The Archer City Council finally selected a letter for its citizens to request input from them for the development of a multi-use community building. Council is set on getting a facility to house the library and a community room. Other uses discussed and under consideration are a fire department, senior center and museum. The Archer public should expect to be invited to the library for involvement for this project to proceed. Council members are hoping for unofficial drawings or drafts for the public to scrutinize.
The garbage fund in Archer was bringing in less than the cost to the city for the service. In May, council had their first reading of the ordinance to adjust the rate $2.00. There were no public comments. The second reading was held Wednesday June 8. Again no comments from the public were submitted. In light of the 2 readings without contest, council decided to waive the third reading and adopt the ordinance. It will become effective for the fourth quarter of 2022.
Work continues to select and purchase safety and quality of life signs. Putting up signage a mile outside city limits announcing the prohibition of engine brake noise is ongoing. Council is also looking for crosswalk signs. They are working to slow traffic through town in the absence of law enforcement. There is a possibility for the community to win a grant from Iowa Community’s Assurance Pool (ICAP) to assist with the sign purchases.
ICAP came to Archer to inspect the community for insurance purposes. The city needs to lay gravel under the playground toys at the park. No other issues were cited. Council discussed when and who would lay down the gravel which council has.
Archer has available from American Rescue Plan funds $18,478.93. The use of the funds is limited to water and/or sewer construction or improvements. The city has until 2024 to declare a use for the funds and until 2026 to complete the project.
Members of the Archer City Council spoke about a request for support from Family Crisis Center (FCC). The emergency services organization benefited from strong supportive language from all the council members who did finally decide to fund the $250 request to the crisis center.
Councilperson Vanessa Harig spoke her frustration to the rest of the council at the pace of making decisions more timely to show the public movement for plans for the new library/community building. She asked about more frequent meetings to get and keep the project moving along. Library Director Anne Carlson shared her concerns that the project is being placed on her alone. She noted she doesn’t even have a printer. Council members replied that there aren’t enough people meet more often and without participants no work happens. Stephen Meyer did agree that the three months on a letter is too long. Carlson stated that involvement from the other departments is needed. No commitment was made for additional meetings, but there was a request for members of the public to attend the meetings and to share their views.