La Harpe City Council

La Harpe City Council Approves Sale of 3 Lots to Memorial Hospital

By Michael Rodeffer, The Quill 

The La Harpe City Council met on April 13th at the La Harpe Clubhouse.  Randy Shumaker was unanimously elected as Mayor-pro term since Mayor Katherine Hasten-Reed was absent.  Five council members, Dave Clover, Marvin Miller, Jim Lenix, Todd Stevens, and Randy Shumaker were present.  Jeff McDowell was absent.

All five Council members unanimously  approved an ordinance for the sale of 3 lots on South Center Street across from the City Park to Carthage Memorial Hospital for $10.  Carthage Memorial Hospital has plans to build a new Clinic at the sight.

Council had a lengthy discussion on raising the sewer rates.  Randy Shumaker noted that the Council has been looking at a sizable grant to line the existing sewer lines to cut down on ground water going into the sewer lines during big rains.  

Shumaker noted the city would have to qualify for the grant through a points system.  After talking to engineers and WIRC, Shumaker noted a targeted sewer rate of $39.95 for a household using 5000 gallons of water was recommended.  Shumaker noted La Harpe has a current rate of $21.83 for a household using 5000 gallons a month.  

Dave Clover noted he would never vote to raise the rates almost double.  Tim Graves said he didn’t think the sewer rates had raised since 1988 and that several nearby towns have been discussing raising their sewer rates.  Shumaker noted a household using 2000 gallons had a sewer rate of $13.11.  No action was taken as the consensus was to get additional input before they decide anything.

Council unanimously agreed to bill Devon Lenix for 5200 gallons from November to February, and bill actual gallons since a water meter has been installed.

Council unanimously approved buying a pallet of copper sulfate from West Central FS at a cost of $6160.  The copper sulfate will be used to treat the reservoir.  Tim Graves noted the pallet would last approximately 1 1/2 years.

In other action the Council unanimously approved:

• March minutes

• accepting the treasurer’s report and paying of bills

• liquor licenses for Casey's and La Harpe Family Restaurant

• gaming license for La Harpe Family Restaurant

The Council discussed changing the service water line at Lillian Street to a main water line.  No action was taken so as to get prices for the change.

Council also discussed culverts and materials needed for the road west of the club house.  Council will be in contact with Benton Engineering for plans to be made.  

Council adjourned and went into executive session at 8:18 p.m.

No action was taken after the executive session.

Present at the meeting was City Treasurer Monalisa Graves, City Clerk Lucretia McPeak, Council members Dave Clover Marvin Miller, Jim Lenix, Todd Stevens and Randy Shumaker; City Employees Tim Graves, Trevor Finch, Dan Carpenter, Ryan Porter, interim city police chief Tim Edwards, ESDA Rep Max Owsley and guests Jeanette Ford, Kevin Driskell, John Quivey, Brenda Coulter, Vivaldi Roberts, Dan Gillett, Darrell Kraft and Michael Rodeffer.