Board to place first reading of license-fee exemption on September consent calendar

The board of governors voted unanimously to put a first reading on a proposal to exempt license fees based on financial need on the consent calendar for its next meeting in September. The motion to place the item on the September consent calendar passed after a roll call in which all named governors recorded yes votes.

The measure — described as a “first read” of a license fee exemption tied to financial need — had been discussed at prior meetings and before the executive committee. Executive Director Nevett said, “I would suggest we do the first read on the license fee exemption based on financial need if Governor Couch and Chief Garcia are amenable.” A speaker who moved the motion noted the item had been discussed multiple times: “This is the proposal we’ve talked about, I think, 4 times right now,” and moved that it be added to the consent calendar. The motion was seconded and a straw poll showed majority support before the formal vote.

Counsel and others raised procedural questions about using the consent calendar for changes to the bylaws. Jubilee, serving as counsel, said, “It would be unusual to actually amend the bylaws using a consent calendar. I think that is highly irregular.” Executive Director Nevett replied that the executive committee had previously handled a technical bylaw change and that there is notice to members about consent items and the ability to pull items for separate consideration. Nevett added, “I’m not aware that there’s any reason we cannot approve it. There’s nothing in our bylaws that I’m aware of that would prevent us from approving a bylaw change on consent calendar… I think it’s a question for the board to consider what they feel comfortable with.”

A member asked whether the item’s potential fiscal impact mattered for placing it on consent; the transcript records that question but does not record a detailed fiscal estimate or new budget figures. The formal vote to place the first read on the September consent calendar then proceeded by voice/roll call; the transcript records governors Ahern, Bloom, Bang, Dresden, Larry, Whitney, Rathbone, Arneson, Couch, Wynne, Petrasic, Price, Villeneuve and Faye responding in the affirmative. The chair declared the motion passed unanimously.

This action places the proposal on the consent calendar for the board’s next meeting; it does not adopt or amend any bylaw or policy. If any member pulls the item from consent at the September meeting, the board would consider it separately and any formal amendment would require the board’s subsequent action.