CITY OF LA HARPECITY COUNCIL MEETING

MARCH 8, 2017

REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M.

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENTRon Knavel Mayor Ella Mae CrowellDavid Lee City Clerk, Michelle AltisDiana Mullins Water Representative, Chuck RicheySharlyn Thompson Code/ Animal Control Officer, Dustin HuffDanny Ware Jr

Call to order

Ella Mae Crowell, Mayor, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance with 5 members present.

Approval of Agenda Mayor Crowell added a statement from Westar before citizens call for business. David Lee added generation to City Hall under old City Hall. David Lee made the motion to approve the amended agenda. Ron Knavel seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Approval of Minutes David Lee made the motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on February 8, 2017 and the special meetings on February 14, 16 and both meetings on February 22, 2017. Danny Ware Jr seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

Mayor Crowell received a message from Westar thanking the citizens of La Harpe for their patience; they were very impressed how some citizens were taking them drinks and food. Mayor Crowell also thanked Westar for being quick with their call out ethics; she stated “they were on it”! Also thanked the La Harpe rural fire department for their assistance. Mayor Crowell stated, “As a community, we all came together. Thank you”.

CITIZENS CALL FOR BUSINESS

a) Carrie Goodman- requested a variance to her Ag permit. David Lee approved the variance for 5 to 6 horses. Diana Mullins seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

b) Richard Luken with PRIDE- stated they were waiting to hear word on the grant for the rubber mulch. PRIDE is planning an Easter Egg Hunt for April 15th at 2:00 p.m. at the City Park, he stated if needed we may have to use City Hall. Mayor Crowell stated that would be fine. After that PRIDE will be focusing on the volleyball pit, would like to know if the City could help haul the rock in; Mayor Crowell stated that should be fine. Harry Lee, member of PRIDE, stated they will be having a dedication event once we are completed and would like the Mayor to attend and speak on the City’s behalf.

c) Ron Knavel- Was approached about using the ball field this summer for co-ed tournaments and perhaps ACARF could supply concessions. Mayor Crowell thought it would be a wonderful idea to see the ball field used.

NEW BUSINESSa) Water Tower – tabled until next month to compare costs.b) City owned land East of 510 W 6th- David Lee was concerned about future if we wanted to open the

street back up. The Council decided to table this item so that they could discuss it with Chuck.c) Healthcare Foundation- Harry Lee and Ben Alexander were present to present this grant

opportunity. Harry Lee stated the purpose for the grant is to provide equipment, utilities, a facility

and provide health care to do assessments. The grant would also pay for a program coordinator, a key card entry system and for a security system. David Lee asked about the success rates from the other communities; Ben stated we do not have any numbers yet. Ben stated the equipment would belong to LaHarpe/ La Harpe PRIDE and the second year a program coordinator won’t be involved and the City could cover expenses by collecting a monthly fee to use the equipment, this would have to be done in the second year or apply for the grant again. Harry Lee stated he talked with Nathan Fawson and he would be very interested in helping those that have addictive behaviors. Ben stated he was surprised by the number of citizens that stated they had addictive behaviors. Danny Ware Jr asked how long it would take to get the grant; Ben stated it could take up to 4 months. David Lee expressed concerns because the City is considering moving back to Main Street. Mayor Crowell stated that citizens could still use the equipment if we install a key card system. David Lee made the motion to apply for the Healthcare Foundation Grant. Diana Mullins seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

UNFINISHED BUSINESSa) Grant agreement contract- Danny Ware Jr made the motion to authorize the Mayor to sign the

contract. Sharlyn Thompson seconded. Motion carried 5-0.b) Non-interest bearing checking account- Mayor Crowell stated that we are required to open a

separate account for the electric upgrade. She suggested we open the account at Community National Bank so that way it is separate from the other money. David Lee made the motion to open an account with CNB and require the Mayor and City Clerk’s signature for withdrawal. Sharlyn Thompson seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

c) Old City Hall- Mayor Crowell was concerned about the number of calls and complaints about an article that was printed in the newspaper. There are a lot of Citizens that want City Hall to stay because of the library, the museum, the space for dinners or funerals. She suggested we send out a survey to our Citizens and let them decide; after all it is their money. David Lee agreed but also wanted to make sure that the public knows how much of their money is being used in utilities on this facility. City clerk, Michelle Altis, will work on a survey.

d) Generator for City Hall- David Lee expressed concerns about our generator stating we have a way to send power to a power strip but don’t have a way to fire up a few lights. The Council suggested Michelle call around and get prices. Ron Knavel asked the mayor if we should by another generator for our lift stations. Mayor Crowell stated we maybe should look into getting another one.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERSa) Chuck Apt, City Attorney – Absent from meeting.

b) Chuck Richey, Water District Representative- Had nothing to report on water. Chuck stated that the City was wasting money having our water tower serviced every year. Council instructed Michelle to ask around what other City’s do and costs.

c) Animal/Code Officer Dustin Huff – Presented the council 3 properties that needed condemning procedures started; they were 1413 S Broadway, 1404 S Washington and 1102 S Washington. David Lee asked him for his recommendation; Dustin stated he has not seen anyone at these residents and the structures are starting to deteriorate. David Lee made the motion to proceed with the condemnations. Diana Mullins seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Dustin also stated he needed an antenna for his radio and an ear piece. David Lee said it was under $100.00 so get what you need.

d) Marc Waggoner, Fire Chief- Absent from meeting. Minutes from 2/26/17 was shared; Present: Marc Waggoner Sr., Craig Trester, Mark Scott, Ryan Scott, Dennis Sidebottom, Jeremy Kinzer, Nick Trester, Jonathan Gay, Marc Waggoner Jr. and Rick Noyes. Had fire meeting handed out first aid CPR cards went and flushed whistle at 3rd & McKinley. Took 351 unit out and returned to barn and ended meeting. Next meeting will be March 26, 2017.

e) Michelle Altis, City Clerk- Asked the Council what they wanted to do with the old digger truck. David Lee suggested asking Reed and company if they would be able to fix it and the cost. Humanity House sent us a flyer, needing to know if the Council wants to donate to them. Danny Ware Jr made the motion to donate $25.00. Diana Mullins seconded. Motion carried 3-2 with David Lee and Sharlyn Thompson opposing. Michelle shared 2 claims that were presented to the City, the Mayor directed her to submit them to our insurance company. Michelle stated we received $834.78 from the auction and would like to know what account to put the money in. Mayor Crowell recommended we donate it to PRIDE. David Lee made the motion to donate the proceeds to PRIDE. Ron Knavel seconded. Motion carried 4-1, Danny Ware Jr abstained. Michelle asked the council about the claims from Ray Maloney & Ed Cole, claims were filed when Bill Stanford was trimming trees and a branch fell on the powerline. Mayor Crowell said to send those to his insurance company.

DISCUSSION ON AGENDA ITEMS – No discussion on agenda items.

TREASURER’S REPORT – File for audit

APPROVAL OF BILLSDanny Ware Jr made the motion to approve the bills as presented. David Lee seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

ADJOURNMENT David Lee made the motion to adjourn. Danny Ware Jr seconded. Motion carried 5-0. 8:35 p.m.

___________________ _____________________City Clerk Mayor