The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Michael Rodeffer, The Quill
The La Harpe City Council met on May 22nd at the La Harpe City Hall.
Answering roll call was Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed, city treasurer Monalisa Graves, city clerk Lucretia McPeak, and council members Amanda Donaldson, Randy Shumaker, Todd Stevens, Jim Lenix, and Dave Clover. Council member Miranda Cole arrived at 7:18 p.m. Also attending the meeting was Police Chief Lynn Hoyt, water superintendent Tim Graves, Kathy Shupe and Adam Donley, Dan Gillett and Michael Rodeffer.
Council member Randy Shumaker informed the council the new west door had been installed in the police department last week.
Kathy Shupe and Adam Donley from Arnold, Behrens, Nesbit, Gray P.C. (certified public accountants) discussed the annual financial report for the City of La Harpe’s year ending April 2022. Council unanimously approved the 2022 audit.
Tim Graves informed the council that sludge samples had been sent in 2 weeks ago and did not have any results back from the IEPA yet.
Council approved having a large tree removed in the cemetery at the cost of $2,000. Bob’s Tree Service will be doing the work.
Council member Jim Lenix informed the council that there was a pile of cold patch which will be used to fill pot holes in the streets.
City clerk Lucretia McPeak asked the council to make a motion to pay IMEG $1,710 for professional engineering service. This is to be paid out of motor fuel tax money and is for the whole calendar year. Council unanimously approved the payment.
City treasurer Monalisa Graves informed the council that a check for $2,500 to IMEG had come back and IMEG had informed her they would be sending an itemized bill and thought it would probably be less money. The bill would be for mapping of water lines, etc.
There was discussion on the Veteran’s Memorial site at the city park. The American Legion Auxiliary is planning on redoing the memorial, since several of the bricks were in bad shape and also to tear out the bushes which are growing onto the sidewalk. It was on the agenda to have the city crew remove the bricks and bushes to save some money for the auxiliary. A motion was unanimously approved to have the city crew remove bushes and bricks. The plan for the replacement memorial will have some up right stones with all the names of the veterans on them. The bricks will be saved, for a time, so that any family members may have them if they would like to.
There was discussion on buying a street roller brush which had recently been used. Todd Stevens and Jim Lenix are going to look at the roller brush and determine if it is good enough o buy.
It was also discussed to replace the furnace and air conditioner at city hall. Since no-one had any prices on this it was tabled until the next meeting.
It was also discussed as to where the “BRISTOL LODGE No. 653, 100R 1896” stone from one of the demolished buildings should be placed. It was discussed to have the stone put in the park. It was tabled so council could find out the cost to have this done.
Council unanimously approved the treasurer’s report and paying of the bills.
Council adjourned at 8:14 p.m.