The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Michael Rodeffer, The Quill
At the October 25th regular board meeting, the La Harpe City Council was informed by City Clerk Lucretia McPeak that the 2020 census found that 1,175 residents were residing in La Harpe. That is down by 60 residents reported in the previous 2010 census which had counted 1,235 residents.
The council approved a motion to do cost sharing on sidewalks for 505 E and 507 E Main. Total cost for 505 E Main was $3,344 and total cost for 507 E Main was $2,128. Residents will pay half and the city will pay half. It passed on a 3-1 vote with Wisslead, Harkey, and Stambaugh voting for the motion and Clover dissenting.
Jack Kusek, IMEG representative and water plant designer, was present to comment on the water system.
Kusek said overall the water coming from the water plant was much improved and he thought the water problems had mostly been resolved.
Kusek noted that just lately when the La Harpe Fire Department was using the hydrants they had reported cleaner water than they had seen in a long time. And when the city crew flushed hydrants recently they had commented on how much cleaner the water had been.
Kusek noted a recent issue at the school was probably caused by water sitting in the pipes from little usage.The school doesn't use drinking fountains or showers and Kusek said that it was recommended for the school to flush their mains more frequently. Kusek also said all the residents around the school had good water.
Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed informed Kusek that at the last meeting (October 11th) there had been a half dozen complaints or so.
Kusek said he had not been notified about the complaints and noted the dozen or so houses he had checked out for complaints had no issues when he was there.
Kusek also recommended any residents to quit using their own water softeners as the water is plenty soft coming from the plant. If the residents are using softeners that could be causing issues itself.
Kusek said he was still more than willing to look into any water problems at resident's homes if he is made aware of the problems.
City street employee Trevor Finch informed the council that the salt used on city streets in the winter has been delivered, and they are now waiting on the sand.
Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed noted the city had received their first payment of recovery funds from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) in the amount of $77,612.12. Hasten-Reed said there are rules and regulations on how the money can be spent. (see article below).
Tyler Brown addressed the council and asked if the city could add a street light at 204 W 1st Ave. Brown noted it was pitch black in that block. The council discussed the issue and decided to table it until the next meeting so they could check it out and get a cost estimate.
Jason Siegworth, again, asked if there was any news on getting the water drainage in his yard repaired. IMEG Representative Jack Kusek answered Laverdiere was planning on re-addressing the issue.
In other action the council approved:
Council adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Present at the meeting was: Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed; council members Kelly Harkey, Deanna Stambaugh, Greg Wisslead, Dave Clover; Clerk Lucretia McPeak; Treasurer Monalisa Grave; employees, Tim Graves, Trevor Finch, Daniel Carpenter; guests, Jason Siegworth, Tyler Brown, IMEG Representative Jack Kusek, Dan Gillett and Michael Rodeffer