The Shadow
On Thursday evening, March 28, the Iron Gate Town Council met to discuss regular business, a new laptop for newly selected town treasurer/secretary, Jodi Watts, and several other town-related issues. A roll call was done showing all members of council were present, as well as Ms. Watts.
After the invocation and pledge, Mayor Craig called the meeting to order and things kicked off at 7:02pm with the approval of minutes for their regular meeting held on February 28, 2024, and their work session held on March 18, 2024. Both were unanimously approved.
Following the approval of receipts and disbursements, it was time to move on to the mayor’s report. Craig began his report by taking note of the change in the weather, pointing out that more children would be out and about, playing. “Be mindful of that,” Craig said. “…Be mindful of traffic… I encourage each and every one of you: if we have [drivers] speeding in traffic, call the Sheriff’s office. Call and report it. Write a license plate number down or give them a description… We don’t need anyone hurt or injured in town.”
“If I’m driving and I see a line of traffic behind me, I make sure they do the speed limit through town. I’m going 35 and all those behind me have to go 35,” Councilwoman Kawahna Persinger said, adding another suggestion as to how everyday citizens can help prevent speeding traffic, thus decreasing the risk of injury to members of the community, particularly children.
Shortly after, the floor was turned over to Jodi Watts who had an update regarding the laptop that was mentioned during the last town council meeting on February 29, 2024. Readers may recall that the town of Iron Gate decided to purchase a new laptop for the new town clerk and secretary/treasurer Jodi Watts. During the meeting on February 29, a budget of $1,000 was put aside for the purchase of a laptop for the new town secretary/treasurer. Watts excitedly announced that she had found a laptop with the necessary memory for approximately $430, less than half of the budget she was given.
After setting the date for the next work session —April 15, 2024— and the next town council meeting —April 25, 2024— Mayor Craig adjourned the meeting with these words: “Remember what Easter is all about. The stone did roll away and He was alive… Happy Easter.”
Other business included:
—Approval of receipts; This was unanimously approved.
—Disbursements and payments of bills; This was unanimously approved.
—Although Sheriff Kyle Matt Moore was listed in the docket that is made available to the public, Moore was not present during Thursday night’s meeting. Mayor Craig called Moore during the meeting, but was unable to reach the new sheriff.
—Mayor Craig talked about the streets committee checking potholes in the alley to make sure the alleys are safe to drive on and don’t require repairs.
—Craig also talked about the playground meeting checking the equipment to make sure it is safe for children to play on. Craig announced that he had been over to the playground himself to check for loose screws to ensure the equipment is safe for use.
—Craig discussed how the town researches grants through Virginia Grant Watch and U.S. Grant Watch so that the town can apply for everything they can, presumably to save taxpayer dollars.
