The Shadow
IRON?GATE?— Iron Gate is continuing to have skunk problems, as the mayor reported an encounter he had en route to a Thursday night meeting.
“The skunks are back,” said Mayor Chuck Unroe as he entered council chambers Thursday night.
The mayor was sprayed by a skunk as he left his house for the meeting.
“I think the skunks have gotten used to moth balls,” said Unroe.
He advised residents to “be vigilant of the fact they are here; cover your trash, don’t leave food outside, and don’t do anything to draw them.”
A resident also reported that cat problems are persisting.
“The cats have come back also,” said Ann Erskine. “They are horrible. They have also gotten used to the moth balls.”
Unroe also urged residents to call 911 if they have some type of emergency arise at their homes or business.
“Don’t come down to town hall to tell us. We can’t help you. Call the fire department. They will come and take care of the situation,” said Unroe. “Use good judgment and use the resources you have.”
During his monthly update to council, Unroe reported:
— Safehomes Systems Inc. has requested consideration for a contribution in the amount of $5,000, and another request was made of Iron Gate for a donation for after-prom events.
— Public works crews are spreading gravel in parts of town and residents need to be patient.
— The town is moving forward with drain pipes.
— Wendy Biggs, town clerk, has submitted preliminary paperwork for a Community Development Block Grant.
— He is being joined by Vice Mayor Richard Erskine in attending intergovernmental meetings.
— The Parks and Recreation Committee plans to utilize the town playground more often. The committee is planning a spring event, a Labor Day weekend event, and a clean-up day.
Chris Fisher of the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office later reminded council that the Alleghany Highlands Bike Rodeo is Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m. at the Jackson River Sport Complex in Covington.
“I know money is tight. We are appreciative of all we can get, if you would consider it,” said Fisher in asking Iron Gate council to consider donating to the rodeo this year.
In other action, Iron Gate Council:
— Unanimously voted to approve a request for proposal bid submitted by Thompson & Litton, an engineering firm from Radford.
— Unanimously voted to purchase an alert system from Softline Data at the rate of $225 per year for 2,000 alerts.
— Unanimously voted to solicit bids to work with local contractors to install drain tiles in various locations throughout town.
