The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

City of La Harpe Still Fighting Water Issues

CLEAN-UP DAY IS FRIDAY, MAY 7

By: Michael Rodeffer, The Quill

La Harpe City Council is still getting complaints about the water reported Greg Wisslead and Kelly Harkey at the regular April 26th meeting at City Hall.

Some complaints are because of the smell and some complaints are because of corrosion causing problems with faucets and stools not working properly.

Wisslead said residents need to come to the next meeting, May 10th, to voice their problems.

At the absent of Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed, Randy Shumaker, conducted the meeting as mayor pro-term.

City employee Tim Graves reported they have been using a chemical called "caustic" to bring the ph level up, saying it is very corrosive. Graves added the R/O system does clean the piping system, adding that the caustic chemical costs about $120 per day.

He said they were looking at using a lime slurry instead, to reduce the cost. The IMEG engineering firm is still working with the city to try and remedy the problems.

Mayor pro-term Randy Shumaker informed the council that the new police vehicle should arrive in the coming week.

The topic of where to send water samples was brought up.

Graves recommended using the EPA for the next fiscal year beginning July 1st at a cost of $9,200 for the year.

Dave Clover reported that they had spent about $15,000 on sample testing by PDC labs and agreed to have it put on the next agenda to decide.

IN OTHER BUSINESS:

Attorney Kurt Dittmer reported that the tenants for the farm and hunting leases were all willing to renew their leases. He informed the council they had very good tenants and could renew if the council was in agreement. Leases will expire next February 2022.

City Clerk Lucretia McPeak asked the council members to approve a motion to pay Central Stone Co. $203.14 from the motor fuel tax money. The council unanimously approved.

McPeak said that City-Wide Clean-up Day is Friday, May 7th.

Council also approved:

• $1,225 for IMEG engineering firm in relation to the motor fuel tax requirements.
•  treasurer's report and paying of bills brought forth.
• paying Plumbing Etc. $160 for work at North 2nd Street. The treasurer was to bill resident for 1/2 the cost.
• $2,895 for rock at the sewer plant.

A special joint committee meeting is planned to discuss the budget at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 10th ahead of the regular meeting at 7 p.m.

Again, any La Harpe resident, with water complaints, is urged to come to the regular meeting at City Hall.