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La Harpe Hires New Officer; Continues To Negotiate Kienast's Release of Unpaid Water Bill

During the regular meeting of the La Harpe Council Monday, November 13, Marlie Burt was hired as part-time La Harpe Auxiliary Police Officer at $8.25 an hour, until her completion of a 48-hour gun course and reaching the age of 21, with a cap of 20 hours weekly, unless emergency circumstances arise.

Once her 48-hour gun course is completed, and Burt turns 21, she would be moved to a position of part-time Police Officer at $14 an hour.

Burt would sign a 2-year contract with the City of La Harpe, and if she should terminate her contract early, she would pay back to the City of La Harpe, her schooling and uniform costs.

The agreement drawn up by La Harpe City Attorney Christopher Scholz, between the city and Kienast apartments, was again discussed. The mayor is willing to work with Kienast to resolve this issue of the unpaid water bills with a new release. The city would need to release the Annex as well.

Also, the council agreed to a special meeting for Thursday, November 16, at 7:00 p.m., at La Harpe City Hall for the purpose of approving the purchase of a truck from K & C Enterprise of La Harpe, and to approve a payment of $686.77 to Palmer's Service of La Harpe for truck repairs.

Answering roll call were six Aldermen Dave Clover, Jerry Burford, Kenny Brown, Randy Shumaker, Greg Wisslead, and Brian Covert, and Treasurer Crystal Graves, City Clerk Lucretia McPeak, and Mayor Katherine Hasten.

The Finance Committee reported that a citizen had inquired about a tax referendum to be put on the next election ballot to help with payment of a new water plant, and insurance issues were addressed. This will need to be addressed in a committee meeting.

Graves reported on touring two Ionic water plants, and two RO water plants.

Finch reported on a sidewalk the city tore out and needs to replace.

Little reported on a wire that was broken at the East berm. This will be tended to.

Motions were made and carried to approve appropriating funds from Motor Fuel Tax to pay Gray Quarries $443.70.

Treasurer Crystal Graves asked about Christmas bonuses. This is to be included in the next agenda.

The October minutes were approved. Motions were made and carried to approve the treasurer report and pay bills.

Public comment:

Chad Burt commented on the process in which the council takes to pass Ordinances concerning the waiving of the reading of the Ordinance.

After the special meeting Nov. 16th, the next regular meeting will be November 27th at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

The council approved having one meeting in December which is the 2nd Monday, December 11th at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

The Council went into executive session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific city employees (OMA Sec. 2 (C) (1). Upon returning to open session, they approved the hiring of Marlie Burt.

The regular meeting adjourned at 9:48 p.m.