LAHARPE — LaHarpe City Council members want more information before deciding the fate of its bulk water distribution tank.
At their monthly meeting Wednesday, the Council learned the city sold $72.35 worth of water from Dec. 22 through Feb. 18. Meanwhile, Iola paid out $83.99 for utilities.
Councilman Danny Ware Jr. recommended the city add heat tape to the lines so they can stay thawed without having to keep the tank heated.
The city’s options are to either increase the cost of its bulk water or to close the facility altogether.
LaHarpe Fire Chief Ed Stokes noted the Volunteer Fire Department occasionally refills its trucks from the water point, if it’s more convenient than using a fire hydrant.
COUNCIL MEMBERS will submit a claim worth up to $2,500 to the city’s insurance carrier to see if damage sustained from a Jan. 27 power outage should be covered.
The issue came about when city crews replaced a malfunctioning transformer on South Washington Street.
The new transformer, which was not marked, had the wrong amperage, Mayor Mae Crowell explained, causing it to trip a series of fuses and damage several residents’ appliances.
“It’s on us,” Crowell said of the damage.
The vote to submit the claim passed 3-0-1. Voting for the measure were Diana Mullins, Sara’Nicole Prock and Ron Knavel Sr. Ware, one of those whose appliances were damaged, abstained from voting. David Lee was absent.
A PAIR Of upcoming Easter candy hunts are planned.
The LaHarpe PRIDE Committee will host its Easter hunt at 2 p.m. March 26 at the LaHarpe City Park. In case of rain, the event will be moved into the City Hall gymnasium.
The Light of LaHarpe Church also will host an Easter hunt that day, at 10 a.m. at the church on South Main Street.
THE Council agreed to offer $12,500 for a 2011 Ford F-250 pickup from Evans Motors, Girard. A motion by Prock to offer the dealership its $13,900 asking price failed.
Council members accepted the resignation of Charlie Sellman as a contract operator for water and wastewater service for the city. The Council agreed to hire as his replacement John Stokes of Bronson. The city will pay Stokes $200 a month, plus $16 an hour when he’s summoned to assist with a water or wastewater project.
In other personnel decisions, the Council agreed to advertise for a part-time police officer’s position.
