The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

La Harpe City Council Holds First Meeting of The New Year-2019

by Mike Rodeffer-The Quill

On January 14th, the La Harpe City Council met for their first regular meeting of 2019.

Randy Shumaker shared with the council that he, Tim Graves and Daniel Carpenter had met recently with IMEG representative and contractors interested in the water project. Shumaker said there was quite a bit of interest in the project and that it had been a productive meeting.

In his report, Shumaker reported the following:

• the city had the recently purchased police vehicle in town and in use.
• that during the last snow one of the city trucks with a snow plow was stuck at the cemetery.
• the city backhoe had a hydraulic hose leaking and was supposed to be repaired on Tuesday.
• there were a couple vehicles at Timberview blocking the roadway and he asked the police crew to check into it.

ESDA representative Max Owsley commented he recently had worked at Taylorville with a private contractor following a tornado in that town. Owsley said he was very impressed with the plan which Taylorville had in place for the disaster and again encouraged the La Harpe Council to put a plan in place in case of a disaster of some kind.

Water Superintendent Tim Graves said IMEG representative Megan Crook had called about whether to keep the circle drive at the reservoir or to replace it with grass once the water plant is torn down. He said, if this could be decided, it might help once the bidding for the water project is put out. That way, contractors could plan for it.

Graves also suggested that when the water tower work gets done, the city may need to get an easement from Gary Housewright, as the shroud or apron used over the water tower may hang out over Housewright's property.

Graves also said that well contractors had concerns about overhead power lines on the fenced-in property where one of the wells will go.

IMEG representative Eric Moe said that issue had been looked into and the well can be at the south end of the lot and it should work out okay.

Police Chief Larry Finch reported a new battery was put in the Ford squad car.

The council approved the December minutes and the treasurer's report and bills.

Present were council members: Randy Shumaker, Greg Wisslead, Brian Covert, Kelly Harkey and Jerry Burford, Mayor Katherine Hasten-Reed, Clerk Lucretia McPeak, and Treasurer, Maggie Link. Also present were employees David Little, Trevor Finch, Police Chief Larry Finch, Lynn Hoyt, Tim and Monalisa Graves, ESDA Representative Max Owsley, IMEG Representative Eric Moe, Dan Gillett and Michael Rodeffer.

With a short agenda, the council adjourned at 7:35 p.m.