La Harpe City Council

La Harpe Council Approves Cost of Living Increase

By Michael Rodeffer, The Quill 

At the La Harpe City Council meeting on June 8th, after the Pledge of Allegiance, in the absence of Mayor Katherine Hasten-Reed, Randy Shumaker was unanimously elected as Mayor-Pro-Tem.  

The council unanimously approved a 3% cost of living increase for city employees, excluding the 2 police officers who had recently negotiated their pay.

Finance chairman Dave Clover informed the council that the city had received $4680 for their portion of the trees sold at the cemetery.

Tim Graves reported that there is a roof leak at City Hall which needs looked at.  Graves noted there were some ruts at the reservoir and lift station from the logging that had been done.  Graves also recommended not filling swimming pools from the fire hydrants this year.  And Graves stated the reservoir needs to be treated.

Councilman Todd Stevens thanked the city crew for helping to clean up garbage on the streets when the garbage truck was not working properly.  Stevens noted LRS Disposal had apologized for the truck issues.

Mayor-Pro-Tem Randy Shumaker noted the city was waiting on paperwork from attorneys to finalize conveying the property over to Memorial Medical.  Shumaker stated there was no update on the flower shop building.

City Police officer Tanner Smith gave the police report. 

City treasurer Monalisa Graves noted the light needs repaired at City Hall.

Public Comment

Jeanette Ford informed the Council of the upcoming car show on August 1st.  Ford asked for police to be present for the event, and noted to be sure not to block the restaurant’s parking.

The Council tabled the sewer plant project and sewer rate increases until the next meeting.  Council also tabled action on doing a smoke test on sewer lines until some quotes were obtained.

Council discussed a partial sidewalk replacement at the David Little residence.  Council discussed having the city employees pour the concrete for the job since it wasn’t a large area.  No action was taken at this time on the sidewalk.

City employee Trevor Finch informed the Council the city needed an outboard motor for their boat so they could treat the reservoir.  Finch was going to check on prices and bring to the next meeting.

Other Action

Council unanimously approved:

•payment to Benton Engineering for $1710 paid from motor fuel tax fund.

•payments to GRAY Quarries for $2425.75 for super patch paid from motor fuel tax fund.

• May minutes.

•accepting treasurers report and paying of bills.

•purchasing 4 tires for police Durango for $871 at Clover Tire.

The Council went into executive session at 8:42 p.m.

There was no action taken after council exited executive session.

Present were Council members Randy Shumaker, Todd Stevens, Dave Clover and Jeff McDowell, City Clerk Lucretia McPeak, City Treasurer Monalisa Graves, City Police Chief Tim Edwards, City Police Officer Tanner Smith, City employees Tim Graves, Dan Carpenter, Ryan Hopper, Trevor Finch, ESDA rep Max Owsley, and guests Vivaldi Roberts, Brenda Coulter, Macy Smith, Jeanette Ford, John Quigle, Dan Gillett, and Michael Rodeffer.  Absent was Mayor Katherine Hasten-Reed and Council members Jim Lenix and Marvin Miller.