The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Michael Rodeffer, Quill Reporter
The La Harpe City Council met on April 27th for their 2nd scheduled meeting in April. The council was seated a minimum of 6' apart so as to practice their social distancing for the meeting.
All council members were present along with the treasurer, clerk, and mayor. Attorney Chris Scholz was on speaker phone for the meeting.
The mayor asked that any comments be brief and to the point so as not to end up with a lengthy meeting.
Dave Clover thought the IMEG invoice for $36,433.66 should not be paid because of several issues which were not correct at the new water plant. Clover suggested the engineering firm's money be held up until the problems were fixed.
Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed assured Clover IMEG Representative Megan Crook had a list of the problems and was in the process of making sure the problems would be taken care of. The motion to pay the IMEG invoice passed by a 5-1 vote. Clover was the lone no vote.
The agenda also included taking action on forgiving the liquor license fees for Caseys, R & M Market, The Bar, and Rivals on Main II because of the virus situation. Dave Clover suggested to only forgive the fees for R & M Market, The Bar and Rivals on Main II.
Clover said with The Bar closed, it should have actually enhanced Caseys' business. The mayor said Caseys was part of the community and Greg Wisslead agreed that they also employ local residents. Motion to forgive all 4 businesses of the city liquor license fees for this year only passed unanimously.
Randy Shumaker noted city wide clean up is May 8th. Shumaker also noted the next water rate increase is slated for May (increased rates for May will be billed in June).
Shumaker also informed the council that the city crew was wanting to go to Marblehead (south of Quincy) to pick up some cold patch. Shumaker said they would like about 8 ton at a cost of $90-$100 per ton.
Brian Covert informed the council that the reservoir is open. Shumaker asked about getting a Porta-Potty for the reservoir, so that item will be placed on the next meeting's agenda.
Tim Graves informed the council that possibly tomorrow (April 28th) the new water plant could be started for a test run of the system.
Graves also said the city would be needing to get some copper sulfate to treat the reservoir.
Graves asked about getting a long handled wand to spray off grease which is building up at the new lift station. Graves thought the cost was about $109.00.
Clerk Lucretia McPeak asked for a motion for $69.03 to pay Central Stone Co. from motor fuel tax. Motion was approved.
Other motions that were quickly approved were:
Council adjourned about 7:37 p.m.