Author Archives: Dewey

March 17, 2016 Re-organization Meeting

Farming Township ReOrganization Meeting 3.17.16
Clerk Judy Bruemmer called the ReOrganization Meeting to order at 8:00 pm. Present were Judy Bruemmer, Vernon Willenbring, Dan Stommes, Duane Janssen, Dewey Klaphake and Dave Robertson. The flag pledge was said.
Judy Bruemmer and Dave Robertson received their Certificate of Election and took their Oath of Office.
Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations for Board Chairperson. Vernon Willenbring nominated Dan Stommes, Dave Robertson seconded. Dan Stommes accepted the nomination. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to close nominations, Dave Robertson seconded. Motion carried. Dan Stommes was named Board Chairperson.
Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations for Board Vice-chairperson. Dave Robertson nominated Vernon Willenbring, Dan Stommes seconded. Vernon Willenbring accepted the nomination. Dan Stommes made a motion to close nominations, Dave Robertson seconded. Motion carried. Vernon Willenbring was named Board Vice-chairperson.
RE: Zoning Board – Vernon Willenbring made a motion that the meeting per diem for zoning board members be raised to $50 with only the administrator attending the monthly meetings and the rest of the Board meeting as needed, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Board Members – Discussion was held. Dave Robertson made a motion to leave the meeting per diem for all elected Board members at $60, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Hourly Wage – Vernon Willenbring made a motion to keep the hourly wage at $12.50, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Supervisor’s Hourly Wage:
Dan Stommes made a motion to pay Dave Robertson $12.50 an hour for work other than regular supervisor duties, Vernon Willenbring seconded. Motion carried.
Dan Stommes made a motion to pay Vernon Willenbring $12.50 an hour for work other than regular supervisor duties, Dave Robertson seconded. Motion carried.
Vernon Willenbring made a motion to pay Dan Stommes $12.50 an hour for work other than regular supervisor duties, Dave Robertson seconded. Motion carried.
RE: Mileage Rate – Dave Robertson made a motion to keep the mileage rate at 56 cents per mile, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Treasurer’s Monthly Wage – Vernon Willenbring made a motion to leave the Treasurer’s monthly wage at $75, Dave Robertson seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Clerk’s Monthly Wage – Dave Robertson made a motion to leave the Clerk’s monthly wage at $150, with a $10 monthly reimbursement for computer time, which would be reviewed should computer rates increase, Vernon Willenbring seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Zoning Permit Inspection Fee – Discussion was held on permit fees and inspection fees. It was decided to table the subject until the April meeting.
RE: Fee for Tractor and Equipment – Vernon Willenbring made a motion for the Supervisor’s to negotiate each case with the owner, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
At 8:35 pm, Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

2016 Annual Meeting Minutes

Unapproved Annual Meeting Minutes 3.8.16
The Annual Meeting in the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the Farming Community Center on the 8th day of March 2016. It was called to order by Clerk Judy Bruemmer at 8:30 pm. The flag pledge was said.
Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations from the floor for moderator. Brian Brix made a motion to nominate Victor Kotten, Dave Robertson 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, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Victor Kotten was declared the moderator.
The minutes of the 2015 Annual Meeting were read by Clerk Judy Bruemmer. Paul Killmer made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Discussion was held. Gary Winkels made a motion to accept the report as printed, Tony Legatt seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Paul Killmer made a motion to continue with Trappers Pub and Grub, Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Farming Community Center and the Township Website as posting places, Brian Brix seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Ken Hamann made a motion to have the Albany Enterprise as the official newspaper for publishing legal notices, Lloyd Salzl seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Gary Winkels made a motion to have the Farming Community Center as the official polling place for the Annual Election and for the polling place to be open from 2 pm to 8 pm, Jerry Rausch seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
Patti Zimmerman made a motion to have the Farming Community Center as the official Annual Town Meeting site with the meeting to start at 8:30 pm on March 14, 2017, Brian Brix seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dale Lange made a motion for the monthly board meetings to be held on the first Tuesday of the month at 8:00 pm in the Farming Township Board Room, Ken Hamann seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Ken Hamann made a motion to allow the Township Board hire someone to mow the road ditches, Don Brinkman seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The results of the Annual Election Board of Canvass were reported as follows: For Supervisor – Neil Franz received 75 votes, Dave Robertson received 136 votes. Dave Robertson was declared the winner of the Supervisor position. For Clerk – Judy Bruemmer received 203 votes. There were 2 write-in votes with one vote each. Judy Bruemmer was declared the winner of the Clerk position. A total of 212 ballots were cast in the Annual Election.
Ken Hamann made a motion to destroy the 2014 Annual Election ballots, John Linn seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Neil Franz gave a short speech thanking residents for their support over the years and congratulating Dave Robertson and Judy Bruemmer.
The next item on the agenda was the General Levy. Paul Killmer made a motion to put the tarring fund into the General Fund thereby lessening taxes for residents. Discussion was held. It was decided that the motion was not relevant to the General Levy and should be made when the Tarring Fund Levy was up for discussion. Paul Killmer then retracted his motion. Jack Wimmer made a motion to set the General Levy at $210,500, Don Linz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Tarring Fund levy came up for discussion. Paul Killmer made a motion to re-allocate the tarring fund to the General Fund. After much discussion on the subject both for and against, Paul Killmer retracted his motion. Then Jack Wimmer made a motion allocating the tarring fund through 2016 for maintenance of existing roads only, not new tar, Patti Zimmerman seconded. There was considerable discussion on the motion. Don Linz called for a secret paper ballot. 29 residents voted in favor of the motion, 11 against. The motion was carried. There were 40 residents at the Annual Meeting. Tom Buerman made a motion to set the Tarring Fund Levy at $100,000 for 2017, Brian Brix seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Wally Buerman made a motion to destroy the secret ballots, Gary Winkels seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dave Robertson made a motion to continue dustcoating roads with the Board deciding which roads to dustcoat and residents wanting additional roads dustcoated along their property paying half, Dale Lange seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Vernon Willenbring thanked Neil Franz for his years of service on the Township Board.
At 9:52 pm, Ken Hamann made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Don Linz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Minutes taken by Judy Bruemmer, Farming Township Clerk

March 8, 2016 Board of Canvass Meeting

Board of Canvass Meeting 3.8.16
The Board of Canvass was called to order by Neil Franz at 8:25 pm following the counting of ballots in the 2016 Township Election.
The votes were as follows:
For Supervisor for a three year term:
Neil Franz 75
Dave Robertson 136
Vernon Willenbring made a motion to declare Dave Robertson the winner of the Supervisor position, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
For Clerk for a two year term:
Judy Bruemmer 203
Write-ins 2
Dan Stommes made a motion to declare Judy Bruemmer the winner of the Clerk position, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All I favor, motion carried.
A total of 212 ballots were cast in the Election.
At 8:30 pm, Vernon Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

March 1, 2016

Official Minutes 3.1.16
The March monthly meeting was called to order by Neil Franz at 4:05 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Roger Mergen, Dale Lange, Mike Schleper and Stephanie Jacobs.
The February minutes were read. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
***the monthly meeting was held at an earlier time due to Precinct Caucuses***
Duane Janssen gave a financial report stating that the checkbook balance was $260,234.77.
RE: Mergen issue – Roger Mergen asked about the damage deposit he had made on his project along Mahogany Road. Discussion was held. Supervisors stated that they wanted to hold on to the deposit until Spring in case some issues came up after the thaw.
RE: Jacobs driveway – Stephanie Jacobs asked if she needed a permit to put an extension on her property’s driveway. Discussion was held. Supervisors will check with the zoning administrator and let her know.
RE: Farming Athletic Association Liquor License – Mike Schleper was present to ask the Town Board to approve the Association’s application for an On-Sale 3.2% Malt Liquor License from April 16, 2016 thru October 15, 2016. Discussion was held. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to approve the application, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Mike Schleper also gave a short report on the lighting project for the baseball field.
RE: Re-Organization Meeting – It was decided to have the Re-organization meeting on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 8:00 pm.
RE: Board of Equalization Meeting – Discussion was held. Since the meeting will be held on the same day as the April monthly meeting it was decided to do the Road Tour following the meeting, weather permitting, and have the monthly meeting at the regular time that evening.
RE: Gravel Quotes – Supervisors reported that gravel specs have been checked out and they will pass them on to contractors and plan on opening gravel quotes at the April meeting.
RE: Albany School District – Dan Stommes gave a short report on the Fifth Monday Board Meeting. The 2 year Construction plan was presented, the Board meetings were changed to the third Wed of the month and an intern training program will begin at the school.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6419 Neil Franz supervisor wages $ 277.05
6420 Vernon Willenbring supervisor wages 387.88
6421 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 332.46
6422 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 484.84
6423 City of St. Martin fire protection 2015 4590.26
6424 COL Fire & Rescue Qtr 1 2016 fire protection 1243.09
6425 Judy Bruemmer reimb. mileage/postage/supplies 190.42
6426 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6427 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 637.21
6428 City of Albany fire prot./equip fund 14623.00
6429 Sunny Brook Ent. Snowplowing 1615.00
Total $ 24,446.14
Year-to-date Total $ 38,729.56
At 5:00 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

February 2, 2016

Official Minutes 2.2.16
The February monthly board meeting of Farming Township was called to order by Neil Franz at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Dave Robertson and Brian Brix.
The January minutes were read. One correction was made – two check numbers were incorrect. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report stating that the checking balance was $242,865.28.
RE: St. Martin Fire Department Meeting – A report was given concerning the special meeting. It concerned updating of the communication structure of the fire department. It was approved.
Vernon Willenbring made a motion to recess the monthly meeting in order to hold the Board of Audit Meeting and the Budget Meeting at 8:15 pm, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Board of Audit Meeting 2.2.16
The Board of Audit Meeting was called to order by Neil Franz at 8:16 pm. The Clerk and Treasurer presented their report. Discussion was held. It was decided to use a simpler list of receipts and disbursements for the Annual Meeting Report. Several copies of the CTAS Ledger report will be made available for residents to look over. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to accept the report as presented, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried. At 8:30 pm, Vernon Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the Board of Audit Meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Budget Meeting 2.2.16
The Budget Meeting was called to order by Neil Franz at 8:31 pm. Discussion was held. The budget was gone over and amounts were set. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the proposed budget for 2017, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried. At 9:16 pm, Vernon Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the Budget Meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The February monthly meeting was called back to order at 9:17 pm by Neil Franz.
RE: Township Election – The Clerk stated that Joyce Wimmer would be head election judge and Linda Theisen and Victor Kotten would be judges. Joyce Wimmer and Linda Theisen would be on the Absentee Ballot Board. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to accept the list of judges, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Zoning – Neil Franz reported on a communication received from Stearns County concerning zoning changes for road specs. Discussion was held.
RE: COL Fire District – Vernon Willenbring reported that the Fire District had received a grant for equipment purchases.
RE: MAT Resolutions – MN Association of Townships had presented a resolution concerning the ‘Revocation of County Highways to Townships’ that they were asking Farming Township to support. Discussion was held. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to endorse the resolution, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Zoning Permit Fees – Dewey Klaphake questioned the rates for permits for the Township. Discussion was held. It was decided to table it until the Reorganization Meeting.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6415 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 64.93
6416 Sunny Brook Ent Inc snowplowing 1955.00
6417 MATIT insurance 1495.00
6418 Stearns Cty Assn of Twps county/state dues 1029.96
Total $ 4584.89
Year-to-date Total $ 14,283.42
At 9:40 pm, Vernon Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the monthly meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried

January 5, 2016

Official Minutes 1.5.16
The January monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. Present were Dan Stommes, Vernon Willenbring, Duane Janssen and Judy Bruemmer. Neil Franz was absent. Also present were Brian Brix, Dave Robertson, Dale Lange and Marlene Statz.
The December minutes were read. There was one correction: the surcharge for snowplowing when diesel goes above $4/gallon is $5 per hour. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report.
RE: Gambling License for Lions Club Raffle – Marlene Statz asked the Board to approve the application. Discussion was held. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to sign and approve the application, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Rau dustcoating bill – Vernon Willenbring reported that he contacted Mr. Rau and to go ahead and cash the check.
RE: Roger Mergen project – Discussion was held. It was decided to hold the damage deposit check until Spring.
RE: Ken Hamann driveway complaint – Vernon Willenbring reported that he checked it out and he notified Mr. Hamann that it was not the Township’s responsibility.
RE: COL Fire District – Vernon Willenbring gave a short report on the Fire District.
RE: Voting Booths – Judy Bruemmer asked the Board if they wanted to get different or additional voting booths. Discussion was held. It was decided to table the matter until the February meeting.
RE: Board of Audit Meeting and Budget Meeting – Discussion was held. It was decided to hold the meetings at the February meeting.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6408 Farming Community Center annual rent $ 1995.00
6409 US Treasury medicare/soc.security 343.48
6410 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6411 Star Publication newspaper ads 48.30
6412 Lange Trenching blading 1555.64
6413 COL Fire & Rescue District ’15 Qtr 4 fire protection 1236.18
6414 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing 4455.00
Total $ 9,698.53
Year-to-date Total $ 9,698.53
At 8:35 pm Vernon Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

2014-2015 Public Notices

Farming Township
Affidavits of Candidacy
Notice is hereby given that Affidavits of Candidacy can be filed in the Township Clerk’s Office at 27555 County Road 41, Albany, MN from Tuesday, December 29, 2015 to 5:00 pm Tuesday, January 12, 2016 for the following positions in the March 8, 2016 Township Election:
One Supervisor position for a three year term, currently held by Neil Franz,
One Clerk position for a two year term, currently held by Judy Bruemmer.
A $2.00 fee is payable at the time of filing.

 

FARMING TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
TO CONSIDER TARRING POLICY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Farming Township Board of Supervisors will meet at the Farming Township Hall, Farming Community Center, 23801 County Road 42, Richmond, Minnesota, on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, at 8:30 p.m. for the purpose of taking testimony on a proposed revision to the Township Road Tarring Policy.
You may submit testimony by appearing at the above hearing or by submitting written testimony prior to the hearing date. Written testimony may be submitted prior to the hearing by delivery to the Farming Township Clerk, 27555 County Road 41, Albany, MN 56307.
A copy of the proposed Road Tarring Policy is posted in the entrance to the Farming Community Center, at the entrance to Trapper’s Pub & Grill; and, the Immanuel Lutheran Church utility post. The proposed policy is also available for viewing at the Township website, which is www.farmingtownship.org.(attached below)
All interested parties are welcome to attend and participate in this public hearing.
Judy Bruemmer,
Farming Township Clerk

Published in Albany Enterprise July 22, and July 29, 2015.

RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A POLICY REGARDING TARRING OF
TOWNSHIP ROADS LOCATED IN FARMING TOWNSHIP, MINNESOTA 

WHEREAS, Farming Township includes numerous roads which are currently not tarred; and
WHEREAS, the electors of the Township have levied funds for repairing, tarring and improving Township roads; and 
WHEREAS, expenditures required to tar roads located in the Township are significant and the Town Board determined in 2008 that a policy should be established to guide the allocation of funds required to tar roads located in the Township; and
WHEREAS, the Township electors commissioned a Road Study Group to provide input concerning tarring policy; and 
WHEREAS, the Road Study Group identified factors that should be considered in weighing decisions on how to dedicate the use of the available funds between alternative projects.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of Farming Township hereby adopts the following policy for the Town for tarring unpaved roads:
1. Repealer. The Town Board of Farming Township hereby repeals the policy regarding township roads in Farming Township dated June 3, 2008 it its entirety and replaces it with this policy.
2. Policy Considerations. In developing this policy for how to best utilize the available funds and to meet the tarring needs of the Town, the Board has had to balance a number of factors, including but not limited to, the following: public safety; the amount of funds available for such activities; the maximization of public good; the wish to maintain an efficient transportation system and the cost allocation of resources. After considering these factors, the Board has determined that the cost of tarring the roads in the Township shall be borne in part or totally, depending upon the circumstances, as a general expense of the Township. The Township has further determined that the Township tarring funds should be utilized in a manner that maximizes the public benefits and advances the stated policy considerations.
3. Factors for Consideration in Making Tarring Decisions. When evaluating various projects for tarring, the Township Board should weigh the following factors:
a. The number of vehicle trips per day on the road
b. The type of road (major collector, minor collector, local)
c. The cost of maintaining the road without pavement
d. The number of residents served by the road 
e. The cost of maintaining the paved road.
4. Payment of costs for Tarring and Maintaining Roads Located in the Township.
a. The cost of tarring roads in the Township shall be paid in part or in total (depending upon the circumstances) from the Township’s road tarring fund. 
b. In appropriate circumstances, the Township may require part or all of the cost of the improvement to be borne by parcels of real estate located along and/or serviced by the roads. The decision to assess the cost to benefited properties will depend upon the specific road involved, the number of parcels adjoining the road to be tarred and the availability of funds. 
b. Maintenance of Township roads will continue to be paid for by the Township in accordance with Township policy.

After conducting a public hearing on the __________ day of __________________, ______, the Town Board of Farming Township adopted the above-described policy on the _________ day of ______________________, ______.

TOWN CLERK:

_______________________________________

CHAIRPERSON:

_______________________________________

 

Community Open House for Avian Influenza
June 2, 2015
2 to 6 pm
Melrose City Center – 225 1st St. NE Melrose
– for anyone impacted by avian influenza to come and ask questions, provide feedback and obtain information about services available in the community 
State, Federal and County departments and agencies will be present.

 

Dustcoating
Residents interested in dustcoating of roads along their property are asked to contact one of the Town Board Supervisors before June 1, 2015.

 

Road Advisory Committee Report
The Road Advisory Committee formed as a result of the Annual Township Meeting will present their findings at the Township Monthly Meeting on June 2, 2015. The meeting starts at 8:00 pm.

 

Board of Appeal and Equalization – April 7, 2015
This may affect your 2016 property taxes.
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Appeal and Equalization for Farming Township shall meet on April 7, 2015 at 10:30 to 11:00 am at the Township Board Room in the Farming Community Center. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether taxable property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor and to determine whether corrections need to be made.
If you believe that value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you are still not satisfied with the valuation or classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the local board of appeal and equalization. The board shall review the valuation, classification or both if necessary, and shall correct it as needed. Generally, an appearance before your local board of appeal and equalization is required by law before an appeal can be taken to the county board of appeal and equalization.

 

Township Board Election
Annual Township Meeting
The Township Board Election for one Supervisor and Treasurer will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 in the Township Board Room. Polls will be open from 2 pm to 8 pm.

Public Accuracy Test for Automark Voting Machine on Thursday, February 25, 2015 at 1:00 pm. Testing is open to public. 

The Annual Township Meeting will follow the election on March 10, 2015 at 8:30 pm.

In case of inclement weather the election and meeting will be postponed until the third Tuesday, March 17, 2015. Listen to KASM radio for information.

 

Farming Township
Affidavit for Candidacy
Affidavits for Candidacy in the Farming Township Election on March 10, 2015 can be filed with the Farming Township Clerk at her home at 27555 County Road 41, Albany, MN or by calling her at 320-548-3562 between 9:00 am on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 and 5:00 pm on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 for the following positions:
One Supervisor position for a three year term, currently held by Vernon Willenbring
One Treasurer position for a two year term, currently held by Duane Janssen
A $2.00 filing fee is payable at the time of filing.
The Clerk’s office will be closed January 1, 2015 for the New Year’s Holiday.
Judy Bruemmer
Farming Township Clerk

 

Public Accuracy Test
Primary Election
A Public Accuracy Test of the Automark Voting Machine and the Optical Scan Ballot Counting Machine will be on Tuesday, August 5 at 1 pm in the Farming Township Board Room. This is open to the public. The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2014. Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm.

 

Dustcoating Roads
Farming Township will again be dustcoating gravel roads in the Township. Anyone interested in having the road along their property dustcoated, please contact Supervisor Neil Franz at 320-845-7363 for more information by Friday, June 13, 2014.

 

Gravel Quotes
Gravel quotes will be opened at the May Township Board Meeting on May 6, 2014. The meeting begins at 8:00 pm. If you cannot make the meeting and wish to submit a quote, please contact one of the Board Supervisors or the Clerk.

 

Election Judges
Election judges are needed for 2014/2015 – if you are interested in being an election judge please contact Clerk Judy Bruemmer at 320-548-3562 or e-mail at jabruemm@meltel.net – election judge training sessions begin in June.

 

Notice of Public Hearing – April 1, 2014
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 366 and Chapter 462, notice is hearby given that the Farming Township Zoning Board shall conduct a public hearing on April 1, 2014 at 7:15 pm at the Farming Community Center, 23801 County Road 42, Richmond, Minnesota to consider the adoption of Farming Township Land Use and Zoning Ordinance Number 4.
The general purpose and subject matter of Ordinance Number 4 is as follows:
Farming Township Ordinance Number 4 repeals the 100 foot setback from the centerline of a Township road in the R-1 zoning district.
All interested persons are invited to attend said hearing or submit written testimony prior to the hearing date. Written testimony should be submitted to the Dewey Klaphake, Farming Township Zoning Administrator, 20942 Marshfield Circle, Albany, MN 56307.
Publish Date: March 19, 2014

December 1, 2015

Official Minutes 12.1.15
The December monthly meeting was called to order by Neil Franz at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. Present were Neil Franz, Dan Stommes, Vernon Willenbring and Duane Janssen. Also present was Dewey Klaphake, Dale Lange, Bryan Wellner and Randy Maile.
The November minutes were read. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report stating that the checking account balance was $203, 804.86.
RE: Snowplowing Complaints – Complaints were received about snowplowing on Hedgewood Road, Fifth Lake Road and 193rd. Discussion was held.
RE: 288th Street East – No work has been done on the road.
RE: Snow Plowing Quotes – Only one quote was received for snow plowing – Sunny Brook, Inc. The quote was for $100/hr for plow truck, salt and sand for $85/yd with possible increase due to possible shortages, a $5/hr surcharge if diesel fuel goes above $4/gal and an additional $600/month guarantee for the months of December, January, February, and March. Lange Trenching did not want to give a quote. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the quote and hire Sunny Brook Enterprise for snowplowing for 2015/2016, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Tarring Fund Transfer – Vernon Willenbring made a motion to transfer $50,000 to a Tarring Fund CD, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake reported that the County visited the farm owned by Evergreen Acres and found that the new building was for worker housing. The County will take care of any zoning issues.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6394 Neil Franz supervisor wages $ 277.05
6395 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 244.73
6396 Vernon Willenbring supervisor wages 443.28
6397 Lange Trenching blading 4367.67
6398 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages 96.97
6399 MATIT workman’s comp ins 242.00
6400 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6401 City of St. Martin fire protection ½ of 2015 6481.10
6402 Judy Bruemmer reimb supplies/mileage/comp 109.60
6403 VOID
6404 Stearns Cty Aud/Treas truth in taxation charge 109.00
6405 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 637.21
6406 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 429.43
6407 Farming Township transfer to tarring fund CD 50000.00
Total $ 63,502.97
Year-to-date Total $ 297,752.61
At 9:00 pm, Vernon Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Minutes taken by Neil Franz.

November 3, 2015

Official Minutes 11.3.15
The November monthly meeting was called to order by Neil Franz at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Dale Lange, Dave Robertson and Brian Brix.
The October minutes were read. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report stating that the checking account balance was $217,006.50.
RE: Mapleview Maintenance Fund – Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to transfer the funds from the account into checking in order to pay for crackfilling along Mapleview, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake gave a short zoning report. He stated that he and the County are still checking on construction done by Evergreen Acres as no permits have been recorded. He will update the Board when he has more information.
RE: Clear Lake Culvert – Discussion was held. Vernon Willenbring stated that he put up a post with red paint on it on the edge of the culvert. He will check on it to see if it helps keep the traffic off the edge of the culvert.
RE: Manure Regulations – Neil Franz stated that he checked on the statute regarding Townships issuing permits for manure applicators. He reported that the statute does not clearly state that the Township ‘must’ issue permits. Discussion was held. The Supervisors decided they will not issue permits unless it becomes a problem.
RE: 288th Street – Supervisors reported that Brian Brix has not done any work along the road yet.
RE: Blading – It was noted that there is a slight problem where 223rd Ave and 280th Street meet. It will be checked on.
RE: District Meeting – Discussion was held concerning information from the meeting. The County stated that there plan was to turn over one road a year to local governments. Farming Township was not on the list which only went to 2020.
RE: Regional Transportation Plan – Neil Franz reported on the October 21st meeting concerning future plans regarding bike paths, etc.
RE: Snowplowing Quotes – Supervisors will check for snowplowing quotes to be opened at the December meeting.
RE: Brushcutter – Vernon Willenbring stated that Munson Township said they are renting a brushcutter. He will check with them about how well it worked.
RE: January Meeting – Neil Franz stated that he will not be in attendance at the January meeting.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6391 Lange Trenching blading $ 1668.76
6392 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6393 All Things Asphalt crackfilling 11866.40
Total $ 13,600.09
Year-to-date Total $ 234,249.64
Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 pm, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

October 6, 2015

Official Minutes 10.6.15
The October monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Neil Franz at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Dale Lange, Brian Brix and Dave Robertson. Carl Janssen arrived later in the meeting.
The September meeting minutes were read. One correction was made: Dewey Klaphake was also present at the meeting. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial statement stating that the checkbook balance was $220,149.29.
RE: Solar Panels – Dewey Klaphake reported that permitting for solar panels is done by the County. It does not involve the Township.
RE: Clear Lake Culvert – Vernon Willenbring reported that the culvert is on a corner and that vehicles are turning shorter on the corner thus causing problems with the culvert. He didn’t know if putting an extension on the culvert would solve the issue as vehicles would then turn even shorter. Maybe putting up reflectors would be a solution. Neil Franz and Dan Stommes will check it out to see what the best option might be.
RE: Baseball Association Grant Letter – The Supervisors looked over the draft of the letter the Township would give to the Association to send with their application for a grant for the Farming Baseball Association. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the letter and send it to Mike Schleper, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: District Meeting – A reminder was given about the District Township Meeting in Freeport on Thursday, October 29.
RE: Manure Application Permit – MAT News reported that the Legislature passed a law suggesting that Townships need to permit manure application contractors. Neil Franz will check into this.
RE: 260th West – Vernon WIllenbring reported that the loose tar spot has been repaired by Munson Township.
RE: 288th St East – Brian Brix asked permission to clean the ditch on the north side of the road. Discussion was held. The Board decided he could go ahead and do it.
RE: Road Maintenance – Dale Lange presented information he had acquired regarding specifications, costs and maintenance of tarred roads. The Board thanked him for the information.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6387 Lange Trenching blading $ 1413.64
6388 US Treasury medicare/soc. security 428.04
6389 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6390 COL Fire & Rescue Dist. Qtr 3 2015 fire protection 1236.18
Total $ 3,142.79
Year-to-date Total $ 220,649.55
At 8:55 pm Vernon Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.