LAHARPE Roadwork along U.S. 54 has created a potential headache for LaHarpe City Council members.
A dip at Washington Streets intersection with the highway was formed when the road was resurfaced a few years back and apron added, Councilman Danny Ware Jr. noted.
The issue is that water drainage has been hampered, and when the weather is cold enough, ice builds up at the intersection.
My fear is somebody gets on the ice and cant stop, Ware said. There have been times I couldnt stop. I almost Fred Flinstoned it.
According to the state, Ware continued, the problem is the citys because of Washingtons configuration.
So now its our problem, Mayor Mae Crowell said.
I dont understand why they say its not their responsibility, Councilman David Lee said, questioning which standards were used in measuring the citys and states right-of-way.
Regardless of what remedies are prescribed, its likely nothing will be possible until spring, Crowell continued.
Until then, city crews will monitor the intersection in case wintry weather threatens, and treat the surface accordingly with ice melt materials if necessary.
In other traffic news, Council members agreed to remove at least temporarily stop signs on Second Street at the Harrison Street intersection; Second Street, where it intersects with McKinley Street; McKinley, where it intersects with Sixth Street; on Lincoln Streets intersection with Ninth Street, and at southeast, southwest and northwest street intersections surrounding City Hall.
Council members agreed that since City Hall is no longer a school, those many stops were no longer necessary.
Still, Crowell urged caution. We may not have a school, but we still have kids, she said, while wondering if yield signs should replace the stop signs at each of the locations.
Rather than spend additional money for signage, Council members agreed to pull the signs, but leave the posts in place. If necessary, the signs will be re-erected in the future.
COUNCIL MEMBERS also:
Briefly debated how much of a break to give potential homeowners or business developers with free or greatly reduced-price parcels of land. Crowell encouraged the practice, noting the city would be better off with developed property. Lee, however, noted the city should sell at fair market value. No decision was made.
Tabled a decision on cost-of-living adjustments for city employees. LaHarpe typically follows Allen Countys lead, City Clerk Michelle Altis said, but has not yet heard what the county will do in 2019. The Social Security Index, used at times as a guide for COLA raises, has prescribed a 2.8 percent increase for 2019.
Tabled a decision on whether to allow Ray Maloney to bring in a manufactured home pulled from a lot in Gas. The home was built in 1977. The question is whether a manufactured home falls under the same standards as trailer houses. Council members said they would check with City Attorney Fred Works, who was unable to attend Wednesdays meeting, for his opinion before rendering their decision.
