The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Michael Rodeffer - Quill Reporter
The La Harpe City Council met at 6:00 p.m. before their regular meeting on May 24th with IMEG representative and engineer, Jack Kusek, to again discuss the water issues in La Harpe. Kusek has designed 15 new water plants for IMEG.
Kusek and Tim Graves, La Harpe Water Superintendent, visited several houses with water issues during the day. Kusek said most of the samples had high chlorine levels.
Kusek recommended a stronger oxidant, sodium permanganate, to hopefully control the ph of the water. Kusek also suggested changing the gear ratio on the blowers to increase the fan speed for more aeration.
Kusek believes the main problem is the hydrogen sulfide and if they can control that, water should improve, he said.
When asked about the mixer for the water tower, Kusek didn't think it was a good idea because using a mixer in the tower to aerate the water would cause oxidation and rust and corrosion on the water tower and it could get expensive. Kusek said he would rather control it somewhere else than in the water tower.
The topic of the high service pumps was addressed by Kusek. The two pumps have vibrated and leaked oil since they were put into service on June 2, 2020. The bases for the pumps were never correct.They were too small.
Kusek told the Council, with their approval, he would send a letter to Trotter Construction to send the pumps back to the manufacturer to be checked out completely and he wants the cement slabs or bases to be torn out and replaced with the right size. He said a time schedule will be attached.
The Council is still holding approximately $90,000 of the contract money due Trotter's Construction due to this unsolved issue.
During their regular meeting, the Council unanimously approved the letter to be sent.
Kusek told the Council that he would not abandon them and that he was determined to get this water issue solved.
Cannons platform Needs Repairs at Cemetery
Dan Gillett addressed the La Harpe City Council about funds for repairing the bases of the cannons at the city cemetery. Gillett said he was going to approach the Township Board, Legion Auxiliary, Historical Society and American Legion about helping to fund the repairs. Gillett said he would get some prices for the repairs and bring them to the next meeting. Gillett said any donations would be appreciated.
Gillett informed the council that he, along with Harry Fark and John Lee set out 534 flags at the city cemetery honoring veterans for Memorial Day.
Dave Clover noted the council needed to set up a budget meeting soon. It was decided to have a joint committee meeting to work on the budget at 5:30 p.m, June 14th until 7 p.m. when the regular meeting is to be held.
Tim Graves noted the reservoir needs to be treated for moss with copper sulfate.
Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed, Randy Shumaker, and Kelly Harkey were approved to be on the "ALL CALL" administrative list.
McIntyre Construction was approved to do the repairs at the police department which had been damaged by a water leak from a hot water heater. A new door, flooring, baseboard and some painting will be needed. Council also approved reimbursing McIntyre Construction for $1,000 worth of supplies which had been purchased.
Council unanimously approved buying a new toilet and having the city employees install it at the museum.
Water Superintendent Tim Graves noted PDC labs will still be doing sewer samples.
The Council unanimously approved the following:
Council adjourned their regular meeting at 8:32 p.m.
Present were: Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed, Council members, Deanna Stambaugh, Kelly Harkey, Greg Wisslead, Randy Shumaker and Dave Clover; Water Superintendent Tim Graves, Treasurer Monalisa Graves, Clerk Lucretia McPeak, Police Chief Larry Finch, and Dan Gillett and Michael Rodeffer.