The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by: Michael Rodeffer, Quill Reporter
La Harpe City Board member Todd Stevens wanted to commend the La Harpe City crew for fixing a water leak.
Stevens stated how the city crew had worked long hours to complete this task in poor weather conditions and the board wanted them to know how much their work and due diligence was appreciated.
The words of recognition came at the January 13th board meeting last Monday evening held at the La Harpe Community Clubhouse which is now their new place of meeting for better access to all.
Board member Randy Shumaker noted that the new police body-cams are up and running as of the first of the year.
Kathy Kendall and Jim Ford expressed their concerns over dogs running loose. Kendall noted two large dogs had been chasing kids on their bikes that are headed to school and she was afraid that the dogs might wreck the kids.
Ford noted it was pretty regular for these two dogs to be loose.
Police Chief Scott Rosson noted they could sign a complaint and he would issue a citation. He said each subsequent citation would increase the fine. The fine could be paid in a specified time or taken to court.
Jim Ford asked Attorney Scholz if he had pursued any action on the nursing home incident. Attorney Scholz said he had not made any progress as yet.
Dan Gillett addressed the council about the different celebrations taking place in Hancock County. Hancock County is celebrating its 200 year anniversary in 2025.
Council also heard from Matt Carls, representative from Midwest Meter Company.
Carls explained that their company can monitor water meters at residences 96 times a day, every 15 minutes. He said that residents can monitor their meters and probably catch a water leak very soon after it occurs.
There would be a one time fee of $14,500 for software and training plus ten new meters. New meters would cost around $300 a piece. Several of the meters in the ground would only need a receiver attached to them which would be considerably less money.
City employee Tim Graves noted that there are approximately 500 meters in town.
No action was taken as this was just an informational meeting with Midwest Meter Company.
Council discussed moving school radar signs and decided to stay with their original motion and have the city crews take the signs down.
Council also discussed deeming buildings abandoned and evicting persons inhabiting those properties. After a lengthy discussion, the council decided to check out more options before doing anything.
Council discussed hiring a full-time police officer. At the present time, the City of La Harpe has 1 full-time and 4 part-time officers.. The La Harpe City Council approved unanimously to pursue the process of hiring a full-time police officer.
Council discussed the Nuisance Ordinance (dog waste on city right of way). Also, loose dogs are discussed.
The council decided to meet again on January 27th to have a joint committee to discuss city ordinances.
The Council discussed the semi-tractors idling in residential areas for prolonged periods of time. No action was taken.
In other business, the Council unanimously approved:
Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed conducted the meeting. Present were Amanda Donaldson, Marvin Miller, Jim Lenix, Dave Clover, Todd Stevens, Randy Shumaker; City Clerk Lucretia McPeak, City Treasurer Monalisa Graves, ESDA Representative Max Owsley, City Attorney Chris Scholz, City employees Tim Graves, David Little, Daniel Carpenter, Michael Donaldson, Police Chief Scott Rosson; Matt Carls (Midwest Meter Representative), Guests: Kathy Kendall, Jim and Jeanette Ford, Dan Gillett, and Michael Rodeffer.
Council adjourned at 9:31 p.m. The next meeting will be Monday, January 27th at 7:00 p.m. at the La Harpe Community Clubhouse. Prior to the meeting, a joint committee meeting will be at 6:00 p.m. to discuss La Harpe City ordinances.