The Harlan City Council discussed and approved a sanitary sewer extension project agreement during a meeting on Monday.

A motion was made to allow Mayor Joseph Meadors to sign any and all paperwork regarding the City of Harlan’s participation in the extension project. The extension project would be paid by the Harlan County Fiscal Court and maintained by the city.

The sewer extension would service many of the residents along Airport Road, bringing in revenue from approximately 30 residential customers and 20 commercial customers.

Before making a motion to approve paperwork signed by the mayor, discussion was had about an issue regarding citizens being hooked into the sewage lines without paying to be serviced.

Meadors recalled the issue being a big one and that people doing so either needed to pay their dues or legal action must be taken.

During the discussion, it was estimated that more than 100 people are using city lines without paying, costing the city upwards of $2,500 a month.

Meadors and city council members agreed legal action must be taken in order to resolve the issue. Council members then made the motion to allow Meadors to sign paperwork for the sewer extension project.

In regards to other discussed topics, council members and members of Harlan Tourism went over Spring Cleanup, scheduled to start on May 1.

Beginning on May 1, the City of Harlan and the Harlan Street Department will be assisting community members in spring cleaning, by visiting different neighborhoods each week to haul off larger items people may have trouble moving on their own.

The two entities will be available to pick up refrigerators, couches, old appliances and more — noting paint, batteries and tires must be grouped separate. Motor oil must also be in a separate bag from other garbage and debris.

Scheduled pick-up for the communities are as follows:

May 1-7: Fairview/Bailey Hill;

May 8: Sunny Acres/Woodland Hills;

May 9-17: Downtown Harlan/North and South Main streets;

May 18-24: Sunshine (parts within Harlan City limits);

May 25-27: Ivy Hill;

May 28-31: Call for pick-up (if you missed the day/week for your community).

In addition to Spring Cleanup, there will also be a downtown cleanup hosted on May 18 at 9 a.m. at the Harlan Civic Center.

For more information regarding Spring Cleanup or to arrange for pick-up if you missed your community’s day/week, call Harlan City Hall at 606-573-2912.

In other council activity:

• The council members heard an update on Harlan Little League. Little league had approximately 330 children sign-up to play, noting this is the most they have had in nearly 25 years. In addition, both Huff Park and Ray Field renovation projects are coming along;

• Harlan City Fire Chief Linette Hutchison reported her department completed 130 man hours of training, inspected four single-family dwellings, met with FEMA to conduct surveying, had one lift assist, filled out paperwork for state aid and purchased gear for a smaller crew member;

• Harlan City Police reported the department received 2,048 calls, worked 11 automobile accidents, opened 21 criminal cases, issued 96 citations and made around 30 arrests;

• Wastewater Management Supervisor Cecil Lokaby reported his department treated approximately 41 million gallons of water, the county received 3.9 inches of rain, replaced multiple pumps, repaired vehicles, had one station failure and had two CSO yearly reports approved;

• The council members heard of various buildings being demolished throughout the city, including the site known as the Brock Building. Multiple street lights have also been replaced, leaving three to be fixed.