New Year Starts off with a Lesson Learned

 

It was great to see so many members at the last meeting and I find it hard to understand why some months, we only see 20 or 22 guys, especially when important topics are being discussed that effect how the club runs.  That was the case back in November.  With three very important motions on the table to be voted on, only 20 members managed to show up for this meeting.  Since we did have a quorum, we were able to conduct the vote on these motions. Thus, just over half of the members made decisions for the rest of those who waived their right to voice their opinions with a vote.  Ironically, it is one of the motions passed that is stirring up so much controversy as we enter the new year as many of those who were there and many who were not, have all voiced their dissatisfaction with the final outcome.  Of course, I am referring to the vote to remove the 4th and 5th place payouts, which passed by just one vote.  

 

In January, there was quite a bit of discussion regarding this and the membership wanted to either overturn the vote or make a new motion entirely to reinstate the payouts. This is where things got very, very confusing.  The board agreed that a vote could not be nullified and a question to Robert's Rules of Order came up regarding motions and voting.  I confess, I am not anywhere near an expert on Robert's rules and when the question arose, I deferred to anyone who might have known more than me.  What was discussed was that only the maker and second of a motion could opt to withdraw the vote and that no other subsequent motion could be made for 6 month regarding the same rule.  Upon doing some research, I have not found anything to indicate this is proper procedure.  What I did find was that only the maker and second of a motion could WITHDRAW a motion once it is a matter of record but also, only prior to the vote.  Once voted on, another motion could be made to rescind as long as no action was taken as a result of the vote.  Since we have not yet had any tournaments, my feeling is that this option is still open tot he membership. Now, there are conflicting wording as to what is required to rescind a vote but my feeling is that if 2/3rds of the membership vote to rescind, than that is acceptable in my book.  Regarding the making of another motion affecting the same rule, I have found no indication as to any designated time limit preventing this and plan to continue to research this matter.  What I think we learn here is that if we are to rely on Robert's rules, someone needs to better understand them. 

 

Despite the debate on this matter, there is another underlying lesson to be learned by all.  That is the overall importance of attending meetings, especially those where votes are to take place.  We only vote on rules changes from November through April and we provide all members at least one month's advance notice through posting on line.  there is no excuse not to know that a rule is being voted on.  If you have an opinion regarding that motion and you don;t show to a meeting, you really are in no place to complain later.  Bottom line, it's not much to ask the membership to attend a meeting, especially in the dead of winter.  Not only will you get to chat with friends but may also be able to ensure that a rule isn;t changed simply because 10 members out of 36 want it and happened to attend the meeting.  

 

As President, I need to do what the club wants and since there is backing by Robert's rules that allows a motion to rescind, and that motion does not require advanced notice, the club may get a second chance to right what many feel was a incorrect thing to do.  We don't often get a second chance but plan to be there in February and take advantage of this opportunity.  Besides, it's the annual swap meet and I have a bunch of stuff to sell!!!  

 

See you in February, 

Mark

 

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