City administrator announces code-enforcement hire, river-access letting; Chamber lists holiday events

City Administrator Jarvis told the Harlan City Council on Dec. 16 that he has extended a job offer for the city’s code-enforcement position to Chris Vineland and that onboarding is underway.

"I extended a job offer for Chris Vineland for the code enforcement position," Jarvis said during his report, noting the city was completing background checks and onboarding steps.

Jarvis also announced a river-access letting date scheduled for Jan. 21, 2026, and said he is preparing an application to the IO Foundation for Parks & Rec to fund a bullpen at JJJC Ballpark. He said department-head evaluations are being prepared and should be wrapped up in the coming days.

Shelby County Chamber representative Todd Goline summarized community and Chamber items, including a Dec. 24 office closure at noon with reopening on Jan. 5, deadlines for gift-certificate orders, and the schedule for a ribbon cutting, Chamber open house and other holiday events. He also promoted a mitten-donation drive at Elm Crest and an extended discount at a local thrift operation for those donating to the food pantry.

Utilities representative Joe Rosenberg updated the council that the electrical overhead-to-underground conversion project is complete pending minor seeding and paperwork, and that Well 35 was being tested at low flow to resolve elevated sulfate and ammonia levels; staff expect to pause chemical feed over the holiday while they optimize treatment. He said the utilities board will meet in person on Dec. 22 to accept the audit and consider a pay estimate for the water project.

The council asked follow-up questions during Jarvis’s report and heard general holiday greetings before adjourning.