April 2022

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the public hearing on April 4, 2022, at 6:00PM in the City Office.

In attendance were Councilmen: Terry Sundby, Tony Deschene, David Gunderson, and David Sorenson.

Absent was Aaron Rivard. Also in attendance was Tamara Benitt, Tony Safranski, Michael Pagnac, and Ronald Erickson. On a motion by David Gunderson, second by David Sorenson, that the vacation is hereby granted, and the alleyway and 1st Street described as follows is hereby vacated: All of the platted 30-foot-wide alleyway in Auditor’s Subdivision No. 1, City of Argyle, Marshall County, Minnesota lying easterly and adjacent to Lots 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 in said Auditor’s Subdivision No. 1; AND all of the platted First Street in the Original Townsite of Argyle, lying between the easterly right-of-way line of Atlantic Avenue and westerly of a line drawn between the southeasterly corner of Lot 6, Block 1 in the said Original Townsite of Argyle to northeasterly corner of Lot 24 in Auditor’s Subdivision No. 1, City of Argyle, Marshall County, Minnesota.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the April 4, 2022, Argyle City Council meeting at 7:00 PM in the City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Anthony Deschene, David Sorenson, and David Gunderson. Absent was Aaron Rivard. Also in attendance were Tony Safranski, Michael Pagnac and Tamara Benitt. Motion by David Sorenson, second by David Gunderson, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Sorenson, the Maintenance Report was approved.

The Council discussed the decision of only having two Maintenance Workers. Since it seems to be working, they will leave it as is and re-evaluate  in November 2022.

Logan Nordine and Dale Clausen have been hired for Summer Help and Mower. The City is still advertising for Summer Rec Head Coach/Director, Assistant Coach, Umps, Bus Driver, and Summer Help.

Brian Ospahl from Brady, Martz presented the 2021 Audit to the Council. Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Sorenson, to approve the 2021 Audit.

The selling of a portion of the Community Center was discussed. The Council wants to see some estimates on upgrades before they decide on an asking price.

We have started reviewing the Minnesota Basic Code of Ordinances. The Council members will compare the current ordinances with the new ordinances before any decisions will be made. They will start the adoption process at the May meeting.

Terry Sundby and David Gunderson have been in contact with members of Argyle Homes about their future plans.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Sorenson to approve the A.R.E.D.A. bylaw amendment of Regular meetings of the members shall be held bi-monthly on the third Wednesday at 7:00 AM at the principal office of the Authority or at such other place designated by agreement of all members.

The Council was informed that Markit County Grain is considering adding another grain dryer.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Gunderson to approve the building permits: Kevin Tomblin: BNSF shelter and Argyle Homes: repairs-shingling, windows, siding, doors, water heater/boiler, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers.

David Gunderson and Terry Sundby will schedule a meeting with Brian Anderson about purchasing his property.

Cold Weather Rule is no longer in effect after April 30, 2022.

The City Office & City Shop will be closed on Friday, April 15th for Good Friday.

The Council discussed two options of Calcium Chloride.

Production and distribution costs of water were presented. The Council will need to decide if Rural Water is installed what would the price per 1,000 gallons of water be. Also, they will consider the different repayment plans. Bid opening will be May 17, 2022.

Scott Peters confirmed that Marshall County does have demolition funds available. However, the owner must give up ownership to the City.

The Council discussed the Arturo Martinez Jr.’s property and blight conditions. The Council will continue to try to contact him. The Council then mentioned other vacant buildings and houses within the City of Argyle.

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

A few members of the community will be setting up a meeting with Michelle Fischbach, US Representative, to question why the City of Argyle cannot qualify for any infrastructure grants through the State and Federal Governments.

Being no further business, motion by David Gunderson, second by David Sorenson, to adjourn.

REMINDER: WASTE MANAGEMENT RECYCLING TOTE PICKUP WILL BE ON MAY11, 2022.

RECYCLING REMINDERS:

BE SURE NOT TO OVER FILL THE CART. IF THE LID IS PROPPED OPEN, IT WILL BLOW OPEN AND ITEMS WILL BLOW AROUND TOWN.

BE SURE TO THROW CARDBOARD DOWN OVER THE TOP OF THE RECYCLING ITEMS TO COVER MORE LOOSE MATERIALS LIKE CANS AND PLASTIC BOTTLES. ALSO PUSH IT DOWN TO “SEAL” THE TOP. MAKE SURE THE LID IS CLOSED.

DO NOT USE PLASTIC BAGS.

ARGYLE AREA FOOD SHELF-ST. ROSE CHURCH- TUESDAY, MAY 10TH-4:30PM-5:30PM

CITY OFFICE & CITY SHOP HOURS:

MONDAY TO THURSDAY 7:00 AM TO 4:30 PM                  FRIDAY 7:00 AM TO 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)

The Housing Authority (Northwest MN Multi County HRA) is accepting applications from individuals or families who are in need of help paying their rent thru HUD Section 8 Voucher Program. This is federally funded program (HUD), provides rent assistance to low-income individuals or families. Applications are now able to be summitted online at www.nwmnhra.org.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the March7, 2022, Argyle City Council meeting at 7:00 PM in the City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Anthony Deschene, David Sorenson, David Gunderson, and Aaron Rivard. Also in attendance were Tony Safranski and Tamara Benitt.  Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting.

On a motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, the Maintenance Report was approved.

We have started reviewing the Minnesota Basic Code Book of Ordinances. The Council members will review the ordinances before any decisions will be made.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson, to approve the signature of the Mayor and City  Clerk in order to enter the contract with Marshall & Polk Rural Water. Abstain: Tony Deschene.

Tamara reminded the Council of the special meeting with Rural Water and Engineer Jerry Pribula on March 15, 2022, at 2:00 pm in the City Office.

The Council discussed the Arturo Martinez Jr.’s property and blight conditions. The Council will continue to try to contact him.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to purchase 12 hanging flower baskets from Evergreen n’ Ivy for the price of $900.00.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Gunderson, to advertise for adult mowers at $15.00/hour and summer kids for $14.00/hour.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson, to advertise for Summer Rec/Director at $14.00/hour, Assistant Coach at $12.50/hour, Bus Driver and Umpires.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the quote and purchase the Christmas Decorations from Display Sales.

The sale of the community center was discussed. The Council will research the price and the amount they are willing to sell. Tamara will contact the County for assistance. The old bank was also discussed as it is for sale and sitting vacant.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Gunderson, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 05-2022, REESTABLISHING PRECINCT AND POLLING PLACE.

On a motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, the City Council approves the following land description for the alleyway and street vacation: All of the platted 30-foot-wide alleyway in Auditor’s Subdivision No. 1;, City Of Argyle, Marshall County, Minnesota lying easterly and adjacent to Lots 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 in said Auditor’s Subdivision No 1; AND all of the platted First Street in the Original Townsite of Argyle, lying between the easterly right-of-way line of Atlantic Avenue and westerly of a line drawn between the southeasterly corner of Lot 6, Block 1 in the said Original Townsite of Argyle to northeasterly corner of Lot 24 in Auditor’s Subdivision No. 1, City of Argyle, Marshall County, Minnesota.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 06-2022, APPROVE NEW LIQUOR LICENSE – THE DELL STEAKHOUSE & LOUNGE, LLC.

The following building permits were applied for: Nevin Lubarski: Barnhouse, Kim & Gary Tonkin: kitchen remodel/fill in back door, and David Sorenson: bathroom remodel. Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the building permits.

The Council was informed that Michael Pagnac attended Minnesota Rural Water Conference in St. Cloud on February 28th – March 3rd.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Sorenson, to not donate to the Marshall County Fair Board Grandstand campaign.

David Gunderson and Terry Sundby will schedule a meeting with Brian Anderson about his property.

The Council discussed vacant buildings and houses within the City of Argyle.

Tony Safranski offered to volunteer after hours to use the city equipment and snow blow off the baseball field.

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

The information for the new utility maps will be compiled and sent to have the wall maps printed.

It was questioned if Jason from Argyle Builders Supply received all the different building options for the Fire Hall.

Being no further business, motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to adjourn.

City Office & City Shop Hours:

Monday to Thursday 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Friday 7:00 AM to 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)

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 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 Argyle 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.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the February 7, 2022, City Council Meeting at the Argyle City Hall at 7:00 PM. Present were Mayor Sundby, David Sorenson, David Gunderson, and Aaron Rivard. Absent was Anthony Deschene. Also in attendance were Tony Safranski, Chris Vedbraaten and Tamara Benitt. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion Carried.

On a motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, the Maintenance Report was approved.

On a motion by Aaron Rivard, the following resolution was adopted; RESOLUTION 04-2022 MONETARY LIMITS ON MUNICIPAL TORT LIABILITY, David Sorenson seconded the motion, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

We have started reviewing and comparing our current City Code book to the Minnesota Basic Code of Ordinances. The Council members will come in to review the Minnesota Basic Code of Ordinances before any decisions will be made.

A response was received from FEMA about the map revision. There was only a correction made on the map and no special flood hazard area/mapping delineation was changed or removed by this LOMR.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the following 2022 Argyle Fire Department Officers:

Chief: Anthony Deschene                    Asst.: Chief: Erin Anderson

Secretary: Brady Swanson                   Treas.:Rick Kroll

EMS: Rob Clausen                                 Chief Engineer: Tim Tulibaski

Ventilation Officer: Eric Magnusson     Interior Officer: Dillon Erickson

Training Officer: Nathan Anderson       Safety Officer: Kelly Durand

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve Desiree Price and Brandin Welin as new firefighters to the Argyle Volunteer Fire Department.

Motion by Aaron Rivard,  second by David Gunderson, to approve the building permit for Chad Swanson: pantry room and redo closets and denied Nevin LuBarski: quonset. Motion carried.

The Council was informed that the City Office & City Shop will be closed on Monday, February 21, 2022 in Observance of Presidents’ Day.

With the new infrastructure laws and grant money becoming available, Tamara reached out to Financialist Mitch Berg. He contacted the Public Facilities Authority and they stated that Argyle is currently on the Project Priority List for the upcoming Rural Water Project. However, due to the high median income in Argyle, we are not eligible for any grant money at this time.

Delinquent accounts were discussed. Motion by David Gunderson, second by David Sorenson, to approve the bills presented for payment, the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, delinquent accounts and vacation & Sick leave. Motion carried.

The Council will put out bids on the hanging flower baskets.

The Council decided to locate the reservoir for the future Rural Water project to the south of the water tower. They also want Marshall & Polk Rural Water to have the responsibility of the current well line that runs into town. Tamara will let Engineer Jerry Pribula know as he is in the process of constructing site plans, specs and plans.

The Council was presented a proposal for “Argyle Growth Project Ideas.” The Council was impressed with the idea and would like to meet with the Argyle fire Department.

The Council discussed the former Hammerback lots. Trees will be planted by the gravel road to give those lots more curb appeal.

Being no further business, motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson. Motion carried.

PLEASE BE COURTEOUS TO YOUR NEIGHBORS – DON’T PUT LOSSE ITEMS IN YOUR GARBAGE CAN. PLEASE HAVE ALL GARBAGE TIED UP SO THE WIND WON’T BLOW IT ALL OVER!

Reminder: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on MARCH 16,2022.

City office and City shop Hours: Monday to Thursday 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM & Friday 7:00 AM to 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).

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 ARGYLE 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.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the January 3, 2022, City Council Meeting at the Argyle City Hall at 7:00 PM. Present were Mayor Sundby, David Sorenson, David Gunderson, Aaron Rivard, and Anthony Deschene. Also in attendance were Tony Safranski, Engineer Jerry Pribula, and Tamara Benitt. Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.

Engineer Jerry Pribula came before the Council to discuss the Rural Water project updates and location of the reservoir.

Tony Safranski commented on a sewer line plug up. After the camera ran down the pipe, it was not the City’s problem but the homeowners.

The Council is requesting to extend the amount of time they can review the Minnesota Basic Code and the Minnesota Livable City Code. They want to compare the two before putting anything into policy.

On a motion by David Sorenson, second by Tony Deschene, to approve the quote from LMCIT and offer short term disability insurance to all full-time employees. Abstained: David Gunderson.

On a motion by Aaron Rivard, the resolution to Approve Annual Designations, Appointments, and Rental & Fee Schedule for 2022 was adopted with a second by David Gunderson.

The Council reviewed the utility rate schedule for 2022. After much discussion, the residential water rates will raise to $8.50/1,000 gallons, commercial water rates will raise to $9.75/1,000 gallons, and bulk water rates will raise to $15.00/1,000 gallons. On a motion by David Gunderson, the resolution to approve the 2022 utility rates and natural gas rebates was adopted with a second by David Sorenson.

There were no bids received on Auditor’s Subdivision Lots 98-99.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, the resolution revoking mail balloting was adopted with a second by Aaron Rivard.

FEMA issued a Letter of Map Revision for the flood area in city limits. Tamara is questioning the area and will report back at the February meeting.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Tony Deschene to approve the building permit for Scot Hoeper, new shower/bathtub.

The Council was informed that the City Office & City Shop will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2022 in observance for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Kaizen Architechtural Group will not be at this meeting with Fire Hall Feasibility Study. Tony Deschene will take the designs and plans to the Firemen Committee and see what they can change in order to get to the budget of $900,000.

The A.R.E.D.A. board decided to bring back Argyle Bucks. Argyle Bucks will be ran through A.R.E.D.A. and can be purchased at the City Office. Argyle Bucks can be used at all participating Argyle businesses.

A Business each month will be featured as the “In the Spotlight Business” in the newsletter and also on the City of Argyle Facebook page. We need to promote shopping  local and inform the residents what is available within the City of Argyle. This is just a free little advertisement for the business.

Middle-Snake-Tamarac Rivers Watershed District sent a letter regarding the redetermination of benefits for State Ditch 3. Tamara called to have a meeting about this issue. They stated that the ditch runs by where the City owns property by the lagoon. Since there is such an insignificant amount of land owned by the City, there is no need to meet with the Watershed to change any drainage.

Tamara informed the council what information was found in her researching the 2020 Census population decrease for the City of Argyle. Government units can only request a review of housing counts. They cannot request a review of population counts. The Council informed Tamara to stop researching the Census.

On a motion by David Sorenson, second by Tony Deschene, the Argyle City Council approves the Mayor and Clerk signatures on the contract with Brady Martz for auditing services for the 2021 fiscal year.

Delinquent accounts were discussed. The policy needs to be followed so any account after two months of no payment, water will be shut off. Tamara is to give a courtesy call before shut-off. Motion by David Sorenson, 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 Anthony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to adjourn. Motion carried.

Argyle offers a yearly garbage pickup fee. $100/35 gallon garbage can.

Stop by City Office to purchase your yearly sticker.

Reminder: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on February 16, 2022.

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

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 Argyle 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.