The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Brown Resigns, New Alderman Seated

By: Mike Rodeffer, The Quill

Alderman Ken Brown, former mayor of La Harpe, resigned his alderman seat, effective immediately, at the end of old business items.

Brown expressed his belief in the council, stating he thought they were doing a good job. Brown was thanked by the council for his guidance and input for the last several months.

Under new business, Mayor Kat Hasten appointed Ryan Olson as 3rd Ward Alderman to replace Brown.The council unanimously approved Olson.

Olson was sworn in by Clerk Lucretia McPeak and welcomed to the council by Mayor Hasten.

Under old business the council approved the cemetery mowing contract to Jamie Hallowell for a 2 year agreement at a price of $12,500 per year. M & M Landscaping put in the only other bid at $14,000 per year.

Eric Moe from McClure Engineering spoke to the council. Moe brought a cash flow scenario for the council to look over for several up and coming water improvement projects, including a new water plant, another water main project, lift station replacement, deep well project, and rehalibitatation of the elevated tank.

Moe suggested meeting with Rural Development representatives to discuss a loan or grant options for these projects. Moe expressed his firm would be trying to come up with as many grants as possible for the city.

Brian Covert stated he had received several complaints, as had the city police department, presumably about gun fire. Covert said there is a gun range just outside the city limits. Covert emphasized that the range was not in city limits. He said the individual that owns the property is expressing his 2nd amendment rights and there is nothing the state police, county, or local police can do.

The council approved RB's Pitstop to be open New Year's Eve, which happens to fall on a Sunday night, by a 5-1 vote. Alderman Clover cast the lone no vote.

The council also approved:

• The November minutes with 1 minor correction
• The treasurer's report and payment of the bills
• Payment to McClure Engineering for $246 for WTP sludge removal services
• Tax Levy Ordinance # 2017-7
• Hazard mitigation plan
• Requesting a waiver from the state on CDBG Housing Rehab program for a conflict of interest. (An alderman's relative had qualified for the program but, since it was a relative of a board member a waiver needs to be okayed by the state). (This is very common in small towns.)
• A proposed Reciprocal Reporting Agreement between Illini West High School District and local law enforcement agencies, including the City of La Harpe.
• Sexual Harassment Ordinance #2017-8

Meeting adjourned around 8:20 p.m.

Mayor Kat Hasten welcomes new councilman Ryan Olson to the 3rd Ward as Alderman after he was sworn in Monday evening to replace retiring Alderman Kenny Brown, who announced his resignation at the last council meeting. Brown was thanked for his service and guidance.