September 8, 2020 Draft
Mayor Robert Clausen called to order the September 8, 2020 Argyle City Council meeting at 7:00PM at the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Clausen, David Gunderson, Anthony Deschene, and Aaron Rivard. Absent was David Sorenson. Also, in attendance were Andrew Aakre of Moore Engineering, Tony Safranski, and Vicki Tulibaski. David Gunderson added Ballot Box to the agenda. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Anthony Deschene, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.
Andrew Aakre of Moore Engineering reported to the Council that PFA are not funding new projects. They are only funding prior year carryover projects. PFA referred the City of Argyle to the USDA Rural Development program for funding for the water tower, filter plant upgrades, well and line. He then handed out Task Order 2 for the Council’s review to move forward with the Preliminary Engineering Report, and assist with application items needed through the RD apply online portal. After a lengthy discussion, motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve Task Order 2. Aye: Clausen, Gunderson, Rivard. Nay: Deschene. Absent: Sorenson. Motion carried. Vicki questioned what the timeline for the project will be – would construction be done in 2021? Andrew said it may be possible, but construction will likely be in 2022. Mayor Clausen signed Task Order 2. Andrew then left the meeting.
Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Anthony Deschene, to approve the A.R.E.D.A.’s purchase of Janet St. Germain’s building. Motion carried.
The Council reviewed applications from Argyle businesses for the C.A.R.E.S. Act Small Business Grant. General consensus of the Council is to get the final prices of all items needed by the city then grant out the balance of C.A.R.E.S. money to the small business that applied. This was tabled to the October meeting.
The Council reviewed the written Maintenance Report. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.
The Council reviewed the Preliminary 2021 Budget and Levy. Added to the budget were tractor upgrade, backhoe upgrade and used portable air compressor. On a motion by David Gunderson, second by Anthony Deschene, the Council approved by resolution the proposed property tax levy collectible in 2021.
The Council tabled 2021 wages until the October meeting.
On a motion by Anthony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, the Council approved the following building permits: Julie LaBine, windows & doors; Northwest Roofing, re-roof kitchen area of Argyle School; Dillon Erickson, driveway; Derald Mercil, shingle; Northwest Roofing, re-roof St. Gabe Apts.; Jeff Beaudry, shingles. Motion carried.
Motion by Anthony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Community Water Supply Service Connection Fee of $9.72 to be billed on the October bill and to pay to the State of Minnesota. Motion carried.
Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Anthony Deschene, to not participate in the Salvation Army’s HeatShare Program. Motion carried.
Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve Justin Yutrzenka as a new member of the Argyle Fire Department. Motion carried.
Motion by Anthony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the bills presented for payment, the delinquent accounts, Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and account balances. Motion carried.
Motion by David Gunderson, second by Anthony Deschene, to have a ballot box at the City Office for citizens to drop off their ballots and the city will deliver them to the Court House. Motion carried. After further research, the County Attorney advises against this practice. There WILL NOT be a ballot box at the City Office.
Being no further business, motion by Anthony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to adjourn. Motion carried.
REMINDERS:
- Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on October 14th. Please have your totes to the curb 3 feet away from anything by 8:00AM. Plastic bags and aerosol cans are not recyclable.
- General Election – Be sure to vote in the General Election. Mail in your ballot or you can hand deliver your own ballot to the Court House anytime up until 8:00PM on November 3, 2020.
- SWCF – Community Water Supply Service Connection Fee of $9.72 on the October bill is a state mandated fee and the payment goes to the State of Minnesota. This is a yearly fee.
- Please report street light outages to the City Office.