RCSC board approves first reading to exempt executive sessions from two-reading rule
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Summary
The Recreation Centers of Sun City (RCSC) board passed a first reading to amend Article 5, Section 5 of the bylaws to exclude executive sessions from a requirement that motions be read and passed a minimum of two times; the motion passed on roll call, 7–2, after public comment and board debate.
The Recreation Centers of Sun City Board of Directors voted 7–2 on Jan. 30, 2025, to adopt a first reading of a bylaw amendment that would exclude executive sessions from a rule requiring motions to be read and passed at least twice before being finalized.
Board member Director Ruff moved to amend bylaws Article 5, “Board of Directors,” Section 5, “Meetings of the Board,” proposing that the sentence requiring motions be read and passed a minimum of two times be modified to exclude executive sessions. Director Keis seconded the motion. Director Ruff said the change was intended as a cleanup of language that had been omitted from earlier revisions and to reflect how executive sessions are handled in practice: "When we go into executive session, it doesn't make any sense to have a 2 times finalized action, so I'm, we're putting in excluding executive session."
The motion drew public comment before board discussion. Member Richie Miller urged the board to avoid piecemeal bylaw changes and questioned the value of the amendment. Member Jean Totten noted the board had recently approved extensive bylaw revisions and asked why this small change was needed now. Both speakers said repeated bylaw revisions can be confusing for members.
Board debate ranged from concern about appearing to take action in private to support for aligning the written bylaws with existing practice. Director Collins said she opposed the motion on principle because "we do not make motions in executive session and vote on them," citing perception and transparency concerns. Director Gray and others said the proposed language reflects routine practice for matters handled in executive session (personnel, legal, contractual) and helps clarify the public-facing rules. Director Keis and others suggested the board should consider an ad hoc committee to comprehensively review bylaws rather than frequent piecemeal edits.
Secretary Rick Meyer conducted a roll call vote after discussion. The vote recorded seven yes votes and two no votes (7–2), and the motion passed its first reading. The board noted the amendment still requires whatever subsequent reading or procedural steps the bylaws prescribe for final adoption. President Tom Foster announced the motion passed and the meeting proceeded to adjourn.