December 2023

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the public hearing dealing with Lincoln Avenue Street & Utilities Improvements on December 4, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Community Center.

In attendance were Council members: Terry Sundby, Aaron Rivard, Tony Deschene, and Penni Anderson. Also in attendance were

Tamara Benitt and Tony Safranski. Also in attendance were Jon Olson of Apex Engineering, Howard McLean, Michael Pagnac, Merle Adolphson, Bob Clausen, Jeff & Drue Beaudry, Karen Gunderson, Cecil Deschene, Ken Pawlowski, and Charlie LaBine.

Jon Olson from Apex Engineering informed the audience that the City Council approved the Preliminary Engineering Report at the November Council meeting. He is recommending a full reconstruction of portions Lincoln Avenue, Second Street, and Alleyway between 4th and 5th Street. The plan would be to remove the lift station at 1st Street and Lincoln Avenue and install gravity flow storm sewer to County Road 108 ditch. David Gunderson arrived at the meeting.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Tony Deschene, to close the public hearing.

Mayor Terry Sundby opened the December 4, 2023, Truth-In-Taxation meeting at 7:00 PM. Present were Mayor Sundby, Aaron Rivard, David Gunderson, Tony Deschene, and Penni Anderson. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac, Tony Safranski, Jon Olson of Apex Engineering, and Tamara Benitt.

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 4, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Aaron Rivard, David Gunderson, Tony Deschene, and Penni Anderson. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac, Tony Safranski, Jon Olson of Apex Engineering, and Tamara Benitt. Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

On a motion by Aaron Rivard, RESOLUTION 33-2023, ORDERING IMPROVEMENT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS, and RESOLUTION 27-2023, APPLY FOR FUNDING FROM THE LOCAL ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, were approved and seconded by David Gunderson.

Jon mentioned that we still have not received the Minnesota Department of Health permit for the Well. Jon then left the meeting.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Tony Deschene, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried. Prices of drive-by water and gas meters and the system were reviewed. No action was taken by Council.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to accept the bid of Derek Hoeper in the amount of $3,500.00 for the 2004 Ford F150. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to adopt RESOLUTION 28-2023, APPROVE LEVY FOR 2024. Motion carried. General Tax levy set at $190,030 and EDA Tax levy set at $3,800.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Tony Deschene, to adopt: RESOLUTION 29-2023, APPROVE 2024 BUDGET. Motion carried.

Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Salaries update portion of the personnel policy. Nay: Deschene. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve, RESOLUTION 30-2023, RESOLUTION DESIGNATING ANNUAL POLLING PLACE, as the Argyle community Center. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Tony Deschene, to amend our current personnel policy to match uses of leave and family members included. Motion carried.

Local Board of Appeal and Equalization: Two Council members are certified: David Gunderson until 7/1/27 and Tony Deschene until 7/1/26. If anyone else is interested, there is information for the online course.

The City Office and Shop will be closed Monday, December 25th in observance of Christmas. In the past the Council has always given another day off. Motion by Penni Anderson, second by David Gunderson, to give all city employees Tuesday, December 26, 2023, off at Holiday pay. Motion carried.

On a motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard to approve the following: RESOLUTION 31-2023, APPROVE DONATIONS TO CITY OF ARGYLE SINCE 6/1/23 and RESOLUTION 32-2023, APPROVE DONATIONS TO THE ARGYLE FIRE DEPARTMENT SINCE 6/1/23. Motion carried.

The City Office and Shop will be closed on Monday, January 1st. This is the first Monday in January, which is a Holiday. The January council meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 2nd.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, 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 Penni Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried.

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

Credit Card payments and ACH (automatic) payments are available.

Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on January 10th.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on November 6, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle Community Center. Present were Mayor Sundby, Aaron Rivard, David Gunderson, Tony Deschene, and Penni Anderson. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac, Tony Safranski, Jon Olson of Apex Engineering, and Tamara Benitt. Stephen-Argyle High School Students present were Zada Engen, Darby Benitt, Nora Osowski, Josie Deschene, Abby McMahon, Alicia Brewer, Signe Svendsen, Jack Sustad, Britni Kroll, and Andrea Oberg. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Tony Deschene, to accept Apex Engineering’s contract with the understanding of not exceeding $244,00 on construction services. Motion carried.

On a motion by David Gunderson, RESOLUTION 25-2023 – ALTERNATE RESOLUTION ORDERING PREPARATION OF REPORT ON IMPROVEMENT – LINCOLN AVENUE, Penni Anderson seconded the motion, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

On a motion by Aaron Rivard, RESOLUTION 26-2023 – RESOLUTION RECEIVING FEASIBILITY REPORT AND CALLING HEARING ON IMPROVEMENT – LINCOLN AVENUE, David Gunderson seconded the motion, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Penni Anderson, to call for bids on the well project once the MDH permit is finalized. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Tony Deschene, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

The 2024 budget will need to be finalized at the December Council meeting. The Council will discuss wages for 2024 with Tamara after the meeting and she will meet with each employee separately.

We received the MDH – Lead/Copper Tap Water Monitoring Report. Based on the result, our public water system has not exceeded the action level for lead and has not exceeded the action level for copper.

Tamara included information on Consent Agenda. The Council will start to implement at January 2024 meeting.

The City Office and City Shop will be closed on Friday, November 10th in honor of Veteran’s Day and Thursday, November 23rd, Thanksgiving Day.

Michael Pagnac passed his wastewater test, so he is now certified.

There was a complaint received about a dog fence. Tamara is to look into updating our fence ordinance.

Tamara filed for a time extension on a FEMA Project. The completion date 8/30/24.

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

The Council encouraged the students to get involved in your community. If they have any ideas or events that they would like to see in Argyle, please let one of the Council members know. They also informed the students that the City offers summer employment.

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

REMINDER: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on December 13th.

City Office & City Shop Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM & Friday, 7:00 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).

Next Food Shelf date is December 12th.

REMINDER: With the new Lead & Copper Revised Rule, the City of Argyle is requesting your participation. Please provide a clear picture of your service line, the first valve prior to the meter, and its entry from the ground. Please include the physical address. Submit pictures to argyle@wiktel.com. Thank You for your help.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on October 2, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Aaron Rivard, David Gunderson, Tony Deschene, and Penni Anderson. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac and Tamara Benitt. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Penni Anderson, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

After discussion with Jeff Hane from Brink Lawyers about Marshall & Polk Rural Water. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Penni Anderson, to accept Marshall & Polk Rural Water’s offer of the City paying an additional $80,000.00 which makes the City’s total in payments of $120,000.00. Aye: Sundby, Rivard, Gunderson, Anderson Abstain: Deschene Motion carried.

On a motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to adopt Resolution 20-2023-Adopting Assessment for Improvements to Second Street from Hedquist Avenue to River Road. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve Zavoral’s final payment of $7,547.91. Motion carried.

For the secondary well project, we are currently waiting on the permit from the Minnesota Department of Health and the property easement. At this point in time, the construction start date will be Spring of 2024.

Jon Oslon of Apex Engineering presented two options for the proposed storm sewer project of Lincoln Avenue. Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to authorize Apex Engineering to proceed with design survey. Motion carried. Jon Olson then left the meeting.

Zach Beaudry arrived at the meeting to discuss his commercial property. He then left the meeting.

The water tower repair and painting project is complete, and the water tower is back online. Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Maintenance Report.. Motion carried.

The Council tabled the wages for 2024.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Penni Anderson, to adopt Resolution 21-2023 – Approval of Liquor License for American Legion, and Resolution 22-2023 – Approval of Liquor License for The Dell Steakhouse & Lounge, LLC. Motion carried.

On a motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to adopt Resolution 23-2023 – Approval of Temporary Community Festival Liquor License for Hogberg-Gerzewski Post 353 of the American Legion. Motion carried.

Resolution 24-2023 – Purchase Tax Forfeiture Property – S 1/2 of Lot 46 of Auditor’s Subdivision, was motion by David Gunderson and seconded by Tony Deschene to adopt. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson to approve the following building permits: Wade Danielson – bathroom remodel and Dustin Grabowska – patio/steps. Motion carried.

“No Truck” traffic signs will be installed on Williams Avenue by Third Street. The City will need to install a culvert and fill ditch between Misselhorn Excavation & Tiling and Argyle Builders Supply to allow trucks more room to turn around.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve Jonathon Gryskiewicz as a new member to the Argyle Fire Department. Motion carried.

Tamara and Karen attended a three-day conference through NWRDC and Dancing Sky on Livable Communities. Topics included were Economic Development, housing ideas, and the wellbeing of Minnesota residents.

Marshall County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update- Each city has their own mitigation action chart. The chart identifies a range of activities that the city will seek work on over the next 5 years to reduce risk from natural hazard events. There are funding opportunities available under the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant program.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to acknowledge and approve excluded bingo activity for the American Legion at their event on November 9, 2023, at the Argyle American Legion. Motion carried.

Terry is still trying to schedule a meeting with Brian Anderson about purchasing his property.

David is working on construction prints for the Highway 75 Business Incubator building.

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

REMINDER: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on November 15, 2023.

City Office & City Shop Hours: Monday – Thursday – 7:00 Am – 4:30 PM & Friday 7:00 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)

Next Area Food Shelf date – November 14th, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM.

REMINDER: With the new Lead & Copper Revised Rule, the City of Argyle is requesting your participation. Please provide a clear picture of your service line, the first valve prior to the meter, and its entry from the ground. Please include the physical address. Submit pictures to argyle@wiktel.com. Thank you for your help!

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on September 5, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Aaron Rivard, David Gunderson, and Penni Anderson. Absent was Tony Deschene. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac and Tamara Benitt. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

On a motion by David Gunderson, Resolution 13-2023, Rezoning of residential lots to commercial lots for Argyle Original, Block 1, Lots 20 & 21 was adopted. Seconded by Terry Sundby. AYE: Gunderson, Sundby, Anderson NAY: Rivard ABSENT: Deschene

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

Mayor Sundby opened the sealed bids for the 1988 F-150 with a 30-foot sprayer. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve the bid of Jason Bregier at $955.00. Motion carried.

Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve and add the On-Call Policy to the Personnel Policy. Motion carried.

Bradford Addition housing expansion was discussed. Water, sewer, and gas will be installed to all properties by freeze up.

On a motion by David Gunderson, Resolution 14-2023, Set Hearing for Proposed Assessment of 2nd Street from Hedquist Avenue to River Street was adopted. Seconded by Aaron Rivard, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

The well plans have been submitted to the Minnesota Department of Health for permitting. The lawyer is drawing up the final easement.

Jon Olson of Apex Engineering will be meeting with Tamara and Tony to discuss the draft report for the Lincoln Avenue repairs.

On a motion by Penni Anderson, Resolution 15-2023, Approval of Sunday Liquor License for American Legion was adopted. Second by Aaron Rivard, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

David Gunderson motioned to approve the following Resolutions: 16-2023 – Approve Proposed Property Tax Levy, 17-2023 – Approve the Preliminary 2024 Budget, and 18-2023 – Approve Argyle Fire Department 2024 Preliminary Budget. Seconded by Aaron Rivard, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

Wages for 2024 is tabled to next month.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to adopt Resolution 19-2023, Adopt Procurement Policy. Motion carried.

David Gunderson presented the proposed business incubator building. The Council gave approval to continue with the process by getting bids and AREDA being the fiscal agent.

Building Permits: Mackenzie Montague (Pat Rivard) – bathroom remodel. On a motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.

The corner of Williams Avenue and Third Street is a concern. There is no slope on the gravel road and water just sits. The approach onto Williams Avenue is in poor condition due to the major truck traffic. The Council decided reroute trucks to the North by using either the business’s parking lot entrance or 5th Street. No Truck Allowed signs will be installed. The Council will get bids to repair the sinkhole.

The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee held two public forums: Wednesday, August 30th & Thursday, August 31st. David and Penni informed the Council that they had a decent turnout to both events. They are still tabulating the answers to the questions asked. A survey was sent out with every utility bill.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Community Water supply Service Connection Fee of $9.72 to be billed on the October bill to all water users and paid to the State of Minnesota. Motion carried.

The Cold Weather Rule goes into effect October 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024.

A decreased gas rate was locked in for 17 months with Constellation Energy.

The Lions have agreed to donate the hockey boards to St. Thomas, North Dakota.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to transfer funds from general savings and W/S Project Savings to 4M Plus. Motion carried.

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

Terry will contact Arturo Martinez, Jr. about his property.

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

REMINDER: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on October 11, 2023.

CITY OFFICE & CITY SHOP HOURS: Monday to Thursday –  7:00 AM to 4:30 Pm  Friday – 7:00 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).

Argyle Area Food Shelf – October 10th – 4:30 to 5:30 PM. Located at St. Rose Church Basement.

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO FILL OUT THE SURVEY AND RETURN TO CITY OFFICE

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on August 7, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Aaron Rivard, David Gunderson, Penni Anderson, and Tony Deschene. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac, Tony Safranski, Bob Bucklin, and Tamara Benitt. Fire Hall Committee members present were Nathan Anderson, Hunter Yutrzenka, Eric Magnusson, and Austin Sundby. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

The Council discussed the location of the future fire hall. The fire hall will be constructed on the compost site with the sandpile on the north side of County Road 4. The committee will present the bids to the Council once they are received.

A Public Hearing will be set for September 5th at 6:00 PM to consider rezoning Residential Lots: Argyle Original, Block 1, Lots 20 & 21 – to Commercial lots.

Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the bid from CC Steel for the cleaning/inspection and extending 8″ pipe in the clear well. Motion carried. Maguire Iron will be here in late August or early September for painting the water tower. The 1988 Ford F150. Runs great. 302 – and 4-wheel drive. 30-foot sprayer with brand new Honda 120 Pump. Selling as package deal. Minimum $500. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve long-term disability for all full-time employees at a monthly benefit of $500 and allow each employee to purchase more. Motion carried.

The Council decided to divide the Bradford Addition into larger portions to add an incentive for building a new house. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, to sell the double lots in Bradford Addition at $15,000 to allow 3 properties with the remaining balance coming from the general fund. Motion carried.

On a motion by David Gunderson, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 12-2023: DECLARING COST TO BE ASSESSED, AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT. Aaron Rivard seconded the motion, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

The landowner has given verbal agreement, so the final well-siting, preparation of easement legal description, and MDH/DNR permitting will occur. The goal is to complete well construction this season.

Jon Olson, from Apex Engineering, informed the Council via email about Lincoln Avenue Improvements. This will be a priority over the next month or two to ensure we are set up for 2024 construction. They are continuing the development proposed improvement alternatives.

Dan Disrud, Minnesota Department of Health District Planner, met with Tamara and Tony on July 20th to track the progress of Wellhead Protection Plan Implementation.

On August 1st, cannabis has been legalized in Minnesota. The League of Minnesota Cities is going to be sharing recommendations shortly on this issue, so the Council feels they will wait for that recommendation. On a motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, to amend the Drug, Alcohol, and Cannabis Testing and Drug-Free Workplace Act Policy. Motion carried.

The Summer Rec income/expense report prepared by Ashten Safranski, Head Coach, was reviewed by the Council.

On a motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, the following Building Permits were approved: Richard Deschene-Shingle replacement; Mike & Laurie Sczepanski – fence/patio; Dwaine Adolphson – steel roof on lean of barn; Debbie Rynda – shingling, Jason Yutrzenka – new porch windows on house, Argyle Builders Supply – shed roof, lean.

The County informed the city of complaints they received on noxious weeds within city limits. The City will work with the County to clear up this matter. The Council discussed the poor yard conditions of a few properties in town.

The new Small Cities grant contract agreement expiration date is September 30th, 2024. City of Argyle will be requesting from DEED an exception to the federal conflict regulation.

Tamara attended the first meeting for the Minnesota Opioid Settlement on June 28th at Marshall County Courthouse.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Tony Deschene, to approve donate to the Salvation Army’s HeatShare Program. Motion carried.

A snap-together tile system has been installed for a pickleball court within the fenced area at the Ice Skating Rink. Please go enjoy the new feature in Argyle!

David Gunderson will renew his local board of appeal and equalization training. The 2024 budget items were discussed. Local government aid (LGA) was received.

Next Council meeting will be Tuesday, September 5th, due to Labor Day falling on Monday.

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

Another bid will be received for the repairs to the United Valley Bank and B.I.L. alleyway.

The City will implement a written on-call policy at the September meeting.

The Comprehensive Planning Committee will be hosting two public forums and sending out a survey for all Argyle residents to complete as they are looking for feedback dealing with the future of Argyle.

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

WASTE MANAGEMENT RECYCLING TOTE PICKUP WILL BE ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2023.

CITY OFFICE & CITY SHOP HOURS: MONDAY – THURSDAY, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM, – FRIDAY, 7:00 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).

REMINDER: ALL GARBAGE MUST BE PROPERLY BAGGED OR TAGGED AND ON THE BERM WEDNESDAY’S BY 7:00 AM.

HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE IS NOT ALLOWED IN COMMERCIAL DUMPSTERS!