Hi Bob G, Lyle, Chris and Fred:
It is my position that regardless of what has been done in the past at CFC, or what the majority would like to do at CFC, or what Robert's Rules of Order say, CFC MUST follow its Handbook, which now says about On-line Meetings:
CFC Handbook SECTION 2 –Rules and Regulations, Article One, section 22A – Procedures for Governors’ On-Line Meetings:
1. The Meeting
( i ) ...
( ii ) ...
( iii ) There shall be a quorum of 15 governors to constitute a meeting.
( iv ) Motions will be passed during meetings, and such meeting extensions as may be required due to amending motions.
( v ) The President, or someone designated by him/her as an alternate, shall chair the meeting.
( vi ) ...
( vii ) ....The President shall publish the agenda as soon as possible, before the meeting.
2. The Role of the Chairperson
( i ) The Chair will decide on procedural matters such as motions of order, when to close agenda items, whether to add items to the agenda after the deadline, adjournment, etc..
( ii ) The President shall initially abstain on all motion votes[ emphasis added ]. However, in case of a tie vote on motions or elections, s/he shall have the tie-breaking vote.
We may disagree with the merits of the Procedures, but we are suppposed to follow them, no??? Unfortunately, CFC has a history littered with administration not bothering to follow CFC rules, and all the problems it has caused.
If someone doesn't like a rule - we know what to do - bring an amendment motion.
Bob G. has only taken a " straw poll " on this issue. Is he just testing the waters to see if he will bring an amending motion? Or is he proposing to ride roughshod over the rules if the majority want him to in the " straw poll "??
Bob