April 2023

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on April 10, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, David Gunderson, Aaron Rivard, Tony Deschene, and Penni Anderson. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac, Tony Safranski, Brian Opsahl of Brady Martz & Associates, and Tamara Benitt. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

Brian Opsahl from Brady, Martz presented the 2022 Audit to the Council. He recommends the City should continue to monitor the revenues and expenses of all funds.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Tony Deschene, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried. Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the purchase of the 2015 John Deere 310SL from RDO Equipment at $62,000 with paying for in 2024. Motion carried.

Motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve the security camera policy as presented. Motion carried.

On a motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to hire Mower – Dale Clausen, Summer Worker – Paige Zacha, Head Coach/Director – Ashten Safranski, Assistant Summer Rec Coach – Carsen Safranski, Seasonal Waterer – Britni Kroll and Sherry Donarski – Bus Driver. Motion carried.

Motion by Penni Anderson, to rename the Pedestrian Park to Thissel Park. Aaron Rivard closed the meeting due to conflict of interest, so Terry, Tamara, Michael, and Tony Safranski left the meeting. When they were done discussing, everyone was called back in, and the meeting resumed. There was a lengthy discussion. No second was made to the motion, so no vote, and they tabled to naming to a later date.

Brian Voytilla of Misselhorn Tiling & Excavation met with Tamara and Tony about the infrastructure addition in Bradford. There are water and sewer mains located in Bradford Addition, so it would be 8 water and sewer hookups installed, which would be on per lot. A bid will be presented at the next meeting.

On a motion by Aaron Rivard, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 05-2023: ACCEPTING BID FOR SECOND STREET IMPROVEMENTS. David Gunderson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

An update on the second well installation was received by Jon Olson of Apex Engineering. The survey is completed for the well. Their sub-consultant, LRE is beginning the well design. He anticipates that to be completed within a month or so. They will be coordinating with the DNR and MDH during this time. We are still targeting the early part of the construction season. Apex Engineering will continue with their engineering services for Lincoln Avenue.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Penni Anderson, to allow the installation of championship signs by the Argyle sign and baseball field. Motion carried.

Various locations for the Fire Hall were discussed.

The Council reviewed the previous Calcium Chloride Map. East 2nd Street was eliminated due to the upcoming paving project. Since 2nd Street will be eliminated, the Council decided to extend 6th Street up to Cedar Avenue. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to sign the contract with Marshall County to have them apply calcium chloride on the new map locations. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, to not donate to the North Valley Health Center golf tournament. Motion carried.

Tony Safranski will be attending the Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety Education Conference in Duluth April 17-20.

Cold Weather Rule is no longer in effect as of April 30, 2023.

The City Office & City Shop was closed Good Friday, April 7, 2023.

The water tower is on schedule for the middle of June for the new top and painting is scheduled for July. Bulkfills have been sent letters with this information as they will be closed.

The maintenance of the baseball field was discussed. A meeting will be set up with the school, coaches, and City to discuss responsibilities and duties.

The Council reviewed the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Delinquent Accounts, vacation & sick leave and bills presented for payment. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Penni Anderson, to approve the bills for payment, the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, delinquent accounts and vacation & sick leave. Motion carried.

It was questioned as to when the Council meetings are held and who decides when they should be moved. City Code states that if the first Monday does not work for a quorum to be present than it is to be held the next day.

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

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Special meeting on April 14, 2023, at 7:00 AM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, David Gunderson, Aaron Rivard, Tony Deschene, and Penni Anderson. Also in attendance were Tamara Benitt and residents.

Penni recapped the process leading up to this special meeting. Penni and David called the special meeting to discuss the renaming of the Pedestrian Park to Thissel Park – in honor of Mason Sundby.

On a motion by Penni Anderson, second by David Gunderson, to approve the renaming of Pedestrian Park to Thissel Park. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Penni Anderson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.

REMINDER: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on May 10, 2023.

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 7, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, David Gunderson, Aaron Rivard, and Penni Anderson. Absent was Tony Deschene. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac and Tamara Benitt. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.

Members from the Fire Hall Committee presented the proposed Fire Hall building. A location is trying to be finalized. The Council did make a few suggestions to the estimates and designs.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Penni Anderson, to approve the Maintenance report. Motion carried. There was a discussion on purchasing a newer backhoe in 2024. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve Tony Safranski to look at both snowblowers and purchase the better of the two if they are in decent shape. Motion carried.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Penni Anderson, to purchase the camera system for the office. Motion carried. The body cameras and office camera system will be used for the protection of our city employees and residents. Recording cannot be for harming others but for security reasons only, not to monitor daily activities. Tamara is to write up a policy about the City’s usage of the cameras.

Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to purchase 12 hanging baskets from Evergreen n’ Ivy. In the budget for 2023, hiring for watering the hanging baskets, flower planters, and the garden club gardens was approved for $900/season. The waterer will be able to use the city equipment.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, to advertise for retired mowers and kids summer help for $15.00/hour.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, to advertise for Summer Rec Director/Head Coach at $15.00/hour, Assistant Coach at $12.50/hour, Bus Driver at $20.00/hour, and Umpire at $15.00/game.

On a motion by David Gunderson, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 04-2023: BENEFITS PER YEAR OF SERVICE FOR ARGYLE FIRE DEPARTMENT. Penni Anderson seconded the motion, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to transfer funds to 4M Plus. Motion carried.

Ron Ruud of the Northwest Service Cooperative Environmental Health & Safety summary report was reviewed.

Marshall County completed the annual bridge inspection at Island Park.

Michael Pagnac passed Class C water license, so he is certified with the Department of Health.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, to not donate to the Marshall County Fair Board Grandstand Fundraising Campaign. Abstain: Aaron Rivard

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Penni Anderson, to approve Ben Welin as a new firefighter. Motion carried.

Tony Safranski will be attending the Minnesota Rural Water & Wastewater Conference in St. Cloud March 6-9th.

The Council reviewed the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Delinquent Accounts, vacation & sick leave and bills presented for payment. The Delinquent accounts were discussed. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Penni Anderson, to approve the bills presented for payment, the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, delinquent accounts and vacation & sick leave. Motion carried.

Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the building permit: Terry Sundby, kitchen remodel. Motion carried.

Being no further business, motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to adjourn. Motion carried.

Reminder: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on April 12, 2023.

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).

Area Foodshelf: April 11, 2023 – St. Rose Church Basement, 4:30 – 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.

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 the snow melts.
5. Please help the Fire Department by keeping your fire hydrants cleared of snow.

ATTENTION:

Pedestrian Park located on the corner of Highway 75 and 3rd Street is getting a major upgrade. PLEASE let the City Office know of any suggestions you have for naming the park. Donations are being accepted for the Park Project Fund. Donations are being accepted for the Park Project Fund.

HELP US BRING BEAUTY AND PRIDE TO ARGYLE!

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on February 6, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Anthony Deschene, David Gunderson, Aaron Rivard, and Penni Anderson. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac, Tony Safranski, and Tamara Benitt.

Terry welcomed Jon Olson from Apex Engineering, who joined in remotely, to discuss Second Street Paving and Improvements. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to accept R.J. Zavoral & Son’s bid of $153,575.00.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, to accept the proposal of $31,000 from Apex Engineering for the city well and well house improvements. Motion carried. Two grants have been received from the Minnesota Department of Health for a total of $20,000.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried. The Council addressed the lack of professionalism at the January meeting. The roles and responsibilities of City Staff and Council/Mayor were discussed.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Tony Deschene, to approve the purchase of a new roof liner. Motion carried. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Penni Anderson, to approve the written Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

Community Center updates were reviewed. The lighting will be discussed once the wall construction is complete.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the following 2023 Argyle Fire Department Officers: Chief-Erin Anderson, Asst. Chief – Eric Magnusson, Secretary – Nick Safranski,

Treas. –  Brady Swanson, EMS – Rob Clausen. Cheif Engineer – Tim Tulibaski, Ventilation Officer – Nathan Anderson, Interior Officer – Dillon Erickson, Training Officer – Grant Bergeron, Safety Officer – Kelly Durand. Motion Carried.

On a motion by David Gunderson, the following resolution 3-23, does not waive the monetary limits on municipal tort liability, seconded by Aaron Rivard. Motion carried.

The council has questions about the purchase of Grant Bergeron’s property.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, to pay David Sorenson $50/month to be Argyle’s Building Inspector. Motion carried.

Building permits: Eric Magnusson – remodel and Travis Anderson – Kitchen remodel. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Tony Deschene, to approve building permits. Motion carried.

The City Office and City Shop will be closed on Monday, February 20th, 2023, in observance of Presidents’ Day.

A deliquent water account was shut off for non-payment.

Auditors’ will be in the City Office the week of February 21st.

The Council reviewed the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Delinquent Accounts, vacation & sick leave and bills presented for payment. Motion by Aaron Rivard, 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 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 March 15, 2023.

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).

Area Food Shelf: Tuesday, March 14th – 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm. Basement at St. Rose Church.

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

Due to falling temperatures, please let the City Crew know if you have turned on your water trickler.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on January 3, 2023, at 7:00PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Anthony Deschene, David Gunderson, and Penni Anderson. Absent was Aaron Rivard. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac and Tamara Benitt. Penni Anderson and David Gunderson read the oath of office. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Tony Deschene, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.

The Council commented on how good of a job the City Crew has done with moving snow! Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Tony Deschene, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, to amend the previous motion of looking at the project again in May and pay Pribula Engineering the remaining $40,000 and not go forward with the Marshall & Polk Rural Water project. Abstain: Tony Deschene. Motion carried.

The Council decided to split the Community Center project into 2 phases. The first phase will be from the kitchen to the West area. Phase 2 will be a Council Chambers on the East end. The Council wants to have a designated area for meetings. Motion by Penni Anderson, second by Tony Deschene, to accept the bids of Erickson’s Up North Plumbing, Sue Miller, Argyle Builder’s Supply, LaBine Electric, and Trevor Benitt Construction for the updates of the Community Center. Motion carried.

After a lengthy debate, the Council realized there was a major miscommunication among themselves dealing with the City purchasing a property. All members seemed to have a different understanding of what process was going to be followed. The Council did not approve the purchase of the property at the December meeting and the consensus was to follow that motion. All purchases must come through the City Council first. The clearing of snow on downtown sidewalks was discussed again. It was unanimously decided at the December meeting that all residential and commercial properties are responsible for their own sidewalks. However, the City Crew is responsible for the Safe Routes to School sidewalks since that is a requirement of the grant that was received.

On a motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, RESOLUTION 01-2023: APPROVE ANNUAL DESIGNATIONS, APPOINTMENTS, AND RENTAL & FEE SCHEDULE FOR 2023 was adopted. Motion carried.

On a motion by David Gunderson, second by Penni Anderson, RESOLUTION 02-2023: APPROVE 2023 UTILITY RATES & NATURAL GAS REBATES was adopted. Motion carried.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the building permit for Nate Gornowicz for windows and siding at Gabe LaBine’s. Motion carried.

Northwest Regional Development Commission is seeking nominations for a Marshall County municipal representative to serve on their board. No Council members are interested.

A.R.E.D.A. meeting: Motion by Bob Clausen, second by Alysa Tulibaski, to accept the resignation of Merle Adolphson and to approve Tyler Malm as a new A.R.E.D.A. member.

The second payment from LGA and Markit Value Credit – Agricultural were received.

The City Office and City Shop will be closed on Monday, January 16th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Tamara will be on vacation from January 5th – January 17th.

Tony Deschene presented the training hours and calls for the Argyle Fire Department. Currently there are 22 Firefighters and 2 EMT’s. There was a total of 45 calls – 32 medical, 8 Fire, 2 Rescue, 1 mutual aid, and 2 other.

IF YOU KNOW OF SOMEONE INTERSTED IN BECOMING A FIREFIGHTER, SEND THEM TO THE CHIEF.

The Filter Plant rehab was discussed. With this upgrade, we went from 3 backwashes a week to 1 backwash a week. This is saving on man hours and substantial amounts of water.

Tamara informed the Council that a delinquent utility account will be shut off for non-payment.

The Council reviewed the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Delinquent Accounts, vacation & sick leave and bills presented for payment. 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 Penni Anderson, second by Tony Deschene, to adjourn. Motion carried.

Argyle offers a yearly garbage pickup fee. $100 per 35-gallon garbage can.

Stop by City Office to purchase your yearly sticker.

REMINDER: WASTE MANAGEMENT RECYCLING TOTE PICKUP WILL BE ON FEBRUARY 15, 2023.

CITY OFFICE & CITY SHOP HOURS: MONDAY – THURSDAY 7:00 AM TO 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, FEBRUARY 14TH – 4:30 – 5:30 PM – ST. ROSE CHURCH BASEMENT.

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 the 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 AN IMPORTANT STEP TO ENSURE ALL CODES AND SETBACKS ARE FOLLOWED.

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.