The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Michael Rodeffer, The Hancock County Quill
Ben Diewold has been released.In a special meeting Friday, July 7, a motion was approved by the La Harpe City Council to have Mayor Kat Hasten, Aldermen Randy Shumaker, Kenny Brown and Police Chief Justin Livingston meet with Ben Diewold on Monday, July 10.
The purpose was to terminate Diewold's employment with the City of La Harpe immediately, and to compensate him for a full days pay, and to ask him to go home. A legal letter of termination will be sent to him via certified mail.
On Monday, July 10, during their regular scheduled meeting, the La Harpe City Council approved Dennis Rankin's intent to terminate his employment with the City of La Harpe. Rankin had given his 30 day notice at the June 26 meeting.
Also, the city council heard a presentation by Alderman Kenny Brown on the La Harpe Classic Car Show which Brown helps to organize each year. Brown said there are 275-350 cars, trucks, bikes, etc. exhibited each year with 180 trophies awarded which draws a large crowd.
He explained that it's a family affair with face painting, awards for kids, music, food, shirts for sale, 50-50 drawing, and a live auction with all proceeds going to the Great River Honor Flight to support local veterans on the flight.
Brown added, "It puts La Harpe on the map with exhibitors and visitors coming from many different states."
The annual event is the first Saturday in August which this year is August 5th (about 3 weeks away).
The City Council voted to approve a $500 donation to the the La Harpe Classic Car Show
and also allowed for the assistance of their city employees to help set up for the event.
City employee Tim Graves reported that they have had 4 water main breaks in older lines since the updated water mains have been installed. He suspects that the newer water lines allow for more water volume and may have contributed to the problem.
Graves said he will also get some quotes for new Remote Readers for the lift station.
Alderman Dave Clover questioned the status on the codified ordinance book. He said the firm doing the work has been paid $6,000 but so far, the city has received nothing! There was some discussion and the firm will be called.
The Council voted to cancel two unused cell phones that should save the city $75 per month on the suggestion of Treasurer Crystal Graves. She said the city has three cell phones they are paying for with only one phone being used by Police Chief Livingston.
Treasurer Graves also discussed an issue she had with the 457 Retirement plan about some incorrect figures. She will discuss this with the firm that produced the plan and check on if there is any cost involved in correcting it.
There was discussion on dilapidated buildings and on two properties with clean-up issues. Mr. Finch who owns the building that is in the process of being torn down on the east side of the park is to appear for a first hearing at the Hancock County Courthouse on July 27th. City Attorney Scholz will represent La Harpe.
In other business, La Harpe City Council approved:
The Council went into a short executive session to discuss an employee issue with no action taken. The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
Present were: Mayor Katherine Hasten, Aldermen: Brian Covert, Greg Wisslead, Randy Shumaker, Ken Brown, Jerry Burford, Dave Clover; and Treasurer Crystal Graves, Clerk Lucretia McPeak; Employees David Little, Tim Graves, Daniel Carpenter, Kenny Foster; and a handful of residents. Attorney Scholz was absent with a representative there from his firm.