Board ties on resolution to avoid state advisory opinion on Helen Hulings appointment

The George Junior Republic Union Free School District Board read a resolution asking that the board not seek an advisory opinion from state agencies about whether Helen Hulings’s appointment complies with General Municipal Law §808.01. Patrick, the meeting chair, read the resolution aloud and clarified that the motion would prevent the board from requesting an opinion.

Trustees discussed whether Hulings should be allowed to vote or whether the vote should be delayed until she could participate. One board member suggested waiting so Hulings would have a “fair opportunity to vote,” but the chair said there was a quorum and moved to vote that day. The board conducted a roll-call-style round of votes. Chris recorded three yes votes and three no votes; "So it's a tie," the chair said, and "the resolution does not pass." The chair and legal counsel said the matter can be brought forward again at the next meeting or a special meeting if any trustee requests it.

Board members asked staff counsel for clarification about recusals and proxy voting; counsel advised trustees that, under the public meeting law as explained earlier in the discussion, Hulings could vote if present but that proxy voting by absent trustees was not permissible. The chair directed staff to put the item on the April agenda so the board can revisit the question with counsel present.