Keep a basic record of what went on during the meeting. For example: who gave a presentation, did a “discussion ensue,” were “questions asked and answered?” But avoid recording everything.
Minutes are not supposed to be verbatim and including too much detail may only provide ammunition that may be used against the board in a lawsuit. However, with too little detail the minutes may be useless and may leave an impression that the board did not adequately consider one or more matters.
As a member of the company, you may ask the company in writing for a copy of the minutes of a meeting of members, or an extract of the minutes, or the minutes of any resolution passed by members without a meeting.
Record key points, not every word. As the minute-taker, it's essential to focus on capturing the most critical points discussed during the meeting rather than transcribing everything word for word. Be concise and use bullet points. Meeting minutes should be easy to read and understand quickly.
The minutes should not be a verbatim transcript, any more than they should be a bare-bones outline. It is best to say that minutes should be an accurate and truthful summary of what occurred. The length of any specific item in the minutes should reflect the relative importance of that item to the meeting agenda.
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.
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.
Minutes should never be a verbatim documentation of every statement made during a board meeting. A document that purports to record every uttered word is a transcript, not “minutes.” Minutes should be concise and informative, but never voluminous.
Board meeting minutes are an objective record of what took place during a board meeting. The minutes are typically used for internal purposes like record-keeping and for posterity. Minutes can serve to inform future meetings and recall what was discussed, agreed upon or dismissed by a company's board members.
The company must also ensure that the minutes of a directors' meeting are signed by the chair of the meeting (or the chair of the next meeting) within a reasonable time. If minutes are recorded and signed in this way, they are evidence of the proceedings and resolutions passed, unless the contrary is proved.