(Atlantic, IA) – The Atlantic City Council, as part of their regular meeting Wednesday evening (Dec. 17), received Annual presentations from the Director of the Atlantic Public Library, Produce in the Park Market Manager, and a representative from the Meals On Wheels program. Library Director Michelle Andersen said the City’s Return On its Investment (ROI) in the Library, in-part, comes in the form of many different programs and events that promote literacy and opportunities to learn about new hobbies.

The Library Houses the Cass County Genealogical Society, so people can learn more about their family’s history. The Atlantic Carnegie Public Library serves as a public meeting place. It offers digital and home delivery service of printed material. Its staff attend community events, such as Produce in the Park. Michelle Andersen says the Library is supported financially by the City through property taxes, and the County, and those funds are important to keeping-up the services offered.

She mentioned also, the Carnegie Foundation has granted $10,000 to community to cities that still operate and maintain libraries established under the Andrew Carnegie name. Overall, last fiscal year, she said, the Library spent $476, 833, not including Capital Expenditures. She thanked the City for its continuing level and interest of support. Produce in the Park Market Manager Ciara Hoegh reminded the Atlantic City Council about this Saturday’s Christmas Market at the Nishna Valley YMCA in Atlantic, from 10-a.m. until Noon.

Atlantic City Council meeting 12-17-25

Produce in the Park…in partnership with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce…began in 2012 as a monthly market , and grew to a weekly market in 2013 and in 2014 a Harvest Market was added. The organization became a stand-alone own non-profit in 2020. Some year-around markets continue to be added. The City has provided PIP an annual subsidy of $8,500 since 2024, with the funds coming from the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) Progress Fund. Other funding comes from sponsors and vendors.

Hoegh said there are usually more than 30 vendors at the various markets offered throughout the year, along with opportunities to learn about new recipes and cooking from guest chefs.

There’s also more live entertainment being offered as the events continue to grow. Produce in the Park accepts SNAP cards for the purchase of qualifying items, such as produce. The Council heard also from local Meals-On-Wheels representative Sue Mosier. The City provides an Annual subsidy of $8,000 to the program, which also comes from the LOST Progress Fund. Mosier explained how the “Common Sense” program operates.

Clients are charged $3.50 per meal. Meals are prepared by the Heritage House for $4.15.

The only other funding source for fixed-income clients, is from Medicaid, if the client is on a waiver. There are currently six clients served that way. Meals On Wheels has been available in one form or another, for more than 50-years.