La Harpe City Council

La Harpe Council to Hold Special Joint Committee Meeting to Discuss Sewer Rate Increases

By Michael Rodeffer, The Quill 

La Harpe City Council met on Monday, July 13th, at the La Harpe Clubhouse at 7 p.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. 

The La Harpe City Council agreed to have a joint committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. before their next regular scheduled meeting on Monday, July 27th.

The purpose of the special meeting is to discuss increasing sewer rates, which have not been raised since 2017. 

The council is inviting the public to get their input on the proposed sewer raises.

Councilman Randy Shumaker threw out a couple options: one was raising the minimum rate from $13 to $20 for the first 1,000 gallon of water and then add $2 or $3 per each 1,000 gallon used after the first 1,000 gallon.

Another option was to raise the minimum less and charge more for additional water usage.

Council needs to raise the rates to be able to sustain the cost of the sewer service and to also be available for grants in the future.

Public Comment

Kelsey Keough ask if the council would approve a “Back to School” event to coincide with the Farmer’s Market on August 11th from 4-7 p.m. Keough stated they would like to have some fun things for kids during this time. Council unanimously approved the event.

Jeanette Ford ask about the city’s donation to the car show. Ford was informed the council would put it on the next agenda for July 27th. Council has donated $500 in the past.

Vivaldi Roberts brought up concerns about ongoing issues with trash and recycling. Roberts also noted some ATVs or golf carts are being used in town without the proper stickers and lights.

Council voted to allow city employees to pour concrete for the sidewalk repair at David Littles. Clover, Shumaker, Stevens, and Lenix voted yes and Jeff McDowell voted no. It was noted David Little would be paying for material. 

Tim Graves reported one contractor had looked at the city hall roof but hadn’t received a quote yet. Graves noted a new water meter was installed at the historical society and a dehumidifier should probably be put in the basement. 

Police Chief Tim Edwards gave the police report and ask about buying a new breathalyzer. Council will address the concern at the next meeting.

Mayor Katherine Hasten-Reed noted July 4th in town turned out well and her appreciation to the park board for the fireworks.

In other business the council unanimously approved:

• June minutes with corrections

• Accepting the treasurer’s report and paying of bills

• Paying Brown Landscaping $355 for hauling from Motor Fuel Tax Fund

• Paying Midwest Express $208.67 for hauling from Motor Fuel Tax Fund

• Paying Central Stone $275.74 for gravel from Motor Fuel Tax Fund

Those in attendance were: Mayor Katherine Hasten-Reed; City Treasurer Monalisa Graves; City Clerk Lucretia McPeak; Councilmen, Randy Shumaker, Dave Clover, Todd Stevens, Jim Lenix, Jeff McDowell, City Police Chief Tim Edwards, City Police Officer Tanner Smith; City Employees, Dan Carpenter, Tim Graves, Trevor Finch, Ryan Hopper, and Guests, Kevin Driskell, Jeanette Ford, Taylor and Vivaldi Roberts, Brenda Coulter, Kelsey Keough, John Quigle, Dan Gillett, and Michael Rodeffer.