May 2022

Vice – Mayor David Gunderson opened the Board of Appeal & Equalization Meeting on May 2, 2022, at 6:00PM at the Argyle City Office. Council members present were David Sorenson and Anthony Deschene. Absent was Aaron Rivard and Mayor Terry Sundby. Attending from the Assessor’s Office were Russ Steer, Ryan Larson, and Alison Grzadzieleski. Also in attendance were Bob Clausen and Tamara Benitt. Bob Clausen questioned his raised evaluation. The County will make the change and Bob’s value should drop roughly $1,200.00. Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Sorenson, to approve the County to reduce the value of Bob Clausen’s property. Motion carried.

Vice – Mayor David Gunderson called to order the May 2, 2022, Argyle City Council meeting at 7:00 PM in the City Office. Present were Vice-Mayor Gunderson, Anthony Deschene, David Sorenson, and Aaron Rivard. Absent was Mayor Terry Sundby. Also in attendance were Tony Safranski, Michael Pagnac, Riley Clausen, Riley Mooney, Carly Pagnac, Paul Bergeron and Tamara Benitt. Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.

Markit County Grain board member Paul Bergeron, questioned the gas rate for Markit’s dryers. The Council will negotiate the rate next meeting.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to purchase the Kubota tractor with the contingency of getting the USDA grant. On a motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron, the Maintenance Report was approved.

Bid opening is Tuesday, May 17th at 8:00 PM at Marshall & Polk Rural Water Office in Warren. The Council is invited to attend. At the April Council meeting, it was decided that the Council would hold a special meeting on May 18th, to discuss the bids and payment options for the residents.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to hire Emily Gunderson as summer help and Ashten Safranski and Carsen Safranski as coaches for Summer Rec Program. Abstained: David Gunderson.

The selling of a portion of the Community Center was discussed. The Council wants to see some estimates on upgrades before they decide on an asking price.

We have started reviewing the Minnesota Basic Code of Ordinances. The Council members will compare the current ordinances with the new ordinances before any decisions will be made. They will start the adoption process at the June meeting.

On a motion by David Sorenson, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 08-2022 ELECT THE STANDARD ALLOWANCE AVAILABLE UNDER THE REVENUE LOSS PROVISION OF THE CORONAVIRUS LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUND ESTABLISHED UNDER THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT, Aaron Rivard second the motion.

The Council will check into the 4M fund through the League of Minnesota Cities.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Sorenson to approve the building permits: Northern Roots Insurance – new flooring, trim, doors, and windows, Dillon Erickson – storage shed, and Kelly Durand – new windows and finish bedroom in basement.

On a motion by Aaron Rivard, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 09-2022 BENEFITS PER YEAR OF SERVICE FOR ARGYLE FIRE DEPARTMENT, David Sorenson second the motion. Abstained: Tony Deschene.

The Fire Department are looking for two more firefighters.

Terry Sundby met with Brian Anderson about purchasing his property.

The City Office & City Shop will be closed on Monday, May 30th, 2022, for Memorial Day.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to sign the contract with Marshall County to have them apply calcium chloride.

An insurance claim was started with LMC about a resident having water in the basement.

The Railroad Crossing safety arms on 2nd Street is no longer on the Railroads schedule.

The Council discussed the Arturo Martinez Jr.’s property and blight conditions. The Council then mentioned other vacant buildings and housed within the City of Argyle.

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.

Being no further business, motion by David Sorenson, second by Tony Deschene, to adjourn.

REMINDER: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on JUNE 15, 2022.

CITY OFFICE & CITY SHOP HOURS:

Monday to 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).

ABBREVIATIONS ON YOUR UTILITY BILL:

108W Water Sewer Fee County Road 8

CREF Commercial Refuse

CSWR Commercial Sewer

CWTR Commercial Water

GAS Gas

GTX Gas Tax

LC Late Charge

MISC Miscellaneous

MSPR Mosquito Spray

NSF Return Check Fee

RGAS Residential Gas

RREF Residential Refuse

RRRX Residential Refuse Tax

RWTR Residential Water

SPI Sewer Project Improvements Fee

swcf State Water Connection Fee

SSR Single Sort Recycling

SWR Sewer

WPI Water Project Improvements Fee

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the public hearing on April 4, 2022, at 6:00PM in the City Office.

In attendance were Councilmen: Terry Sundby, Tony Deschene, David Gunderson, and David Sorenson.

Absent was Aaron Rivard. Also in attendance was Tamara Benitt, Tony Safranski, Michael Pagnac, and Ronald Erickson. On a motion by David Gunderson, second by David Sorenson, that the vacation is hereby granted, and the alleyway and 1st Street described as follows is hereby vacated: All of the platted 30-foot-wide alleyway in Auditor’s Subdivision No. 1, City of Argyle, Marshall County, Minnesota lying easterly and adjacent to Lots 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 in said Auditor’s Subdivision No. 1; AND all of the platted First Street in the Original Townsite of Argyle, lying between the easterly right-of-way line of Atlantic Avenue and westerly of a line drawn between the southeasterly corner of Lot 6, Block 1 in the said Original Townsite of Argyle to northeasterly corner of Lot 24 in Auditor’s Subdivision No. 1, City of Argyle, Marshall County, Minnesota.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the April 4, 2022, Argyle City Council meeting at 7:00 PM in the City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Anthony Deschene, David Sorenson, and David Gunderson. Absent was Aaron Rivard. Also in attendance were Tony Safranski, Michael Pagnac and Tamara Benitt. Motion by David Sorenson, second by David Gunderson, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Sorenson, the Maintenance Report was approved.

The Council discussed the decision of only having two Maintenance Workers. Since it seems to be working, they will leave it as is and re-evaluate  in November 2022.

Logan Nordine and Dale Clausen have been hired for Summer Help and Mower. The City is still advertising for Summer Rec Head Coach/Director, Assistant Coach, Umps, Bus Driver, and Summer Help.

Brian Ospahl from Brady, Martz presented the 2021 Audit to the Council. Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Sorenson, to approve the 2021 Audit.

The selling of a portion of the Community Center was discussed. The Council wants to see some estimates on upgrades before they decide on an asking price.

We have started reviewing the Minnesota Basic Code of Ordinances. The Council members will compare the current ordinances with the new ordinances before any decisions will be made. They will start the adoption process at the May meeting.

Terry Sundby and David Gunderson have been in contact with members of Argyle Homes about their future plans.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Sorenson to approve the A.R.E.D.A. bylaw amendment of Regular meetings of the members shall be held bi-monthly on the third Wednesday at 7:00 AM at the principal office of the Authority or at such other place designated by agreement of all members.

The Council was informed that Markit County Grain is considering adding another grain dryer.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Gunderson to approve the building permits: Kevin Tomblin: BNSF shelter and Argyle Homes: repairs-shingling, windows, siding, doors, water heater/boiler, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers.

David Gunderson and Terry Sundby will schedule a meeting with Brian Anderson about purchasing his property.

Cold Weather Rule is no longer in effect after April 30, 2022.

The City Office & City Shop will be closed on Friday, April 15th for Good Friday.

The Council discussed two options of Calcium Chloride.

Production and distribution costs of water were presented. The Council will need to decide if Rural Water is installed what would the price per 1,000 gallons of water be. Also, they will consider the different repayment plans. Bid opening will be May 17, 2022.

Scott Peters confirmed that Marshall County does have demolition funds available. However, the owner must give up ownership to the City.

The Council discussed the Arturo Martinez Jr.’s property and blight conditions. The Council will continue to try to contact him. The Council then mentioned other vacant buildings and houses within the City of Argyle.

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

A few members of the community will be setting up a meeting with Michelle Fischbach, US Representative, to question why the City of Argyle cannot qualify for any infrastructure grants through the State and Federal Governments.

Being no further business, motion by David Gunderson, second by David Sorenson, to adjourn.

REMINDER: WASTE MANAGEMENT RECYCLING TOTE PICKUP WILL BE ON MAY11, 2022.

RECYCLING REMINDERS:

BE SURE NOT TO OVER FILL THE CART. IF THE LID IS PROPPED OPEN, IT WILL BLOW OPEN AND ITEMS WILL BLOW AROUND TOWN.

BE SURE TO THROW CARDBOARD DOWN OVER THE TOP OF THE RECYCLING ITEMS TO COVER MORE LOOSE MATERIALS LIKE CANS AND PLASTIC BOTTLES. ALSO PUSH IT DOWN TO “SEAL” THE TOP. MAKE SURE THE LID IS CLOSED.

DO NOT USE PLASTIC BAGS.

ARGYLE AREA FOOD SHELF-ST. ROSE CHURCH- TUESDAY, MAY 10TH-4:30PM-5:30PM

CITY OFFICE & CITY SHOP HOURS:

MONDAY TO 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)

The Housing Authority (Northwest MN Multi County HRA) is accepting applications from individuals or families who are in need of help paying their rent thru HUD Section 8 Voucher Program. This is federally funded program (HUD), provides rent assistance to low-income individuals or families. Applications are now able to be summitted online at www.nwmnhra.org.

Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the March7, 2022, Argyle City Council meeting at 7:00 PM in the City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Anthony Deschene, David Sorenson, David Gunderson, and Aaron Rivard. Also in attendance were Tony Safranski and Tamara Benitt.  Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting.

On a motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, the Maintenance Report was approved.

We have started reviewing the Minnesota Basic Code Book of Ordinances. The Council members will review the ordinances before any decisions will be made.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson, to approve the signature of the Mayor and City  Clerk in order to enter the contract with Marshall & Polk Rural Water. Abstain: Tony Deschene.

Tamara reminded the Council of the special meeting with Rural Water and Engineer Jerry Pribula on March 15, 2022, at 2:00 pm in the City Office.

The Council discussed the Arturo Martinez Jr.’s property and blight conditions. The Council will continue to try to contact him.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to purchase 12 hanging flower baskets from Evergreen n’ Ivy for the price of $900.00.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Gunderson, to advertise for adult mowers at $15.00/hour and summer kids for $14.00/hour.

Motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Sorenson, to advertise for Summer Rec/Director at $14.00/hour, Assistant Coach at $12.50/hour, Bus Driver and Umpires.

Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the quote and purchase the Christmas Decorations from Display Sales.

The sale of the community center was discussed. The Council will research the price and the amount they are willing to sell. Tamara will contact the County for assistance. The old bank was also discussed as it is for sale and sitting vacant.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Gunderson, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 05-2022, REESTABLISHING PRECINCT AND POLLING PLACE.

On a motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, the City Council approves the following land description for the alleyway and street vacation: All of the platted 30-foot-wide alleyway in Auditor’s Subdivision No. 1;, City Of Argyle, Marshall County, Minnesota lying easterly and adjacent to Lots 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 in said Auditor’s Subdivision No 1; AND all of the platted First Street in the Original Townsite of Argyle, lying between the easterly right-of-way line of Atlantic Avenue and westerly of a line drawn between the southeasterly corner of Lot 6, Block 1 in the said Original Townsite of Argyle to northeasterly corner of Lot 24 in Auditor’s Subdivision No. 1, City of Argyle, Marshall County, Minnesota.

On a motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 06-2022, APPROVE NEW LIQUOR LICENSE – THE DELL STEAKHOUSE & LOUNGE, LLC.

The following building permits were applied for: Nevin Lubarski: Barnhouse, Kim & Gary Tonkin: kitchen remodel/fill in back door, and David Sorenson: bathroom remodel. Motion by Tony Deschene, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the building permits.

The Council was informed that Michael Pagnac attended Minnesota Rural Water Conference in St. Cloud on February 28th – March 3rd.

Motion by Tony Deschene, second by David Sorenson, to not donate to the Marshall County Fair Board Grandstand campaign.

David Gunderson and Terry Sundby will schedule a meeting with Brian Anderson about his property.

The Council discussed vacant buildings and houses within the City of Argyle.

Tony Safranski offered to volunteer after hours to use the city equipment and snow blow off the baseball field.

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.

The information for the new utility maps will be compiled and sent to have the wall maps printed.

It was questioned if Jason from Argyle Builders Supply received all the different building options for the Fire Hall.

Being no further business, motion by Aaron Rivard, second by David Gunderson, 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

UTILITY PAYMENTS CAN BE MADE WITH A CREDIT CARD OR STOP BY THE CITY OFFICE TO SIGN UP FOR ACH (AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL)

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 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.

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

On a motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, the Maintenance Report was approved.

On a motion by Aaron Rivard, the following resolution was adopted; RESOLUTION 04-2022 MONETARY LIMITS ON MUNICIPAL TORT LIABILITY, David Sorenson seconded the motion, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.

We have started reviewing and comparing our current City Code book to the Minnesota Basic Code of Ordinances. The Council members will come in to review the Minnesota Basic Code of Ordinances before any decisions will be made.

A response was received from FEMA about the map revision. There was only a correction made on the map and no special flood hazard area/mapping delineation was changed or removed by this LOMR.

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the following 2022 Argyle Fire Department Officers:

Chief: Anthony Deschene                    Asst.: Chief: Erin Anderson

Secretary: Brady Swanson                   Treas.:Rick Kroll

EMS: Rob Clausen                                 Chief Engineer: Tim Tulibaski

Ventilation Officer: Eric Magnusson     Interior Officer: Dillon Erickson

Training Officer: Nathan Anderson       Safety Officer: Kelly Durand

Motion by David Sorenson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve Desiree Price and Brandin Welin as new firefighters to the Argyle Volunteer Fire Department.

Motion by Aaron Rivard,  second by David Gunderson, to approve the building permit for Chad Swanson: pantry room and redo closets and denied Nevin LuBarski: quonset. Motion carried.

The Council was informed that the City Office & City Shop will be closed on Monday, February 21, 2022 in Observance of Presidents’ Day.

With the new infrastructure laws and grant money becoming available, Tamara reached out to Financialist Mitch Berg. He contacted the Public Facilities Authority and they stated that Argyle is currently on the Project Priority List for the upcoming Rural Water Project. However, due to the high median income in Argyle, we are not eligible for any grant money at this time.

Delinquent accounts were discussed. Motion by David Gunderson, second by David Sorenson, to approve the bills presented for payment, the Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, delinquent accounts and vacation & Sick leave. Motion carried.

The Council will put out bids on the hanging flower baskets.

The Council decided to locate the reservoir for the future Rural Water project to the south of the water tower. They also want Marshall & Polk Rural Water to have the responsibility of the current well line that runs into town. Tamara will let Engineer Jerry Pribula know as he is in the process of constructing site plans, specs and plans.

The Council was presented a proposal for “Argyle Growth Project Ideas.” The Council was impressed with the idea and would like to meet with the Argyle fire Department.

The Council discussed the former Hammerback lots. Trees will be planted by the gravel road to give those lots more curb appeal.

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

PLEASE BE COURTEOUS TO YOUR NEIGHBORS – DON’T PUT LOSSE ITEMS IN YOUR GARBAGE CAN. PLEASE HAVE ALL GARBAGE TIED UP SO THE WIND WON’T BLOW IT ALL OVER!

Reminder: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on MARCH 16,2022.

City office and City shop Hours: Monday to 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).

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.