The Archer City Council met at Archer Reformed Church on Tuesday March 8. The move was forced by a saturated ceiling in the space used as the library and city hall. Work continues to create a city owned public facility to house public features affordable and desired by the residents.
The public hearing for the 2023-24 fiscal year city budget was opened with no public comments made, and then closed. Council discussion about the budget followed. Archer does not have any levies beyond its general fund $8.10 levy. The city will levy no more than $37,783 for the coming fiscal year from property taxes. This budget met with unanimous approval.
An update to the city’s Emergency Operation Plan was brought up for discussion. It was tabled pending Fire Chief Don DeBoer’s review and input of the procedural document.
An second public hearing was held to adopt the new code of ordinances which also passed after several reviews by council. Council held its first reading of the newly proposed book of ordinances. Council passed the first reading and waived the second and third readings of the updated ordinance book. Archer now has newly adopted ordinances.
Archer has never had an investment policy before the state auditor’s recent mentioning of it. A draft policy was proposed to council. That draft provided direction in where to hold accounts for Archer funds, deposit limits at each depository and the type of accounts allowable. City Clerk Sandy Fritz requested that City Attorney Micah Schreurs review the proposed policy before adopting. The motion to table pending Schreurs’ approval carried.
Archer’s junk day and the hazardous material trailer were discussed. Junk day was set for Saturday May 13. Residents can put unwanted items, not regular trash, on the curb for disposal. Some items such as cloth furniture may have a charge. Items must be at the curb by 8:00am. Appliance pick up has not been set. The hazardous material trailer will be in Archer on Monday May 15.
Landfill rates were increased. The city will absorb that cost for the current year. It will be a shortfall to the city of about $1200.00. The increase will be addressed next year. The Mosquito Control was adopted again for the coming year. Council also agreed to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program that has no cost to the city. Participation only allows a private property owner to purchase flood insurance if they so choose.
A lengthy discussion of the library collection and next steps for a city facility was a big part of the meeting. Library Director Annee Carlson and Library Board President Katie Morgan explained the current status of the library’s collection and what remains. It was decided to keep Carlson on the payroll until the entire collection is retired or otherwise protected.
Discussion of a state requirement that every city provide a library for its citizens asked the question of what that means and the options available to the Archer Council and Library Board. No decisions were reached. Carlson was charged with further investigation from the questions that came up.
Councilperson Vanessa Harig, an outspoken proponent of a new city facility reported individuals she has recruited to serve on a committee to develop plans for a facility and heading fundraising efforts. The last proposal for a facility was to construct a single building to house a fire station, community center, city office and library/museum for Archer. Members of the committee mentioned were Harig, Carlson, Don DeBoer, Matt Donberg, Scott DeKok, Lindsey Kelleher, Angela Morley and Tyler Schmidt. Harig notes that input from the residents is welcome.