The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Michael Rodeffer-The Quill
During the La Harpe City Council meeting on September 23rd, the council discussed bids for repairs to the bell tower at city hall. It was noted the wood soffit and fascia was rotting and needed repaired. The council unanimously accepted a bid of $4548 from Dan McIntyre for soffit and fascia repairs using PVC material.
The council also unanimously approved repairs for the Impala police car in the amount of $1676 from Clovers Tire Shop. Repairs included front wheel bearings, sensors, rear brake pads and rotors along with 4 new tires and alignment. The council also approved additional funding for the city audit as it was projected to come in higher than anticipated.
The council approved adjusting a customers large water bill. The council agreed to average a three month period of water bills and charge the customer the monthly average.
The council also approved the treasurer's report and paying of the bills.
Dan Gillett, president of the Historical and Genealogical Society of La Harpe, addressed the council and asked if they could approve a proclamation to make October 23rd, 2019, as "Lincoln Day in La Harpe". Gillett affirmed that Abraham Lincoln had spoken in La Harpe on October 23rd, 1858, when campaigning for the U.S. Senate. The council agreed to put it in the next agenda for the October 14th meeting.
Councilman Randy Shumaker updated the council on the water project. Shumaker stated progress was being done on smoothing out the dirt piles and also being reseeded. Shumaker said workers have been working inside the water tower and will soon have the shroud in place when working on the outside of the water tower. Also work has continued on the water plant building on Main street.
Tim Graves, water superintendent, noted all residents had been hooked up to the new water mains and the old water main has been unhooked. Graves wished to show appreciation to Roger Hughes for all his advice and answers to many questions during the water project.
The council agreed to expressing their appreciation with a card and gift certificate.
Brian Covert informed the council that part-time police officer Ben Schwiezer has given the city his letter of resignation effective September 30th.
Dave Clover reported the $50,000 CD has been purchased from Fortress Bank.
Police Chief Larry Finch informed the council that the Ford police vehicle will be getting the computer installed tomorrow (Tuesday).
New Treasurer Monalisa Graves reported to the council that she had written another check to PPC lab. Graves stated when she called PPC lab to see what their contract included she was informed that there was no current contract. Randy Shumaker offered to check into this matter.
Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed informed the council that representatives from Brownfield committee had been to La Harpe to look at the dilapidated buildings which had been nominated for grant money to help tear them down. Mayor Hasten-Reed said the representatives needed some answers as to what the buildings were last used for and what businesses used to be there. Dan Gillett told the mayor he could probably help get some of the answers for her.
The council decided to meet as a whole at 6 p.m. on October 14th to discuss playground equipment at the La Harpe City Park. Next regular council meeting will be at 7 p.m. on October 14th.
City Clerk Lucretia McPeak reminded the council that city-wide clean up is October 18th.
Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Those in attendance were Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed, Council members Kelly Harkey, Randy Shumaker, Greg Wisslead, Brian Covert, Dave Clover, Jerry Burford, Clerk Lucretia McPeak, Treasurer Monalisa Graves, City Attorney Chris Scholz, Police Chief Larry Finch, Water Superintendent Tim Graves, Dan Gillett and Michael Rodeffer.