GVR board tweaks way it operates

The 12-member board of directors of Green Valley Recreation is shifting into a new form for board operations, but the change shouldn’t affect how it operates, several directors agreed this week.

For at least 20 years, the GVR board operated as a “big board’ under Roberts Rules Of Order, the guidebook for parliamentary proceedings.

But parliamentarian Loren Thorson told board members Tuesday that in fact it should be operated as a “small board” under Roberts Rules.

He told the board there shouldn’t be any problems because of the change.

One big change is there will no longer be a need for a club parliamentarian. Small boards don’t require them.

Thorson is about to retire as GVR’s parliamentarian.

In fact, it was his search for a replacement that led him to see if the board could operate as a small board.

It can, he concluded.

President Lou Lovat agreed with Thorson’s conclusion.

Operating as a big board, the president can’t vote except to break a tie. Now as a small board, he can vote.

And, as Lovat said, if there’s a tie-vote, the issue fails.

Small board rules govern organizations if there are fewer than 12 members. Previously, the board consisted of 13 members, but in 2006, Fairfield Communities withdrew, and since then average attendance has been 11.35, Thorson told an earlier board meeting.

Some of the rules for operating as a small board are:

Members aren’t required to obtain to the floor before making motions or speaking, and they can be seated when they talk.

No seconds are needed for motions.

There’s no limit on how many times a member can speak to an issue.

Information discussions are permitted when no motions are pending.

Votes can sometimes be taken without a motion being made, but that rule has to be approved by all the members present.

The chairman can remain seated when putting motions to the membership.

The chairman’s also allowed to speak without rising, can make motions and usually votes on all questions.

Thorson said earlier that most homeowners’ associations use these more informal rules for operation.

Board members Roberta Konen and Jim Burt were assigned to draft proposed rules to start the next board meeting, dealing with some of the changes.

jlamb@gvnews.com | 547-9749