The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

La Harpe City Council Approves Ordinance To Acquire Old Nursing Home Building

Michael Rodeffer, The Quill

The La Harpe City Council met on Monday, December 8th at the La Harpe Clubhouse at 7 p.m.

The council unanimously approved the city cemetery mowing contract for the next 2 years. The council received 4 bids ranging from $17,950 -$35,500 per year. The Council approved the bid of $18,500 per year from Jamie Hallowell. Hallowell has been mowing the cemetery for several years.

The council also rejected a solar project on a portion of the Johnson ground that the city rents out. All five council members that were present voted not to allow the solar project. Mayor Hasten-Reed had noted that the will from Ben Johnson stated he didn’t want any long term leases on the property. Currently leases are for a three year period.

La Harpe council also unanimously approved an ordinance to acquire the old nursing home. The council learned that if the city acquires the property by way of a judicial deed or in lieu of foreclosure that the city could apply and have any existing past due property taxes forgiven by the County. Mayor Hasten-Reed noted that the city has previously filed complaints against the legal deed holder, Ron Kienast, for unsafe conditions. Hasten-Reed noted Mr. Kienast wishes to abandon the property to the City of La Harpe in lieu of further proceedings against him. Council approved the ordinance to move forward to acquire the property in lieu of foreclosure.

Under public comment Vi Roberts discussed snow plowing on her street and at the public library. Dan Gillett discussed an ice issue along the walk in front of the historical Museum.

Council member Todd Stevens thanked the city crew for a good job cleaning up the snow, plowing streets and helping get ready for the parade.

Mayor Hasten-Reed expressed her thanks and appreciation to the Country Christmas committee for the excellent event, good crowd and parade.

In other action the council unanimously approved:

• accepting treasurers report and paying of bills.
• purchasing tires for the Dodge truck and snow plow blades and skid shoes for plow.
• purchase of Christmas decorations from the Village of Lomax (10 at $25 each).
• paying $103.67 to Midwest Express for hauling rock, paid from the motor fuel tax.
• Present at the meeting was Mayor Katherine Hasten-Reed, City Treasurer Monalisa Graves; council members Jim Lenix, Todd Stevens, Marvin Miller, Jeff McDowell; city employees Tim Edwards, Tanner Smith, David Little, Trevor Finch, Daniel Carpenter, Tim Graves; guests Vi Roberts, Dan Gillett, Jeanette Ford, Dustin Labonte, Jamie Hallowell, and Michael Rodeffer.

Dave Clover arrived at 7:20. Council member Randy Shumaker and City Clerk Lucretia McPeak were absent.

The Council entered into executive session at 7:57 p.m. to discuss the street department applications and employee performance and any other topics allowed.