The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Michael Rodeffer, The Quill
At the October 26th council meeting, the La Harpe City Council hired two part-time police officers to help relieve full-time Police Chief Larry Finch and full-time police officer Marli Burt-Deeter of having to work so many extra hours.
Alexis Landrum of Fort Madison, IA was hired for a minimum of 24 hours a week at a cost of $14 per hour. Landrum accepted the council's offer and will enter into a 2 year contract with any training or equipment needed to be paid by the city. If Landrum doesn't fulfill her two-year commitment, she would have to pay back a pro-rated portion of any city costs incurred for her training and equipment.
Also the La Harpe Council hired Joseph Kelly as a part-time police officer at $14 per hour. Kelly would be employed as needed. Kelly is from Carthage and had previously worked for Brown County Sheriff's office for 4 1/2 years.
The council also approved the installation and purchase of a cage for the Ford police vehicle at a cost of $1874.00.
It was on the agenda to take action on moving a speed limit sign 8 to 10 feet south at 100 S. 6th Street. The resident was willing to reimburse the city of any costs. A motion to move the sign was not approved. Wisslead, Clover, and Burford voted yes and Harkey, Schumaker ,and Covert voted no. With the tie vote, Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed cast the deciding No vote.
The council also voted not to accept the insurance quote of $39,994 from Ramsey Financial Services. Wisslead and Burford voted yes to accept the quote but Harkey, Schumaker, Covert, and Clover voted not to accept the quote. Previous insurer IMLA had lowered their bid to $35,641.
The council approved a quit claim for 10 feet on the west side of city ground where Hancock County Housing Authority sits to Deanna Truelove. Truelove had purchased the property and after a survey found out the garage on the property was actually 10' onto the city property. Attorney Kurt Dittmer along with City Attorney Chris Scholz reasoned out that since the city really has no use or need of the area, that the simplest action was to issue a quit claim which the council agreed to.
In other action the council approved:
La Harpe City Council Calls Special Meeting for Tonight, Wed., Nov. 4th-6:00 pm
The Quill received notice of a special meeting called by the City of La Harpe Council for 6:00 p.m. tonight (Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020.) The notice was posted by the City Clerk at 3 pm Nov. 1st at City Hall.
One thing is on the agenda and that is: to discuss and take action to allow The Bar to be open on Sunday, November 8, 2020, according to the notice.