Branch Meeting March 4, 2017: Review proposed bylaw changes
Present: Board Members: Robert Mays, Robin Haynes, Ron Evans, Judy Frey, Kelly Calegar, Kathleen Wright, Michael Navascues; Members-at-Large: Suzanne Mays, Roger Schultz, Peg Carmody.
Verse: Robert Mays recited “The Branch Ideal” verse by Rudolf Steiner.
Statement of Purpose: Robert Mays explained the purpose of the meeting: to review the proposed changes to the Branch Bylaws and then get members’ feedback on them before the Board votes on the proposals. Robert then read each of the current bylaws with their proposed changes and the rationale behind each of the changes, one- by-one, after which members provided their views. The Bylaws under consideration for change are:
- Article II, Section 4d: spiritual intentions (reaching decisions)
- Article V Section 1: Annual Meeting
- Article VI Section 2: Number of Directors
- Article VI Section 3: Nomination of Directors
- Article VI Section 4: Election of Directors
- Article VI Section 5: Voting at Annual Meeting
- Article X Section 1: Contracts
- Article XIV Section 1: Proposed Changes to By-laws
Questions, Comments and Discussion: There was a lengthy discussion about the “dual voting” allowed in the current bylaw Article II Section 4d. Peg pointed out why the text involving this change was first added to the bylaws — that Board members could be given the choice to vote both for and against a proposal. Most of the other proposed changes had little or no comment. Peg made a suggestion to clarify the wording of the proposed addition to Article X Section 1 (Contracts), to state explicitly that a simple majority of active Branch members would be needed to approve financial commitments over $5,000.
Concluding Remarks: Robert thanked the members for attending the meeting.
Closing Verse: Robert read the “Branch Ideal” verse again. Meeting was adjourned and refreshments served.
