The Shadow
IRON GATE — Iron Gate Town council now has a vacant seat.
Mayor Alan Williams read Councilman Fred Brackenridge’s official resignation letter at Thursday night’s meeting.
Due to health concerns, it is effective immediately.
Upon the reading of Councilman Brackenridge’s resignation, town Council voted first to accept it and then to run two ads in the Virginian Review asking citizens interested in fulfilling the remainder of the term to submit applications by Nov. 18 at 4 p.m.
Iron Gate resident Donald Hall submitted a letter of application, with a request that a special election be held, rather than the council appointing someone, for the purpose of impartiality.
Councilman Charles Unroe looked in the town charter, and it is stipulated that council fill the void position through appointment.
Town council’s work session is scheduled for the evening of November 18, at which point they will review applicants for the council member position, which must be filled within 30 days of resignation acceptance.
The council unanimously voted to:
— Disburse a grant of $17,000 to the Iron Gate Volunteer Fire Department.
— Allocate the amount of $2,000 of Alleghany County budgeted funds to the Iron Gate Parks and Recreation Association.
— Allow Alleghany County to implement their Virginia Stormwater Man-agement Plan, rather than formulating and assuming their own.
— Keep current retirement plans for future town employees, rather than adopting a (more expensive) state plan approved by the General Assembly in 2012.
— To honor the late George St. Clair “Buck” Rumpf with an official proclamation from the Town of Iron Gate to Rumpf’s family.
— Accept the agreement to charge Alleghany County for the use of Iron Gate sewer conveyance.
Councilman Unroe shared the Halloween party held the previous Saturday was well attended by children and adults.
On behalf of himself and the Parks and Recreation Committee, he thanked all who assisted in the preparation and execution of the festivities.
They look forward to using the park for more town activities, including a possible Christmas event.
Councilman Unroe added the Parks and Recreation Committee plans to reimburse the town for the cost of replacing a step on the playground equipment a few months ago.
A copy of the agenda and all public documents given to the town council will be made available for public viewing prior to town council meetings.
Council unanimously voted to grant two extension requests till the close of business on November 4th. A request for a water cost adjustment was denied, however the sewer fee adjustment was granted.
Iron Gate’s town audit is scheduled for December 9-11.
Mayor Williams read a letter from Senator Creigh Deeds stating Route 220 will not be widened to four lanes during the 2014-2019 plan.
During public comments, Harold Meadows inquired as to the authorization of the speed bumps placed in the alley behind the Post Office.
Mayor Williams stated the town already had the speed bumps, thus not costing anything. They were placed to stop cars from speeding through and almost hitting individuals walking in the alley.
Sonny Craft submitted a request under the Freedom of Information Act for the gas receipts and mileage reports from the police car from April 1 through September 30. Craft also asked to know the details of the agreement of the months the police car must be parked at town hall when not in official use.
Randy Unroe asked council if they were borrowing funds from the sewer account for general fund use, and if so, why each action was not under vote.
Mayor Williams stated that sewer funds were borrowed and replaced, and, while not required, the council would start voting on the actions.
Tommy Shaffer inquired about the cars requiring work that sit in yards uncovered for great lengths of time, as he used to receive 30-day notices for his covered vehicles.
Shaffer also asked about the excess water on 4th Street. Mayor Williams informed attendees that water samples were tested and no chlorine was found.
Joyce Aldridge pointed out several inconsistencies in the budget to the Town Council.
At the close of the meeting, Councilman Unroe requested they move to closed session. Upon the reopening of the open session, nothing new was disclosed.
