LAHARPE Residents will no longer be able to deposit limbs and brush at the east edge of the LaHarpe City Park.
City Council members voted unanimously Wednesday to do away with the brush pile, after fielding several complaints from neighboring residents following a recent burn.
City Clerk Michelle Altis recounted the towns recent Easter egg hunt when windy conditions reignited smoldering embers in the brush pile, filling the air with smoke.
She said shes received complaints from residents suffering from asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Theyre not happy, she said.
As the smoke was going across my yard, one resident asked me, How would you like to have this in your house, Councilman David Lee added. And I would not.
Council members agreed extra steps must be taken to prevent unauthorized dumping of limbs and brush. A temporary fence will be erected to prevent vehicles from accessing the area, with large signs posted to notify residents of the closure.
Council authorized the purchase of an additional security camera to be placed at the edge of the park to identify any potential violators.
Council members noted residents are allowed to take their brush free of charge to the Allen County Landfill, which sits less than a mile away from town, although businesses must pay a fee.
THE COUNCIL also:
Approved demolition orders for condemned houses at 1010 S. McKinley and 804 S. Broadway St. Code enforceme nt officer Scott Stewart showed photos of both properties.
Discussed LaHarpes annual citywide cleanup week, May 14-18. Residents must sign up by May 5 with their address and list of items to be picked up. No tires, batteries, household trash or items with freon will be accepted. The piles must be set up by the street, and not the alleys, because LaHarpes long-anticipated electric upgrade project should be in motion by then, Altis said.
Were told LaHarpes citywide garage sale will be June 9. Residents wishing to have their sale included must sign up by June 1. Lists will be available to the public beginning June 5 at City Hall or at the post office.
