The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By Michael Rodeffer, The Quill
At the September 26th council meeting, the La Harpe Council unanimously approved “Trick or Treat” night for Monday, October 31st from 5-8 p.m. Council also agreed to allow “Trunk or Treat” around the city park as has been done in the past.
Council unanimously elected Randy Shumaker as mayor pro-tem in the absence of Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed.
Dave Clover informed the council that David Little’s new city truck had arrived.
During public comment Mark Irish addressed the council and reported the sidewalk in front of the La Harpe Telephone Company had rebar showing and several uneven portions on the walk that made it a hazard. Irish gave the council an estimate of $7,800 for the walk, which was to go from Archer Street south to the alley by the phone company.
Since this item was not on the agenda council could not approve the expenditure at this meeting. Council asked city Clerk McPeak to have this item on the next agenda. The city’s portion of the sidewalk would be half or $3,900 if approved.
It was on the agenda to discuss purchasing a $1,000 of copper sulfate to treat the algae at the reservoir. Dave Clover reported Tim Graves had found out the city could buy a pallet of copper sulfate for $4,800 which would last 2 1/2 years. Clover reported the city could save approximately $1,660 by buying the pallet as opposed to buying just enough each time it needed done.
Consensus of the council was to buy the pallet of copper sulfate and save the money. This item is to be put on the October 10th agenda for approval.
Council member Randy Shumaker reported all city road work that was contracted by W. C. Miller was completed. Shumaker reported the sealant which W. C. Miller had planned on using was not needed so the city was able to oil and chip several extra streets.
Council discussed the high service pumps which Trotter Construction had installed. The pumps have a vibration in them which could cause harm to the pumps and shorten their life.
In June 2021 Trotter agreed to redo the bases that the pumps are attached to and have the pumps also checked. To this date nothing has been done.
City Attorney Chris Scholz and water plant designer Jack Kusek, an IMEG engineer, have been trying to negotiate with Trotter and his attorneys.
Council is still holding approximately $92,000 of the Trotter contract money. City Attorney Scholz stated negotiations obviously are not getting anywhere with Trotter and felt the city has done everything they could in good faith to allow Trotter to finish the job.
Scholz recommend getting another capable contractor to remedy the problem. Council agreed to delay any decisions until the next meeting, October 10th, and have Jack Kusek also come to the meeting to discuss all possible options. Council unanimously approved:
Present at the meeting was City Clerk Lucretia McPeak; Council Members, Kelly Harkey, Deanna Stambaugh, Randy Shumaker, Greg Wisslead and Dave Clover. Absent was Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed; Treasurer Monalisa Graves and Council Member Brian Covert. Also present was Police Chief Larry Finch and Guests, Seth Sparrow, Dan Gillett, Mark Irish and Michael Rodeffer. City Attorney Chris Scholz arrived at the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Council adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Next council meeting is Monday, October 10th at 7 p.m. at the city hall.