November 2, 2020 – DRAFT

Mayor Robert Clausen called to order the November 2, 2020 Argyle City Council meeting at 7:00PM in the Argyle Community Center.  Present were Mayor Clausen, Anthony Deschene, Aaron Rivard, and David Sorenson.  Absent was David Gunderson.  Also, in attendance were Tony Safranski and Vicki Tulibaski.  Motion by Anthony Deschene, second by David Sorenson, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting.  Motion carried.

The Council reviewed the written update from Moore Engineering.  There is no action that the city needs to take.

The Council reviewed the list of items for the C.A.R.E.S. money.  On a motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, the Council adopted a resolution allocating Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act Funds to local government activities.  Motion carried.

The Council reviewed the Step Pay Chart.  Vicki, Tony, and Tamara have completed all their steps.  After a lengthy discussion, motion by Anthony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve a 3.5% step raise for Trevor and Michael plus a $.50/hour raise and a $.50/hour raise for Vicki, Tony, and Tamara.  Motion carried.

At last month’s Council meeting, Vicki was instructed to contact the cities of Warren and Stephen and see what they have set for curfews.  Warren did not reply to an email Vicki sent.  The Council reviewed the curfew for Stephen.  General consensus of the Council was to not have a curfew.  No action taken.

The Council reviewed the written Maintenance Report.  Also presented were bids for tires for the white Ford.  Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the bids from CHS for a set of Cooper tires for the white Ford at a cost of $652.80.  Motion carried.

Council discussed cables across the crossing into the piles on the north end of Argyle.  General consensus of the Council is the gate will be unlocked for anyone to access the city piles only Monday to Friday during business hours.  No keys will be handed out.  The sand is the property of the railroad.

The Council reviewed the Model Floodplain ordinance needs to be amended.  Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Anthony Deschene, to approve the Minnesota Model Floodplain Ordinance adopted to fit the needs of Argyle.  Motion carried.

Motion by Anthony Deschene, second by David Sorenson, to approve the building permit of Colleen Deitz for shingles.  Motion carried.

Vicki informed the Council that she submitted the final worksheets and signature page to the State for reimbursement from Homeland Security for labor and equipment use for the windstorm in July.

Vicki informed the Council that she has been in contact with Diane Hayes of Northwest Community Action on the grant the city received for housing and business rehab.  They are currently working on an application for those who originally applied that will ask them what work they need done.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve FFCRA leave for Tamara.  Motion carried.  The Council was informed that the City Office will be locked to the public again due to the spread of COVID-19 in Argyle.  They can call and make an appointment.  United Valley Bank lobby and The Dell are also closed to the public.

The City Office will be closed on Wednesday, November 11th in honor of Veteran’s Day and Thursday, November 26th, Thanksgiving.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the bills presented for payment, the profit & loss, the balance sheet, the account balances, and the delinquent accounts.  Motion carried.

Being no further business, motion by Anthony Deschene, second by David Sorenson, to adjourn.  Motion carried.

Requests for Winter Months:
– Please do not leave cars & trailers on streets for easier snow removal.
– Please stay away from snow removal equipment. — Give them room to do their job!!