The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By Michael Rodeffer, Quill Reporter
The La Harpe city council met on March 11th, at the City Hall at 7 p.m.
Water Superintendent Tim Graves noted they were having issues with otters at the reservoir. Otters have been killing fish and Graves is interested in having someone trap them.
Graves also noted he had been in contact with IEPA and was informed the EPA would be inspecting the water plant and sewer plant this year. Graves also noted any lead services to houses would need to be replaced by October. Graves noted there are 3 services in La Harpe which will need to be replaced.
Graves informed the council that well #2 has quit on them. The pump is kicking out the control panel and the pump will have to be pulled to see what is wrong with it.
Graves also noted Hancock Health Department will be collecting old tires of any kind from June 14-21st.
City Clerk Lucretia McPeak noted spring clean-up day will be May 10th.
McPeak noted a bill from Midwest Hay and Grinding for rock hauling at a cost of $ 206.50 and a bill from IMEG for $1710.00 needed to be paid from Motor Fuel Tax. Council moved and approved payments. The IMEG bill was for the yearly resolution.
Rick Guyer and Kim Cross, representatives for LINEA ENERGY wind turbine project presented more information. They explained they are now signing up acres for the wind turbine project. They are wanting to supply 300 mega watts of electricity to a power grid which will run from Canada to Louisiana. It would need at least 60 and maybe 75 or more turbines to provide that amount of energy depending on the size of the turbines.
If all of the city ground (Johnson ground) were to be signed up they would receive about $41,000 annual minimum payment.
Contracts would be for 40 years. Linea Energy has also offered a $30,000 or $15 per acre one-time bonus pay to sign up now.
Council had concerns as to if their rent received now from the ground would be lower because of the possible existence of turbines or lines buried underground.
Also concerns about how it might affect wildlife or birds, flashing lights for residents, and if it would affect the acreage that is now being rented. The council’s agenda only allowed for discussion on this issue for this meeting.
Rick Guyer commented that any extra taxes on their project would be paid by their company.
Council adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
Present were Mayor Kasten-Reed, Council members : Amanda Donaldson, Marvin Miller, Jim Lenix, Todd Stevens, Randy Shumaker; City Clerk Lucretia McPeak, City Treasurer Monalisa Graves, City employees Tim Graves, Scott Rossen, David Little, Daniel Carpenter; LINEA Energy Reps-Rick Guyer and Kim Cross; Dan Gillett and Michael Rodeffer