The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by: Christy Kienast, The Quill
The La Harpe City Council met on Monday, November 14, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the La Harpe City Hall. All council members were present along with several guests.
The minutes and the treasurer's report were accepted from October.
Police Chief Justin Livingston told the council that the transmission on his squad car is getting worse. The police committee met and discussed ideas for a new squad car. The difference between a used truck and a new 2012 Dodge truck is only a few thousand dollars. The new truck could cost $24,000 or more after the police package is added to it.
Chief Livingston said the radar, radio and siren box would all be reusable from the old car to the new squad car. It would need lights and to be striped. A 3 or 4 year old truck with about 40,000 miles on it could cost around $26,000. Mayor Brown and Chief Livingston will find out about financing, and payments and bring it back to the council.
City employee Tim Graves said that the bigger blower at the sewer plant needs repaired. He got two
estimates and the council agreed to go with Foremost Industries for a price of just over $2300 to fix the coupler and get a laser alignment.
Police Chief Justin Livingston told the council of the resignation of J.D. Hobby. His last day is November 18th. Chief Livingston would like to see one part time and one fill in officer hired.
The Police Committee will discuss this and bring their recommendation back to the council.
A motion was passed to hire Western Illinois Regional Council to do the application for the grant for the water main project. A motion was also passed to hire McClure Engineering to do the design work for the water main project. The first phase of the water main project will start at the water tower and work their way out. This would be a four phase project.
The Johnson Farm ground is up for negotiation. Tillable land expires every 3 years and hunting ground expires every 5 years.
The 2011-2012 Tax Levy was passed.
The council renewed the liquor license for Casey's.
The La Harpe Christmas parade is Saturday, November 26th at 3 p.m.
The City of La Harpe is the owner of the bridge going out to the reservoir since 1921. Inspections started on the bridge in 1971. The council agreed to have the Hancock County Engineer to examine the bridge.
The Time and Chime Jewelry building is in need of attention. There have been several suggestions to help owner, Lucretia McPeak try to get it fixed. She has contacted several contractors to see about
estimates and ideas on how to fix the problems. McPeak has had help from several people in the
community to get items out of the building and get some things cleaned up. The city employees involved n this were completely on their own time and not city time.
The La Harpe city council will meet again on Monday, November 28th at 7:00 p.m.