Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on January 3, 2023, at 7:00PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Anthony Deschene, David Gunderson, and Penni Anderson. Absent was Aaron Rivard. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac and Tamara Benitt. Penni Anderson and David Gunderson read the oath of office. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Tony Deschene, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.

The Council commented on how good of a job the City Crew has done with moving snow! Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Tony Deschene, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, to amend the previous motion of looking at the project again in May and pay Pribula Engineering the remaining $40,000 and not go forward with the Marshall & Polk Rural Water project. Abstain: Tony Deschene. Motion carried.

The Council decided to split the Community Center project into 2 phases. The first phase will be from the kitchen to the West area. Phase 2 will be a Council Chambers on the East end. The Council wants to have a designated area for meetings. Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Tony Deschene, to accept the bids of Erickson’s Up North Plumbing, Sue Miller, Argyle Builder’s Supply, LaBine Electric, and Trevor Benitt Construction for the updates of the Community Center. Motion carried.

After a lengthy debate, the Council realized there was a major miscommunication among themselves dealing with the City purchasing a property. All members seemed to have a different understanding of what process was going to be followed. The Council did not approve the purchase of the property at the December meeting and the consensus was to follow that motion. All purchases must come through the City Council first. The clearing of snow on downtown sidewalks was discussed again. It was unanimously decided at the December meeting that all residential and commercial properties are responsible for their own sidewalks. However, the City Crew is responsible for the Safe Routes to School sidewalks since that is a requirement of the grant that was received.

On a motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, RESOLUTION 01-2023: APPROVE ANNUAL DESIGNATIONS, APPOINTMENTS, AND RENTAL & FEE SCHEDULE FOR 2023 was adopted. Motion carried.

On a motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, RESOLUTION 02-2023: APPROVE 2023 UTILITY RATES & NATURAL GAS REBATES was adopted. Motion carried.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the building permit for Nate Gornowicz for windows and siding at Gabe LaBine’s. Motion carried.

Northwest Regional Development Commission is seeking nominations for a Marshall County municipal representative to serve on their board. No Council members are interested.

A.R.E.D.A. meeting: Motion by Bob Clausen, second by Alysa Tulibaski, to accept the resignation of Merle Adolphson and to approve Tyler Malm as a new A.R.E.D.A. member.

The second payment from LGA and Markit Value Credit – Agricultural were received.

The City Office and City Shop will be closed on Monday, January 16th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Tamara will be on vacation from January 5th – January 17th.

Tony Deschene presented the training hours and calls for the Argyle Fire Department. Currently there are 22 Firefighters and 2 EMT’s. There was a total of 45 calls – 32 medical, 8 Fire, 2 Rescue, 1 mutual aid, and 2 other.

IF YOU KNOW OF SOMEONE INTERSTED IN BECOMING A FIREFIGHTER, SEND THEM TO THE CHIEF.

The Filter Plant rehab was discussed. With this upgrade, we went from 3 backwashes a week to 1 backwash a week. This is saving on man hours and substantial amounts of water.

Tamara informed the Council that a delinquent utility account will be shut off for non-payment.

The Council reviewed the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Delinquent Accounts, vacation & sick leave and bills presented for payment. 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 Penni Anderson, second by Tony Deschene, to adjourn. Motion carried.

Argyle offers a yearly garbage pickup fee. $100 per 35-gallon garbage can.

Stop by City Office to purchase your yearly sticker.

REMINDER: WASTE MANAGEMENT RECYCLING TOTE PICKUP WILL BE ON FEBRUARY 15, 2023.

CITY OFFICE & CITY SHOP HOURS: MONDAY – THURSDAY 7:00 AM TO 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)

ARGYLE AREA FOOD SHELF – TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH – 4:30 – 5:30 PM – ST. ROSE CHURCH BASEMENT.

REQUEST FOR WINTER MONTHS:

  1. Please do not leave cars & trailers on streets for easier snow removal.
  2. Please stay away from Snow Removal Equipment. Give them room to do their job!
  3. Please keep all gates open and free of snow so that meters can be read. Thank you for your cooperation!
  4. A reminder from the Argyle Gas Department: Please keep snow cleared from your gas meter and vent. A dangerous condition exists should your gas meter and vent become blocked with snow. Please keep checking this until the snow melts.
  5. Please help the Fire Department by keeping your fire hydrants cleared of snow.

RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED TO STOP BY CITY OFFICE TO PURCHASE A $15.00 BUILDING PERMIT FOR ANY REMODELING / BUILDING OVER $500.00.

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP TO ENSURE ALL CODES AND SETBACKS ARE FOLLOWED.