On Tuesday May 10 Brad Veit of Iowa Lakes Rural Water (ILRW) attended to speak with the Archer Council about its proposed budget that includes a $2.00 per month increase to the minimum rate. ILRW operates the wastewater lagoon for the city of Archer. Veit explained the driving reason for the adjustment is due to decreased demand in Archer and increasing operating costs. He showed the local budget for the past 2 years along with the current budget and expected yearend. He did explain some recent troubles the facility had from 2018-19 flooding and the assistance from FEMA. He also noted the need to replace the generator. The lagoons need to circulate constantly and cannot function without a continuous supply of power. Archer is scheduled to receive American Relief Funds, (COVID) that have limited allowable uses. A brief discussion was had for the city to provide assistance with a generator with no decision made.
Council approved the first reading of the Archer Garbage Ordinance. The ordinance, if passed would increase rates from $34.00 per household for garbage collection to $35.50 per month per household. Some discussion about changes in collection to individual households to reduce their cost was held. Council recognized that varied rates and pickups would not be in the city’s best interest. Council also did not waive any of the readings of the new ordinance. The second reading is scheduled for June 14 during the regular city council meeting. Other ordinance changes through the process of the 5-year update required by the state will be presented at the June meeting as well, including the proposed sewer rate change made by ILRW.
A lengthy discussion about the ordinance for chickens in city limits was held. The Archer ordinance reads that 1 rooster and 3 hens per residence may be kept inside city limits. Discussion about what constitutes a residence and how to handle residents in violation of the ordinance was held. Mayor Nathan Mueller stated that he has 3 roosters and 6 hens at his residence. He raises the roosters for personal food use and will be reducing his flock.
Pea gravel for the playground toys is required for final approval of inspection from ICAP (municipal insurance policy). Park cleanup was set for May 21 at 10:00am with a 1:00pm cookout. Library Director Charlene Carlson is also planning a library program for that day.
Discussion of storage for the library and pieces from the history collection was held. Mayor Mueller will look into prices for pod storage for the library collection. Council wants the collection to stay in town. Carlson plans to operate the library as a delivery collection until building concerns can be resolved. Sample letters to residents were exchanged among council members about inviting residents to hear and give input about replacing the library and/or fire station.
Mowing city property was considered. Last year council decided that the reimbursement was not sufficient for the time required. Council provides the mower and the fuel. Time was estimated at 6 hours per mow. After discussing a range of compensation choices council decided to pay $50 per complete mow.