La Harpe City Council

City of La Harpe Suffered A Substantial Water Leak

By Michael Rodeffer, Quill Reporter

The La Harpe Water Plant has been pumping an excessive amount of water, according to Water Superintendent Tim Graves’s report at the February 9th La Harpe City Council meeting Monday evening. Graves noted the town city usually uses 85,000 to 90,000 thousand gallons per day. Last Saturday and Sunday it was pumping 150,000 gallon or more daily. Grave noted they had checked all over town and in tile lines and found nothing. [as of today’s writing, the large water leak has been found and fixed]. Grave also noted that a small leak has been detected on Lillian Drive. The leak appears to be on a service line that goes to a couple houses there.

Council member Randy Shumaker noted that Tanner Smith is starting his 6th week at the police academy. Shumaker also noted that the police vehicle, 2016 Explorer, had two tires put on it and an oil change at Clover Tire at a price of $571.47. He noted that the Explorer still needs several more repairs. Shumaker stated the 2021 Dodge Durango police vehicle had an oil change service today (February. 9) at a cost of $96.20 at 3B Service.

City Treasurer Monalisa Graves reported she had written three checks this evening that needed to be added to her Treasurer’s Report.

City employee Trevor Finch informed the Council that the city’s pole saw was being repaired at a cost of $375.00. He noted that a new pole saw would have cost $1299.00

Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed reported that Hancock County Chief Deputy Josh Smith, candidate for county Sheriff, has asked to attend the next council meeting on Feb. 23rd to speak. Dave Clover said the other candidate for Sheriff, Jordan Hawes, should be invited to the March 9th meeting also.  The Primary Election date is March 17th.

Attorney Kurt Dittmer gave the report for the Johnson Trust.  Dittmer noted that the school had received $400,000 for the 2025 fiscal year.  Dittmer reported that everything was going well.  The Council unanimously approved his report.

Council also unanimously approved the January minutes, the treasurer’s report, and paying of the bills. Council member Randy Shumaker noted that the city would be needing copper sulfate to treat the Reservoir and the city will need to find a new supplier since the last supplier has discontinued sell the product. Council adjourned at 8:02 P.M. 

Attending the meeting was Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed, City Treasurer Monalisa Graves, City Clerk Lucretia McPeak, Council members: Dave Clover, Jeff McDowell, Marvin Miller, Jim Lenix, Todd Stevens, and Randy Shumaker; Also city employees: Tim Graves, Daniel Carpenter, Ryan Hopper, Trevor Finch; Interim City Police Chief Tim Edwards; Attorney Kurt Dittmer; Guests: Vivaldi Roberts, Jeanette Ford, John Quigle, Darryl Kraft, Dan Gillett, and Quill reporter Michael Rodeffer.