what to discuss?

During our November 17, '08, meeting, we discussed:

1. the HOA board meeting held earlier that day and
   
2. the process by which topics are selected.
   

Regarding the latter, we reviewed the role of the advisory committee and its chairperson in choosing topics. It was concluded that the topics recommended for discussion by the committee be limited to those brought up previously at committee meetings. The committee chairperson has no discretion beyond selecting among those topics. Of course, the club and its officers can substitute any topics of their own choosing for any reason at any time. The committee's role then is to keep a list of topics ready to be drawn upon.

What are the criteria we should use in selecting topics:

• narrow or broad?
  
• bland or controversial?
  
• visceral or cerebral?
  
• simple or complex?
• consequence - fleeting or persistent?
• scope - local or global?
  
• personal or impersonal?

Also:

• how much discussion time is needed?
• how to phrase the topic??