La Harpe City Council

La Harpe Council Pursues Purchase of a Boat, Motor, and Trailer for Reservoir Upkeep

By Michael Rodeffer, The Quill 

At the La Harpe City Council meeting on June 22nd, after the Pledge of Allegiance, the Council decided to have Trevor Finch pursue the purchase of a boat, motor and trailer for $1900 or less to use in treating the La Harpe Reservoir.

Tim Graves noted a water leak in the roof at City Hall.  Council asked Graves to get at least two quotes for repairing the roof.

City Clerk Lucretia McPeak informed the Council that North E Street, North D Street and South 4th Street were all listed as city streets, maintained by the city.  

Randy Shumaker informed the Council that the Police Ford Explorer had some updates and the Police Dodge Durango would probably be updated in the next week or so.

Todd Stevens informed Council that a culvert was needed at the Timberview addition.  Council decided to go with a double wall plastic pipe for $1902 plus $220 hauling cost.  They unanimously approved the purchase. The project would also need some gravel for fill and some blacktop patch which could all be paid for from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund.  The city crew would be able to install the culvert.

Stevens also noted he had spoken with Benton Engineering and they were making progress on plans to have the culvert west of the Community Clubhouse replaced.  They are still in discussions with IDOT.

Stevens informed the Council of a residence on 2nd Avenue which is growing up in weeds and small trees.  Trevor Finch was asked to talk to Police Chief Edwards and have it posted for an ordinance violation of too tall of grass.

Stevens stated it might be a couple more weeks before Benton Engineering had more facts for doing a "smoke test" on the sewer lines.

The Council discussed:

• sewer rate increases

• the sidewalk issue and having the city crew pour concrete at David Little’s residence, which would be two small areas of sidewalks. It was decided to look into a form or waiver to exempt the city from liability.  

• looking into updating their ordinance pertaining to e-bike laws

• 
  

The Council unanimously approved the treasurers report and the Appropriations Budget, Ordinance 2026-2.

The Council went into executive session at 7:53 p.m. to discuss a Johnson Ground Trust issue.  There was no action by the Council after returning to open session at 8:05 p.m.

Council adjourned at 8:08 p.m.

Present were Council members Jim Lenix, Todd Stevens, Randy Shumaker, Jeff McDowell, Marvin Miller, City Treasurer Monalisa Graves, City Clerk Lucretia McPeak, City employees Tim Graves, Trevor Finch, ESDA Rep Max Owsley, Attorney Kurt Dittmer, and guests Brenda Coulter, Vivaldi Roberts, John Quigle, Kelsey Keough, Dan Gillett and Michael Rodeffer.