The Shadow
IRON GATE — Thursday night, the Iron Gate Town Council discussed town improvements and heard from residents while using new protocol.
Mayor Alan Williams informed residents that a permit for cleaning a ditch in town was submitted by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
The mayor said the main waterline on Commerce Avenue has been repaired, as was a pipe on private property owned by Kenneth Simpson.
Simpson had approached council several times about the problem.
Williams said Clifton Forge has offered to assist Iron Gate in fixing and hanging banner signs on poles along U.S. Route 220 in the town. Clifton Forge will send one of its bucket trucks to assist with the project.
Iron Gate’s Parks and Recreation Committee has filed paperwork with the state. The state requires the committee to register annually.
The committee has also taken care of bank signature cards for members on the account.
Councilman Charles Unroe recognized the Iron Gate Fire Department for donating a refrigerator to the committee.
The committee is anticipating advertising town picnic shelters, both in the park and along the river, for public use for a fee.
Council announced Thursday that residents may now make payments to the town with debit and credit cards, both in person and over the telephone.
Councilman Chuck Unroe suggested that presenting a budget and finance report at meetings would assist in updating residents of the town’s fiscal status.
Due to the town’s current ongoing monetary issues surrounding wastewater treatment, Unroe stated having a plan on paper would assist in projecting a goal and idea of the town’s standing in the future.
Williams disagreed, stating every year there is financial shortage surrounding the sewer and recent rainfalls have added to the cost due to inflow and infiltration.
Public comments were heard using new protocol adopted by council to streamline meetings and prevent disruptions.
During public comments, Kawahna Persinger approached council regarding a recent request put forth by she and her husband to extend their deck. The request was denied by the town. Persinger questioned if proper protocol was followed in denying the request.
Council apologized for the failure in protocol, and Persinger stated she would let council know by Sept. 6 if she and her husband plan to appeal the decision.
Joyce Aldridge approached council regarding her recent six-month employment by the town as clerk.
She said Iron Gate, due to financial limitations, will not have its financial records audited this year. However, she requested that the town consider paying for an audit covering the six months she filled in as clerk. Aldridge said she would be present for the audit and prepare information for the accountant.
Former Mayor Randy Unroe asked council why locks have been placed on select water meters.
Williams stated that currently around 20 meters are locked. Within the next two years, all meters will be locked to keep them from being tampered with, Williams explained.
