Terminology

Agenda – topics discussed at a meeting that has occurred or the topics proposed for discussion in an upcoming meeting.

Declaration of Conflict of Interest – a person who is voting on a decision notifies others that they have some form of interest (usually beneficial to them) on the outcome of the vote. In many cases a person who declares a Direct or Indirect Interest will not be permitted to vote or be involved in discussions on the topic.

Direct or Indirect Interest – a person who is voting on a decision notifies others that they have some form of interest (usually beneficial to them) on the outcome of the vote. In many cases a person who declares a Conflict of Interest will not be permitted to vote or be involved in discussions on the topic.

Minutes – a summary of the topics discussed, voted upon, approved or disapproved or requiring amendment or further consideration at a previous meeting.

Motion – generally means that one or more people involved in voting at the meeting should consider a specific matter and subsequently vote to approve or disapprove the matter or require amendment on the matter.

Purpose – generally describes the reason(s) the topic is being discussed and voted upon.

Recommendation – generally means the topic that is being considered by meeting officials to either approve, disapprove and require amendment.

Records of Meeting – often means the notation (writing down) of the discussion held at the meeting.

Second a motion – in some cases a topic that is to be discussed (or approved) requires that two officials present at the meeting agree to discuss the matter or approve it. To "second a motion" means that a second person at the meeting agrees the matter should be discussed or approved.