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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for Ann G. Macfarlane

Point of Order and Appeal Are the Heart of Democracy

April 13, 2026  by  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

What are the motions of Point of Order and Appeal in Robert’s Rules of Order, and how (or why) would a member of a council, commission, or board use these motions during a meeting of the governing body?

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Changing Course: Using Robert’s Rules to Alter a Prior Action

July 9, 2025  by  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

When and how can a governing body change course on a prior action? Robert's Rules of Order offers governing bodies options for changing a previous motion or decision. Elected officials should understand these options and how to use them correctly.

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Man asks question during political meeting

Don’t Get into Back-and-Forth Exchanges During Public Comment

November 27, 2023  by  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

The public comment period of a public meeting can be a great time to hear from constituents and to be heard. However, elected officials should not use this period to get into back-and-forth exchanges with members of the public — for a variety of reasons.

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A notebook for meeting minutes, lies between a pen and an hourglass

Less Is More: Action Minutes Save Time, Serve the Agency Best

August 23, 2023  by  MRSC Insight ,  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

Public meetings of a governing body can cover a variety of topics and include countless important decisions that will impact the agency and its communities. Action minutes can help the body focus on what was done during the meeting rather than what was said.

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During a meeting of a small group around a table, one of the members puts his head down on the table because he is dismayed at what is happening.

Four Bad Habits Governing Bodies Should Avoid When Meeting

April 26, 2023  by  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

Whether it's due to heightened emotions or misunderstanding how to apply Roberts Rules, meetings of public agencies can sometimes go awry. Guest author and Parliamentarian Ann Macfarlane provides some procedural tips to governing bodies seeking more effective meetings. 

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Can the Mayor Take Part in Discussion?

September 28, 2022  by  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  Forms of Government-City ,  Legislative Body

In many cities, the mayor also acts as the meeting chair. While Robert's Rules directs the chair of large groups of 12 or more members to refrain from taking part in a discussion (and focus on facilitating), these rules do not automatically apply to smaller groups.

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Sanctioning Rogue Board Members

December 2, 2021  by  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

Sometimes the actions of a member of a governing body cause such disruption that that body will not be able to move forward on important matters. This blog reviews what a council, commission, or board can do when dealing with rogue members. 

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What Does the New Robert’s Rules Mean for You?

October 28, 2020  by  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

From guest author and Professional Registered Parliamentarian Ann Macfarlane, this blog post looks at the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised.

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Tips for Government Bodies Meeting Remotely

March 26, 2020  by  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  COVID-19 ,  Legislative Body

This blog post offers guidelines and tips for conducting successful remote local government meetings.

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Successful Staff Interaction in Local Government Meetings

April 29, 2019  by  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

This MRSC Insight blog offers a few suggestions on how to structure successful staff participation in a council meeting. 

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Meeting Discussion: When Should You Interrupt a Speaker?

December 27, 2018  by  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

Under Robert's Rules, there are significant instances in which a board member or councilmember should be interrupted during a meeting in order to preserve preserve politeness and fairness for all.

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Do We Have to Obey the Mayor?

July 23, 2018  by  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

Under Robert's Rules of Order and common parliamentary law the presiding officer of a governing body has certain rights — but so too do councilmembers, county commissioners, and directors of special districts — and no one has the authority to dominate the group.

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How Well Do You Walk this Meeting Tightrope?

February 25, 2016  by  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

Chairing a meeting requires two skills that are not easy to combine. The presider has to control the meeting, which requires strength. At the same time, he or she has to remain emotionally connected to the members, which requires warmth.

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