MAY 2024

Mayor Sundby called to order the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting on May 6, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the City Office. Members present were Penni Anderson, Tony Deschene, Mayor Sundby, David Gunderson, and Aaron Rivard. Attending from the Marshall County Assessor’s Office were Ryan Larson and Matt Vongroven. Also present were Tamara Benitt and Michael Pagnac. Ryan Larson and Tamara Benitt informed the Council that they did not receive any appeals. No one from the public attended to present any appeals. Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Gunderson, to close the Board of Appeal & Equalization. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard to open the Public Hearing-Rezoning of Residential lots of Auditor’s Subdivision Lots 98-99, 110 East 5th Street, to Commercial lots. In attendance were Councilmen: Terry Sundby, Tony Deschene, David Gunderson, Penni Anderson, and Aaron Rivard. Also in attendance were Tom Osowski, Tamara Benitt and Michael Pagnac. Due to Tom’s withdrawal of request, motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by David Gunderson, to leave the zoning of these lots as Residential. Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Penni Anderson, to close the Public Hearing.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on May 6, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Terry Sundby, Aaron Rivard, Tony Deschene, Penni Anderson and David Gunderson. Also in attendance was Ottertail Operations Manager Doug Steinmetz, Michael Pagnac, Tony Safranski, Stephen-Argyle Central Student Elizabeth Sunde, and Tamara Benitt. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve Mayor Sundby and City Clerk Tamara Benitt to sign the franchise agreement with Otter Tail. Motion carried.

Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to accept the lowest bids and begin the secondary well project. Motion carried. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Penni Anderson to approve using money from the savings account and repaying with a monthly fee on every water utility account. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Tony Deschene, approved repair of the Flygt pump for Sutton lift station at Electric Pump for $3,683.00. Motion carried. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

Jon Olson of Apex Engineering submitted a Lincoln Avenue update. We are postponing to 2025 construction due to the $1.5 million LRIP grant awarded.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Penni Anderson, to hire Sherry Donarski for Summer Rec. bus driver. Motion carried. Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Tony Deschene, to hire Chris Danzl for a mower. Motion carried.

Thissel Park Phase II will now be open for fundraising options. The Council will move forward with Pristine Patio’s proposal for the sidewalk, sign columns, and mural info base. Feel free to drop off donations at the City Office. Thank you for taking pride in our community!

Building permits: Merle Adolphson – New front door & stone siding, Wade Danielson – Electrical, drywall, and insulation in garage, Bruce Horgen – New roof, and Christine Higdem – Renovation for handicap accessibility. Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to sign the contract with Marshall County to have them apply calcium chloride on the map locations. Price is $1.97 per gallon. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve Mason Sundby as a volunteer to the Argyle Fire Department. Motion carried.

The City Office and City Shop will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024, for Memorial Day.

Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to adopt Resolution 10-2024, City Support for A.R.E.D.A. Project. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to close the meeting due to employee performance evaluation reviews. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, 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 Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to adjourn. Motion carried.

REMINDERS: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on June 12, 2024.

City Office & City Shop Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM and Friday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Area Food Shelf – Tuesday, June 11th from 4:30 – 5:30 PM

CURBSIDE COMPOST PICKUP MONDAYS – SPRING THRU FALL

After getting your weekend yard work done, haul garden and yard waste (trees, branches, leaves, etc.) to your berm and the City Crew will pick up on Monday. All smaller clippings must be bagged or in a can.

1/2 truckload – $30   Full truckload – $50.00   Anything smaller is free of charge

Dumpster Rentals are available through the City Office. Please call 218-437-6621 to get a list of acceptable items and to schedule a drop off date. Cost $45.00 + tax

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on April 1, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Aaron Rivard, Tony Deschene, and David Gunderson. Absent was Penni Anderson. Also in attendance was Otter Tail Operations Manager Doug Steinmetz, Tom Osowski, Brian Opsahl from Brady Martz, Michael Pagnac and Tamara Benitt. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Tony Deschene, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

Doug Steinmetz, Operations Manager for Otter Tail, located out of Crookston reviewed Ordinance 01-24, the electric franchise agreement with the Council. Doug will attend the May 6th meeting to answer any further questions and the City can sign the agreement at that time.

Tom Osowski is requesting Lots 98-99 of Auditor’s Subdivision, 110 E. 5th Street, to be rezoned from Residential to Commercial. The public hearing will be set for May 6, 2024, in the Community Center at 6:30PM.

Tamara received news today that Local Road Improvement Grant was received by the City of Argyle. The grant is up to $1,500,000.00 and will be used on the Lincoln Avenue Project.

The Council reviewed the bids presented for the secondary well project. We are currently waiting for a permit revision from the Minnesota Department of Health.

Mike Pagnac will be attending the Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety Education Conference in Rochester on April 23-24. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Tony Deschene, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

Brian Opsahl with Brady, Martz presented the 2023 Audit to the Council. Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Auditor’s Report. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to hire Britni Kroll for watering of the hanging baskets, flower planters, and the garden club gardens for $900/season. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to hire Paige Zacha, Dawson Kasprowicz, and Kristen McGregor, for summer help at $16.00/hour with $.50 increase for returning employees. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to hire Carsen Safranski for Summer Rec Director/Head Coach at $17.00/hour and Anders Thompson as Assistance Coach at $14.50/hour, with $.50/hour increase for returning employees. Motion carried.

On a motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 08-2024- SUPPORTING RETENTION OF CITY ZONING AUTHORITY. Motion carried.

Building Permits: Tom Osowski – Building to store inventory. Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the building permit. Motion carried.

Karen Gunderson came up with an incentive for new homeowners. If they sign up for ACH, we will waive their water and gas utility deposits of $200.00. Their utility bill would never be late, and the payment would be guaranteed. If there are insufficient  funds in the account within the first year, the homeowner will need to pay utility deposits.

Pay Equity Report meets compliance requirements.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Gunderson, to not donate to Marshall County Fair Grandstand Fundraising Campaign. Aye: Deschene, Sundby, Gunderson; Abstain: Rivard; Absent: Anderson. Motion carried.

Tony Safranski will be chaperoning the SAC Sr. Class trip April 1st – April 9th.

Cold Weather Rule is no longer in effect as of April 30, 2024.

One delinquent utility account was sent to the collection agency. 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.

Being no further business, motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to adjourn. Motion carried.

REMINDER: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on May 15, 2024.

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)

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on March 4, 2024, at 5:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Penni Anderson and David Gunderson. Absent were Aaron Rivard and Tony Deschene. Also in attendance were Jon Olson of Apex Engineering, Tony Safranski, and Tamara Benitt. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

Jon Olson of Apex Engineering came before the Council to discuss the summary of the well project. The Mayor wants to call a special meeting when all Council members are available to make the final decision. Jon then left the meeting.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

On a motion by David Gunderson, the following RESOLUTION 07-2024, APPOINT ELECTION JUDGES was adopted and seconded by Terry Sundby. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve the lighting of the water tower to LaBine Electric in the amount of $14,787.00 with funds being raised to pay a portion. Motion carried. The council wants to use this as a donation project.

Tamara and Tony S. met with Dan Disrud of the MN Department of Health regarding our wellhead protection plan. Our current plan was up on February 22, 2024, so we signed an extension due to the secondary well project. MDH approved the extension until 2028.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to purchase 12 hanging baskets from Evergreen n’ Ivy. Motion carried. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to advertise for watering of the hanging baskets, flower planters, and the garden club gardens for $900/season. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to advertise for retired mowers and kids summer help for $16/hour with a $.50/hour increase for returning employees. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to advertise for Summer Rec Director/Head Coach at $17.00/hour, Assistant Coach at $14.50/hour, Bus Driver at $22.00/hour, and Umpire at $17.00/game with $.50/hour increase for returning employees. Motion carried.

Building Permits: Misselhorn Tiling – remodel, Brent Riopelle – bathroom remodel, John LaBine – replace supports in garage, and Carl Kroll – replace tub. Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.

Lots 98-99 of Auditor’s Subdivision were questioned to be rezoned into Commercial lots. The Council decided to leave the lot as a residential lot and use it as a green space.

The City Office and City Shop will be closed Good Friday, March 29th.

Motion by David Gunderson, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve Matt Casper as a new member of the Argyle Volunteer Fire Department. Motion carried.

Michael Pagnac is attending the Minnesota Rural Water & Wastewater Conference in St. Cloud from March 4th – 7th.

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 David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried.

REMINDER: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on April 10th, 2024.

City Office & City Shop Hours – Monday to Thursday 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM & Friday 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Area Food Shelf – Tuesday, April 9th – 4:30 – 5:30 PM

Vice-Mayor David Gunderson called to order the Council meeting on February 5, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Penni Anderson, Aaron Rivard, David Gunderson, and Tony Deschene. Absent was Terry Sundby. Also in attendance were Jon Olson of Apex Engineering, Michael Pagnac, Tony Safranski, and Tamara Benitt.

At the Well No. 5 bid opening on January 30th, we only received one bid. The Council decided to do a 45-day hold of the bid and table until the March meeting.

Jon, Tony, Michael and Tamara met with Drew, Jason, and Dan at Stephen-Argyle Central this afternoon. We discussed how the Lincoln Avenue project affects their property and the assessment. The city applied for the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) which is a MNDOT grant. The council  decided to wait for the grant decision to be awarded and look at a 2025 construction date.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Tony Deschene, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

The Council agreed to hold off on new loader tires and switch tires around when needed. Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Tony Deschene, to approve the bid from Tyler Solberg for the 1991 John Deere 410D Backhoe. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Penni Anderson, to continue with bids and site prep for Fire Hall Construction. Motion carried. There will have to be a public hearing and a wait period before the city can proceed to get a bond. The Fire Hall committee will have an informational meeting before the Public Hearing.

Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the color copier proposal. Motion carried.

On a motion by Aaron Rivard, RESOLUTION 04-2024, ADOPTION OF THE MARSHALL COUNTY ALL-HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN, was adopted and seconded by Tony Deschene. Motion carried.

Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the following 2024 Argyle Fire Department Officers:

Chief – Erin Anderson

Asst. Chief – Eric Magnusson

Secretary – Nick Safranski

Treas. – Brady Swanson

EMS – Rob Clausen

Chief Engineer – Tim Tulibaski

Ventilation Officer – Nathan Anderson

Interior Officer – Dillon Erickson

Training Officer – Grant Bergeron

Safety Officer – Kelly Durand

Motion carried.

There was a total of 51 calls in 2023, Medical – 45, Fire – 3, Rescue – 2, Mutual Aid – 1

On a motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 05-2024, BENEFITS PER YEAR OF SERVICE FOR ARGYLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. Motion carried.

On a motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Tony Deschene, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 06-2024, APPOINT ELECTION JUDGES: Tamara Benitt, Karen Gunderson, and Lisa Larson. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Penni Anderson, to pay for the yearly health card (Physical) and the license fee renewal for any City Crew employees that already has a commercial driver’s license. Motion carried.

A summary report from Ron Ruud of Northwest Service Cooperative was reviewed.

The City Office and City Shop will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2024, in observance of Presidents’ Day.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Penni Anderson, to approve the bills presented for payment, the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, delinquent accounts and vacation & sick leave. Motion carried.

It was discussed that “No Thru Traffic” and reflective signs were put up at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and County 4 and Atlantic Avenue and Sixth Street. No one has gotten permission to put up the signs as Atlantic is a thru road. This is a total disregard to the Council and disrespect to the City.

Being no further business, motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to adjourn. Motion carried.

Argyle offers a yearly garbage pickup fee. $100.00 per 35 gallon garbage can. Stop by the City Office to purchase your yearly sticker.

NOTE: ONCE BLUE AND YELLOW GARBAGE BAG INVENTORY IS SOLD OUT, NO MORE WILL BE ORDERED. ONLY TAGS AND YEARLY STICKERS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Stop by City Office to purchase 2024 pet license and special vehicle permits (golf carts).

Reminder: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on March 13, 2024.

City Office & City Shop Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:00 am – 4:30 pm, & Friday, 7:00 am – 11:00 am.

Area Food Shelf – Tuesday, March 12th – 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm.

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.

Vice-Mayor David Gunderson called to order the Council meeting on January 2, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Aaron Rivard, David Gunderson, and Tony Deschene. Absent were Terry Sundby and Penni Anderson. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac, Tony Safranski, and Tamara Benitt. Stephen-Argyle students present were Aiden Trueblood, Katie Groven, Cole Noreikis, and Dawson Kasprowicz. Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

The Fire Hall Committee presented the bids for the construction of a new Fire Hall. Kaizen will verify the prints meet code requirements.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Tony Deschene, to allow the Argyle Fire Department to use the City of Argyle’s Public Safety Aid amount of $23,937. Motion carried. The Fire Hall Committee then left the meeting.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Tony Deschene, to approve the purchase of four Radial snow tires at Pomp’s Tire at $9652.96. Motion carried. After discussion, the Council wants to use the cab we currently have for mower tractor and purchase a small heater.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, RESOLUTION 01-2024: APPROVE ANNUAL DESIGNATIONS, APPOINTMENTS, AND RENTAL & FEE SCHEDULE FOR 2024 was adopted. Motion carried.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, RESOLUTION 02-2024: APPROVE 2024 UTILITY RATES & NATURAL GAS REBATES was adopted. Motion carried.

Our snow policy has always been that the Utility Superintendent makes the call on when it is safe to start the removal process. They will not go out when the winds are still gusting at high speeds due to the fact of it just blowing in again and having to start the whole removal process again. Not only do we have to keep the safety of the public in mind, but also our City Crew. The Council feels the right choice was made.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, RESOLUTION 03-2024: MONETARY LIMITS ON MUNICIPAL TORT LIABILITY was adopted. Motion carried.

The EDA Levy can not be raised after the proposed levy in September unless it meets a requirement. The Council will raise the EDA Levy for 2025.

The City Office and City Shop will be closed on Monday, January 15th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve the building permit for Argyle Grocers for commercial remodel for retail/coffee shop. Motion carried.

The backhoe was delivered, and payment will be sent. Our current backhoe will be put up on bids with a minimum of $17,000. It will be advertised on machinerytrader.com, Facebook, LMC, and published in Messenger.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the bill presented for payment, the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, delinquent accounts and vacation & sick leave. Motion carried.

Being no further business, motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to adjourn. Motion carried.

Argyle offers a yearly garbage pickup fee. $100 per 35 gallon garbage can. Stop by the City Office to purchase your yearly sticker.

Reminder: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on February 14th, 2024.

City Office & City Shop Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:00am – 4:30pm. Friday – 7:00 – 11:00am.

Argyle Area Food Shelf will be Tuesday, February 13th, 4:30-5:30pm.

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 all 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 important step to ensure all codes and setbacks are followed.