At the start of the Albert Lea City Council discussion Monday over the proposed Wedgewood Cove golfing community, Mayor Randy Erdman had to say twice that he wanted a motion and a second before he would entertain discussion.

Perhaps some might think he was being onerous or bothersome, but the truth is he was following parliamentary procedure. Robert&8217;s Rules of Order state that a motion must be made before discussion can begin.

Aspiring to follow procedure is commendable. It speeds up meetings if used effectively, and it makes it easier for people in the audience to follow what&8217;s going on. Robert&8217;s Rules provide for constructive and fair meetings. More government bodies need to follow them.

Too often members of government bodies have discussion first, and soon everyone is talking in pronouns, then someone makes a poorly worded motion such as: &8220;I move to do that.&8221; The audience is left guessing.

By making the motion first, it forces the official to state a position in much clearer language.

And another thing: There were two times when City Council members had questions about the status of motions, and they somewhat indicated a desire for the person who made the motion to change it.

We want to remind those council members of another parliamentary step: It is allowable to move to amend someone else&8217;s motion during the debate.

And one final note: During one vote a council member seemed to have a question, but it was too late. Discussion was over. Time to vote. Well, there was one more option for that member: Inquiry on the correct motion. In other words, sometimes it doesn&8217;t hurt to ask for the motion to be repeated.

We&8217;re sure local FFA chapters can answer any other questions elected officials might have about parliamentary procedures. The Tribune attends all sorts of meetings, and we appreciate order and decorum.