The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Michael Rodeffer, The Quill
On Monday, March 14th at the regular La Harpe City Council meeting the council members unanimously approved the bid of $54,000 to demolish 116 E Main and 118 E Main properties and also 109 S. Center Street.
The two properties on Main Street are between Huston Accounting business and Fortress Bank buildings. The bid of $54,000 was from Stoneking from Macomb and includes complete demolition and hauling away of the building and also includes back filling the properties. Money from the American Rescue Plan can be used to pay for the project.
New Basketball Court in City Park
Dave Clover informed the council members that to redo the basketball court at the La Harpe City Park it would take a total of $27,000. The amount would include new concrete and poles and backboard for the project. Council unanimously approved MBS Construction to do the job. With some donations plus $4,000 from park maintenance, which had been budgeted, and $12,000 from the American Rescue Plan, the project would be totally funded.
Randy Shumaker was elected as Mayor Pro-tem since Mayor Katherine Hasten-Reed was absent.
Shumaker brought up the subject of repaving or resurfacing several of the city streets with motor fuel tax money.
Shumaker informed the council that after talking to IMEG engineer Megan Crook that it would cost approximately $4,000 per block to grind up and compact plus oil and chip the road. Shumaker noted some streets might not need to be ground up so it could be less money for some blocks. Clerk Lucretia McPeak noted there was over $300,000 in the motor file tax fund. McPeak also noted to use motor fuel tax the city had to enlist the services of the engineering firm. Shumaker also noted the engineer’s fee would be 5% of the overall cost and if the city wanted the engineers on site during the project it would cost an additional 6% of the overall costs. After much discussion it was decided to spend approximately $250,000 on the streets. Shumaker is going to inform the engineers to start the process.
Shumaker noted the city receives 3 to 4 thousand dollars a month for motor fuel tax, according to the city engineer.
Shumaker also noted the city has received 4 payments of $13,500 each from “Rebuild Illinois” and will also receive two more payments of $13,500 each in the near future.
Kurt Dittmer, attorney for the Johnson Trust, informed the council that the power company had offered $27,344.50 to the city for easements along some of the city property. La Harpe council unanimously approved Dittmer to accept the offer for the city.
Police Officer Lynn Hoyt informed the council that cost for the camera system for the Ford police vehicle would cost $4,800 plus $400 for labor to install it. Hoyt also noted cost for a body cam would cost $1,000 each. Council unanimously approved purchasing the vehicle camera only and paying for the installation for a total of $5,200.
City water superintendent Tim Graves informed the council one of the 2 pumps at the lift station on Archer Street had quit and FLO-TECH had taken the pump to see if it could be fixed. Graves said the other pump wasn’t working right and Quick Electric had been there 3 1/2 hours to work on it.
Graves suggested getting a back-up pump to keep on hand. Council members agreed and will have it on the next agenda to discuss and take action. Graves also noted the EPA wants the lagoon at the old water plant (reservoir) dug up and have the sludge removed. Graves said a certified letter needs to be sent to EPA by the end of the month as to the city’s intentions and the city will have 90 days to comply.
Treasurer Monalisa Graves informed the council she had received an insurance check for $5,460 to repair the 2007 Ford pick up.
Councilman Brian Covert informed the council there could be a bill coming from Quick Electric for the work on the lift station on Archer Street and also the city backhoe needed a tire repaired at Clover Tire.
Council member Deanna Stambaugh noted that some of the downspouts and PVC pipes at the shelter house in the park was in need of repair.
Police Chief Larry Finch informed the council that police officer Scott Rossen would be going to a class for storm spotters and get certified for that.
In other action the council unanimously approved:
Council also discussed the present animal ordinance but took no action.
Council also noted flag poles at the north edge of town and east edge of town had snapped off because of recent high winds. Council will look into pricing of new poles.
Council adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Present were: Council member, Deanna Stambaugh, Kelly Harkey, Randy Shumaker, Greg Wisslead, Brian Covert and David Clover; Treasurer Monalisa Graves; Clerk Lucretia McPeak; City Attorney Chris Scholz; Police Chief Larry Finch; Police officers Lynn Hoyt and Scott Rossen; ESDA Representative Max Owsley; City Employees, Tim Graves, Dan Carpenter, and David Little; Attorney Kurt Dittmer; and Guests, Jim and Sharla Lenix, Dan Gillett and Michael Rodeffer.