JULY 2024

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.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on June 3rd, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Aaron Rivard, Tony Deschene, Penni Anderson, and David Gunderson. Also in attendance were Mark Robertson, Brent Riopelle, Savannah Yutrzenka, Dan & Renae Lindgren, Michael Pagnac, and Tamara Benitt. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

Mark Robertson, Brent Riopelle, and Savannah Yutrzenka presented their pickle ball court improvements idea. They would like to fundraise up to $70,000 to cover the cost of courts, nets, benches, windscreens, and drain tile. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to encourage $70,000 fundraising goal and to approve the City to receive fundraising donations. Motion carried. Please consider donating to the pickleball courts. The Council thanked them for taking the initiative and they then left the meeting.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the change out of newly rebuilt pump once finished and send the currently used pump for repairs so it can be used as back up. Motion carried.

The secondary well project will start once LTP can drill the test well and get the screen ordered.

Tamara attended the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) Project kick-off meeting on 5/14/24 with MnDOT, Jon Olson, and Lon Aune to discuss the $1.5 million grant received by the City of Argyle.

Tony Safranski resigned from the City Superintendent position with his last day being Monday, June 10th. The Council would like to hire a three (3) man City crew, so advertise immediately for a Maintenance and working Superintendent. Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve temporary hourly compensation for Michael Pagnac until the position is filled and will be reviewed at that time. Motion carried. The City of Stephen will be contacted to see if they would be in favor of having City Crew employees on call in both Argyle and Stephen on the same weekend temporarily.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve Resolution 11-2024 – Temporary Community Festival Liquor License for the Dell Steakhouse & Lounge, LLC. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve Resolution 13-2024 – Accept all donations to Argyle Fire Department since 12-1-23 and Resolution 14-2024 – Accept all donations to city from 12-1-23. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the building permits: St. Gabe’s/Angela Smithee, Managing Member – Brick repair and sidewalk, and Jeff Radeke – reside garage. Motion carried.

There is a group of investors that are interested in constructing duplexes. The Council would be willing to donate the current $1.00 City lots to anyone that is willing to invest in housing.

Public Hearing Notice for Middle-Snake-Tamarac Rivers Watershed district sitting as the drainage authority for redetermination of benefits to State Ditch #3. Hearing will be held at 5:30PM on Monday, June 24th at the Community Center in Argyle.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve an economic development contribution to AREDA up to $15,000.00. Motion carried.

Tamara attended the yearly Opioid Grant Community Meeting on May 16th at the Marshall County Courthouse.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve members of the Community Club as volunteers of the City of Argyle for Meet Your Neighbor Day. Motion carried.

The Council reviewed a summary report from Ron Ruud of Northwest Service Cooperative.

Notice of Public Hearing – Northwest Regional Development Commission – 2025 Budget – June 4th at 9:00AM at NWRDC Office in Warren.

City Office and City Shop will be closed Wednesday, June 19th, Juneteenth.

Dan Lindgren will volunteer to mow and bag Thissel Park for the summer.

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

Thank you to all residents that have pitched in to make Argyle look more presentable! We really do appreciate your volunteering and taking pride in our community.

Reminder: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on July 10th, 2024.

CURBSIDE COMPOST PICKUP CHANGING TO 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 – $30.00      Full truckload – $50.00     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.

Mayor Sundby called to order the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting on May 6, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the City Office. Members present were Penni Anderson, Tony Deschene, Mayor Sundby, David Gunderson, and Aaron Rivard. 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 Tony Deschene, second by David Gunderson, to close the Board of Appeal & Equalization. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard to open the Public Hearing-Rezoning of Residential lots of Auditor’s Subdivision Lots 98-99, 110 East 5th Street, to Commercial lots. In attendance were Councilmen: Terry Sundby, Tony Deschene, David Gunderson, Penni Anderson, and Aaron Rivard. Also in attendance were Tom Osowski, Tamara Benitt and Michael Pagnac. Due to Tom’s withdrawal of request, motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by David Gunderson, to leave the zoning of these lots as Residential. Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Penni Anderson, to close the Public Hearing.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on May 6, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Terry Sundby, Aaron Rivard, Tony Deschene, Penni Anderson and David Gunderson. Also in attendance was Ottertail Operations Manager Doug Steinmetz, Michael Pagnac, Tony Safranski, Stephen-Argyle Central Student Elizabeth Sunde, and Tamara Benitt. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve Mayor Sundby and City Clerk Tamara Benitt to sign the franchise agreement with Otter Tail. Motion carried.

Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to accept the lowest bids and begin the secondary well project. Motion carried. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Penni Anderson to approve using money from the savings account and repaying with a monthly fee on every water utility account. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Tony Deschene, approved repair of the Flygt pump for Sutton lift station at Electric Pump for $3,683.00. Motion carried. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

Jon Olson of Apex Engineering submitted a Lincoln Avenue update. We are postponing to 2025 construction due to the $1.5 million LRIP grant awarded.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Penni Anderson, to hire Sherry Donarski for Summer Rec. bus driver. Motion carried. Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Tony Deschene, to hire Chris Danzl for a mower. Motion carried.

Thissel Park Phase II will now be open for fundraising options. The Council will move forward with Pristine Patio’s proposal for the sidewalk, sign columns, and mural info base. Feel free to drop off donations at the City Office. Thank you for taking pride in our community!

Building permits: Merle Adolphson – New front door & stone siding, Wade Danielson – Electrical, drywall, and insulation in garage, Bruce Horgen – New roof, and Christine Higdem – Renovation for handicap accessibility. Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to sign the contract with Marshall County to have them apply calcium chloride on the map locations. Price is $1.97 per gallon. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve Mason Sundby as a volunteer to the Argyle Fire Department. Motion carried.

The City Office and City Shop will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024, for Memorial Day.

Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to adopt Resolution 10-2024, City Support for A.R.E.D.A. Project. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to close the meeting due to employee performance evaluation reviews. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, 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 Aaron Rivard, to adjourn. Motion carried.

REMINDERS: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on June 12, 2024.

City Office & City Shop Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM and Friday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Area Food Shelf – Tuesday, June 11th from 4:30 – 5:30 PM

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 – $50.00   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

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on April 1, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Aaron Rivard, Tony Deschene, and David Gunderson. Absent was Penni Anderson. Also in attendance was Otter Tail Operations Manager Doug Steinmetz, Tom Osowski, Brian Opsahl from Brady Martz, Michael Pagnac and Tamara Benitt. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Tony Deschene, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

Doug Steinmetz, Operations Manager for Otter Tail, located out of Crookston reviewed Ordinance 01-24, the electric franchise agreement with the Council. Doug will attend the May 6th meeting to answer any further questions and the City can sign the agreement at that time.

Tom Osowski is requesting Lots 98-99 of Auditor’s Subdivision, 110 E. 5th Street, to be rezoned from Residential to Commercial. The public hearing will be set for May 6, 2024, in the Community Center at 6:30PM.

Tamara received news today that Local Road Improvement Grant was received by the City of Argyle. The grant is up to $1,500,000.00 and will be used on the Lincoln Avenue Project.

The Council reviewed the bids presented for the secondary well project. We are currently waiting for a permit revision from the Minnesota Department of Health.

Mike Pagnac will be attending the Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety Education Conference in Rochester on April 23-24. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Tony Deschene, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

Brian Opsahl with Brady, Martz presented the 2023 Audit to the Council. Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Auditor’s Report. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to hire Britni Kroll for watering of the hanging baskets, flower planters, and the garden club gardens for $900/season. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to hire Paige Zacha, Dawson Kasprowicz, and Kristen McGregor, for summer help at $16.00/hour with $.50 increase for returning employees. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to hire Carsen Safranski for Summer Rec Director/Head Coach at $17.00/hour and Anders Thompson as Assistance Coach at $14.50/hour, with $.50/hour increase for returning employees. Motion carried.

On a motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 08-2024- SUPPORTING RETENTION OF CITY ZONING AUTHORITY. Motion carried.

Building Permits: Tom Osowski – Building to store inventory. Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the building permit. Motion carried.

Karen Gunderson came up with an incentive for new homeowners. If they sign up for ACH, we will waive their water and gas utility deposits of $200.00. Their utility bill would never be late, and the payment would be guaranteed. If there are insufficient  funds in the account within the first year, the homeowner will need to pay utility deposits.

Pay Equity Report meets compliance requirements.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Gunderson, to not donate to Marshall County Fair Grandstand Fundraising Campaign. Aye: Deschene, Sundby, Gunderson; Abstain: Rivard; Absent: Anderson. Motion carried.

Tony Safranski will be chaperoning the SAC Sr. Class trip April 1st – April 9th.

Cold Weather Rule is no longer in effect as of April 30, 2024.

One delinquent utility account was sent to the collection agency. 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 Aaron Rivard, to adjourn. Motion carried.

REMINDER: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on May 15, 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)

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on March 4, 2024, at 5:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Penni Anderson and David Gunderson. Absent were Aaron Rivard and Tony Deschene. Also in attendance were Jon Olson of Apex Engineering, Tony Safranski, and Tamara Benitt. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

Jon Olson of Apex Engineering came before the Council to discuss the summary of the well project. The Mayor wants to call a special meeting when all Council members are available to make the final decision. Jon then left the meeting.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

On a motion by David Gunderson, the following RESOLUTION 07-2024, APPOINT ELECTION JUDGES was adopted and seconded by Terry Sundby. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve the lighting of the water tower to LaBine Electric in the amount of $14,787.00 with funds being raised to pay a portion. Motion carried. The council wants to use this as a donation project.

Tamara and Tony S. met with Dan Disrud of the MN Department of Health regarding our wellhead protection plan. Our current plan was up on February 22, 2024, so we signed an extension due to the secondary well project. MDH approved the extension until 2028.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to purchase 12 hanging baskets from Evergreen n’ Ivy. Motion carried. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to advertise for watering of the hanging baskets, flower planters, and the garden club gardens for $900/season. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to advertise for retired mowers and kids summer help for $16/hour with a $.50/hour increase for returning employees. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to advertise for Summer Rec Director/Head Coach at $17.00/hour, Assistant Coach at $14.50/hour, Bus Driver at $22.00/hour, and Umpire at $17.00/game with $.50/hour increase for returning employees. Motion carried.

Building Permits: Misselhorn Tiling – remodel, Brent Riopelle – bathroom remodel, John LaBine – replace supports in garage, and Carl Kroll – replace tub. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.

Lots 98-99 of Auditor’s Subdivision were questioned to be rezoned into Commercial lots. The Council decided to leave the lot as a residential lot and use it as a green space.

The City Office and City Shop will be closed Good Friday, March 29th.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve Matt Casper as a new member of the Argyle Volunteer Fire Department. Motion carried.

Michael Pagnac is attending the Minnesota Rural Water & Wastewater Conference in St. Cloud from March 4th – 7th.

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.

Being no further business, motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried.

REMINDER: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on April 10th, 2024.

City Office & City Shop Hours – Monday to Thursday 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM & Friday 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Area Food Shelf – Tuesday, April 9th – 4:30 – 5:30 PM