The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Michael Rodeffer, Quill Reporter
The regularly scheduled monthly meet ing was called to order on July 24, at 7:00 p.m. During this meeting, the Council was told that the city of La Harpe had been informed of the State of Emergency Grant money to help with costs of the storm damage that occured on June 29, 2023. It would cost $5,000.00 for writing of the Grant, but the city could receive up to $250,000.00.
Tim Graves reported he sent damage pictures at the west lift station and sewer plant. He thought the city workers could repair the damages at the sewer plant themselves.
Also, there will be no more dumpsters at the city park.
The finance committee reported checking on tax exemption on property taxes of $123.24 for the 4-story building lot. Also, received notice from RMA annual packet. The city has let them know they are checking with other insurance companies.
Public works reported the resignation from Trevor Finch. His final work day was reported as July 30th, 2023.
ESDA reported there will be a mitigation meeting on July 26th. There is a need to have a Table top meeting with principal players in La Harpe.
City Clerk McPeak reported on a bill from Midwest Express & Hay Grinding for $302.70, and asked the council to appropriate funds from MFT to pay this bill.
Lenix made the motion to appropriate funds from MFT to pay Midwest Express & Hay Grinding $302.70. Shumaker seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Hasten-Reed reported there is a vacancy for Ward 3. Miranda Cole moved to another Ward, therefore she is ineligible to serve out her term for Ward 3.
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Steve Ramos, with LRS, presented the council with options for garbage disposal. The city is currently paying $16.25 per household, and the options would be: $17.95 with a 5-7% increase every year, or $20.50 for 5 years. These prices would begin January 1, 2024. This would includes a 96 gallon container per household.
Clover made the motion to approve the Treasurer’s report and pay bills. Stevens seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Shumaker made the motion to approve the City Attorney to start the mediation process with IMEG re: the financial responsibility of the sludge/debris removal. Lenix seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Shumaker made the motion to pay Waste Management $128,270.17, and Midwest Express & Hay Grinding $14,932.50 for sludge removal with funds from the Water Project. Stevens seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. There will be dirt costs and delivery of dirt to fill in the hole.
There is $121,997.56 in reimbursement money, $41,185.44 in Contingency money, and $39,109.16 -IMEG. This is money from the Water Plant.
Motion made to pay:MBS Construction-$12,185.00; McCabe Tree Service-$400.00; Gary Smith-$410.66; Berlett Auto Body-$406.44; Broc Richardson-$18,375.00; and Pilot Grove Welding-$100.41. (These are all bills turned in for the storm damages-tree removal and repairs). Lenix seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Clover made the motion to have WIRC assist/complete the Grant Application for Disaster Response Program. Shumaker seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Shumaker made the motion to go to executive session. The regular meeting adjourned to Executive session at 8:33 p.m.
The regular council meeting resumed at 8:44 p.m.
Shumaker made the motion, based on a clerical error, to pay back Chief Hoyt holiday and overtime pay dating back to January 1, 2023. Clover seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
It will be on the next agenda to discuss and take action to move the retirement fund to a new company/representative.
Shumaker made the motion to adjourn the regular meeting. Lenix seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously
The regular council meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Answering roll call were:
Dave Clover, Amanda Donaldson, Randy Shumaker, Todd Stevens, Jim Lenix, Treasurer-Monalisa Graves, City Clerk-Lucretia McPeak, and Mayor Katherine Hasten-Reed.
Also present: Tim Graves, Dan Gillett, Steve Ramos, Lynn Hoyt, Max Owsley, and Michael Rodeffer