By Mari Radtke
The Archer Council approved a proposed agreement with the Sheldon Library for services to Archer residents. Based on information provided to county libraries by Bonnie McKewon, Central District Consultant for State Library of Iowa, the cost to Archer to provide the service for it 117 residents should be $2925 for a fiscal year. Archer Council agreed to that figure. The agreement, once signed by both library boards, will give access to all of the Sheldon Library resources, including “Bridges” (online books, publications and more) to all Archer residents. A notice will be provided to Archer residents in their utility bill. The agreement is expected to become effective July 1, 2024.
Confusion still reigns over the former community room/library and council chambers. The lease between Brad Puhrman of Paullina and owner of the old Archer school building and the City of Archer for use of certain parts of the building remains in effect. Resolution of the dispute between Puhrman and the city for damage to the building is not resolved. City Council member Aimee Mueller has been unable to obtain a bid for roofing certain parts of the facility, which the city may be responsible. Lawyers representing both parties are reported to have not met over the matter.
An agreement with Annee Carlson for services as a grant writer for a new multi-use building in Archer was evaluated and discussed. Carlson served as Archer’s Library Director. She has done work toward financial opportunities to help pay for the facility. After a lot of discussion, Councilman Stephen Meyer said he supports utilizing Carlson’s experience and abilities in the area of grant writing, but didn’t feel it was useful money spent to pay Carlson for research until the committee has provided a building plan and suggested costs. Troy Iedema asked if she would wait, adding she needs to give her input. He, too, expressed concern for the time frames of the contract and evaluation.
Councilperson Vanessa Harrig said, “Annee has done a lot of grant work.” She felt that a minimum of $300 was earned for that work. Meyer proposed to pay a $500 stipend for the work she has done so far in an effort to keep her available until the building design is decided. The proposal became a motion and passed.
Jason Waggenaar was hired as the snow plow driver at $21.50 per hour with a list of backup drivers if needed.
The new fire contracts with townships were set at $189 per section. A few sections have been added to the Archer district. Contracts will go with the fire chiefs to the annual meeting.
Some budget discussion was held between council and City Clerk Sandy Fritz. The changes imposed on cities by House File 718 were discussed. Fritz noted that the city would not be able to use many levies, but that Archer does not use them now. She also explained that some levies for employee benefits are allowable and that Archer has never used them. She suggested it would be a way for Archer to recover some of the lost growth in taxable value to minimize damage to their next budget. No decisions were made.
Mayor Nathan Mueller and Councilman Stephen Meyer