyone used Robert's Rules of Order then why won't they pass a motion to use them? They are probably safe as long as the minority is provided their rights - but it only takes a moment to approve by acclamation. Seems so petty, makes one wonder if there is something else they to which they were reacting.

RogerB

SheliaR (North Carolina)
Posts: 2

Posted:

I thought as of January 1, 2006, when the new Federal laws went into effect, that ALL associations had to run their Associations under "Roberts Rules of Order"??? PLEASE ADVISE!

RobertG (Arizona)
Posts: 505

Posted:

Where did you get that idea?

RogerB (Colorado)
Posts: 5,067

Posted:

SheliaR, I am not aware of such a federal law. I googled and found nothing on this. Can you give an identity for this law.
Incidently, when making rule to adopt Robert's Rules of Order make sure to clarify they will be used when not in conflict with your bylaws.

RogerB

WilliamsburgH (North Carolina)
Posts: 3

Posted:

I live in North Carolina and there are some new 2006 HOA laws im my state.

click here >>> http://www.frb-law.com/hoacondochanges.htm

2006 NC law states:
"Board and annual meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised."

I'm not sure what other states have these new laws on Robert's Rules. If I find any new information I will post it!

SwanB (Washington)
Posts: 199

Posted:

We are not bound by state law to use Robert's Rules of Order, however, our bylaws specify that: Robert's Rules of Order, Current Edition, shall be recognized as authority governing all meetings when not in conflict with the law, and our governing documents.
We tend to use a looser 'conduct' at our meetings and adopt that strategy before each meeting. By looser, we don't require the formal calls and motions, etc. as written in Robert's as many members don't know those steps and aren't schooled in parliamentary actions.
However we have one 85 year old gentleman who will fight to his dying breath that a motion was not properly dealt with because we did not use the correct words, etc. as dictated in Robert's Rules of Order. He attends all AGMS and Board meetings and is hard of hearing and even if someone does use the correct phrases, he still doesn't hear it and stands up waving his tattered Robert's.
What to do?
I have had knock-down, drag outs with him over semantics. My life is too short for this nonsense.

RobertG (Arizona)
Posts: 505

Posted:

I would suggest, if you truly use Robert's Rules, you go to http://www.robertsrules.com/cp/Scripts/ASP/forum/default.asp and ask there. This forum is dedicated and staffed by Robert's Rules experts.

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