Point of order: Independence Township has yet to adopt Robert’s Rules for its Board of Trustees meetings.
The rules, which structures debate around motions and resolutions, would help keep control of meetings, said Trustee Dan Travis at the April 15 township meeting.
‘It’s decorum. It creates opportunity for the board to conduct business in a format, so you avoid some problems with it,? Travis said.
Supervisor David Wagner said he had no problem adopting Robert’s rules, although a trustee might have to be trained in it.
Clerk Shelagh VanderVeen said she would be willing to take the test to become a certified parliamentarian of Robert’s Rules, although basic understanding of them should be the responsibility of each board member.
‘I think that comes with the job and we all should bear that responsibility,? she said. ‘There are plenty of books available (and) they’re pretty simple.?
Treasurer Jim Wenger said he also agreed with adopting Robert’s Rules.
‘We never want to discourage public comment,? said Wenger. ‘We want people to put input into the board, we don’t want stifle it, but there’s got to be a rational reason why we do things and when we do them.?
Trustee Dan Kelly didn’t see it as a ‘big issue? and said he would not have a problem adopting them again.
‘If there are no other rules or laws that control an issue and you need to have a resolution of how we’re supposed to proceed, then you have to look at Robert’s Rules,? he said. ‘But they certainly don’t take precedence over the Open Meetings Act or the Freedom of Information Act or any rules we’ve adopted here locally on how we’re going to go forward with business.?
An example is the three-minute rule for public comment.
‘If Robert’s Rules would somehow affect that, than I would suggest that we actually make that an amendment to Robert’s Rules,? he said.
Kelly motioned to put Robert’s Rules off until the clerk is certified and board has had an opportunity to review the actual rules themselves. It was supported by Dunn and the motion carried unanimously.