Nitro continues to embrace its World War I identity.
City Council members approved two measures during its meeting Tuesday night that further honor the town's legacy as a World War I ammunition factory boom town.
Nitro soon will have a new flag. Changes to the flag include the addition of a doughboy and the phrase "Living Memorial to World War I." The colors will remain the same.
Nitro Mayor Dave Casebolt said the flag will be unveiled at the city's new Living Memorial Park. The park's dedication is set for May 13.
The city will change out all city flags on its property, Casebolt added.
The Nitro Branding Committee has been working on the new flag's design for the last six months as part of larger on-going branding efforts.
Council members also approved moving forward with the Nitro Victory Garden at Bakers Annex.
The grant-funded project involves West Virginia State University and Nitro High School. Students will work this spring to plant fruits and vegetables in the area.
"A lot of citizens in Nitro requested a community garden," Casebolt said.
Members of council also appointed three people to the city's building commission.
Hershel Facemyer will serve a three-year term; Bob Shamber serves two-years; and Al Walls is appointed to serve one year.
The city needed to establish a building commission to move forward with the purchase of a building. In November, council approved the purchase of the Peoplework Solutions building to serve as the new home for Nitro police.
"[The building commission] will buy the building and we will enter into an agreement with them," Casebolt said.
Casebolt anticipates the commission will purchase the building soon.
Council also approved the building inspector to enroll in a $450 online course to become certified to review building plans.
Currently the city sends its reviews to a firm in Parkersburg. Casebolt said outsourcing the effort costs $250 per review.
The change will not only save the city money but it will improve communications between contractors and the city, Casebolt said.
In other business, council approved Jan. 17 meeting minutes and set the Terence Nabor Memorial 5K Run for 2 p.m. on April 9.