W.R. from Dakota County, Minnesota writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
At an HOA board meeting, who can make a motion? I have read different opinions – only the president, any board member except the president. As president, I always ask a board member to make the motion. Does it matter?
Mister Condo replies:
W.R., it really depends on how closely you are going to follow Roberts Rules of Order and Parliamentary Procedure. Ideally, motions (and seconds to the motion) come from Board members. Your primary role as president is to preside, which means acknowledging the motion and second and then lead the discussion and move the motion to a vote. That, of course, is the perfect world. In the real world, I have seen presidents who make motions, call for votes without seconds to the motion or discussion, etc.. You asked if it matters. It does but only if challenged by a unit owner or other Board member. In larger associations, it is far more likely that proper procedure is adhered to. Smaller associations tend to be a little looser with the rules. At the end of the day, the idea is to handle the business of the association in accordance with the rules of the association and/or state law. I think you are wise to do it as you are now.