The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

La Harpe City Council Meeting: New Alderman Installed

Michael Rodeffer, The Quill

On August 25th, the La Harpe City Council unanimously approved Mayor Katherine Hasten-Reed’s appointment of Jeff McDowell to fill the remaining term of Amanda Donaldson. This gives the City council 6 council members.

La Harpe water Superintendent Tim Graves informed the council of the need to have an engineering firm available to the city.

Graves has been communicating with the IEPA on a violation at the sewer plant. Graves noted sludge will have to be pumped out and put in farm fields whenever crops are taken out.

Graves also stated the berms will need to be repaired and rock put on them to stabilize the banks. Graves informed the council that a valve at the water plant would need replaced.

Graves also informed the council that the reservoir has been mowed and that the back side of the dam needs some work done on it.

Council member Randy Shumaker noted the city was able to purchase the property on South Center Street at a recent tax sale.

Monalisa Graves noted she was still not getting all the receipts turned in for purchases from employees.

During public comment, Jeanette Ford noted several properties which were in need of cleaning up or needing mowed.

Council member Jim Lenix mentioned 2 or 3 properties also which needed mowed or cleaned up. The City does post properties that are violating city ordinances.

Also during public comment resident Ve Roberts discussed dogs running loose and one in particular that appears to be vicious.

Roberts was told by the interim police chief Tim Edwards to call the Sheriff's Office and report dogs running loose.

In other action the Council unanimously approved:

• the July minutes
• accepting the treasurer’s report and paying of bills
• purchasing a laptop for $599 and a multifunction printer for $179 for the police department
• paying Central Stone $1,013.68 for gravel and chips and paying Midwest Express $205.31 for hauling. All paid from Motor Fuel tax fund

Mayor Hasten-Reed noted on Saturday, August 16th that 11 stickers had been issued for non-highway vehicles.

Present was Mayor Katherine Hasten-Reed, City Treasurer Monalisa Graves, City Clerk Lucretia McPeak, Council members: Todd Stevens, Randy Shumaker, Jim Lenix, Marvin Miller, Jeff McDowell, Interim Police Chief Tim Edwards, Water Superintendent Tim Graves, Jeanette Ford, Ve and Taylor Roberts, Dan Gillett and Michael Rodeffer.

Meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.

Jeff McDowell was installed as La Harpe council member August 25th.