by Tom Chillemi –
Andy and Amy Anderson, who own a home in Urbanna, had driven three hours to address the Urbanna Town Council at its Sept. 23 meeting. However, they got to the meeting after the “public comment period” had ended.
When they tried to speak near the end of the meeting they were denied.
Town Administrator Garth Wheeler and town council’s attorney Andrea Erard both advised council to stick to the agenda and not allow the Andersons to speak. Erard told council she and Wheeler were aware of the Andersons’ concerns and she would be setting up a meeting to address the problem.
Erard told the Andersons they could submit a written statement to council.
Mr. Anderson replied, “I have done that repeatedly and I have been ignored and that’s why I came to town council. You can talk about Roberts Rules of Order all you want but what about etiquette?”
Mrs. Anderson tried to speak but Mayor Hartley banged the gavel to quiet her. “I’m sorry we have moved on from that,” said Mayor Hartley.
After the meeting, the Andersons said they have tried for several months using email and phone calls to find a resolution to a zoning issue.
Wheeler said this week the town attorney is investigating the matter.
