Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the public hearing on November 1, 2021, at 6:00pm in the City Hall. The Public Hearing was discussing the rezoning of residential lots Auditor’s Subdivision Lots 98-99, 110 East 5th Street, to Commercial Lots.
In attendance were Councilmen: Terry Sundby, Tony Deschene, David Gunderson, David Sorenson, and Aaron Rivard. Also in attendance was Tamara Benitt, Justin McMahon, Wade Danielson, Dan representing Argyle Coop. Warehouse, and Lowell & Jennifer Engen.
After much discussion, the Council decided to leave the lots zoned as Residential. The two lots are in one parcel and have water, sewer, and gas available on the lots. The Council will accept sealed bids on this parcel with the minimum being $5,000.00. The bids will be opened at the December Council meeting.
Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the council meeting on November 1, 2021, at 7:00PM in the Argyle City Office. Present was Mayor Terry Sundby, Aaron Rivard, Tony Deschene, David Sorenson, and David Gunderson. Also in attendance was Tony Safranski, Jason Gohman of Northwest Community Action and Tamara Benitt. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Tony Deschene, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.
The Council received a disclosure of the conflict with the City of Argyle and Trevor Benitt Construction. Since Argyle is the Small City grantee, there is a conflict because of Tamara in her position. The Council feels there is no conflict and feel as though Trevor Benitt Construction can bid within the city of Argyle on the Small Cities Grant Project.
Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Maintenance Report.
The Council wants to table the personnel policy until December when the short-term disability benefit can be added. The Council wants another quote on a group short-term disability plan.
After much discussion about the pay step schedule, Karen and Michael will get their step along with a 3% increase and Tony and Tamara will get a 3% increase. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson to approve the employee raises.
Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson, to check to see if we can preview before the purchase of the Minnesota Basic code, if not go ahead and purchase.
Markit County Grain has been reimbursed for putting in natural gas by the City offering gas to them at the discounted rate. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard to set the natural gas rate to Markit County Grain at $1.15/unit.
Wiktel and BNSF will be replacing and constructing new 120′ towers within the City limits.
Argyle’s population has dropped from 639 in 2010 to 544 in 2020. The Council wants to question this data, the Census will send out a letter in December that has directions included on how to question the data.
Motion by David Sorenson, second by Tony Deschene, to approve the building permit of Janet St. Germain, landscaping and deck.
A letter was sent to Arturo Martinez Jr about the removal of his house and the cleaning up of the yard. The City also questioned him to turn the burden and expenses over to the City. If the property is turned over to the City, there are County funds available for cleaning up the property.
Mayor Terry Sundby met with Debbie Kostrzewski about her property. Terry will set up a meeting between the two of them and Scott Peters to see what can happen with the house and garage removal.
The City office and City Shop will be closed on Thursday, November 11th in honor of Veteran’s Day and Thursday, November 25th for Thanksgiving.
Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson, to rent the hot/cold cooler and try it out in the City Office.
Tamara attended a LMC meeting in Warren on Monday, October 25th.
The Council reviewed the bills presented for payment. The delinquent accounts, profit and loss and balance sheet were also reviewed. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the bills presented for payment and the financial reports.
Tony Safranski questioned if the City Shop could get two new walk-in doors as they are in tough shape. The Council agreed to the two new doors.
Kaizen Architectural Group will be at the December Council meeting to discuss the Fire Hall Feasibility Study.
On a motion by David Gunderson, second by Tony Deschene, to raise the hourly rate of temporary workers to $15.00/hr.
Tony Safranski informed the Council the gate leading to the piles North of town was removed. The Council wants Tony to notify the Sheriff of the poles being removed at the piles. There is a no trespassing sign posted so a law was broken.
The Council wants put in the monthly newsletter that any building permit must be purchased prior to the project because City Codes need to be followed and enforced. Building permits are for anything over $500.00 including sheds on skids.
Being no further business, motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to adjourn the meeting.
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