By Mari Radtke
It’s been a long time coming. Discussion to improve the Archer Library has been a City Council topic of discussion for at least several years. The Archer Council invited the public to an open house Saturday September 10 to view a conceptual drawing of needed facilities to effectively house city services. The event allowed community members to ask questions and learn first hand what council members are trying to get done.
The library and “Centennial Room” building are falling to age and neglect. In a survey sent to area residents in 2019 it was clear that citizens do not want their tax dollars poured into property that does not belong to the city. That sentiment was affirmed Saturday.
There was no clear directive to the council on Saturday except people want to be kept informed by more than the minutes and items displayed in 3 public locations around Archer. One question that was answered clearly was if the property taxes would be affected. Mayor Nathan Mueller was clear with his response, “We are not going to issue a bond for this. It will be built from donations and fundraisers.” He also gave an overview that property taxes can be affected by property value, not just spending.
At the regular Council meeting on Tuesday September 13 council continued discussion of community communication. Methods more than posting notices and minutes included establishing a Facebook page and reestablishing the community newsletter. All are in favor of both options. A search is underway for identifying a person to produce both products.
Kiana Johnson, Executive Director of O’Brien County Economic Development (OCEDC) attended to introduce herself to council members she has not yet met and to provide a report to the council. She shared with council the history of the organization, its funding sources and its programs including the revolving loan fund, tourism and value added agriculture. She described how OCEDC is working to bring people to the area for vacation, to start or expand businesses and to retain youth in the county after high school.
Two ordinances are under consideration in Archer. An ordinance amendment to change the chicken limit within city limits from 3 to 6. September 13 was the 2nd reading of the amendment. Only 4 council members were present and produced a split vote, 2 in favor of the change and 2 opposed. Councilperson Vanessa Harig expressed clearly that she was voting as ten constituents of the city had conveyed their wishes to her. She was one of the “no” votes, along with Troy Iedema. Harig said a main reason for the opposition was flies, just recently under control in the city.
Council member Stephen Meyer stated that he felt that while the amendment would allow up to 6 chickens per household he does not believe that every household in town will go get 6 chickens as a result of the ordinance. He motioned for the amendment with Jeremy Engel supporting the motion.
Mayor Mueller broke the tie. Although Mueller raises chickens in town, he stated that his vote was to ensure the ordinance lived to its third reading and hoped residents would attend the October meeting to share their views personally.
The other ordinance under review by Archer Council was the discharge of firearms within city limits to shoot wild animals. City Clerk Sandy Fritz provided an email from Micha Schreurs, City Attorney. Schreurs is opposed to such an ordinance due to liability. He recommended bearing the cost and hiring pest control. Council members considered the options to protect townspeople and pets from animal nuisances. Council will hire pest control to do an assessment of the problem. There was little support to allow discharge of firearms in town.