NOVEMBER 2024

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.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Argyle Council meeting on September 3, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle Council Chambers. Present were Terry Sundby, Aaron Rivard, Tony Deschene, and David Gunderson. Absent was Penni Anderson. Michael Pagnac and Tamara Benitt were also in attendance. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the previous minutes.

Lead and Copper Report was submitted to the State. Argyle is hosting a wastewater training through MRWA. A 6″ water main will be installed in the Bradford Addition housing expansion for future expansion. There has been progress on the secondary well project as we are still waiting for the well installation.

The Lincoln Avenue project was discussed. We were selected for an Implementation Stormwater Resilience grant from MPCA in the amount of $1,845,129.40. This is in addition to the Local Road Improvement Program amount of $1,500,000. An extension was granted due to the upcoming project for the repairs needing to be made to the storm sewer drain on the corner of Lincoln Avenue until 7/1/26. This is through the FEMA Flood/Heavy Rain Disaster grant.

Penni Anderson arrived at the meeting.

Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve Resolution 16-2024, City of Argyle Financial Guaranty REDLG loan for City Business Incubator Project. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to reroute the Food Truck to park on Third Street and have a 50-amp breaker installed on the Third Street light pole. Motion carried. The Council decided to hold off on the drainage project at Thissel Park.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the following resolutions: Resolution 17-2024 – Approve Proposed Property Tax Levy, Resolution 18-2024 – Approve Preliminary 2025 Budget, and Resolution 19-2024 – Approve the Argyle Fire Department 2025 Preliminary Budget. Motion carried.

There have been no applications received for the Superintendent position. We will continue to advertise with the hourly rate changing from $34.00-$37.00. Applications can be picked up at the City Office.

Building Permits: Janet LaBine – replacement of windows; Debbie Rynda – replace 2 storm doors; Philip Grandstrand (Brian Doll) – construct a disability ramp; Gornowicz Construction (Marlene Horgen) – new windows; Gornowicz Construction (Jeremy Sundby) – shingle, replace basement windows, and doors; Tim Urbaniak – replace old windows. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Tony Deschene, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.

Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to replace Bob Clausen and Vicki Tulibaski with Terry Sundby and Tamara Benitt as the Safety Box holders at United Valley Bank. Motion carried.

Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the quote from Spruce Valley to load, haul, and dispose of the existing concrete and asphalt piles at both compost sites. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Gunderson, 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 Council reviewed an Environmental Health and Safety summary report prepared by Ron Ruud.

The Cold Weather Rule goes into effect October 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025.

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 Tony Deschene, second by David Gunderson, to adjourn. Motion carried.

Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on October 16, 2024.

City Shop & City Office 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).

***INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PARK BOARD MEMBER***

Currently looking for 3 interested residents to become a member of the Park Board. Please contact the City Office if you are interested.

FOR SALE:

SAND – $5.00/yard local and $10.00/yard non-local

Black Dirt /Clay – $10.00/yard

BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR LOADING AND HAULING 

STOP BY CITY OFFICE TO PURCHASE

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on August 5, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle Council Chambers. Present were Terry Sundby, Aaron Rivard, Tony Deschene, Penni Anderson, and David Gunderson. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac and Tamara Benitt. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Tony Deschene, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Penni Anderson, to approve the City of Stephen use of our backhoe. Motion carried. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

The secondary well project has begun construction.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the quote of $9,517.50 by Johnson Jet-Line to televise the existing sanitary and storm sewer for the Lincoln Ave project. Motion carried.

The Council reviewed a drainage plan by Misselhorn Tiling & Excavation for 4th Street and Williams Avenue. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Penni Anderson, to approve moving forward with this drainage plan and get a price. Motion carried.

The Council reviewed the summer rec report prepared by Carsen Safranski, head coach, and income/expense report. There were 111 children participating. The coaches did a great job!

On a motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, Resolution 15-2024, Temporary Liquor License – Argyle American Legion, was approved. Motion carried.

Building permits: Nathan Anderson – windows and shingles; Aaron and Tiffany Rivard – storage garage. Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.

Mayor & Two Council Member positions open – Terry, Aaron, and Tony. Filing dates are July 30th to August 13th at 5:00pm.

The City signed for an extension on the Small Cities Grant. The new grant contract agreement expiration date is September 30, 2025.

Thank you to the City Crew for the great job on the baseball field during the Cal Ripken Tournament!

We will immediately STOP stockpiling concrete since we cannot find a grinding company.

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

Reminder: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on September 11th, 2024.

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).

ABSOLUTELY NO MORE STOCKPILING CONCRETE AT THE COMPOST SITE!

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY!

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on July 1, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Terry Sundby, Aaron Rivard, Tony Deschene, and David Gunderson. Via Zoom was Penni Anderson. Also in attendance were Dan & Renae Lindgren, Michael Pagnac, and Tamara Benitt. Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

Many houses in town are causing I & I (Infiltration and inflow) into our system. This is happening because of a negative slope on the home and no rain gutters, which forces their sump pumps to run for longer lengths of time. We have to enforce residents to run their sumps to either their yard or street. The lift stations cannot handle all the rainwater. The pumps are running continuously with the rainfall we received. An insert will be put in the newsletter to remind business owners and residents to run pumps out and the City crew will be doing spot checks. Anyone in violation will be fined $100/day. Trent and Michael will be spot checking some of the properties.

Otter Tail has scheduled a power outage on Monday, July 29th, from 5:30pm – 9:30pm to maintenance and repair the substation.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve the signing of the Local Road Improvement Project Funds Agreement between Marshall County and the City of Argyle. Motion carried.

At the June meeting, it was discussed to have the Park Board start meeting again and have a budget line on the city’s yearly budget. Tamara will contact the members to verify they want to continue on the Park Board. The board will be responsible for meeting to discuss new projects.

Building Permits: Scot Hoeper – replace sidewalk & kitchen cabinets; Mick Rapacz – fence & rock; Earl Riopelle – replace shower; Jeff Chwialkowski – siding & windows; Janet St. Germain – new patio; Cody Sundby – window replacement, front patio & stairs; Terry’s Body Shop – doors, windows, siding, and replace concrete; and Hunter Yutrzenka – remodel inside of house. Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.

State Demographic Center – As of April 1, 2023, population estimate is 533 and household estimate is 246. There needs to be goals and a strategy set to at least maintain our population. In order to increase population, we need housing. There needs to be investors to supply some of these needs. We also need to keep moving forward on our projects like street and utilities.

Due to the extended season and additional flowerpots, motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to raise the watering seasonal wage to $1500.00. Motion carried.

LaBine Electric installed the water tower lights. The total cost was $13,706.35 after the donations of $1,095. Please feel free to donate to the new water tower lights. Contact the City Office for more information.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Tony Deschene, to acknowledge and approve excluded bingo activity for St. Rose Church during their bazaar on October 27, 2024, at the Community Center. Motion carried.

City Office and City Shop will be closed Thursday, July 4th, 2024. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Tony Deschene, to approve the employees having July 5th off due to extra work for Meet Your Neighbor Day. Motion carried.

Cal Ripken 12U tournament will be in Argyle and Stephen on July 20 and July 21.

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

Reminder: Waste Management Recycling tote pickup will be on August 14th, 2024.