Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Argyle Council meeting on November 4, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle Council Chambers. Present were Terry Sundby, Aaron Rivard, Penni Anderson, Tony Deschene, and David Gunderson. Also in attendance were Stephen-Argyle Central students: Kinzie Solberg, Brooke Swanson, Mahren Gjovik, and Tessa Kroll along with Trent Voytilla and Tamara Benitt. Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.
Apex Engineering has completed roughly 50% of the design stage because they have been waiting for the MPCA grant agreement since engineering fees are eligible expenses. Jon reviewed the project limits, proposed improvements, project cost/funding, and other miscellaneous items with the Council. The project limits are Lincoln Avenue – South of 1st Street to 6th Street, 2nd Avenue – Lincoln to Bradford Avenue, Alley between 4th and 5th Street and Garfield and Lincoln Avenue, 6th Street – CSAH 108 to Lincoln Avenue, and City Drainage ditch – 6th Street to CSAH 4. The main issue is the storm sewer is too shallow. The bidding estimation is March 2025 with the construction of June 1 – August 30, 2025.
Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to offer Chris Danzl P.E.R.A. Motion carried.
In Control will be up to assess the Filter Plant and Wells to design a plan for the communications.
Bradford Addition and Herman Addition developments were discussed.
Building Permits: Jeremey Misselhorn – Remodel at 109 W. 4th Street, Max Yutrzenka – egress window, and Liz Anderson – garden shed. Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.
On a motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to utilize the GO Tax Abatement bond process for the Highway 75 Business Incubator. Motion carried.
The City Shop and Office will be closed on Monday, November 11th in honor of Veteran’s Day and Thursday, November 28th, Thanksgiving.
Lead & Copper – We completed our initial service line inventory to MDH. The next step is to send notifications to customers served by lead, galvanized requiring replacement (GRR), and unknown service lines. John Nelson of MN Rural Water suggested that we get put on the Project Priority List (PPL) for the services lines replacement. In order for the City to get funding, the City needs to be put on the PPL. Tamara will get the City of Argyle listed on the PPL.
The Council decided to review and change the Park Board ordinances and set the expectations. This will be discussed at the January meeting.
Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve Jackson Peterson as a new firefighter for the Argyle Volunteer Fire Department. Motion carried.
Kent Hanson questioned if he could park his bus/camper on the slab at the City’s vacant lots across from his property for the winter. The Council wants to have him sign that the City will not be liable for any damages.
Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, 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.
Closed Meeting – Employee performance Evaluation
Tamara presented the employee performance evaluations for Karen Gunderson and Trent Voytilla.
Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, there will be no increase in wages for 2025. Nay: Sundby. Motion carried.
Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on December 11th.
City Office & City Shop hours: Monday – Thursday 7:00 Am – 4:30 PM. Friday – 7:oo 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).
A.R.E.D.A. NEXT MEETING – DECEMBER 18TH – CITY OFFICE – 7:00AM