Mayor Mark Larson called to order the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting on May 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Members present were David Gunderson and Aaron Rivard. Absent were Penni Anderson and Zach Beaudry. Attending from the Marshall County Assessor’s Office were Ryan Larson and Matt Vongroven. Also present were Tamara Benitt and Michael Pagnac. Ryan Larson and Tamara Benitt informed the Council that they did not receive any appeals. No one from the public attended to present any appeals. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to close the Board of Appeal & Equalization. Motion carried.
Mayor Mark Larson called to order the May 5, 2025, City Council meeting in the Council Chambers at 7:00 PM. Members present were Mayor Mark Larson, Penni Anderson, Aaron Rivard, and David Gunderson. Absent was Zach Beaudry. Also in attendance were Brian & Shannon Doll, Michael Pagnac, Jake Davis, and Tamara Benitt. Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the previous meeting minutes. Motion carried.
Brian Opsahl with Brady, Martz presented the 2024 Audit to the Council. Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Auditor’s Report. Motion carried. Zach Beaudry arrived at the meeting.
Lincoln Avenue Project bids were opened via QuestCDN vBid on April 29, 2025, at 10:00am. There were three bids received. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to award the contract bid to Davidson Construction, Inc. at $2,721,601.50 contingent upon County and State approval. Motion approved.
Brian and Shannon Doll proposed to amend utility deposit forfeit criteria. The Council does not want to change the utility deposit agreement at this time and leave it as is.
Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.
Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve RESOLUTION 08-2025, Calling a public hearing on the approval of tax abatement for the purpose of financing the Argyle Rural Economic Development Authority Commercial Development. Motion carried.
Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the installation of drain tile according to the proposed plan at Herman Addition and approve the quote of $1,600.00 from Misselhorn Tiling for the installation of drain tile located in the middle of Pacific Avenue and to repair of the Street. Motion carried.
Building Permits: Max Yutrzenka – basement remodel, Jay Swanson – installing push piers/earth anchors, and Ben Welin – new rain gutters. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Zach Beaudry, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.
The Council reviewed a statement of position on public expenditure: Donations and Dues issued by the State of Minnesota, Office of the State Auditor. This information was passed on by Sara Niemela, our Auditor. Donation to the Marshall County Fair Grandstand was tabled last month. The Council will not donate to any specific projects, so they do not want to be presented with any donation letters.
Calcium Chloride – Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to sign the contract with Marshall County to have them apply calcium chloride on all map locations. Motion carried.
Complaints have been made about heavy machinery driving on the City Streets. The Council reviewed the Ordinances dealing with the machinery. The complaints are the amount of machinery driving in the downtown area from one end of town to the other, the extended parking of trucks and other large equipment on the Railroad property, and the amount of dirt and debris that floats downstream in the gutter. The Council asked that farm equipment driving be a minimum in the downtown area and exit out on either the North or South end of town instead of using the downtown area as the direct route.
City Office and City Shop will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, for Memorial Day.
Mitch Rominski is interested in putting up rental storage units in his back empty lot. It is currently zoned Residential. The Council does not want a storage unit area located in the center of a residential area.
FYI: Wastewater CD Renewal – 4/11/25 – $235,680.51 – 6 – month term – 4.3% interest rate
Marshall County approved using their demolition funds for the clean-up of the Bernardo Martinez property located on Highway 75.
Motion by David Gunderson, second by Zach Beaudry, 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, seconded by Zach Beaudry to adjourn. Motion carried.
Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Zach Beaudry, to close the meeting due to employee performance evaluation reviews. Motion carried.
REMINDERS: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on JUNE 11, 2025.
City Office & City Shop Hours: Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 4:30pm and Friday 7:00am – 11:00am
Curbside Compost Pickup Mondays – Spring thru Fall
After getting your weekend yard work done, haul garden and yard waste (trees, branches, leaves, etc.) to your berm and the City Crew will pick up on Monday. All smaller clippings must be bagged or in a can.
1/2 truckload – $30 Full truckload – $50 Anything smaller is free of charge
Dumpster Rentals are available through the City Office. Please call 218-437-6621 to get a list of acceptable items and to schedule a drop-off date. Cost $45.00 + tax
Argyle Area Food Shelf – Tuesday, June 10th from 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Basement of St. Rose Church – Everyone Welcome!
ABBREVIATIONS ON YOUR UTILITY BILL:
CREF – Commercial Refuse CSWR – Commercial Sewer CWTR – Commercial water
GTX – Gas Tax LC – Late Charge MISC – Miscellaneous
MSPR – Mosquito Spray RGAS – Residential Gas RREF – Residential Refuse
RWTR – Residential Water SPI – Sewer Project Fees RRTX – Resid. Refuse Tax
WPI – Water Project Fees SSR – Single Sort Recycling SWR – Sewer
swcf – State Water Connection Fee