Author Archives: Dewey

New Equipment In Use for 2018 Elections

Press Release

Date: June 12, 2018

Contact: Randy Schreifels, County Auditor-Treasurer, 320-656-3901

New Equipment In Use for 2018 Elections

Randy Schreifels, Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer, announces that Stearns County residents will be using new ballot counters in the polling places for the 2018 Elections. These new machines have larger and improved screens for the convenience of voters and also provide a higher degree of accuracy and security of election results.

If voters are interested in viewing the system prior to Election Day, a demonstration voting machine will be on display beginning on June 29th – August 13th from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Stearns County Auditor’s Office at 705 Courthouse Square Room 148, St. Cloud, MN 56303.

If you have any questions, please contact the Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer’s office at 320-656-3920, or email elections@co.stearns.mn.us.

Official Minutes 5.1.18

The May monthly Board Meeting of Farming Township was called to order by Dave Robertson at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, John Blenker, Dale Lange, Ron Statz, Marlene Statz, Steve Soyka, Pat Zimmerman, Amos Studer and Jim Studer.

The April minutes were read. Two corrections were made: Jim Studer is “selling” his property and name correction of person present at April meeting to be Amos Studer. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes with the corrections, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $286,219.37 in the checking account.

RE: 193rd Ave – Discussion was held. The Board stated that they met with the Township Association lawyer and their recommendation was for the property owners to try and obtain a property easement as the Board would not take over the road. Supervisor Willenbring will check with the neighboring property owners to see if an easement can be obtained.

RE: Steve Soyka – Mr. Soyka is a candidate for Stearns County Sheriff. He gave a short presentation and discussion session with those attending the meeting.

RE: Gravel Quotes –

For Class 2: Lange Trenching $18.25/ton, Scepaniak $18.45/ton, Bardson $19.60/ton. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the Class 2 quote from Lange Trenching for $18.25/ton, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

For Class 5 – only one quote was received: Scepaniak at $8.55 per cubic yard. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the Class 5 quote from Scepaniak for $8.55 per cubic yard, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Blading Quotes – Lange Trenching submitted a blading quote for $45.00 per mile. No other quotes were received. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the blading quote of $45.00 per mile from Lange Trenching, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Dust Control Quote – Central MN Dust Control submitted a quote of $.56 per foot. No other quote was received. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the dust control quote from Central MN Dust Control for $.56 per foot, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Albany Schools – A report was given about the Fifth Monday Board Meeting of Albany School District. The new construction is nearing completion. The Blattner Center will be having entertainment for the public to celebrate its completion. Wells Concrete has donated money for a greenhouse to be constructed for student use. The elementary school issues have been solved.

RE: Pilgrim Foods – Pilgrim Pride Foods has submitted a request to allow for trucks carrying more weight to travel on Farming Township roads in order to make fewer trips. Discussion was held. Supervisors asked the Clerk to notify Pilgrim Foods that the request was too vague. Some of the issues of concern were spring road restrictions and an annual renewal of the permit. The Clerk will contact Pilgrim Foods.

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. Jason Willenbring made a motion to allow the hauling during restrictions season, Dan Stommes 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 in Farming from July 1, 2018 thru June 30, 2019. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the application for the liquor license, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake gave a short report on zoning issues.

RE: Road Tour and Maintenance – Pat Zimmerman asked if Road Tour had been done. Supervisors stated that Road Tour was done. Discussion was held. Supervisors went over the results of the Road Tour and outlined plans for road graveling and maintenance.

RE: Ditch Cutting – Ditch cutting quotes will be opened at the June meeting. Also a request by Bardsons that there be no ditch cutting along their or their in-laws property will be discussed.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6670     Stearns County Auditor         election costs                                             $  182.27

6671     Star Publications                     newspaper ads                                                 36.60

6672     Stearns Electric                       monthly electric bill                                        65.08

6673     Lange Trenching                     blading                                                           1974.50

Total                               $ 2,258.45

Year-to Date Total       $ 48,920.33

At 10:05 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 4.3.18

The April Farming Township Board Meeting was called to order by Dave Robertson at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Jim Studer, Rhendra Studer, Amos Studer, Dale Lange, Sam Cheeley, Vic Kotten, Conrad Lauer, Leon Wieber and Dave Bentrud.

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

Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $292,055.32 in the checking account.

RE: 193rd – The group with Jim Studer stated that they are selling the property and would like the area on the south end of 193rd to be extended to 275th and named a minimum maintenance road. Discussion was held. The Supervisors stated that they needed some time to check things out and asked the group to return at the May meeting when the Board would have more information.

RE: Hedgewood Road – Victor Kotten stated that he farms land along the road and that it seems the ditch along the property does not allow the farm land to drain properly. Discussion was held. The Board told Mr. Kotten that they will check it out on Road Tour.

RE: Dave Bentrud – Dave Bentrud is running for election as Stearns County Sheriff. He gave a short speech and inquired if the Board had any special concerns or questions about the services offered by the Sheriff’s department. A short discussion session was held.

RE: Conrad Lauer – Mr. Lauer had questions about issues concerning the Royal River 2 plat. He was told he needed to check with the Zoning Administrator.

RE: Leon Wieber – Mr. Wieber presented the Board a financial statement for 2016 and partial 2017 for the Farming Community Center. Questions were asked at the Annual Meeting concerning the cost of maintaining the building and its future.

RE: Zoning Board – Dan Stommes made a motion to accept John Linn as a member of the Zoning Board to replace Don Linz, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

It was noted that Road Tour was not held because of inclement weather. It is planned for Tuesday, May 1, 2018 weather permitting.

Gravel, blading and dustcoating quotes will be opened at the May1, 2018 Board Meeting.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6660    Victor Kotten                          election judge/moderator                                $             137.50

6661    Linda Theisen                         election judge                                                                   93.75

6662    Joyce Wimmer            election judge                                                                 106.25

6663    Stearns Electric                       monthly electric bill                                                         65.08

6664    United States Treasury           medicare/social security                                                 355.16

6665    M-R Sign Inc.                         911 signs                                                                          46.49

6666    Sunny Brook Ent. Inc.                        snowplowing                                                               2,085.00

6667    Lange Trenching                     blading                                                                                    1,820.50

6668    Town Off. Assn.                     spouse dinner                                                                 10.00

6669    Andersen Excavating              steam culverts                                                             1,200.00

Total                            $         5,919.73

Year-to-Date Total                              $       46,661.88

At 10:35 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

NOTICE OF FILING FOR THE 2018 STATE GENERAL ELECTION

NOTICE OF FILING FOR THE 2018 STATE GENERAL ELECTION

     NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the terms of the following named officers will expire on the first Monday in January, 2019, and that successors to the said officers are to be voted for at the State General Election to be held on Tuesday, the Sixth day of November, 2018, and that a Primary Election, if necessary, will be held on Tuesday, the Fourteenth day of August, 2018, for the purpose of nominating the candidates specified below.

FEDERAL OFFICES

One United States Senator

One United States Senator (Special Election)

One United States Representative each for the 6th and 7th Districts

STATE EXECUTIVE OFFICES

Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Secretary of State

State Auditor

Attorney General

STATE LEGISLATIVE OFFICES

One State Representative each for Districts 12B, 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B

JUDICIAL OFFICES

Supreme Court

Chief Justice (One Seat) (Gildea)

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (Three Seats)

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Seat 1     (G. Barry Anderson)

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Seat 2     (Chutich)

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Seat 5     (McKeig)

Court of Appeals (Six Seats)

Appellate offices are elected statewide. Where designated, candidates must reside in the congressional district listed for at least one year.

Judge Court of Appeals Seat 2 (Jesson)

Judge Court of Appeals Seat 4 (Tracy M. Smith)

Judge Court of Appeals Seat 6 (Worke) 1st Congressional District

Judge Court of Appeals Seat 7 (Halbrooks) 5th Congressional District

Judge Court of Appeals Seat 12 (Bratvold)

Judge Court of Appeals Seat 14 (Florey) 8th Congressional District

Seventh Judicial District (Ten Seats)

Judge Seventh District Court Seat 1 (Davick-Halfen)

Judge Seventh District Court Seat 5 (Churchwell)

Judge Seventh District Court Seat 6 (Kulick)

Judge Seventh District Court Seat 7 (Mahler)

Judge Seventh District Court Seat 10 (Quinn)

Judge Seventh District Court Seat 16 (Thilmony)

Judge Seventh District Court Seat 17 (Sharon G. Benson)

Judge Seventh District Court Seat 19 (Barbara R. Hanson)

Judge Seventh District Court Seat 20 (Cashman)

Judge Seventh District Court Seat 29 (Wang)

COUNTY OFFICES

One County Commissioner each for the 1st and 5th Districts

County Attorney

County Auditor-Treasurer

County Sheriff

One Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor each for the 1st and 5th Districts

The place of filing for federal offices is the Office of the Secretary of State, State Office Building, Room 180, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN, 55155-1299. The place of filing for state offices is with the Office of the Secretary of State or with the County Auditor of the county in which the candidate resides. The place of filing for Stearns County offices is the Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer’s office in the Stearns County Administration Center, 705 Courthouse Square, Room 148, St. Cloud, MN, 56303.

Filing begins at 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 22, 2018, and ends at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2018, for all offices listed, other than presidential elector candidates.

Note: Filing offices will be closed Monday, May 28, 2018, in observance of Memorial Day.

Candidates may file in person or by mail, if the filing is received during the filing period. Candidates who will be absent from the state during the filing period and meet the requirements of Minnesota Statutes section 204B.09, subdivision 1a, may arrange to file during the seven days immediately preceding the candidate’s absence from the state.

STEARNS COUNTY, MINNESOTA

 

Official Minutes 3.6.18

The March monthly Board Meeting of Farming Township was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. Also present were Jason Willenbring, Mike Schleper, Leo Gerads, John Blenker and Dewey Klaphake.

The February minutes were read. Dan Stommes 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 $300,299.61 in the checking account.

RE: Farming Baseball Association – Mike Schleper presented an application for a On-Sale 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor License for the Farming Athletic Field from April 14, 2018 thru October 13, 2018. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Albany Fire Department – Dan Stommes gave a report on the Albany Fire Department meeting. He stated that the Department had made a change in the percentage of training sessions the personnel were required to attend each year.

RE: St. Martin Fire Department – Duane Janssen stated that he was at the St. Martin Fire Department meeting and there were no changes in their operation.

RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake reported that Don Linz no longer wanted to be on the Zoning Board. An announcement will be made at the annual meeting concerning this. He also said there was a request for a 911 sign #28397. If the number is not on hand, the Clerk will order it.

REL Culverts – Issues concerning culverts on Clear Lake Road and 195th were reported. They will be checked into.

The following warrants have been examined, verified and ordered paid:

6645       Dave Robertson                                               supervisor wages                             $               221.64

6646       Judy Bruemmer                                                clerk wages                                                           581.80

6647       Daniel Stommes                               supervisor wages                                                311.68

6648       Judy Bruemmer                                                re-imb. mileage/postage/computer           200.38

6649       Daniel Stommes                               re-imb. mileage                                                                     24.64

6650       Dewey Klaphake                              zoning adm. wages/website                          155.84

6651       Vernon Willenbring                         supervisor wages                                                387.87

6652       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric bill                                              65.23

6653       Star Publications                               newspaper ads                                                    120.78

6654       City of St. Martin                              fire protection                                                   5,931.71

6655       COL Fire & Rescue Dist.                 fire protection                                                   1,156.02

6656       Sunny Brook Ent. Inc.                     snowplowing                                                     3,995.00

6657       Dave Robertson                                               re-imb. mileage                                                                       7.84

6658       City of Albany                                    fire protection                                                18,306.00

6659       Duane Janssen                                  treasurer wages                                                  484.84

****     Stearns Bank                                      check blanks                                                         108.00

Total                      $           32,059.27

Year-to-date Total                           $           40,742.15

At 8:55 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Dustcoating for 2018

Dustcoating of roads in 2018

Any resident interested in having the road along their property dustcoated is asked to  contact one of the Township Supervisors before April 28, 2018.

Unapproved Annual Meeting Minutes 3.13.18

The Annual Meeting in the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the Farming Community Center on the 13th day of March, 2018. It was called to order by Clerk Judy Bruemmerat 8:30 pm. The flag pledge was said.

Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations from the floor for moderator. Math Schmitz made a motion to nominate Victor Kotten, Ken Hamann seconded. Victor Kotten accepted the nomination. All in favor, motion carried. No other nominations for moderator were made. Dale Lange made a motion to close nominations, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Victor Kotten was declared the moderator.

The minutes of the 2017 Annual Meeting were read by Clerk Judy Bruemmer. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dale Lange seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Discussion was held. Brenna Linn made a motion to accept the report as printed, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Ken Hamann made a motion to continue with Trappers Pub and Grub, Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Farming Community Center and the Township Website as posting places, John Blenker seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Klaphake made a motion to have the Albany Enterprise as the official newspaper for publishing legal notices, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The results of the Annual Election Board of Canvass were reported as follows: For Supervisor – Jason Willenbring received 46 votes, John Blenker received 6 votes, and Neil Franz received 32 votes. Jason Willenbring was declared winner of the Supervisor position. For Clerk – Judy Bruemmer received 82 votes, there was one write-in and one blank vote. Judy Bruemmer was declared the winner of the Clerk position. A total of 84 ballots were cast in the Annual Election.

Math Schmitz made a motion to destroy the 2016 Annual Election ballots, Ken Hamann seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The next item on the agenda was the General Fund Levy. Discussion was held. One item for discussion was the possibility of losing the Community Center as the Board Room rental. It was decided to table the discussion until the next Annual Meeting and to have the Board present a report on the Community Center Building maintenance at that meeting. Ron Backes made a motion to set the Levy for the General Fund at $85,500, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Road and Bridge Levy was presented. Discussion was held. Ron Backes made a motion to set the Levy at $125,000 as proposed, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Tarring Fund Levy came up for discussion. After considerable discussion concerning tarring costs and maintenance, Ron Backes made a motion to set the Tarring Levy at $100,000, John Zimmerman seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Dale Lange made a motion for the Board to decide which roads to dustcoat and residents who wanted additional dustcoating to pay half of the cost, Brenna Linn seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

New Business: Duane Klaphake, the Zoning Administrator, announced that there was a vacancy on the Town Zoning Board. Anyone interested in serving on the Zoning Board should contact him.

A plaque honoring Vernon Willenbring for his 30 years of dedicated service as a Township Supervisor was presented at the meeting. Vernon Willenbring gave a short speech thanking everyone.

Thirty-one residents were present at the Annual Meeting.

At 9:46 pm Ken Hamann made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Coffee, milk and cookies from Stearns Bank were served after the meeting.

Minutes taken by Judy Bruemmer, Farming Township Clerk

 

Board of Canvass Meeting 3.13.18

Board of Canvass Meeting 3.13.18

The Board of Canvass was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:20 pm.

Present were: Vernon Willenbring, Dan Stommes, Dave Robertson, Duane Janssen, Judy Bruemmer, Joyce Wimmer, Victor Kotten and Linda Theisen.

For the office of Supervisor:

Jason Willenbring received 46 votes

John Blenker received 6 votes

Neil Franz received 32 votes

Dan Stommes made a motion to declare Jason Willenbring the winner of the Supervisor position, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

For the Clerk position:

Judy Bruemmer received 82 votes

Phil Rolfes received 1 vote

Dan Stommes made a motion to declare Judy Bruemmer the winner of the Clerk position, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

A total of 84 ballots were voted in the Annual Election.

Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:23 pm, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

 

Official Minutes 2.5.18

The February Monthly Board Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake and Jason Willenbring.

The January minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Janssen gave a financial report with a balance of $303,157.88 in the checking account.

RE: Kriegle Lake Road – Collegeville contacted the Board to inform them that they are preparing to redo/repair a section of Kriegle Lake Road – including the part that is in Farming Township. They will keep the Township informed about the process.

RE: Township Election – The Board is required to set a second alternate date for the election should there be inclement weather on the election day and the first alternate election day. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to set the fourth Tuesday of March, March 27, 2018 as the second alternate date, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: MN Township Benefits Package – The information was reviewed as requested by the Township Association. There was no interest at this time.

RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake had no zoning issues to report for the month.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6641    Stearns Electric                       monthly electric bill                $               64.93

6642    Sunny Brook Ent. Inc.              snowplowing                                      1,575.00

6643    Star Publications                     newspaper ads                                       42.66

6644    MATIT                                     insurance                                           1,495.00

Total                $         3,177.59

Year-to-date Total                  $         8,682.88

At 8:20 pm Vernon Willenbring made a motion to recess the monthly meeting in order to hold the Board of Audit Meeting and the Budget Meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 1.2.18

The January Monthly Board Meeting of Farming Township was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present was Dewey Klaphake.

The December meeting minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $292, 912.02 in checking.

RE: Annual Township Election – Judy Bruemmer stated that filing period was from January 2, 2018 until 5 pm on January 16, 2018. Election judges have been contacted. Joyce Wimmer will be head judge and Linda Theisen and Victor Kotten will be election judges. Joyce Wimmer and Linda Theisen will be on the Absentee Ballot Board.

RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake gave a short report on zoning issues.

RE: Flags – Vernon Willenbring brought the flags that are put on veteran’s graves on Memorial weekend. Dave Robertson volunteered to take care of them.

RE: Board of Audit/Budget Meeting – The Audit and Budget Meetings will be held at the February monthly meeting.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6636       US Treasury                                        medicare/social security                               $             362.04

6637       Farming Comm. Ctr.                        annual rent                                                                      2400.00

6638       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric bill                                                            64.93

6639       Sunny Brook Ent.                             snowplowing                                                                     1645.00

6640       Stearns Cty Assn of Twp                               county and state dues                                                   1033.32

Total      $           5,505.29                                                                                                                                  Year-to-date Total           $           5,505.29

There being no further business, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 pm, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.