[Snowgoose]

In a group governed by Roberts Rules, can the president simply begin a meeting by unilaterally deciding and stating that speech on a topic will be limited to 5 minutes per speaker if this has never been done in any previous meeting and if members had no chance to vote on it? Art V.30.

[ScottGem]

That would be up to the by laws governing the meeting. But usually the presiding officer has powers to limit debate.

[Snowgoose]

Wow! Most quick answer I ever got! Thanks. The bylaws only state this: Article X: Parliamentary Authority. The rules contained in Roberst Rules of Order Revised shall govern this organization in all cases in which there is disagreement or confusion.

Kind of a follow-up question: If the meeting is specifically about misconduct of the president and the president limits the speech of all players to 5 minutes and only one chance to speak, must also the president's speech be limited to 5 minutes, or can president talk all he wants?

[ScottGem]

In that case, the president must recuse himself and turn control over the meeting to the vice president or person next in line.

It would be unethical or against any rules of any organization I've heard of for an officer to preside over a meeting where the officer is the subject of the meeting. Especially when the subject is misconduct.

[Snowgoose]

Yes... I know... and respect your pointing that out... but ethics and misconduct aside, under RR of O and article quoted from our bylaws, can a unilateral decision be made by president alone to limit speech or must it be voted on and approved first?

[ScottGem]

The first person to talk raises a point of order that it is improper for the president to preside at this meeting. And makes a motion that the president recuse himself.

[Snowgoose]

All stated has already happened. Too late. Just wanting to take this to higher authority now to discuss