Author Archives: Dewey

Filing Notice for Township Election

Notice is hereby given that the Township Election for Farming Township will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Affidavits for Candidacy may be filed with the Township Clerk at 27555 County Road 41, Albany, MN 56307 from 9:00 am Tuesday, December 31, 2019 through 5:00 pm Tuesday, January 14, 2020 for the offices of:

Township Supervisor – 3 year term – currently held by Dan Stommes

Township Clerk – 2 year term – currently held by Judy Bruemmer

There is a $2.00 filing fee.

**Note: the filing office will be closed January 1, 2020 due to New Year’s Holiday. The Clerk will be available at the above residence from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 as required by law.

Judy Bruemmer

Farming Township Clerk

320-548-3562

***Special Note: The Township Election will be held as usual. Only the “Statewide” elections are Mail Ballot.***

 

Mail Ballots for Statewide Elections

Office of the County Auditor-Treasurer    
Stearns County Service Center • 3301 County Road 138 • Waite Park, MN 56387

Phone: 320-656-3920 • Fax: 320-203-6960

Randy R. Schreifels, County Auditor-Treasurer

 

POSTED NOTICE OF MAIL BALLOT PROCEDURES

TO VOTERS OF STEARNS COUNTY, MINNESOTA

 

The following precincts located in Stearns County have elected to vote by mail ballot procedure in

Statewide elections as authorized under Minnesota Statues 204B.45. All other precincts vote at their

designated polling places on Election Day.

 

                              Townships                              Cities
              Crow Lake Luxemburg                 Elrosa    Roscoe
              Crow River Melrose                 Greenwald    St. Anthony
               Farming Munson                 Lake Henry St. Rosa
              Getty North Fork                 Meire Grove    Spring Hill
              Grove Oak                 New Munich
              Lake George Spring Hill
              Lake Henry

 

For the 2020 statewide elections, the election dates and the corresponding dates that ballots will be mailed to all registered voters in mail ballot precincts are:

Statewide Presidential Nominating Primary Election: March 3, 2020 Ballot Mailing Dates: January 20 – February 21, 2020
Statewide Primary Election: August 11, 2020 Ballot Mailing Dates: June 22 – July 27, 2020
Statewide General Election: November 3, 2020 Ballot Mailing Dates: September 28 – October 19, 2020

 

Voters registered in this precinct by the following dates will be mailed a ballot automatically:

February 11, 2020 for the Statewide Presidential Nomination Primary Election

July 21, 2020 for the Statewide Primary Election

October 13, 2020 for the Statewide General Election

Eligible voters not pre-registered by the dates listed above may vote by absentee.

Registered voters wishing to receive their ballot at a temporary address may contact the Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer Office to vote by absentee. You may check your voter registration status online at www.mnvotes.org.

To vote by absentee, request an absentee ballot application by one of the following:

  • Online at www.mnvotes.org
  • By phone (320) 656-3920
  • By mail: Stearns County Service Center, at address listed below:
  • In person at:

Stearns County Service Center       or         Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer Office Administration Building

3301 County Road 138                                 705 Courthouse Square, Rm 148

Waite Park, MN 56387                                 St. Cloud, MN 56303

8:30 am – 5:00 pm                                         8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Absentee voting begins January 17, 2020 for the Statewide Presidential Nomination Primary, June 26, 2020 for the Statewide Primary, and September 18, 2020 for the Statewide General Election.

Ballots may be returned:

  • by mail (a prepaid postage return envelope is included when the ballots are mailed)
  • may be delivered in person
  • delivered by designated agent to:Stearns County Service Center

3301 County Road 138

Waite Park, MN 56387

8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Ballots must be received no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted. Normal business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In addition to the normal business hours, extended hours for absentee voting are:

Statewide Presidential Nomination Primary Election:

Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 10:00 am to 3:00 p.m.; Monday March 2, 2020 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.;

Statewide Primary Election:

Saturday August 8, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Monday, August 10, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.;

Statewide General Election:

Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Monday, November 2, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you choose to vote in person on Election Day, the designated polling place is:

Stearns County Service Center

3301 County Road 138

Waite Park, MN 56387

Polling hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

At least one assistive voting ballot-marker will be available at that polling place to permit persons with disabilities to vote privately and independently.

All mail ballots will be counted at the Stearns County Service Center after 8:00 p.m. on the respective election dates.

Additional information is available by contacting the Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer Office, Elections Division, by phone (320) 656-3920, by email at elections@co.stearns.mn.us , or by visiting the website at www.co.stearns.mn.us .

 

Dated 11th day of December, 2019

By order of

Randy R. Schreifels,

Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer

Official Minutes 10.1.19

The October monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm in the FCC room. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake and Dale Lange.

The September minutes were read. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with a balance of $330,897.43 in the checking account.

RE: Road Issues – Discussion was held concerning several road issues. Due to the wet weather repairs and blading have proven difficult. They will be taken care of as soon as weather permit.

RE: Albany School District – Dan Stommes gave a report on the Fifth Monday meeting. There will be a shortage of space at the Albany Elementary School. Several options are being considered and the School Board is interested in any public ideas. The Green House is being constructed. He noted that the school population is currently 1772 with 211 students in open enrollment and 150 students from the District going to other schools.

RE: L & R Meeting – Duane Janssen gave a short report on the resolutions considered at the L&R meeting.

RE: Farming Community Center – The Board has received notice that the rent for the Board Room will be raised to $3000 for the year 2020. Discussion was held. The Board agreed to the new annual rent.

RE: Snow Blading Quotes – Dan Stommes will check into snow blading quotes and present them at the November meeting.

RE: COL Fire District – Jason Willenbring gave a short report on the COL meeting. Due to the high turnover of personal the COL Board is considering paying fire personal for fire calls and training sessions.

RE: Jost – It was noted that Norb Jost has buried a PVC pipe in the ditch along his property. Supervisors will watch to make sure there are no problems.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6841       Lange Trenching                               blading                                                 $               3,819.43

6842       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric bill                                                  65.08

6843       US Treasury                                        medicare/soc.security                                          391.28

Total                      $                 4,275.79

Year-to-date Total           $             287,921.93

At 9:05 pm Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 9.3.19

The September monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. All members were present. Also present were Dale Lange and Math Schmitz.

The August minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $336,140.88 in the checking account.

RE: Blading – Discussion was held. It was noted that 228th was muddy and could use some class 2. Lange Trenching will check into it.

RE: Ditch Cutting – Math Schmitz stated that all went well – no major problems. He suggested checking on the west side of Clear Lake Road. Supervisors will check and see if there is a problem.

RE: District Meeting – The Supervisors and the Treasurer attended the meeting. They stated that there were no major issues covered at the meeting. Treasurer Duane Janssen accepted appointment to a Board as a Township representative.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6830       Daniel Stommes                               reimburse/mileage                                         $               68.32

6831       Dave Robertson                                supervisor wages                                                             374.02

6832       Daniel Stommes                               supervisor wages                                                             408.65

6833       Jason Willenbring                             supervisor wages                                                             346.31

6834       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric bill                                                            65.08

6835       Dave Robertson                                 reimburse/mileage                                                            27.84

6836       Judy Bruemmer                                  clerk wages                                                                        706.48

6837       M-R Sign Inc.                                      911 sign                                                                                   26.92

6838       Judy Bruemmer                                 reimb. supplies/computer                                           142.43

6839       Math Schmitz                                    ditch cutting                                                                    2,547.00

6840       Duane Janssen                                  treasurer wages                                                               526.40

Total                      $           5,239.45

Year-to-date Total                           $       283,646.14

At 8:45 pm Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 8.6.19

The August monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Shane Bartels and Dale Lange.

The July minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $289,039.26 in the checking account.

RE: Richmond Rod & Gun Club – Shane Bartels presented an application for a gambling permit for the Richmond Rod & Gun Club. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to sign the permit application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Noxious Weed Update – Supervisors reported all is going well – no major problems.

RE: Albany Fire Department – Dan Stommes attended the Fire Department meeting. They are working on a truck purchase and have had good results with the Bingo fundraiser.

RE: Chain of Lakes Fire & Rescue – Dave Robertson reported that they had a new volunteer fighter and that all is going well.

RE: Dean Rausch – It was reported that Dean Rausch was agreeable to the repairs needed to ease a water problem along his property on 280th Street.

RE: 223rd Cattle Pass – Dave Robertson received a complaint about a bump on 223rd Ave. It was determined that this is caused by an old cattle pass. This will be taken into consideration when 223rd Avenue is recoated.

RE: District Meeting – The District Township Meeting will be held on August 15, 2019. Those able to attend will carpool from Trappers Pub and Grub.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6827       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric bill                         $              65.08

6828       COL Fire & Rescue Dist.                 Qtr 3 fire protection                                   1,093.01

6829       Midwest Asphalt                              repair 223rd Ave.                                          1,200.00

Total                      $         2,358.09

Year-to-date Total           $     278,406.69

At 8:41 pm Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 7.2.19

The July monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. All members were present. Also present were Dale Lange and Math Schmitz.

The June minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $298,091.96 in the checking account.

RE: Dustcoating – Dustcoating was completed. One resident requested dustcoating. The clerk will send a bill.

RE: Crackfilling/Patches – Crackfilling and patches have been completed.

RE: Election Resolution – The Clerk presented the Resolution form necessary to change to mail balloting for State and County elections. The Board signed the Resolution. A copy of Resolution 6.4.19 will be sent to the County. Discussion was held concerning changing the Township Elections to November. The Board decided to present the option at the annual meeting.

RE: SWCD Tour – Jason Willenbring gave a short report on the Tour.

RE: Tarring Fund CD – Jason Willenbring made a motion for the Treasurer to deposit $50,000 in a tarring fund CD, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Road Issues/Weed Inspection – Supervisors are checking into any problem areas and will take care of them as needed.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6818       Central MN Dust Control              dustcoating                                        $               20,529.60

6819       Midwest Asphalt                              crackfill/patching                                               11,400.00

6820       Lange Trenching                               blading2026.91/class2 34027.13                  36,054.04

6821       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric bill                                                  65.08

6822       Wm. D Scepaniak                             class 5                                                                   34,769.70

6823       M-R Sign                                              911/Dip signs                                                            123.40

6824       Math Schmitz                                    ditch cutting                                                              1,333.00

6825       US Treasury                                        medicare/soc. sec.                                                     672.46

6826       Farming Township                           tarring fund CD                                                    50,000.00

Total                      $             154,947.28

Year-to-date Total           $               276,048.60

At 9:03 pm, Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 6.4.19

The June monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. All members were present. Also present were Dennis Kern and Eric Popp, deputies from Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, Dewey Klaphake and Dale Lange.

The May minutes were read. One correction was made: remove possible plans for Albany Elementary School room shortfall. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

A financial report was given by Duane Janssen with a checking account balance of $315,130.25.

RE: Sheriff’s Liaison – Deputies Dennis Kern and Eric Popp were present to introduce themselves as the liaisons from the Sheriff’s department. They gave an overview of their duties, the calls received in April and May, and asked about any concerns the Board may have. Discussion was held. They also asked for a 24/7 contact. Jason Willenbring volunteered to be the contact.

RE: SWCD Tour – Jason Willenbring will attend the Soil and Water Conservation District Tour.

RE: Crackfilling – It is still a work in progress.

RE: Graveling/Class 2 – It was reported that Class 5 graveling is finished. Class 2 will be done as weather permits.

RE: Dustcoating – Lange Trenching and Central MN Dustcoating will get together on the project.

RE: Mail Ballot Election – Discussion was held concerning mail ballot elections for the state and county elections. Jason Willenbring made a motion to adopt Resolution 6.4.19 to authorize mail balloting for state and county elections in Farming Township, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. The Clerk will contact the County for the correct Resolution form and it will be signed at the July 2, 2019 Township Board meeting.

RE: Zoning Fees – Discussion was held concerning zoning fees that were not decided at the Reorganization Meeting. Dave Robertson made a motion to raise the variance fee to $400, the building permit fee and the driveway fee to be $50 each and the inspection fee to be $40, effective June 4, 2019. Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Minutes 6.4.19 page 2

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6800       Daniel Stommes                               supervisor wages                                             $               623.36

6801       Daniel Stommes                               reimb. mileage                                                                       54.52

6802       Jason Willenbring                             reimb. short course/mileage                                         119.02

6803       Jason Willenbring                             supervisor wages                                                                692.62

6804       Dave Robertson                                 supervisor wages                                                                789.54

6805       Dave Robertson                                 reimb. short course/mileage                                           114.12

6806       Lange Trenching                               blading                                                                             4,494.45

6807       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric bill                                                            65.08

6808       Stearns County                                 assessing fees                                                                   7,166.75

6809       Dewey Klaphake                              permit fees/mileage                                                         278.86

6810       Dewey Klaphake                              website renewal                                                                 287.64

6811       Star Publications                               newspaper ads                                                                      14.94

6812       Judy Bruemmer                                election judge                                                                        87.50

6813       Judy Bruemmer                                clerk wages                                                                         1,191.31

6814       Judy Bruemmer                                reimb. short course/mileage/jdg. meal                         217.64

6815       Duane Janssen                                  reimb. short course/mileage                                             79.00

6816       Duane Janssen                                  treasurer wages                                                                  706.48

6817       Dewey Klaphake                              zoning adm. wages                                                              60.00

Total                      $       17,042.83

Year-to-date Total           $         121,105.86

At 9:30 pm, Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 5.7.19

The May monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. All members were present. Also present were Dale Lange, Patsy Zimmerman and Matt Schmitz. The flag pledge was said.

The April minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $320,226.78 in the checking account.

RE: Dustcoating – Only one quote for dustcoating was received. Central MN Dustcoating’s price was $.56/foot. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the quote from Central MN dustcoating, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. The Clerk will post notice for residents who would like dustcoating along their property to contact Supervisors by May 31, 2019.

RE: Blading – Lange Trenching presented a quote for blading Township roads. It was the only quote received. The price was $45.00 per mile – the same as last year. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the quote from Lange Trenching, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Class 2 Road Material – One quote was received. Lange Trenching quoted a price of $18.25/ton, placed and packed – same as last year. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the quote from Lange Trenching, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Class 5 Gravel – Wm. D. Scepaniak gave the only quote for Class 5 road material. The price was $10.49 – a raise from the 2018 price. Discussion was held. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the quote from Scepaniak, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Road Ditch Cutting – Matt Schmitz submitted the only quote for road ditch cutting. The price was $65/hr plus fuel – a $5 raise from last year. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the quote from Matt Schmitz, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Plans for road ditch cutting are around mid-June and before school starts, weather permitting.

RE: Pilgrims Pride – A request for permission to haul agricultural products over 80,000 up to 97,000 pounds gross weight on .28 miles of 275th Street and .50 miles of 260th Street – except during road restriction time – through May 2020 was presented. Discussion was held. Dave Robertson made a motion to approve and sign the request, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Crackfilling – Dan Stommes stated the crackfilling will be finished in May, weather permitting.

RE: Five Year Road Plan Meeting – Supervisors were notified that meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2019.

RE: Albany Fifth Monday Meeting – Dan Stommes gave a report on the meeting. It was noted that the elementary school will be short of room in the fall. Several plans are being considered.

RE: Weed Meeting – Dave Robertson gave a short report on the Weed Meeting. They received reports on new noxious weeds and were given a spreadsheet showing their problem areas.

Farming Township Minutes

5.7.19 page 2

RE: Road Tour – Extensive Discussion was held with the blading and dustcoating contractors on which roads will be dustcoated, graveled or have Class 2 applied as determined as a result of the Road Tour. Notice will be posted concerning dustcoating. Two “Dip” signs will be ordered for a problem area.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6794       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric bill                         $               65.08

6795       Star Publications                               newspaper ads                                                    52.30

6796       COL Fire & Rescue Dist.                 fire protections Qtr 2                                   1,093.01

6797       Lange Trenching                               blading1410/road repair1399                   2,809.00

6798       Stearns Cty Aud/Treas                   truth in taxation131/election176.14         307.14

6799       Sunny Brook Ent. Inc                      snowplowing                                                      770.00

Total                      $           5,096.53

Year-to-date Total           $       104,063.03

At 9:40 pm, Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Dustcoating Roads

Dustcoating will be done on Farming Township Roads this Spring. If any residents wish to have dustcoating done along their property, they are asked to contact one of the Township Supervisors by May 31, 2019.

Official Minutes 4.2.19

The April monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. All members were present. Also present were Dan Rea, Dave Walz, Roxanne Gerads, Dale Lange and Bob Backes. The flag pledge was said.

The March minutes were read. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

A financial report was given by Duane Janssen with $342,525.10 in checking.

RE: Election Procedure Changes – Dave Walz and Roxanne Gerads were present from Stearns County to explain the options regarding the elimination of the paper rosters for elections. Options are either mail ballots or E Poll books. Discussion was held. They asked that we have a decision before the end of summer.

RE: Farming Baseball Association – Dan Rea presented an application for an On-sale 3.2% Malt Liquor License for the Farming Athletic Field from April 13, 2019 through October 12, 2019. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Backes Plat – Bob Backes presented his final plat to the Board. Discussion was held. Dave Robertson made a motion to approve the plat, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Jason Willenbring made a motion to authorize Dewey Klaphake, Zoning Administrator, to sign the plat when Backes contacted him, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Trappers Pub and Grub – A request was made for Township Consent to authorize a County On/Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Trappers Pub and Grub from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Hildebrande Trucking LLC – A request for permission to service farms and drive on Township roads during road restriction season was received from Hildebrande Trucking (dead animal service). Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to sign the permission form, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: DOT Maps – Discussion was held. It was decided to order 12 maps of Farming Township.

RE: Stearns Bank Checking Account – Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to remove Dave Robertson as a signer on the checking account and to have Chairperson Dan Stommes, Clerk Judy Bruemmer, Treasurer Duane Janssen and Deputy Clerk Bonnie Behnen as signers on the checking account, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Road Tour – Road Tour Issues were discussed. Water on Mapleview South will be checked into. Maintenance and road issues will be discussed at the May Board Meeting.

Farming Township

4.2.19 minutes – page 2

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6784       Lange Trenching            blading 1906.91/road repair 764                                 $           2,670.91

6785       Stearns Electric              monthly electric bill                                                                          65.08

6786       US Treas                          medicare/soc. security                                                                  454.02

6787       Sunny Brook Ent. Inc.   snowplowing/guarantee                                                            3,360.00

6788       M-R Sign Co. Inc.           road signs                                                                                           66.78

6789       Mary Lou Salzl                election judge                                                                                  100.00

6790       Diane Brinkman             election judge                                                                                    87.50

6791       Neil Franz                         annual meeting moderator                                                            50.00

6792       City of Albany                  fire protection                                                                              14,135.00

6793       MN DOT                            12 maps of Farming Township                                                       21.50

Total    $         21,010.79

Year-to-date Total         $         98,966.50

At 9:25 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.