The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Michael Rodeffer, The Quill
Jim and Jeanette Ford came to the La Harpe Council meeting held on July 26th. The Fords asked if the water problems were still being worked on or not. The Fords said they would have good water one day and two or three days later it would smell very bad again. Their water is still not at all consistent.
Jim noted he tests his water regularly and does not have any constant results.
IMEG Representative Megan Crook told the Fords that the system is still being worked on .
Randy Shumaker informed everyone that one of the changes made was to quit using caustic at the water plant and now using a new chemical, Zinc Phosphate, to bring the pH of the water to the correct levels.
Tim Graves, city water superintendent, noted just recently they have increased the air flow into the gasifier.
Dave Clover asked if one of the deep wells could be causing the sporadic water issues. It was decided to use just one well for 10 days and then use the second deep well for 10 days to see if water quality remained the same or if one of the wells could be causing more of an issue.
City Informed of Grant
Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed informed the council that the city had been contacted by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and were eligible for a $155,384.23 grant which would have limited uses. Hasten-Reed said the money was part of "The American Rescue Act" and thought the money might be able to be used to help tear down some dilapidated building if the city acquired any or possibly a new truck for the city.
Drainage issues at Park Lane were discussed by the council. Standing water on some lawns has been an ongoing problem. Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed asked Randy Shumaker to work with IMEG to do a more extensive review at Park Lane to come up with some possible solutions and cost estimates.
Jeanette Ford asked the council if the city could contact Ayerco about their building behind their station which is falling in. Ford stated there were varmints probably living in the building. Councilman Dave Clover stated he would contact the Ayerco owner about the problem.
In other action the council unanimously approved:
Present at the meeting were: Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed; Council Persons: Kelly Harkey, Deanna Stambaugh, Greg Wisslead, Randy Shumaker, Dave Clover; City Attorney Chris Scholz, Treasurer Monalisa Graves, City Clerk Lucretia McPeak, Police Chief Larry Finch, Policeman Lynn Hoyt, IMEG Representative Megan Crook, City Water Superintendent Tim Graves, and Residents Jim Ford, Jeanette Ford, Dan Gillett and Quill Reporter Michael Rodeffer.
Council adjourned at 9:22 p.m.