A brief discussion of the community building/library building owned by Brad Puhrmann opened “old business” discussions of the Archer City Council meeting on Tuesday April 11. A discussion among council members present, Jeremy Engel, Stephen Meyer and Vanessa Harig with Mayor Nathan Mueller covered the remaining city property in what was once the Community room and library. City Attorney Micah Schreurs reviewed an insurance claim from Puhrmann for the building damage and the lease between the City and Puhrmann. City Clerk Sandy Fritz reported that Schreurs’ suggestion was to consider that a roof arguably cannot be separated into pieces and is a common area between tenant and landlord and which the landlord is responsible according to section 6B. The ultimate recommendation from Schreurs is to forward all documents to the city’s insurance and let the insurance companies reach a conclusion.
Council held its second reading of the new City Code of Ordinances. Council gave approval and waived the third reading. Once the ordinance is made available to the public it is in force.
The Investment policy was forwarded to Schreurs for its compliance. Disclosures from elected officials was suggested for any assets each may own and held at Citizen’s State Bank. The purpose of the disclosure is to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Junk day discussion gave final approval for Saturday May 13 beginning at 8:ooam. Household Hazardous Material (HHM) trailer will be in Archer on Monday May 15 from 1:00 to 3:00pm for residents to bring household chemicals for disposal. The cost of the trailer goes to the city. Council members are still working to find appliance pickup.
The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) distributed in March was reviewed by Council individually. Councilman Meyer opened the discussion with concerns about the named personnel for necessary functions in the event of different kinds of emergencies. Much of the duties were assigned to the City Clerk. Currently that person does not reside in Archer and may not be able to get to town to fulfill the duties. A number of other named officers being the correct person to meet emergency duties were questioned. A meeting location was also questioned. The existing EOP states the community building is the meeting location. That is no longer appropriate. Further recommendations for change will continue.
Council directed that a contractor be hired to install the flashing crosswalk lights for the Highway near the City Park. Council also passed approval of the National Flood Insurance Program. There is no cost to the city but does enable any property owner to purchase flood insurance should they wish.
The City of Archer just completed its 5-year audit. There were no significant findings. Segregation of duties, as with all small communities, was noted as a point for improvement. The audit recommendations is what led to the adoption of an investment policy. The auditor also recommended an independent review of the bank statement, utility billings and collections. Other recommendations were to use pre numbered receipts and for the City Council to have a report to monitor the monthly budget by function or ending balance to compare to the certified budget. This report was recommended to include ending fund balances for each fund. The audit also questioned a donation by the city to Family Crisis Center. Its recommendation was to document a legitimate public purpose for the spending in any future donation.
Summer help was discussed. The seasonal mowing job will be posted and offered $50 per mow, as necessary.
The proposed budget public hearing received no comments.