About two months ago, when CG and sf were having a spat, CG requested mediation. sf refused to cooperate. To prevent a board-wide disruption, under this clause of the Charter:
the Rangers at the time issued this ruling:
Quote: Extraordinary Powers of Rangers
Recognizing that unforeseen events may occur which require a quick response, Board77 Rangers are expected to use their best judgment in emergencies, and to take whatever action they believe necessary to protect the board. An emergency would be an event which threatened real and immediate harm, but which is not otherwise addressed by this charter. In such an event, the Ranger(s) in question would be expected to explain the circumstances and consult with the board membership as soon as possible. Such measures are temporary by their nature and subject to review by the standing Committee for Charter Amendments.
There is no written time limit on a temporary ruling made under Emergency Powers. No committee was convened, but, again, this board doesn't receive a lot of traffic (most days...) and it's only been a couple months. The ruling remains valid.
Quote: Originally posted 09.11.08
Here is what the rangers have decided.
No one can be forced into mediation, and sf does not wish to have mediation at this time. You may read his reasons in the thread he started (that is now locked).
CG, you may post a response (in a new thread) if you desire; you do not have to at all, but it would only be fair. That thread will then be locked as well.
Because mediation will not be happening, and the two of you still have an issue with each other, we are asking you to refrain from posting directly to or obliquely about each other.
If you do not abide by that ruling, then you will have a one-week ban from posting.
Today and yesterday, as sf and CG were erupting into another spat that threatened to disrupt the board, they chose to ignore repeated warnings issued by myself and the other Rangers regarding the above ruling. So, using the Special Emergency Powers, I acted on the 9/11/08 ruling regarding sf and CG and imposed the one week ban. I did this with the backing of my fellow Rangers. I posted to the Bike Racks within minutes of hitting the ban button. In seven days, CG and sf will be back. If the board's programming is working properly, that's a guarantee. CG and sf are the only members this ruling applies to.
This evening (my time), CG emailed one of my fellows demanding a Hearing against me for abuse of power. I am posting this here and now because I, and the other Rangers, feel that the board deserves to know what is going on. While the Rangers do not at present feel that a Hearing is necessary, we should put together a committee to discuss the 9/11/08 ruling and make it permanent or make it go away. CG will have his posting rights restored next week, right in time for the holidays. Because he is not here to defend himself, it would be best if we all refrained from pointing fingers and debating my fate and his. Any posts along those lines will be sent to the Bike Racks. And who knows. If CG makes a strong enough case on his return, he may even get his Hearing. I would, however, like the membership to consider the 9/11/08 ruling and how they feel about keeping or discarding it. I'd also like people interested in participating in a committee to start assembling themselves. Whether it's a yea or nay on the Hearing, we really need to get this ruling retired or instituted on a permanent basis.