How MuniMins Processes Motions and Votes
What MuniMins Looks For
MuniMins identifies motions by listening for specific language patterns:
Motion preamble: "I'd like to make a motion..." or "Can we get a motion?" These are preliminaries, not the motion itself.
The actual motion: "Motion to approve the minutes" or "Motion to deny the variance." This is what gets recorded.
Second: "I second" or "Second." Identifies who supported the motion.
Vote call: "All in favor?" followed by "Aye" or "No" responses, or a voice vote.
Vote Recording
MuniMins records votes in this format:
Unanimous: Vote: 5-0-0 — PASSED (5 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 abstaining)
Split vote (when individual votes matter): "Vote: Smith - Yes, Johnson - No, Williams - Yes, Brown - Yes, Davis - Abstain — PASSED 3-1-1"
The board member count from your Members page determines the expected vote total. If you have 5 board members, MuniMins expects votes totaling 5.
Edge Cases
Absent members: If a member was absent, they're listed in roll call but don't count in votes. MuniMins adjusts vote totals based on roll call.
Member recusal: If a member recuses themselves, inform MuniMins during speaker identification and it'll adjust vote counts for that motion.
Amended motions: If a motion is amended and voted on again, MuniMins records both versions and their vote outcomes.
Double-Checking Motions
Always review the motions section of your generated minutes. Check:
- Are all motions captured?
- Is the motion language accurate?
- Are mover and seconder correct?
- Do vote counts match your board member count?
- Are individual votes correct in split votes?
Make corrections using the Edit button next to each motion.