The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Christy Kienast-The Quill
The La Harpe City Council met on Monday, October 08, 2012 at the La Harpe City Hall office at 7:00 p.m.
In attendance were council members, Brian Lovell, Todd Irish, Marcia Stiller, Vicki Burford, Mike Bennett, Darrell Kraft, Marcia Neff, Lucretia McPeak and Mayor Ken Brown.
Also attending were, Wayne Humphrey, David Little, Justin Livingston, Willo Carpenter, Dan Gillett, Tim Graves, Illini West Superintendent Kim Schilson, Illini West School Board President Tracey Anders, City Attorney Kurt Dittmer, City Engineer Eric Moe, Doug Endres and Christy Kienast.
City Attorney Kurt Dittmer reported that he cannot find a lease or a deed at this time on the property around the sewer plant, to repair the fence. He will go to the courthouse and see what he finds there.
He is wondering whether the upkeep is 100% the city's responsibility or 50/50.
Water department city employee Tim Graves, reported that the lake is down 58" and the well level is down 1 foot since last reported in August.
Graves also noted that the light bulbs on top of the water tower were changed and the globes have been stolen. The lock on the ladder had been cut off at some point.
The bulbs have been out for several months.
City Engineer Eric Moe brought in a supplemental resolution to the motor fuel tax resolution passed earlier in the year. This will pay for new city street signs and concrete curb repair in front of the funeral home.
The previous resolution was for $3000. The supplemental was for $6000 bringing the total to $9000.
Illini West Superintendent Kim Schilson explained the need for a new building at Illini West.
The Illini West School District currently has 3 different lease agreements; one with Carl Sandberg College, one with Jim's Mobile offices and the third, a not for profit lease with the Carthage Elementary District totaling $265,000 per year.
The Illini West School District was created 6 years ago. Schilson explained that the State of Illinois will pay approximately 68% of the project.
The total cost of the project is $27,000,000. Bonds for the project will not be sold until the state is able to commit to the funds.
The Projected Tax Impact is $0.52 per $100 of Assessed Evaluation. If Illini West has not passed a referendum to fund the project and the state money becomes available, Illini West will not receive the money and will be moved to the next year on the capital development list of projects to be funded.
For more in depth information, visit one of the many meetings coming up in the next month.
City Wide clean-up is Friday, October 19th. The committee for the Christmas Open House announced that it will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. The group checked on prices for horse and carriage rides and the city council agreed to pay the $350 for this project.
The Festival of Trees will also be held this night with the Methodist Church opening up at 1:00 p.m.
They will be serving dinner starting at 4:00 p.m. They will also be having their annual bake sale, although any help with making the baked goods would be appreciated.
All proceeds from the bake sale, and trees will be given to the local food pantry.
The La Harpe Davier Health Care Center nursing home will also be involved in any way they can. Lucretia will get a parade permit to possibly have the parade at 6:00 p.m. for the parade down main street.
You will notice an increase in your water bill next month. Bills will go from $14.85 to $15.40 for the trash.
Trick or Treat night will be held on Wednesday October 31 from 6-8 p.m. Interested parties need to have their porch lights on for trick or treaters.
Mayor Brown talked to Nathan Cobb from Western Illinois Regional council concerning the CDAP application for the water main project. They haven't heard anything back from it yet. Council agreed to reapply if the application is denied.
Meeting was adjourned.