La Harpe City Council

La Harpe Council Hires Full-Time Street Employee

(From the unapproved minutes taken by Lucretia McPeak, City Clerk)

The La Harpe City Council held its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on January 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the La Harpe Clubhouse. A motion to hire Ryan Porter as a full-time street department employee was also approved unanimously by the council. Porter will start with the street department on February 2 and will earn $42,000 annually.

Committee Reports

The radio in the Dodge was replaced at Kune’s in Macomb at a cost of $867.97. This will be submitted to insurance, with a deductible of $375.00. It was noted that Tanner Smith is attending the Police Academy.

Other reports

Trevor Finch reported that Mike James performed electrical work at the Police Department.

Tim Graves reported that three lead water pipe services have been replaced at a total cost of $8,712.00. Graves informed the council that Daniel Carpenter will need continuing education hours. It will cost $190.00 for the schooling, which will take place February 17–19.

Hollister cleaned out the sewer line at the Leta Shumaker residence. She paid the bill, but since this was on the city line, the City will reimburse her $2,400.

Tim Edwards gave the Police report and informed the council that the 2016 Ford Explorer has issues. Carson Ford provided a quote of more than $11,000 in a worst-case scenario. The council asked Edwards to obtain a second opinion and suggested taking it to “Pro Auto” in Macomb.

City Clerk McPeak reviewed meeting dates and times for 2026 and had printouts available.

Treasurer Graves reported that the Dollar General credit card will still not work. She also noted that water bills can now be received via email. If anyone would like to receive their water bill by email, please reach out to her.

Mayor Hasten-Reed publicly thanked David Little for his years of service working for the City of La Harpe. She informed the council that the City Attorney is working on the quitclaim deed.

Public Comment

Vivalda Roberts reported issues with her recycling not being picked up.

Kim Dean reported issues with dogs barking excessively.

Old Business

The Council unanimously approved the November and December minutes, the treasurer’s report, payment of bills, and the 2026 MFT Resolution with Benton Engineering.

The council tabled the reimbursement contract for Tanner Smith until the next meeting. The council discussed and is looking into liability issues for the Historical Society.The regular council meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m. 

Present were: Dave Clover, Jeff McDowell, Marvin Miller, Randy Shumaker, Todd Stevens, Jim Lenix, Treasurer Monalisa Graves, City Clerk Lucretia McPeak, and Mayor Katherine Hasten-Reed. Also in attendance were Tim Graves, John Quigle, Tim Edwards, Vivalda Roberts, Trevor Finch, Dan Gillett, Ryan Porter, and Max Owsley. The next meeting is scheduled for January 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse.