The Shadow
IRON GATE — At its first meeting of the year, Iron Gate Council unveiled the town’s official flag, adopted by council at the last meeting.
The flag was designed and donated by Sgt. Chris Fisher, Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office.
“We owe Chris a lot. He does a lot for the town and puts a lot of effort into the town,” said Mayor Chuck Unroe before reading a letter from Fisher, who wasn’t in attendance.
The letter read, in part: “Please accept the first flag in memory of all Iron Gate citizens who are no longer with us. There have been countless citizens in this town that served our country, volunteered in the community, helped others in so many ways, and those who have served on town council, and even some as mayor.”
In addition, there were five other flags purchased and donated by town residents.
Unroe reminded residents that three council seats, as well as the mayor’s seat will be up for election, this year: councilpersons Ashley Nicely, James “Slick” Mays, and Randy Unroe.
To be considered for the November ballot, interested citizens should submit their names to the Alleghany County Board of Elections in early June to be included on the November ballot.
“This is your opportunity to get involved and make changes to the people representing you, if you’re not happy with the things are being handled,” said Unroe. “The best way to facilitate change is to change the people that are representing you, if you are interested in doing so.”
Council also reorganized council and committees, as follows:
Mayor Unroe, Town Clerk Wendy Biggs and Councilpersons Kawahna Persinger and Nicely will serve on Budget and Finance; Mays and Vice Mayor Richard Erskine will serve on Personnel; Randy Unroe and Erskine will serve on Streets and Alleys; Councilperson Donald Hall and Randy Unroe will serve on Buildings and Grounds; Nicely and Mays will serve on Ordinances; Biggs will serve on the webpage.
Council will reach out to former Councilperson E.R. Gilbert to ask if he will continue to service the Speed Limit Signs; and Erskine was reappointed as Vice Mayor. The Board of Zoning and Appeals, Planning, and Parks and Recreation will remain as they are.
During the Mayor’s Report, Unroe reported the following:
— That Iron Gate Town Hall will be open for normal business and operating as a polling place during the Presidential Primary, March 3;
— That the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office worked 52 hours and wrote 16 citations from Dec. 11, 2019 through Jan. 8;
— That he met with the owner of the old schoolhouse to gauge his interest in selling it for a potential Brownfield Grant Fund restoration. Negotiations are contingent upon the findings of an environmental/feasibility study and council approval;
— That grant funds are being pursued for the sewer upgrade and replacement project. Three citizen members have volunteered to be involved in the project: Former Councilperson Jennifer Tyree, James Jeffries and Chazy Nicely; and,
— That the audit will be complete on Thursday, Feb. 6.
In other action, Iron Gate Town Council:
— Moved the February work session from the 17th to the 24th at 7 p.m. due to the Presidents Day Holiday. The regular council meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m.;
— Approved the minutes for the regular council meeting on Dec. 20, 2019 and the work session on Jan. 13, as recorded;
— Approved receipts, disbursements and payment of bills, as presented; and,
— Approved two utility bill adjustments, one extension and one request was tabled on the advice of the town attorney.
Following the meeting, light refreshments were served in honor of Mayor Unroe’s birthday, Friday.
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Vice Mayor Richard Erskine, left, and Mayor Chuck Unroe hold Iron Gate’s new town flag, unveiled Thursday night at the regular January meeting of town council. The flag was designed and donated to the town by Sgt. Chris Fisher of the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, five other flags have been purchased and donated by town residents. (P.E. Marshall Photo)
