The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Michael Rodeffer, The Quill
Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed called the La Harpe Council meeting to order at 7 p.m. and led everyone in “The Pledge of Allegiance.”
Answering roll call were Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed, council members, Deanna Stambaugh, Randy Shumaker, Greg Wisslead, Jim Lenix, and Dave Clover; City Clerk Lucretia McPeak and City Treasurer Monalisa Graves.
Council member Dave Clover informed all that he had handed out the audit report to all the council members. Council member Randy Shumaker noted the roads have been a hot topic with some pot holes showing up on the newer oiled and chipped roads. Dave Clover added there have been a ton of complaints about the roads. Clover noted since the oil and chipping was finished last fall as the weather was getting cooler, that chips would need to be spread onto the streets as the weather warmed up.
City street employee David Little added that chips have been spread and more chips would be put down as needed. Shumaker also noted a large tree limb was down on the city’s part of the cemetery and hoped to have it cleaned up so mowing could be done before Memorial Day.
Street employee David Little informed the council that the backhoe has been fixed, chips are being put down as needed on the streets and had plans to clean up as much of the tree in the cemetery as possible.
Water superintendent Tim Graves noted he had given the CCR report to the Quill reporter. Graves also noted a sample was needed to be taken from the sludge at the reservoir and sent in to IEPA. Total cost of the sample will be $1,245.06.
Police Chief Lynn Hoyt noted the body cam should be here on Wednesday, May 10th, at a cost of $191.00 which he and Scott Rosson were going to each pay half. Mayor Hasten-Reed and Dave Clover spoke up and said they shouldn’t have to pay for it and to give the city the bill.
Assistant Police Chief Scott Rosson informed council he had been working on several city ordinance issues and has posted several properties that needed mowed. Rosson said most properties were being mowed and that he had started addressing the issue of junk cars around town.
City Clerk Lucretia McPeak informed council she had received certificates of election of all elected officials and was handing them out.
City treasurer informed council a check for $500 donation to the car show was not on her report. Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed thanked the current council for their service to the community.
Resident Ken Brown also wanted to thank all council members for their service, and also thank the new council members for their willingness to serve. Brown also thanked the council for their support and donation to the car show. Brown noted this would be the 25th annual car show in La Harpe. This year it is scheduled for August 5th, the first Saturday in August.
Council unanimously approved the April minutes with one correction made by council member Deanna Stambaugh.
Council unanimously accepted the treasurer’s report and paying of the bills.
The council then discussed how Lynn Hoyt was doing and if he wished to continue as police chief. Hoyt stated he did wish to continue as police chief. Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed commented she thought he was doing very well.
Meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m..
Since Dave Clover was the only council member still on the council, Clover swore in the Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed, City Clerk Lucretia McPeak and City Treasurer Monalisa Graves, who had all been duly re-elected.
Clerk Lucretia McPeak swore in Miranda Cole, Amanda Donaldson, Todd Stevens, and Jim Lenix who had been elected as council members.
Mayor Hasten-Reed called the new meeting to order at 7:47
Under new business, Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed appointed Randy Shumaker to fill the unexpired term of Kelly Harkey for Ward 3. Harkey had resigned in April. Shumaker was unanimously approved to fill the Ward 3 seat. City Clerk Lucretia McPeak then swore in Shumaker as a council member.
The new council unanimously approved the IMEG Short Form Services Agreement.
Mayor noted newly elected council members would need to do OMA training on line. Hasten-Reed also noted she would announce new committee appointments at the next meeting May 24th at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Present for the evening were Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed, council members Randy Shumaker, Greg Wisslead, Jim Lenix, Deanna Stambaugh, Dave Clover, Todd Stevens, Amanda Donaldson and Miranda Cole; city treasurer Monalisa Graves, city clerk Lucretia McPeak, police chief Lynn Hoyt, assistant police chief Scott Rosson; city employees David Little and Tim Graves, and guests Ken Brown, Dan Gillett and Michael Rodeffer.