Mayor Terry Sundby called to order the Council meeting on September 5, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Argyle City Office. Present were Mayor Sundby, Aaron Rivard, David Gunderson, and Penni Anderson. Absent was Tony Deschene. Also in attendance were Michael Pagnac and Tamara Benitt. Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the previous minutes. Motion carried.
On a motion by David Gunderson, Resolution 13-2023, Rezoning of residential lots to commercial lots for Argyle Original, Block 1, Lots 20 & 21 was adopted. Seconded by Terry Sundby. AYE: Gunderson, Sundby, Anderson NAY: Rivard ABSENT: Deschene
Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the Maintenance Report. Motion carried.
Mayor Sundby opened the sealed bids for the 1988 F-150 with a 30-foot sprayer. Motion by Aaron Rivard, seconded by Penni Anderson, to approve the bid of Jason Bregier at $955.00. Motion carried.
Motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by Aaron Rivard, to approve and add the On-Call Policy to the Personnel Policy. Motion carried.
Bradford Addition housing expansion was discussed. Water, sewer, and gas will be installed to all properties by freeze up.
On a motion by David Gunderson, Resolution 14-2023, Set Hearing for Proposed Assessment of 2nd Street from Hedquist Avenue to River Street was adopted. Seconded by Aaron Rivard, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.
The well plans have been submitted to the Minnesota Department of Health for permitting. The lawyer is drawing up the final easement.
Jon Olson of Apex Engineering will be meeting with Tamara and Tony to discuss the draft report for the Lincoln Avenue repairs.
On a motion by Penni Anderson, Resolution 15-2023, Approval of Sunday Liquor License for American Legion was adopted. Second by Aaron Rivard, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.
David Gunderson motioned to approve the following Resolutions: 16-2023 – Approve Proposed Property Tax Levy, 17-2023 – Approve the Preliminary 2024 Budget, and 18-2023 – Approve Argyle Fire Department 2024 Preliminary Budget. Seconded by Aaron Rivard, and the same being put to a vote was duly carried.
Wages for 2024 is tabled to next month.
Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to adopt Resolution 19-2023, Adopt Procurement Policy. Motion carried.
David Gunderson presented the proposed business incubator building. The Council gave approval to continue with the process by getting bids and AREDA being the fiscal agent.
Building Permits: Mackenzie Montague (Pat Rivard) – bathroom remodel. On a motion by Penni Anderson, seconded by David Gunderson, to approve the building permits. Motion carried.
The corner of Williams Avenue and Third Street is a concern. There is no slope on the gravel road and water just sits. The approach onto Williams Avenue is in poor condition due to the major truck traffic. The Council decided reroute trucks to the North by using either the business’s parking lot entrance or 5th Street. No Truck Allowed signs will be installed. The Council will get bids to repair the sinkhole.
The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee held two public forums: Wednesday, August 30th & Thursday, August 31st. David and Penni informed the Council that they had a decent turnout to both events. They are still tabulating the answers to the questions asked. A survey was sent out with every utility bill.
Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to approve the Community Water supply Service Connection Fee of $9.72 to be billed on the October bill to all water users and paid to the State of Minnesota. Motion carried.
The Cold Weather Rule goes into effect October 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024.
A decreased gas rate was locked in for 17 months with Constellation Energy.
The Lions have agreed to donate the hockey boards to St. Thomas, North Dakota.
Motion by David Gunderson, second by Aaron Rivard, to transfer funds from general savings and W/S Project Savings to 4M Plus. Motion carried.
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.
Terry will contact Arturo Martinez, Jr. about his property.
Being no further business, motion by Aaron Rivard, second by Penni Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried.
REMINDER: Waste Management recycling tote pickup will be on October 11, 2023.
CITY OFFICE & CITY SHOP HOURS: Monday to 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 – October 10th – 4:30 to 5:30 PM. Located at St. Rose Church Basement.
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO FILL OUT THE SURVEY AND RETURN TO CITY OFFICE