The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Michael Rodeffer, The Quill
The La Harpe City Council met Monday, November 27th at 7:00 p.m.
Alderman Ken Brown stated that the city had received a letter from Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and that they had also received an Illinois Bicentennial flag which Governor Rauner has asked the city to use to celebrate Illinois' 200th birthday.
The City of La Harpe will conduct a flag-raising ceremony on December 4th at noon at the northeast edge of the city park. The public is invited to come and witness this historic event and raising of the state bicentennial flag.
Alderman Ken Brown asked that it be put on the next agenda for his resignation from the 3rd ward alderman position.
Attorney Christopher Scholz informed the council that the IEPA (Illinois Enviromental Protection Agency) was looking into the debris at the building, which was being demolished east of the city park, and checking on property at the city cemetery where building debris had been dumped.
Brian Covert informed the council that the two windows had been installed at City Hall last week.
The Council also approved Christmas bonuses of $200 for full time and $100 for part time employees.
The Council approved buying a new radar gun for the police department at a cost of $1870.
The Council approved a Christmas dinner for city council and city employees and spouses or significant others on December 4th at 6 p.m. at Country Cafe in La Harpe. The city attorney and city's engineer are also invited.
The Council approved the motor Fuel Tax Resolution for the upcoming calendar year.
Under "Old Business" it was decided to have a special joint committee meeting on December 18th at 6 p.m. to discuss the Code of Ordinances.
Under New Business the council approved the buying of $100 worth of car wash tokens and $100 worth of quarters so the employees could wash their trucks once a week.
The Council approved the full payment of the city's insurance in the amount of $45,387.
There was a discussion on the disposal container which was on the city's right-of-way property at 405 N. Center Street.
Also, the city has had three complaints from neighbors of papers or garbage blowing on their property from an open container. The police department is going to look into the matter and write tickets if this violates the city ordinance.
The Council canceled the second council meeting in December due to Christmas. They unanimously approved the treasurer's report and the paying of all bills.
Mayor Kat Hasten, Aldermen Ken Brown, Jerry Burford, Brian Covert, Randy Shumaker, and Greg Wisslead were present. Dave Clover entered the meeting at 7:28 p.m.. Also, Clerk Lucretia McPeak, Treasurer Crystal Grave, and Attorney Christopher Scholz were present. Employees Monalisa Graves, police chief Harry Finch and patrolman Kenny Foster were also present.
The next meeting will be Monday, December 11th at 7:00 p.m..