The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Michael Rodeffer, The Quill
Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed read a letter at La Harpe City Council’s first and only December 2022 meeting held on Monday, the 12th, from Police Chief Larry Finch stating that he was resigning as La Harpe Police Chief as of January 1st, 2023.
In Finch’s letter, Chief Finch said he would still be available as a part time officer. Mayor Hasten-Reed informed the council she would talk to the current police officers with plans to appoint a police chief at the January 2023 meeting.
Councilman Dave Clover informed the council that a utility truck had been found in Galesburg at the Ford dealership which would work for the City’s use. The truck is a 2018 2 Ton Dodge work truck with a 4-wheel drive and has a dump box at a cost of $49,500.
Clover said the truck had a diesel engine and has 60,000 miles on it. Clover also priced a salt spreader and a blade, both stainless steel, which could be put on the truck which can be installed by January 1st, 2023, by West Burlington, IA Hydraulic and Supply.
Clover recommended buying the truck and accessories by the 1st of the year which would allow the city to use grant money which was all ready approved. The grant money will cover 55% of the cost up to $33,500. In a vote, all council members agreed and approved a motion to buy the truck and accessories so they would not lose the grant money.
Mayor Hasten-Reed noted she had accepted Brian Covert’s resignation from the council and stated she would be appointing a councilman from the first ward at the next meeting in January.
At 8:10 p.m., the council entered executive session to discuss the high service pump dispute with Trotter contracting.
After the council regular session, a motion was made and unanimously passed a motion to approve the final payment to Trotter Contracting in the amount of $78,397.56 to be paid immediately and releasing the City of La Harpe of all liability re: contract#1 of La Harpe Water Plant Project.
In other business, the council unanimously approved:
Present at this final meeting for 2022 were:
Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed, Council members: Dave Clover, Greg Wisslead, Kelly Harkey, Deanna Stambaugh; Police Chief: Larry Finch, Police officers Scott Rossen and Lynn Hoyt; employees: Tim Graves, Daniel Carpenter, David Little and Trevor Finch; Guests: Jim Lenix, Dan Gillett, and Michael Rodeffer.
City Attorney Chris Scholz arrived at 7:12 p.m.
The next meeting will be on January 9, 2023 at the City Hall. at 7:00 p.m.