The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The La Harpe MAPPING group, updated the La Harpe City Council at Monday evening's board meeting, on their group's plans for the future.
Rebecca Quivey, a representative of the group said they are planning another clean-up day on June 20, at 9:00 A.M..
Brooms, rakes, and/or trash bags are needed to help clean the downtown area and all volunteers are asked to bring some or all of these items.
Painting and rehabilitation on the playground equipment in the city park, and the purchase of trash cans are also part of their plans for the downtown area and the city park, and solar powered lights to help in areas without street lights.
Quivey said that Western Illinois Regional Council is helping with writing grant proposals.
"Many of these plans are dependent on money being available for them," said Quivey.
Quivey said the Farmer's Market has already doubled in size this year from 5 to 10 vendors.
"We're extremely pleased with the Farmer's Market," she said. "They are selling out of product. It's nice to see more people in town.
"As word gets out about it, it will continue to grow."
Quivey said the group is talking to the park board about ideas to turn the 4th of July into a day-long event.
The City Council approved a two-year street maintenance plan for using Motor Fuel Tax money in calendar years 2015 and 2016.
The plan is for $40,000, which can be spent at any time within the two years.
The council can spend less than this amount or can pass a supplemental appropriation at a later date if they feel they need more money.
Once the final payment is made for the recently completed intersection replacement project, the council will have $40,000 to $45,000 available in Motor Fuel Tax funds.
The two-year plan was suggested by Eric Moe of McClure Engineering as a way to reduce administrative costs. Moe is putting together a street maintenance priority list with Street Superintendent Wayne Humphrey.
Water Superintendent Tim Graves said that the city's claim for about $900 in damages from an electrical surge was turned down by Ameren officials.
The city sent them the claim with the understanding Ameren would seek damages from the chemical company that was supposedly responsible for the power surge.
The city will submit the damage claim to the chemical company and see if they will pay it.
The council approved spending $5,000 to fill in cracks and seal coat the existing asphalt basketball court in the city park. The city plans to push for the work to be done before Summerfest.
City Attorney Kurt Dittmer is looking at the by-laws of the LaHarpe Economic Development Association to see if the group needs its members to be appointed or approved by the city council. The council expressed the desire to have the group continue to operate by filling the vacant board seats.
The association gives out no-interest loans for up to $2,000 to local business organizations or individuals. Those repaying a loan can gift extra money to the association.
"I would really like to see it continue," said council member Darrell Kraft. "I think there is a need for it."
The council approved an offer by Illini West High School to buy and install "Home of the Chargers" signs at all the entrances to the city, pending approval by the state for placing the signs along the two highways. It was unknown at the meeting if state permission was needed for the signs.
New council members were reminded to go to the Illinois government's website and complete an online course on the Freedom of Information Act.
The city is looking into having a Boy Scout pick up the project to expand electrical service at the campsite at the city reservoir. An Eagle Scout who was supposed to do it recently turned 18.
In other business the city council-
The next regular council meeting will following the public meeting on the 22nd and is to begin at 7:00 P.M.
Hancock County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Dustin Berg will be attending.
All members were present for the meeting including Ryan Kienast, Mayor, Darrell Kraft, Josiah Neff, Kenneth Foster, Amy Palmer, Dave Mershon, and Marcia Stiller
Also present were Rebecca Quivey, Roger Boone, Wayne Humphrey, Tim Graves, Monalisa Graves, Tiffany Foster, Attorney Kurt Dittmer, Engineer Eric Moe, Dan Gillett, and Doug Endres.