QUESTION: In the past two months, a few owners have continually shouted and screamed in board meetings. Requests that the screamers sit down and act in a civil manner does no good, resulting in the meeting getting out of control. What can the board do?

ANSWER: For disruptive attendees who shout, use profanity, or interfere with board meetings, the board may:

• impose penalties after appropriate due process (the board should first adopt rules against such behavior, see sample agenda for rules);

• eject them from the meeting (avoid physical contact or they may claim assault and battery);

• call the police if they refuse to leave;
  

• move the meeting to a member's unit (if disruptive owners force their way into the unit, it would be trespassing);

• obtain a restraining order.
  

Robert's Rules. For more information about disciplinary procedures, see Chapter XX of Robert's Rules of Order, pages 624-643.

Non-Members. Disruptive non-members may be excluded from meetings altogether.

Directors. Disruptive board members may be censured and recalled.