Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on August 7, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Aaron Rivard, David Gunderson, Penni Anderson, and Tony Deschene. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac, Tony Safranski, Bob Bucklin, and Tamara Benitt. Fire Hall Committee members present were Nathan Anderson, Hunter Yutrzenka, Eric Magnusson, and Austin Sundby. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.
The Council discussed the location of the future fire hall. The fire hall will be constructed on the compost site with the sandpile on the north side of County Road 4. The committee will present the bids to the Council once they are received.
A Public Hearing will be set for September 5th at 6:00 PM to consider rezoning Residential Lots: Argyle Original, Block 1, Lots 20 & 21 – to Commercial lots.
Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the bid from CC Steel for the cleaning/inspection and extending 8″ pipe in the clear well. Motion carried. Maguire Iron will be here in late August or early September for painting the water tower. The 1988 Ford F150. Runs great. 302 – and 4-wheel drive. 30-foot sprayer with brand new Honda 120 Pump. Selling as package deal. Minimum $500. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.
Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve long-term disability for all full-time employees at a monthly benefit of $500 and allow each employee to purchase more. Motion carried.
The Council decided to divide the Bradford Addition into larger portions to add an incentive for building a new house. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, to sell the double lots in Bradford Addition at $15,000 to allow 3 properties with the remaining balance coming from the general fund. Motion carried.
On a motion by David Gunderson, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 12-2023: DECLARING COST TO BE ASSESSED, AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENT. Aaron Rivard seconded the motion, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.
The landowner has given verbal agreement, so the final well-siting, preparation of easement legal description, and MDH/DNR permitting will occur. The goal is to complete well construction this season.
Jon Olson, from Apex Engineering, informed the Council via email about Lincoln Avenue Improvements. This will be a priority over the next month or two to ensure we are set up for 2024 construction. They are continuing the development proposed improvement alternatives.
Dan Disrud, Minnesota Department of Health District Planner, met with Tamara and Tony on July 20th to track the progress of Wellhead Protection Plan Implementation.
On August 1st, cannabis has been legalized in Minnesota. The League of Minnesota Cities is going to be sharing recommendations shortly on this issue, so the Council feels they will wait for that recommendation. On a motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, to amend the Drug, Alcohol, and Cannabis Testing and Drug-Free Workplace Act Policy. Motion carried.
The Summer Rec income/expense report prepared by Ashten Safranski, Head Coach, was reviewed by the Council.
On a motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, the following Building Permits were approved: Richard Deschene-Shingle replacement; Mike & Laurie Sczepanski – fence/patio; Dwaine Adolphson – steel roof on lean of barn; Debbie Rynda – shingling, Jason Yutrzenka – new porch windows on house, Argyle Builders Supply – shed roof, lean.
The County informed the city of complaints they received on noxious weeds within city limits. The City will work with the County to clear up this matter. The Council discussed the poor yard conditions of a few properties in town.
The new Small Cities grant contract agreement expiration date is September 30th, 2024. City of Argyle will be requesting from DEED an exception to the federal conflict regulation.
Tamara attended the first meeting for the Minnesota Opioid Settlement on June 28th at Marshall County Courthouse.
Motion by David Gunderson, second by Tony Deschene, to approve donate to the Salvation Army’s HeatShare Program. Motion carried.
A snap-together tile system has been installed for a pickleball court within the fenced area at the Ice Skating Rink. Please go enjoy the new feature in Argyle!
David Gunderson will renew his local board of appeal and equalization training. The 2024 budget items were discussed. Local government aid (LGA) was received.
Next Council meeting will be Tuesday, September 5th, due to Labor Day falling on Monday.
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.
Another bid will be received for the repairs to the United Valley Bank and B.I.L. alleyway.
The City will implement a written on-call policy at the September meeting.
The Comprehensive Planning Committee will be hosting two public forums and sending out a survey for all Argyle residents to complete as they are looking for feedback dealing with the future of Argyle.
Being no further business, motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Tony Deschene, to adjourn. Motion carried.
WASTE MANAGEMENT RECYCLING TOTE PICKUP WILL BE ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2023.
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).
REMINDER: ALL GARBAGE MUST BE PROPERLY BAGGED OR TAGGED AND ON THE BERM WEDNESDAY’S BY 7:00 AM.
HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE IS NOT ALLOWED IN COMMERCIAL DUMPSTERS!