The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.


City Council Hears of April Election

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

At the August 12th La Harpe City Council meeting, City Clerk Lucretia McPeak informed the council of the Consolidated Election, which will be April 1, 2025.

She said the City Council seats up for Election are: Ward 1 Alderman-4 year term; Ward 2 Alderman-4 year term; Ward 2 Alderman-2 year unexpired term; Ward 3 Alderman-4 year term; and Ward 3 Alderman-2 year unexpired term.

Independent papers for circulation are available from the Clerk.

The regularly scheduled monthly meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm at City Hall.

Alderman Randy Shumaker was unanimously approved as Mayor Pro Tem.

Reports:

Tim Graves will be getting bids for cleaning the Water Tower. He reported on a noticeable sewer smell in the drains at the water plant.

David Little reported on a water break on Sewer Road, and had to get patch to repair.

Scott Rosson reported there are no School Zone signs on Archer Ave.

The Body Cams are on their way, and will have to have training to use them.

City Clerk McPeak reported on Motor Fuel Tax bills. She asked council to approve appropriating funds from MFT to pay Midwest Express & Hay Grinding $246.86.

Lenix made the motion to appropriate funds from MFT to pay Midwest Express & Hay Grinding $246.86. Donaldson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer Monalisa Graves informed the council of a bill for $114.37, which was not on the list of bills sent out.

Old Business:

July council minutes and Treasure's reports and paying of bills was approved.

Adam Donley presented the 2022-2023 Audit report to the council.

Clover made the motion to approve the 2022-2023 Audit report. Lenix seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Stevens made the motion to sign the Engagement letter for the 2023-2024 Audit. Shumaker seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Kurt Dittmer asked the council to consider letting Loren Bollin retract his bid for Tract 9 of the Johnson Ground lease, and to accept the bid from Wyatt Green of $105,300.00 for the same tract.

Clover made the motion to let Loren Bollin retract his bid for Tract 9 of the Johnson Ground lease, and to accept the bid from Wyatt Green of $105,300.00 for the same tract. Lenix seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Business for discussion only:

There was discussion on the garbage issues in town.

Kurt Dittmer will be contacted about the Sr. Citizen House.

There is a judgement on the property at 110 So. Center Street.

There was discussion pertaining to the old sign from the old Hospital.

New Business:

Clover made the motion to place an ad in the Quill for City Insurance bids. Stevens seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

There was discussion on the street speed signs at the school. There is an issue with IDOT.

This will be on the next agenda.

Other business for discussion only:

There was discussion on lights for the basketball court in the City Park. This will be on the next agenda.

Shumaker made the motion to go to Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific city employees (OMA Sec. 2(c)(1)), to consider the performance of an occupant of a public office (OMA Sec. 2(c )(3), probable/imminent litigation (OMA Sec. 2(c)(11), and any other topics allowed. Donaldson seconded the motion.

The regular meeting adjourned to Executive session at 8:07 pm.

The regular council meeting resumed at 8:24 pm.

Answering roll call were:

Dave Clover, Amanda Donaldson, Marvin Miller, Randy Shumaker, Todd Stevens, Jim Lenix, Treasurer - Monalisa Graves, and City Clerk - Lucretia McPeak

Also present: Christopher Scholz.

Old Business:

Clover made the motion to retain Mark VandeWiele as Mediator for IMEG issue. Stevens seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

New Business:

Other business for discussion only:

There was discussion on the Police coverage at the car show.

Shumaker made the motion to adjourn the regular meeting. Donaldson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. The regular council meeting adjourned at 8:33 pm.

Answering roll call were: Dave Clover, Amanda Donaldson, Marvin Miller, Randy Shumaker, Todd Stevens, Jim Lenix, Treasurer-Monalisa Graves, and City Clerk-Lucretia McPeak. Mayor Katherine Hasten-Reed was absent.

Also present: Adam Donley, Michael Rodeffer, Loren Bollin, Dan Gillett, David Little, Tim Graves, Scott Rosson, Michael Donaldson, and Kurt Dittmer. Christopher Scholz came at 7:04 pm.

This report was taken from the unapproved minutes of the City Clerk Lucretia McPeak.