La Harpe City Council

La Harpe Council Questioned About Former Nursing Home

By Michael Rodeffer, Quill Reporter 

The La Harpe City Council met on March 9th at 7 p.m. at the La Harpe Clubhouse.

Council member Dave Clover noted for everyone that the council had approved buying a 2023 Ford Explorer Police vehicle from Portland, Oregon at a cost of $23,000 plus fees and delivery.  Clover stated the vehicle should be here by the end of the week.  Clover also reiterated that the city employees needed to watch their spending and keep it under control.

Doug Erickson from Benton Engineering explained he doesn’t have a contract with the city, but normally works with a contract per project.  Erickson noted he was very willing to help the city with any needs that they may need.

Dave Clover noted the city had received $7670 from Matt Dixon for the city’s share of logging.

Public Comment

Jeanette Ford noted the building at 101 N B Street (former nursing home) was listed as being owned by the city.  Ford asked if the city had any plans for cleaning up the property and boarding it up.  Mayor Hasten-Reed stated a Mr. Miller who had resided there part time, needed to be served papers.  

As of yet Mr. Miller had not been located.  Hasten-Reed stated the process might take some time as an eviction notice will need to be filed and possibly a court date to see if anyone shows up.  Hasten-Reed noted the city could not legally go onto the property until all steps have been followed according to the law.

Ford also asked about the blue house at the east end of town and if there were any plans to have it torn down or cleaned up.  Randy Shumaker noted he had spoken with the owner and was told he planned to have the property cleaned up.

City council also unanimously approved:

• Selling 3 older lawn mowers and several other items at an auction

• Buying Ex-mark mower from Meltons in Dallas City at approximately $9919.

• February minutes

• Treasurer’s report and paying of bills

• Paying Midwest Express for $208.95 for gravel from Motor Fuel Tax funds

• Contract between the city and Tanner Smith

• Bid from Bob’s Tree Service for a tree removal at $7050

Attending the meeting were: Mayor Katherine Hasten-Reed, Treasurer Monalisa Graves, Clerk Lucretia McPeak; Council members Dave Clover, Jeff McDowell, Marvin Miller, Jim Lenix, Todd Stevens, Randy Shumaker; Interim Police Chief Tim Edwards; Employees Tim Graves, Daniel Carpenter, Trevor Finch, Ryan Porter; ESDA rep Max Owsley, Benton Engineer Doug Erickson; and guests Jeanette Ford, Vivaldi Roberts, Brenda Coulter, John Quigle, Dan Gillett and Michael Rodeffer.