FEBRUARY 2025

Mayor Mark Larson called to order the February 3, 2025, City Council Meeting in the Argyle Council Chambers at 7:00 PM. Members present were Mark Larson, David Gunderson, Zachary Beaudry, Penni Anderson, and Aaron Rivard. Also attending were Jon Olson with Apex Engineering, Jacob Davis, Michael Pagnac, and Tamara Benitt.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.

Motion by Zachary Beaudry, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to authorize bidding of Lincoln Avenue project contingent upon County and MnDOT approval. Motion carried.

Motion by Penni Anderson, second by David Gunderson, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Zachary Beaudry, to approve Mayor Mark Larson to sign the Affidavit of Street Acquisition for a portion of Atlantic Avenue on behalf of the Argyle City Council. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Zachary Beaudry, to approve RESOLUTION 03-2025, Authorizing New Member in Regional Safety Group. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve RESOLUTION 04-2025, Adopting By-laws for Argyle Park Board. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to increase the bulk fill usage rate to $25.00/1,000 gallons and $100.00 base rate/per month. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to discontinue the City installing any secondary gas lines. Motion carried.

On a motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, RESOLUTION 05-2025, Monetary Limits on Municipal Tort Liability was approved. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to continue the optional coverage of no-fault sewer backup. Motion carried.

Building Permits: Jeremy Misselhorn-remodel at rental. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Penni Anderson, to acknowledge and approve excluded bingo activity for Argyle American Legion Auxillary during the 2025 year at the Argyle American Legion. Motion carried.

The City Office & City Shop will be closed on Monday, February 17th, in observance of Presidents’ Day.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve the bills presented for payment, the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, delinquent accounts and vacation & sick leave.

It was asked that next time there is an Otter Tail Power outage that updates be put on the City’s Facebook page.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded Penni Anderson, to approve the $.50/per hour increase once an employee is on-call gas certified with the employee to receive the other $.50/hour at gas certification completion. Motion carried.

Being no further business, motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Zach Beaudry, to adjourn. Motion carried.

David Gunderson asked to close the meeting, to discuss personnel roles and responsibilities. Mayor Larson closed the meeting.

Argyle offers a yearly garbage pickup fee. $100.00 per 35-gallon garbage can. Stop by the City Office to purchase your yearly sticker.

Stop by the City Office to purchase 2025 pet license and special vehicle permits (golf carts).

Reminder: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on March 12, 2025.

City Office and City Shop Hours: Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 4:30pm & Friday – 7:00am – 11:00am.

Residents are reminded to stop by City Office to purchase a $15.00 building permit for any remodeling/building over $500.00. This is an important step to ensure all codes and setbacks are followed.

Vice Mayor David Gunderson called to order the January 6, 2025, City Council Meeting in the Argyle Council Chambers at 7:00 PM. Members present were Mark Larson, David Gunderson, Zachary Beaudry, and Aaron Rivard. Also in attendance was Tamara Benitt. Absent was Penni Anderson.

Newly elected Mayor Mark Larson took the Mayoral Oath of Office and Zachary Beaudry took the Council Member Oath of Office. David Gunderson turned the meeting over to Mark.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

The grants were received for the Secondary Well installation from the Department of Health for the Source Water Protection Implementation grant and the Source Water Protection Competitive Grant. The total amount was $20,000.00.

The Council reviewed the City’s ordinance on Building Maintenance and Appearance under Health and Safety, Nuisances and examples of how to proceed with the hazardous building process. The Council will table this until the next meeting.

Zach Beaudry has requested a rezone of the property he purchased in Herman Addition from Industrial to Residential 2. The Rezoning Public Hearing has been set for Monday, February 3, 2020, at 7:oo PM.

On a motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, Resolution 01-2025 – Approve Annual Designations, Appointments, and Fee Schedule for 2025  was approved. Motion carried.

On a motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, Resolution 02-2025 – Approve 2025 Utility Rates and Natural Gas Rebates was approved. Motion carried.

Building permits: Bob Bucklin – reside, tin roof, soffits, and new side door and windows. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.

The City Office and Shop will be closed on Monday, January 20th, in Observance of Martin Luther King Day.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve adding Mark Larson and removing Terry Sundby on all United Valley Bank account’s signature cards. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Zachary Beaudry, to approve the bills presented for payment, the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, delinquent accounts and vacation & sick leave.

Being no further business, motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Zachary Beaudry, to adjourn.

Mark then closed the meeting to discuss employees. Motion by Zachary Beaudry, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the hiring of Michael Pagnac for Maintenance Worker. Motion carried.

Argyle offer a yearly garbage pickup fee. $100 per 35-gallon garbage can. Stop by City Office to purchase your yearly sticker.

Reminder: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on February 12, 2025.

City Office & City Shop Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:00 am – 4:30 pm & Friday’s 7:00 am – 11:00 am.

Request for Winter Months:

1. Please do not leave cars & trailers on streets for easier snow removal.
2. Please stay away from Snow Removal Equipment. Give them room to do their job!
3. Please keep all gates open and free of snow so that meters can be read. Thank you for your cooperation!
4. A reminder from the gas department: Please keep snow cleared from your gas meter and vent. A dangerous condition exists should your gas meter and vent become blocked with snow. Please keep checking this until the snow melts.
5. Please help the Fire Department by keeping your fire hydrants cleared of snow.
6. Residents are reminded to stop by City Office to purchase a $15.00 building permit for any remodeling/building over $500.00. This is an important step to ensure all codes and setbacks are followed.

Mayor Terry Sundby opened the December 2, 2024, Truth-In-Taxation meeting at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Present were Mayor Sundby, Aaron Rivard, Penni Anderson, and Tony Deschene. Absent was David Gunderson. Tamara Benitt and Jacob Davis were also in attendance.

No one from the public attended and no questions or concerns were presented to the City Office.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to close the Truth-In-Taxation meeting. Motion carried.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on December 2, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Present were Mayor Sundby, Aaron Rivard, Tony Deschene, and Penni Anderson. Absent was David Gunderson. Also in attendance were Mark Larson, Zach Beaudry, Jeff Beaudry, Jacob Davis, and Tamara Benitt. Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Penni Anderson, to contact Melissa Knutson at CPS Engineering for options for future expansion and the infrastructure plan. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Penni Anderson, to approve Jeff Hane to send a certified letter to Guillermo and Ana Ramirez offering to purchase their property for $1,500.00 or else we will start the hazard building abatement. Motion carried.

On a motion by Aaron Rivard, RESOLUTION 24-2024, RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES RELATING TO COMLIANCE WITH REIMBURSEMENT BOND REGULATIONS UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, was approved with Penni Anderson seconded the motion, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

On a motion by Penni Anderson, RESOLUTION 25-2024, APPROVE LEVY FOR 2025, and RESOLUTION 26-2024, APPROVE 2025 BUDGET, was approved with Aaron Rivard seconded the motion, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

Building permits: Bob St. Germain – windows. Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.

Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Tony Deschene, to give all City employees Christmas Eve off with holiday pay. Motion carried. The City Office and City Shop will be closed Wednesday, December 25th, and Wednesday, January 1st, New Year’s Day.

On a motion by Aaron Rivard, RESOLUTION 27-2024, APPROVE DONATIONS TO CITY OF ARGYLE SINCE 6/1/24, and RESOLUTION 28-2024, APPROVE DONATIONS TO THE ARGYLE FIRE DEPARTMENT SINCE 6/1/24, was APPROVED by Penni Anderson seconded the motion, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Penni Anderson, to approve joining the Regional Safety Group with the surrounding communities. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve hiring Nelson Technologies to inspect and make any repairs to the Markit reg station. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Penni Anderson, to approve the bills presented for payment, the Profit & Loss Balance Sheet, delinquent accounts and vacation & sick leave. Motion carried.

Being no further business, motion by Tony Deschene, second by Terry Sundby, to adjourn. Motion carried.

CITY OFFICE AND CITY SHOP HOURS: Monday – Thursday, 7:00am – 4:30pm. Friday, 7:00am – 11:00am.

Credit card payments and ACH (automatic withdrawal) payments are available.

Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on January 8th, 2025.

A.R.E.D.A. Next meeting Wednesday, January 15th 7:00AM Argyle Council Chambers.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Argyle Council meeting on November 4, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle Council Chambers. Present were Terry Sundby, Aaron Rivard, Penni Anderson, Tony Deschene, and David Gunderson. Also in attendance were Stephen-Argyle Central students: Kinzie Solberg, Brooke Swanson, Mahren Gjovik, and Tessa Kroll along with Trent Voytilla and Tamara Benitt. Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

Apex Engineering has completed roughly 50% of the design stage because they have been waiting for the MPCA grant agreement since engineering fees are eligible expenses. Jon reviewed the project limits, proposed improvements, project cost/funding, and other miscellaneous items with the Council. The project limits are Lincoln Avenue – South of 1st Street to 6th Street, 2nd Avenue – Lincoln to Bradford Avenue, Alley between 4th and 5th Street and Garfield and Lincoln Avenue, 6th Street – CSAH 108 to Lincoln Avenue, and City Drainage ditch – 6th Street to CSAH 4. The main issue is the storm sewer is too shallow. The bidding estimation is March 2025 with the construction of June 1 – August 30, 2025.

Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to offer Chris Danzl P.E.R.A. Motion carried.

In Control will be up to assess the Filter Plant and Wells to design a plan for the communications.

Bradford Addition and Herman Addition developments were discussed.

Building Permits: Jeremey Misselhorn – Remodel at 109 W. 4th Street, Max Yutrzenka – egress window, and Liz Anderson – garden shed. Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.

On  a motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to utilize the GO Tax Abatement bond process for the Highway 75 Business Incubator. Motion carried.

The City Shop and Office will be closed on Monday, November 11th in honor of Veteran’s Day and Thursday, November 28th, Thanksgiving.

Lead & Copper – We completed our initial service line inventory to MDH. The next step is to send notifications to customers served by lead, galvanized requiring replacement (GRR), and unknown service lines. John Nelson of MN Rural Water suggested that we get put on the Project Priority List (PPL) for the services lines replacement. In order for the City to get funding, the City needs to be put on the PPL. Tamara will get the City of Argyle listed on the PPL.

The Council decided to review and change the Park Board ordinances and set the expectations. This will be discussed at the January meeting.

Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve Jackson Peterson as a new firefighter for the Argyle Volunteer Fire Department. Motion carried.

Kent Hanson questioned if he could park his bus/camper on the slab at the City’s vacant lots across from his property for the winter. The Council wants to have him sign that the City will not be liable for any damages.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve the bills presented for payment, the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, delinquent accounts and vacation & sick leave. Motion carried.

Being no further business, motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Tony Deschene, to adjourn. Motion carried.

Closed Meeting – Employee performance Evaluation

Tamara presented the employee performance evaluations for Karen Gunderson and Trent Voytilla.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, there will be no increase in wages for 2025. Nay: Sundby. Motion carried.

Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on December 11th.

City Office & City Shop hours: Monday – Thursday 7:00 Am – 4:30 PM. Friday – 7:oo AM – 11:00 AM.

Utility payments can be made with a credit card or stop by the City Office to sign up for ACH (Automatic Withdrawal).

A.R.E.D.A. NEXT MEETING – DECEMBER 18TH – CITY OFFICE – 7:00AM

Mayor Terry Sundby opened the Public Hearing on October 7, 2024, at 6:30PM in the Argyle Council Chamber. Present were Terry Sundby, Aaron Rivard, Penni Anderson, and David Gunderson. Absent was Tony Deschene. Also in attendance were John Wynne and Diane Hayes, both from Northwest Community Action, and Tamara Benitt.

Diane Hayes, of Northwest Community Action, led the Public Hearing. The City of Argyle was funded $759,000 through DEED, which would rehabilitate 4 Commercial units, 15 owner occupied housing units, and Argyle Homes. There was an extension granted until 2025.

John and Diane then left the meeting. Terry Sundby closed the public hearing.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Argyle Council meeting on October 7, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle Council Chambers. Present were Terry Sundby, Aaron Rivard, Penni Anderson, and David Gunderson. Absent was Tony Deschene. Also in attendance were Trent Voytilla and Tamara Benitt. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

On a motion by Penni Anderson, the following resolutions were adopted: RESOLUTION 20-2024 APPROVAL OF LIQUOR LICENSES FOR ARGYLE AMERICAN LEGION & RESOLUTION 21-2024 APPROVAL OF LIQUOR LICENSES FOR THE DELL STEAKHOUSE & LOUNGE, LLC, Aaron Rivard seconded the motion, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

On a motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, RESOLUTION 22-2024 APPOINT A CITY INSURANCE AGENT – Steven Sjostrand Agency was approved. Motion carried.

Building permits: Tim Higdem – 20′ x 40′ brick patio; Danny Hebert – Remodel; Jim Jacobson – Kitchen Remodel; Argyle American Legion – Kitchen; Justin McMahon – window, gutters, & siding; and Cecil Deschene – windows, doors, replace door entry and cement in garage. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.

The Council would like to have a member on the park board that has a young family as they feel we are not representing that age group. A Facebook post will be made to encourage younger residents to join and help with amenity planning to attract and maintain families.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve LaBine Electric’s quote for the installation of a 50-amp service on Third Street in Thissel Park. Motion carried.

Dan Lindgren has mowed and bagged Thissel Park all Spring/Summer/Fall. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve a Thank You gift to Dan Lindgren to show our appreciation and offset his equipment costs. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to not participate in the HeatShare Program. Motion carried.

Karen recieved a $1000 grant to Otter Tail for water tower lights. After donations, the cost is $11,206.35. Donations are still being accepted for this project.

The Council and AREDA are invited to attend a Zoom meeting regarding the Highway 75 Business Incubator financial process with Jason Murray, David Drown Associated Financial Advisor, on Friday, October 11th at 9:00am.

The Council discussed our utility contracting options. The City is currently seeking a Maintenance Worker and a Utility Superintendent. If interested, please contact the City Office for an application.

Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve paying retroactive from June ll,  2024, and continuing forward, the City Clerk, Tamara Benitt, and the Deputy Clerk, Karen Gunderson. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve the bills presented for payment, the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, delinquent accounts and vacation & sick leave. Motion carried.

Being no further business, motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to adjourn. Motion carried.

REMINDER: WASTE MANAGEMENT RECYCLING TOTE PICKUP WILL BY ON NOVEMBER 13, 2024.

City Office & City Shop Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:00am – 4:30pm, & Friday – 7:00am – 11:00am.

Utility payments can be made with a credit card or stop by the city office to sign up for ACH (automatic withdrawal).

Have younger children – are you interested in Amenity Planning to attract and maintain our younger families? If so, please contact the City Office at 218-437-6621 or email argyle@wiktel.com.