The Future of Archer Library Still Under Discussion
By Mari Radtke
The 28E Agreement proposed by Primghar Library to Archer Library Board and its City Council did not meet with a resounding embrace. Anne Carlson explained at the November 8 Archer City Council meeting that discussion with the Sheldon Library officials will take place in the coming week.
Resolution to Archer’s former community building continues. Insurance agents are talking with ICAP, an insurer to municipalities in Iowa, attempting to convince ICAP that the City of Archer has an interest in the building and that insurance should be available to them. None of the other differences between the city and owner, Brad Puhrmann, have been finalized. Those differences are roof replacement and furnaces. Some legal determinations are further holding up resolution. If the City wants to terminate the least on June 30, 2024, notice must be given in December 2023.
The posting of city notices at the Post Office was stopped due to the content being posted for a short period of time. A new clerk is starting in Archer in December and may set a different policy.
Discussion over the terms of the grant writer position being finalized with Annee Carlson ended up tabled. Carlson has offered her services to identify grant financing opportunities and complete them for a possible multi-use building including a fire station, city hall, community room and possibly library/museum. Council members asked for a little time to “digest” her proposal at $25 per hour for research and development of grants for the project.
Council will donate up to $250 reimbursement for a “Santa” day in Archer.
A few potential residents were identified to fill the snowplow driver needs during winter. Council set $21.75 as the hourly rate for that position. The position will be posted for applications. Council also decided a process to repair potholes on Highland Street. The mayor will get estimates and try to lock in the price for proper repairs to be made in the spring.
The fire contracts for townships with Archer have increased from $120 per section to $189 per section.
A loose plan to repair the open shelter roof at the city park was set and repairs to the windows and doors of the depot were included.