The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The La Harpe City Council met on Monday, November 24th at the La Harpe Clubhouse at 7 p.m.
Present at the meeting was Mayor Katherine Hasten-Reed, City Treasurer Monalisa Graves, City Clerk Lucretia McPeak, council members: Jim Lenix, Todd Stevens, Randy Shumaker, Marvin Miller and Jeff McDowell.
Also present were city employees Tim Graves, Tim Edwards, and Tanner Smith; Joseph Swan, LRS representative; ESDA representative Max Owsley, and guests Jeanette Ford, Darryl Kraft, Dan Gillett and Michael Rodeffer. Council member Dave Clover arrived at 7:18 p.m.
LRS representative Joseph Swan was present to answer questions and explain what LRS is doing to improve their services. Swan explained they had issues with a shortage of drivers but have recently hired 4 new drivers which will give them 2 extra drivers.
Swan also stated they had hired a second mechanic so there will be a mechanic for 2 shifts of work. Swan noted the city-wide clean-up was overwhelming with more items to be picked up than they had expected.
Swan expects service to get better and more consistent. Swan also noted the Council could call him with any issues. Mayor Hasten-Reed noted the contract with LRS runs until 2028, which allowed them to keep the same rates.
Council member Todd Stevens noted the Dodge truck had a wiring issue and thought it could be temporarily fixed for the upcoming snow. Stevens stated it would need a new wiring harness and possibly some tires in the near future.
Councilman Randy Shumaker noted Tanner Smith would be going to Bellevue this week for fitness tests and orientation for the police academy.
Shumaker also asked the council to make a final decision on the city ground by Colusa as to if they wanted to sign up for solar. This item will be on the next agenda on the December 8th meeting. Shumaker also discussed some possibilities for police department hours.
ESDA representative Max Owsley noted the county is working on Rescue training and a program for church security.
Water Superintendent Tim Graves stated that 140 of 210 new water meters have been installed. City Treasurer Monalisa Graves noted 2 bills were not on her report: $1773.20 for uniform items for Tanner Smith and $4789.00 for Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for chemical testing.
Council also unanimously approved:
Meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.