Approve the minutes: Once corrections are complete, the chair asks for a motion to approve the minutes. One member makes the motion, a second member approves it, and the chair calls for a vote. The approval of meeting minutes goes through with a majority vote.
The meeting-minute approval process begins when a chairperson makes the motion. To approve minutes, unanimous consent is required. The minutes of the previous meeting should be approved during the current meeting. If this isn't possible, a special committee or executive board may be required to approve the minutes.
Many organizations require that the presiding officer and recording secretary sign the minutes once approved, she adds, so it's important to check your bylaws to ensure the proper signatures are included. The minutes should reflect what took place in motions — the action of the board, not the dialogue, says Bowie.
If meeting minutes are not approved, they are considered to be in draft form. This means the information recorded in the minutes is not official and may be subject to changes or corrections.
They are legally required to include these details: Date, time, and location of the meeting. Record of notice of board meeting provision and acknowledgment. Names of attendees and absentees, including guests. Approval of previous meeting minutes.
The minutes are a factual record of business. Do not include: Opinions or judgments: Leave out statements like "a well done report" or "a heated discussion." Criticism or accolades: Criticism of members, good or bad, should not be included unless it takes the form of an official motion.
Approving the Minute Minutes do not become official until they are read and approved by formal vote. They should be read by the Secretary at the next regular meeting. The Chair then asks for corrections and additions, and calls for a vote.
In most cases, the meeting secretary will sign the approved copy of the minutes, while some boards require all present board members to sign the approved minutes.
Personal remarks don't belong. It is a big mistake to include personal opinions in the minutes. The writer must not editorialize, and members' personal remarks should not be included.
What information do board meeting minutes contain? Meeting date, time and location. Type of meeting. Names and titles of attendees and guests. Any absent board directors. Quorum. Notes about directors who left early or re-entered the meeting. Board approvals, resolutions and acceptance of reports. Overview of discussions.