December, 2022

Vice-Mayor David Gunderson opened the December 5, 2022, Truth-In-Taxation meeting at 7:00 PM. Present were David Gunderson, David Sorenson, Anthony Deschene, and Aaron Rivard. Absent was Mayor Terry Sundby. Also in attendance were Tony Safranski, Michael Pagnac, Penni Anderson, and Tamara Benitt. No one from the public attended and no one called the City Office with questions or complaints. Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, to close the Truth-In-Taxation meeting. Motion carried.

Vice-Mayor David Gunderson called to order the Council meeting on December 5, 2022, at 7:05 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were David Gunderson, Tony Deschene, David Sorenson, and Aaron Rivard. Absent was Mayor Terry Sundby. Also in attendance were Tony Safranski, Michael Pagnac, Penni Anderson, and Tamara Benitt.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the quotes from LaBine Electric for the LED conversion at the Fire Hall and Filter Plant. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson, to approve the Maintenance Report.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, to adopt Resolution 26-2022, approve Levy for 2023, and Resolution 27-2022, approve 2023 Budget. Motion carried.

On a motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson, to approve Resolution 28-2022, designating the annual polling place at Argyle Community Center. Motion carried.

Resolution 29-2022, Approve Plans and Specifications and order advertisements for bids on 2nd Street improvements was approved by Aaron Rivard and seconded by David Sorenson.

Sidewalk maintenance was discussed. It was agreed that all property owners are responsible for clearing their sidewalks. The City is responsible for the sidewalks in the Safe Route to School Route, which runs on the South side of 3rd Street and the North side of 2nd Street.

Two Council members, David Gunderson until 7/1/2023 and Tony Deschene until 7/1/2026, are certified for the local board of appeal and equalization.

The City Office and City Shop will be closed on Monday, December 26th in observance of Christmas Day. On a motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to give all city employees Friday, December 23, 2022, off at Holiday pay.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard to adopt Resolution 30-2022, Approve Donations to the City of Argyle since 6/1/2022, and Resolution 31-2022, Approve Donations to the Argyle Fire Department since 6/1/2022. Motion carried.

The Council reviewed the Environmental Health & Safety Summary Report submitted by Ron Ruud from Northwest Service Cooperative.

The lights on the outside of the Community Center and City Hall entrance are not working. LaBine Electric will be installing new lights.

The January Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 3rd.

THANK YOU TO DAVID SORENSON FOR SERVING A FOUR-YEAR TERM ON THE CITY COUNCIL!

Penni Anderson will be David’s replacement. David Sorenson will be willing to stay on as Building Inspector.

Motion by David Sorenson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve Northern Sanitation’s contract for the years 2023, 2024, & 2025.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the bills presented for payment, the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, delinquent accounts, and vacation & sick leave.

No further business, motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Tony Deschene, to adjourn.

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

Credit Card payments and ACH (Automatic) payments are now available.

Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on January 14th.

Area Food Shelf – St. Rose Basement – January 10th – 4:30 – 5:30 PM – Everyone Welcome.

CURBSIDE GARBAGE COLLECTION WILL SWITCH TO WEDNESDAYS. ALL GARBAGE SHOULD BE ON THE BERM WHERE RECYCLING TOTES ARE PLACED FOR PICKUP

GARBAGE MUST BE OUT BY 7:00 AM!

NOW THAT SNOW HAS ARRIVED:

Reminder to remove all cars and trailers from the streets for easier snow removal.

Be courteous and stay clear from snow removal equipment. Give them enough room to do their job!

During snow removal, remember everyone needs to take their share of the snow depending on wind direction. We understand your frustration, but the City Crew is doing its best!

All gates must be kept free of snow, so meters can be read.

You cannot push snow across the road or into the street to get it out of your driveway. Plowing snow out of a yard & onto or across any public road or right of way is illegal.

Help the Fire Department: Keep your fire hydrants cleared of snow.

Gas Customers: All snow and ice must be cleared from your gas meter and vent. A dangerous condition exists should your gas meter and vent become blocked. Please keep checking this until the snow melts.

 

November 2022

Mayor Terry Sundby opened the Public Hearing on November 7, 2022, at 7:00 pm in the Community Center. Present was Terry Sundby, David Gunderson, Aaron Rivard, Tony Safranski, Michael Pagnac, and Marion Pagnac. Absent were Anthony Deschene and David Sorenson. Terry introduced Jon Olson, the Engineer from APEX Engineering, to present the 2nd Street Improvements. On a motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, Resolution 24-2022 – Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans on 2nd Street from Hedquist Avenue to River Street was adopted.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on November 7, 2022, at 7:30 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, David Gunderson, and Aaron Rivard. Absent were Tony Deschene and David Sorenson. Also in attendance were Tony Safranski, Michael Pagnac, Jason Boman, and Tamara Benitt.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting.

Marshall County Sheriff Jason Boman attended the Council meeting to discuss different issues within Marshall County but especially Argyle, He stated that being anonymous is no longer; however, “See something-say something.” Marshall County currently has 15 deputies and 4 working at a time unless there is an emergency.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve the Maintenance Report.

The Community Center remodel project was discussed.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to increase the bulk fill water rate to $18.00/1,000 gallons starting January 1, 2023, with the additional $3.00 per 1,000 gallons to go toward future Filter Plant repairs.

Terry Sundby will be contacting the Railroad about their sand pile. The pile is looking awful with weeds growing out of it.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to accept the sealed bid of $353.00 from Grant Bergeron for the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to accept the sealed bid of $200.00 from Grant Bergeron for the 1970 C50 Dump Truck.

Building Permits: Terry Sundby – storage/office and Tony Deschene – handicapped bathroom. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve building permits.

The City Office and City Shop will be closed on Friday, November 11th in honor of Veterans’ Day and Thursday, November 24th, Thanksgiving.

Special Meeting: Canvass Votes Tuesday, November 15th, 7:00 am – City Office.

There was discussion on some vacant properties’ conditions.

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.

No further business, motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to adjourn.

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

Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on December 14th.

Credit Card Payments and ACH (automatic) payments are now available.

Argyle Area Food Shelf – St. Rose – December 13 4:30pm – 5:30pm

***NOW THAT SNOW HAS ARRIVED***

  • Reminder to remove all cars and trailers from the streets for easier snow removal.
  • Be courteous and stay clear from snow removal equipment.
  • Give them enough room to do their job!!!
  • When the streets are being cleaned, remember everyone needs to take their share of the snow. We understand your frustration, but the City Crew is doing their best!
  • All gates must be kept free of snow, so meters can be read.
  • You cannot push snow across the road or into the street to get it out of your driveway.
  • Plowing snow out of a yard & onto or across any public road or right of way is illegal.
  • Help the Fire Department: Keep your fire hydrants cleared of snow.
  • GAS CUSTOMERS: All snow and ice must be cleared from your gas meter and vent. A dangerous condition exists should your gas meter and vent become blocked.
  • PLEASE KEEP CHECKING THIS UNTIL THE SNOW MELTS!

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 2022

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on October 3, 2022, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, David Gunderson, David Sorenson, and Aaron Rivard. Absent was Tony Deschene. Also in attendance were Tony Safranski, Michael Pagnac, and Karen Gunderson. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.

The Council wants the Sheriff’s Department to enforce the new City Code Ordinances. We have received multiple complaints about dogs barking. Dog Owners: Please be considerate of your neighbors and keep your dog’s barking to a minimum. Also please clean up after your dog.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by David Gunderson, to approve the City to pay $1,000 towards the planting of new trees. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson, to approve the Maintenance Report.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson, to amend Article 4, Section 1. L. to Without prior city council approval, the Authority shall not enter into any contract or other obligation, purchase or sell any real or personal property or otherwise make a commitment in connection with any transaction under subdivision A through K when the amount involved exceeds $5,000; Article 4, Section 2. G. Enter into any contract, purchase or sell real or personal property, or otherwise make commitments in connection with any transaction under subdivision A through K of Section 12 above when the amount involved exceeds $5,000. Motion by David Sorenson, second by David Gunderson to eliminate Article 11. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson, to approve the changes to the A.R.E.D.A. by-laws.

Terry informed the Council that a dump truck came up for sale on an auction and it was under the budgeted amount.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, Resolution 21-2022 – Approval of liquor license for American Legion; Resolution 22-2022 – Approval of liquor licenses for The Dell Steakhouse & Lounge, LLC. and Resolution 23-2022 – Approval of temporary community festival liquor license for The Dell Steakhouse and Lounge LLC, were adopted.

Building Permits: Lynn Sundby – storage, Hayden Sczepanski – stairs on the porch outside, CHS Ag Services – Lean-to on the South side, and Charles LaBine – shingling back shed. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve building permits.

The Council discussed purchasing the 3 lots in Bradford Addition from AZAZ Investment. They want more information before they can make a decision.

The City of Stephen was asked about their new housing developments.

Tamara attended training with Minnesota Rural Water about Financing Community Projects in St. Cloud.

A CD was up for renewal and was transferred to 4M Plus Fund.

Tony and Tamara are working with FEMA on the Rainstorm in May. Grants are being applied for through the Minnesota Department of Health.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by David Gunderson, to replace the new roof on the water tower and all other renovations by Maguire Iron.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, to adopt Resolution 20-2000 – Approving and Adopting Preliminary Engineering Report and Calling for a Public Hearing For Street Improvements. The report was prepared by Apex Engineering Group to make improvements to Street on 2nd Street from Hedquist Avenue to River Street. The Public Hearing will be on November 7, 2022, at 7:00 PM in the City Office.

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

No further business, motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, to adjourn.

INVEST IN ARGYLE

Would you consider sponsoring towards our community pride and donating $10,000 to help us with sprucing up the Park? There is a plan for Pedestrian Park, located along Highway 75, to receive beautification updates. There are 8 sponsor slots available, but 2 have already been spoken for. If you would like to contribute, please stop by the City Office. Many thanks in advance for your consideration!

REMINDER:

Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on November 16, 2022.

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)

Next Area Food Shelf Date – November 8th – 4:30 PM  – 5:30 PM

Located at St. Rose Church Basement

REMINDER: ALL GARBAGE MUST BE PROPERLY BAGGED OR TAGGED AND ON THE BERM THURSDAYS BY 7:00 AM

HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE IS NOT ALLOWED IN COMMERCIAL DUMPSTERS!

 

 

SEPTEMBER 2022

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on September 6, 2022, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Anthony Deschene, David Gunderson, David Sorenson, and Aaron Rivard. Also in attendance were Jon Olson of Apex Engineering Group, Tony Safranski, Michael Pagnac, and Tamara Benitt. Via phone was Kyle Fischer of Maguire Iron. Motion by David Gunderson, second by David Sorenson, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Terry Sundby objected to A.R.E.D.A. minutes. Motion carried.

Kyle Fischer from Maguire Iron was present to discuss the options with the water tower and the Maintenance Plan.

Jon Olson from Apex Engineering Group presented on paving Second Street, Lincoln Avenue repairs, and the water project. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to move forward with the fee proposal for the Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) and survey of Lincoln Avenue. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by David Sorenson, to use the cash reserves to approve the rehab of the filter plant media and drill a new well and take the remaining balance out of general fund. AYE: Gunderson, Sorenson, Sundby NAY: Deschene and Rivard. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the purchase of a gas odorizer pump and approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

The Council is still waiting on bids before they can make a decision on the Community Center upgrades.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by David Sorenson, to adopt the resolution to approve proposed property tax levy. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by David Sorenson, to adopt the resolution to approve the preliminary 2023 budget. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by David Sorenson, to adopt the resolution to approve the Argyle Fire Department 2023 preliminary budget. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Sorenson, to approve the pay step for Karen and Michael and 3.5% raise with an additional $.30 per hour for all full-time employees. Motion carried.

The north side approach on the Fire Hall will be getting repaired.

The status of the construction of a new fire hall was discussed.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, approve the building permits: Tom Conway – siding & windows; Dawn Erickson – New House; Need-A-Shed, Inc. – Repair Roof; Dustin & Jenna Grabowska – Addition; Chad & Tina Swanson – garage addition; Mark Hendrickson – back patio. Motion carried.

Hometown Harvest Ag, LLC – Seed Site Facility was held until they own the property.

Public Hearing Scheduled for Monday, September 12th at 6:00 PM in City Hall – Replat & Rezone of Herman Addition from Agricultural to Industrial.

A.R.E.D.A. approved the offer from Steven Sjostrand of Sjostrand Agency for the old Bank building. The Board voted to change the by-laws back to the original of meeting monthly. The Council will review the A.R.E.D.A. by-laws.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Gunderson, to approve the Community Water Supply Service Connection Fee of $9.72 to be billed on the October bill and paid to the State of Minnesota. Motion carried.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Tony Deschene, not to participate in the HeatShare Program. Motion carried.

An Environmental Health & Safety summary report prepared by Ron Ruud of Northwest Service Cooperative was reviewed.

The Cold Weather Rule goes in effect October 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023.

Thief River Glass inspected and measured the door for a new glass piece in the Community Center.

The Council reviewed the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, delinquent accounts, vacation & sick leave and bills presented for payment. Motion by David Sorenson, second by David Gunderson, to approve the bills presented for payment, the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, delinquent accounts and vacation & sick leave. Motion carried.

The Council questioned if we need to hire another full-time Maintenance Worker. All agreed it was going fine with two.

A complaint about dogs was discussed.

The status of some properties was discussed. Terry will be in contact with the homeowners.

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 October 12, 2022.

City Office & City Shop Hours: Monday – Thursday 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.     Friday 7:00 AM to 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, October 11th from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm; St. Rose Church

REMINDER: ALL GARBAGE MUST BE PROPERLY BAGGED OR TAGGED AND ON THE BERM THURSDAYS BY 7:00 AM

HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE IS NOT ALLOWED IN COMMERCIAL DUMPSTERS!

 

 

 

AUGUST 2022

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on August 1, 2022, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Anthony Deschene, David Gunderson, and Aaron Rivard. Absent was David Sorenson. Also in attendance were Tony Safranski and Tamara Benitt. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

After a lengthy discussion, motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Gunderson, to approve the estimated fee of Jon Olson from Apex to not exceed $18,500.00 for a feasibility study and construction services on the 2nd Street pavement project. Motion carried.

An engineering bid was reviewed for Lincoln Avenue. The Council has some questions before they hire the engineer.

Community Center upgrades were discussed. Emily Gunderson has drawn a plan for the improvements. Contractors, Painters, Electricians, and Plumbers have been given the plans. No bids have been received yet.

The Council reviewed a written expense and income report from the Summer Rec Program. There were many great comments made about the coaching staff and overall program.

The replotting of agricultural land within the city limits was discussed. If sold, there will have to be a zoning hearing in order to switch the property to an Industrial zone.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, approve the building permits: Tim Higdem – dog fence, Lowell & Jenny Engen – replace water damaged flooring, Rose City Canopy and Sign – add diesel product cabinet pricer at CHS, Jeremy & Laura Misselhorn – landscaping/pergola. Motion carried.

The City Council will have two seats open since David Gunderson and David Sorenson’s terms are up. The dates to file are August 2, 2022 until August 16, 2022 at 5:00 PM at the city office.

Austin Sundby and Jennifer Engen resigned from A.R.E.D.A. so the new members are Savannah Riopelle and Hannah Sczepanski.

Bradford Addition lots were again discussed for residential development.

Funds were transferred into the 4M Plus Fund.

The City of Argyle was a recipent of a $75,000.00 USDA grant for the tractor. Tamara applied for $50,000.00 but they received extra funds and the USDA project manager selected Argyle for the $75,000.00 grant. YAHOO!!!!

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve the purchase of a 108″ Erskine 3 point blower for $14,117.00. Motion carried.

LGA was received. The Argyle Area Community Foundation donated money towards the trees to be planted along Pacific Avenue.

Budget items to be added were discussed. The Council would like to see the equipment get down sized and updated.

The process has started for updates at Pedestrian Park. We would like to have more connectivity between the three lots – gazebo, bocce courts, and Veteran’s Memorial Park. This will hopefully be completed Spring/Summer of 2023.

The Council wants to add 30 amp and 110 power at all the current camp sites. LaBine Electric will be contacted to do the work.

The Council questioned when the new stop signs will be installed. There are some that need to be replaced as they are in very poor condition.

Ashten Safranski’s summer employment will be extended until the end of October. He will become part-time as of August 15th.

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 David Gunderson, to adjourn. Motion carried.

REMINDER: WASTE MANAGEMENT RECYCLING TOTE PICKUP WILL BE ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2022.

City Office and 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).

Argyle Area Food Shelf: Tuesday, September 13th from 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm @St. Rose Church Basement.

REMINDER: ALL GARBAGE MUST BE PROPERLY BAGGED OR TAGGED AND ON THE BERM THURSDAYS BY 7:00 AM.

HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE IS NOT ALLOWED IN COMMERCIAL DUMPSTERS!

PLEASE KEEP ALL VEHICLES OFF THE  DIKE!!!