The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By Michael Rodeffer, Quill Reporter
At the March 24th La Harpe City council meeting Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed read a letter of resignation from the City Police Chief Scott Rosson.
The letter stated his resignation will take effect April 30th 2025. Rosson wrote in his letter that it has been an honor and privilege to serve and work in La Harpe.
The letter from Rosson also thanked the Mayor, the City Council, and the La Harpe residents for letting him serve them for the last couple years. The council unaminously accepted the resignation with regret of Scott Rosson.
Council member Randy Shumaker noted he had spoken to Jerry Vawter about work needing done at the City Hall.
Randy explained there was a little tuck pointing that needed done and that the building needed waterproofing. Shumaker thought all the work could be done for a little over $9000.
Shumaker wanted the council to be aware of the expense so it could be budgeted for the coming year which starts May 1st.
Water Superintendent Tim Graves noted the 10 water meters which had been ordered are on backorder. Council member Dave Clover stated they needed to get 200 meters ordered since several meters are needing replaced.
Council member Todd Stevens noted the city street employees have taken out the sidewalk, backfilled and leveled the ground off in front of Mark Matthews home. After the ground settles the city crew will add any more dirt and seed the area.
There was a lengthy discussion on dogs running loose again. Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed noted she had spoken with a USDA employee and they stated that each County is required to have an animal control officer.
Hasten-Reed suggested talking to other Mayors in the county and going to a County Board meeting to bring up this issue since Hancock County no longer has an animal control officer. The Council has discussed hiring their own animal control officer, but would need a place to house an animal. USDA has strict rules for housing animals that have been caught.
Todd Stevens noted that a city street employee, Michael Donaldson, had asked to use his 2 week vacation in April.
ESDA city representative Max Owsley noted it was National Safe Ladder Month.
It was noted the trash pile behind the old nursing home which was on city right-of-way property had been picked up and removed.
In other Business the council unanimously approved:
Council adjourned at 8:22 p.m. which was held at the La Harpe Clubhouse. Council meetings meet every 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
Present were Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed: council members Amanda Donaldson, Marvin Miller, Dave Clover, Jim Lenix, Todd Stevens, and Randy Shumaker, city clerk Lucretia McPeak, city treasurer Monalisa Graves; city water superintendent Tim Graves, ESDA Representative Max Owsley and guests Dan Gillett and Michael Rodeffer.