The August Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Gary Hemmesch, Tom Winkels and Dewey Klaphake.
The July minutes were read, Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes after a correction to change sand to Class 2 for Clear Lake Public Access in the memo of what was paid to Gary Hemmesch, Ben Mergen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Robyn Brinkman gave a treasurers report for both June and July. July 31, 2025, there was $739,005.43 in and checking, Money Market and one operating CD. Tarring fund CD’s balance was 1,483,049.28 for a total of $2,222,054.71. Discussion was held regarding moving some money from the Money Market into a CD, nothing was done with this as the township is waiting for a bill from Knife River for Farming Townships share of tarring 260th.
Tom Winkels has talked to Roxanne at Stearns County regarding letting the residents of Farming Township know that we will be going back to in person voting for the 2026 general election. Sometime after April 1,2026 postcards will need to be sent out to all township residents noting the change in voting locations.
Xcel Energy had a sent a request wondering if they needed any special permits before they began working on the existing power line. Discussion was held. After reviewing the information they had sent, no permits are required.
A request for a one-day liquor license for Farming Community Center’s Octoberfest which will be held on Saturday September 27, 2025, was presented. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve this one-day Liquor License for the Farming Community Centers Octoberfest on September 27,2025. Ben Mergen seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
Dan Stommes gave a report from the Albany Fire Department’s meeting. They have their annual golf fundraiser coming up. The fire department ordered a new truck, which will take about 2 years to build. They were able to obtain some financing thru Stearns Electric at 1% interest to help pay for this truck.
Wind Stream permit, Wind Stream had sent a map of where they would be working. Discussion was held; Linda will contact Wind Stream for more information regarding what they are proposing to do within the township.
Township supervisors should continue to monitor their area for noxious weeds and report back if there are areas of concern.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7422 Chain of Lakes Fire Quarterly fire protection $1721.08
7423 Nutrien Chemical to spray road ditches $1236.89
7424 Paynesville Farmers Union Spray the chemical into ditches $1400.00
7425 Hemmesch Excavating Class 2/Road grader/fix culvert $10680.35
7426 Central MN Dust Control Dust Control $3819.00
7427 M-R Signs Road signs/911 sign $356.99
ACH Stearns Electric Monthly Bill $65.31
ACH Arvig Monthly Bill 78.95
Total $ 19,358.57
Year-to-date Total $ 115,635.91
At 9:10 pm Ben Mergen made a motion to adjorn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried