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!

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!

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!!!

Vice-Mayor David Gunderson called to order the Council meeting on July 5, 2022, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Vice-Mayor David Gunderson, Anthony Deschene, David Sorenson, and Aaron Rivard. Mayor Terry Sundby attended via Zoom. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac, Tony Safranski, Jerry Pribula, 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 David Sorenson to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.

The Council discussed current street conditions. Their focus is going to be Lincoln Avenue.

Engineer Jerry Pribula came to discuss the Marshall & Polk Rural Water Project. The Council denied all bids in May due to high costs. The Council and Rural Water will meet to discuss expenses.

A list was compiled of improvements for the Community Center and Tamara will get bids.

On a motion by Aaron Rivard, the following ordinance was adopted: ORDINANCE NO. 02-22 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR VARIOUS SERVICES, LICENSES AND PERMITS FOR THE CITY OF ARGYLE, MINNESOTA David Sorenson seconded the motion, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

On a motion by David Sorenson, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 14-2022 APPOINT ELECTION JUDGES: Tamara Benitt, Karen Gunderson, and Lisa Larson. Tony Deschene seconded the motion, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

On a motion by Tony Deschene the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 15-2022 APPROVE TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE FOR STEPHEN AMERICAN LEGION for July 15-17, 2022. David Sorenson seconded the motion, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, the following building permits were approved: Aaron Heggen-shingling, Jon LaBine-siding, windows, deck, Robert Bucklin-front steps, and Ken Pawlowski-need shade (cover deck), and Merle Adolphson-shingling.

On a motion by David Sorenson, seconded by Tony Deschene, to approve up to $5,000.00 on Evergreens and installation along Pacific Avenue.

Bradford Addition lots were discussed for development.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by  David Sorenson, to approve installation of 220 electric service and a frost-free hydrant at the Green space on 5th Street.

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

Diane Hayes contacted the State about using the City’s Housing Loan Funds for the Argyle Homes Rehab Project. Argyle Homes is able to use the funds towards the rehabilitation of the duplexes.

Tamara Benitt will be attending Election Training on Wednesday, July 13th in Warren.

David Gunderson and David Sorenson’s terms are up. The dates to file are August 2, 2022 until August 16th, 2022 at 5:00 PM.

Scott Peters has been notified about using the Marshall County demolition funds to clean up a property in Argyle.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Tony Deschene, to approve the purchase of M7-152P –  4WD from Acme Equipment.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Sorenson, to acknowledge and approve excluded bingo activity for St. Rose Church during their bazar on October 30, 2022, at the Community Center.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Tony Deschene, 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 August 10, 2022.

CITY OFFICE & CITY SHOP HOURS: MONDAY – THURSDAY 7:OO AM – 4:30 PM. FRIDAY – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

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, August 9th from 4:30 pm -5:30 pm.

PRIMARY ELECTION – AUGUST 9, 2022 – COMMUNITY CENTER – POLLS OPEN 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

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

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on June 6, 2022, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Anthony Deschene, David Sorenson, David Gunderson, and Aaron Rivard. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac, Cecil Deschene, Will Kusler of Markit Grain, and Tamara Benitt. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting.

Markit County Grain attended the meeting to discuss future expansion and gas rate adjustments at that time.

Cecil Deschene came before the Council to discuss gravel road issues and Argyle Homes Rehab Project. Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to hire Terry Holte on a trial period for 2022 to grade the Herman LaBine Road ( South Pacific Avenue). Cecil then requested ARPA funds from the City for the Argyle Homes portion for the Small Cities Grant. The City has already allocated their ARPA funds. However, the City will look into using the balance from previous Housing Loan Funds. Cecil will attend the Marshall County Commissioners meeting on June 7th.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by David Sorenson to approve the Maintenance Report. The Council discussed current street conditions and will be requesting bids. Motion by David Gunderson, second by David Sorenson, to purchase the Kubota UTV from Acme for $22,258.79

Maguire Iron has been hired to inspect and clean the water tower. After the inspection is reviewed, the Council will look into more options on the water project.

The Council discussed the updates the City Office would need if they were to sell the Community Center Portion. After much discussion, the Council decided to not sell the Community Center but look into updating the space.

On a motion by David Gunderson, Ordinance 01-22: An ordinance enacting the code of ordinances for the City of Argyle, adopting the Minnesota Basic Code of Ordinances, second by Aaron Rivard.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to move all general CD’s and the Railroad Crossing CD as they come up for renewal into the 4M Plus Fund.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the following resolutions of Argyle American Legion and The Dell Steakhouse & Lounge, LLC for the application of a temporary community festival liquor license.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by David Gunderson to approve L&R Foods loan from A.R.E.D.A.

A.R.E.D.A. is in the process of purchasing 115 East 5th Street. There is discussion of re-zoning this property.

On a motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, the following resolutions were approved to accept donations to the Argyle Fire Department and the City of Argyle since December 1, 2021.

Building Permits: Connie LuBarski – Storage Building, Mick Rapacz – washer/dryer upstairs, Jay Swanson – Siding,  Jon LaBine – replace exterior door, Wayne Feuillerat – shingling, Patty Heggen – re-shingle porch, Jerry Whitlow – 8′ X 24′ Lean to by back garage and replace windows, and Joel St. Germain – Replace rain gutter and add rock around foundation. Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Sorenson, to approve building permits.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by David Gunderson, to approve members of the Community Club as Volunteers of the City of Argyle for Meet Your Neighbor Day.

City Office and City Shop will be closed Monday, July 4th. The July Council meeting would fall on July 4th. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to change the July City Council meeting to Tuesday, July 5th, 2022.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve Hunter Yutrzenka as a new firefighter with the Argyle Volunteer Fire Department.

The request of a laptop for the City Office was denied.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Tony Deschene, to approve a lease with Yu-Tyme for $1/year from June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, for use of a portion of the Community Center for HIIT classes.

Since the alleyway has already been vacated by the water tower, Tamara suggests that we finish with deed of CHS property stating that CHS, Inc. would deed their 15′ over to the City of Argyle. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson, to hire Brink Lawyers to draw up the deed.

Tamara attended a Preliminary Damage Assessment meeting in Warren with FEMA and HSEM about the flooding/heavy rain this spring.

A request for vacating an alleyway was reviewed and denied. The City needs to keep these alleys and not abandon them due to the utilities. The Council is not interested in selling the land, but he can maintain it.

Argyle Area Community Foundation has granted awards to the following: Hanging Flower Baskets – $1500, Garden Club – $1000, Christmas Decor/Concrete for benches/Pedestrian Park Improvements – $3750, Blvd Banners – $1000, Argyle Fire Department – $1500, Legion Youth Baseball Programs – $1500, Argyle Summer Recreation – $500.00, and Fire Department Golf Tournament – $500.

The Council reviewed the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Delinquent Accounts, vacation & sick leave and bills presented for payment. Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson, 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 Sorenson, second by Tony Deschene, to adjourn. Motion Carried.

REMINDER: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on July 13, 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)

ARGYLE AREA FOOD SHELF: TUESDAY, JULY 12TH FROM 4:30PM – 5:30 PM ST. ROSE CHURCH BASEMENT