The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Michael Rodeffer, The Quill
Since Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed was absent, Randy Shumaker was elected to be mayor-pro tem.
During public comment at the February 28th La Harpe council meeting, La Harpe resident Jim Lenix commented on the poor conditions in the two block span on South C Street.
Leniox stated,”2 or 3 years ago the two block area had been ground up and packed back down. Nothing had been done to seal the road. Last summer the city workers filled all the holes with gravel and now it is basically a gravel road full of chuck holes”. Lenix went on to add that there is a tremendous amount of dirt and dust from the road. Lenix stated, “I power washed my house siding four times because of the dirt and dust last summer. I would appreciate anything that the city could do to help with the problem.”
Council members agreed to look into the road issue and see what could be done to fix the road.
The La Harpe council spoke with Brandon Beach about the demotion of 116 and 118 E Main. The council asked about insurance and his plan on taking down the walls adjoining the Fortress Bank and Huston Accounting business. Beach informed the council he carried sufficient insurance and stated the walls would probably have to be removed by hand and that he had the equipment and lifts to get the job done.
Beach and Stoneking of Macomb had both put bids in for the La Harpe demolition projects. The La Harpe Council knew of different work that Stoneking had done but knew little about Beach Excavation and had invited him to the meeting to learn more about Beach’s business.
The council postponed awarding any bids on the demolition project until it was confirmed by the city attorney about using American Rescue Plan Funds.
The La Harpe council unanimously voted to put a sign up at the city burn pile that would ban any concrete dumping at the site until further notice. Dave Clover noted Mark Stokke had some city sidewalks contracted to tear out and redo and that Stokke would be allowed to take that concrete to the burn pile.
Dave Clover brought up a drainage issue at the northwest corner of Park Lane. Clover said water ponds up on Vicki Burford’s property and then water builds up across the road.
After some discussion the council unanimously approved fixing the drainage issue at the Northwest corner of Park Lane by city workers. It was decided the city workers could dig a trench to let the water get away from the property.
It was on the agenda to purchase a jackhammer for the city backhoe. Dave Clover said two bids to buy a jackhammer were $13,000 and $15,000 and he felt that was too much money. Motion was made and seconded to buy the jackhammer and it was unanimously voted down.
Council discussed getting a truck bed for one of the city trucks which had been damaged. It was noted it is hard to find a bed for that specific year. If a bed is located it is usually sold immediately. A motion was made to turn the damage into IML Insurance company along with one bid that they had received. The motion passed 4-2. Wisslead, Shumaker, Harkey, and Clover voted for the motion and Covert and Stambaugh voted against the motion. Brian Covert had thought they should have a second bid.
Dave Clover wanted to let the council know that a couple of people had commented on a very bad smell in their water the week of February 14-20th.
Council unanimously approved the treasurer’s report and payment of bills.
Those present were council members, Kelly Harkey, Deanna Stambaugh, Greg Wisslead, Randy Shumaker, Brian Covert, and David Clover; Clerk Lucretia McPeak; Treasurer Monalisa Graves; Police Chief Larry Finch; Police Officer Lynn Hoyt; city employees, Tim Graves, Daniel Carpenter; and guests Brandon Beach, Jim Lenix, Jason Siegworth, Dan Gillett and Michael Rodeffer.
Council adjourned at 8:18 p.m.