Farming Township
Official Minutes 5.1.12
The May monthly meeting was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Math Schmitz, Dale Lange, Bill Otto and Fred Holthaus.

The April minutes were read. Two corrections were made to the Special Meeting minutes: the cost of material from Scepaniak, Inc was “$5” c/yd and the minutes were taken by Vernon Willenbring. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the April minutes with the correction, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Blading – Discussion was held with Dale Lange regarding blading issues.

RE: Ditch Cutting – Discussion was held concerning ditch cutting. Math Schmitz presented a quote. Dan Stommes made a motion to hire Schmitz to cut ditches for his quote of $60/hr plus fuel for 70 hp tractor, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Clear Lake Road Repairs – It was reported that the Clear Lake Road repairs are finished.

RE: 317th/Marshfield – Discussion was held. The roads will be covered with RAP again. A speed limit sign will be put up going into the housing area.

RE: Records Retention – Discussion was held. A resolution adopting the Minnesota Townships Record Retention Schedule is needed to be able to archive important records and to be able to destroy unimportant records. Neil Franz made a motion to adopt the Resolution adopting the MN Townships General Records Retention Schedule, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Dustcoating – Dustcoating will be done on various roads in the township again this year. A notice will be put on the website for landowners to contact Neil Franz if they want dustcoating along their property.

RE: Manana Road – Discussion was held concerning information received from MN Engineering regarding resurfacing the road. It was decided to do more checking into road condition, etc. and discuss it further at the June meeting.

RE: Non-Intoxicating Liquor License – A request for approval from the township for a Non-Intoxicating Liquor License for GoatRopers Bar & Grill was received. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to sign the request, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Culvert on Clear Lake Road – Charles Reichert arrived toward the end of the meeting to inform the Board of problems with a culvert on Clear Lake Road. This will be checked into and taken care of.

RE: Zoning – Bill Otto gave a short report on zoning issues.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
5951 Albany Post Office stamps $ 45.00
5952 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
5953 COL Fire District Qtr 2 fire protection 1153.48
5934 Lange Trenching blading 6370.12
5955 Fred Holthaus road discing 783.00
Total $ 8,416.53
Year-to-date Total $ 58,265.58

At 9:35 pm, Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Farming Township Official Minutes – Special Meeting 4.19.12
Vernon Willenbring called the Special Meeting to order at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. Present were Vernon Willenbring, Neil Franz, Dan Stommes, Duane Janssen and Jerome Rausch.

Discussion was held concerning Clear Lake Road repair. Dan Stommes made a motion to hire Scepaniak, Inc to fill in Clear Lake Road to the north of the lake about 1000 feet for $5/cyd plus fabric, Neil Franz seconded. Motion carried.

Discussion was held concerning 317th Street and Marshfield Circle. Dan Stommes made a motion to put on RAP material, Neil Franz seconded. Motion carried.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Neil Franz at 8:40 pm, Dan Stommes seconded. Motion carried.

Minutes taken by Vernon Willenbring.

Farming Township Official Minutes 4.10.12
Vernon Willenbring called the extended meeting to order at 12:10 pm. Present were Vernon Willenbring, Neil Franz, Dan Stommes and Judy Bruemmer. The purpose of the meeting was the Road Tour. Results were:

246th Ave – spot gravel, North end
Hazelwood Rd – OK
260th St W (tar) – OK
Royal River Rd (tar) – OK
288th St W – soft west end & center, needs blading
305th St – OK
Mahogany Rd – OK
310th St – good, needs blading
320th St W – OK
320th St E – OK
228th Ave S – OK
228th Ave N – OK
Sand Lake Rd – needs gravel, stop sign needs straightening
Mapleview Rd N (tar) – OK
Mapleview Rd S – boils, needs blading, fixing culvert
317th St W – base good, possible RAP/crushed material/class 2, dustcoat whole road around
Marshfield Ct/Marshwood Ct/Marshfield Circle – same as 317th St W
317th St E – needs gravel
Fifth Lake Rd N (tar) – great shape
Minikahda Ct – OK
Morningstar Rd (tar) – OK
Kriegle Lake Rd – OK
Fifth Lake Rd S – needs repair on South end
300th St E – OK
300th St W – OK
307th St – OK
Koop Lake Rd – OK
193rd Ave – OK
Lindbergh Lane – OK
195th Ave – blading needed, good
290th St – OK
275th St E – OK
275th St W – OK
Clear Lake Rd N – tar good, boils, needs repair S of 290th to lake
Clear Lake Rd S – possible gravel from 290th St to Cty Rd 42
280th St – gravel
221st Ave – checked culvert, OK – road, OK
210th Ave – OK
218th Ave – spot gravel North end
223rd Ave (tar) – OK
Hedgewood Rd – OK
260th St E – OK
Manana Rd E (tar) – tar breaking up, possible repair/replace, get quotes
Manana Rd W – OK
288th St E – OK
Kranz Lake Circle N – OK
Kranz Lake Circle S – OK
Kent Circle – OK
It was noted that several Farming Township signs need replacing.

At 3:21 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Farming Township Official Minutes 4.3.12
The April monthly meeting was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Bill Otto, Jai Barker, Patsy Zimmerman, Dewey & Lisa Klaphake, Nick Salzer, Ryan & Karen Eiden, Joe Thelen, Jerry Rausch, Dave Robertson, Paul Killmer, Norbert & Lou Jost, Brian Brix, Todd Barrow, Luke Sjurseth, Matt & Lora Fourre and Karen Sjurseth.

The March meeting minutes were read. Neil Franz made a motion to approve the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried. The Reorganization Meeting minutes will be posted on the website.

Duane Janssen gave a financial report.

RE: 317th St/Marshfield Circle – Residents along 317th Street and Marshfield Circle were present to express their concerns about the deteriorating condition of their roads. Discussion was held about possible remedies, speed limit signs, possibility of tarring the road, etc. The supervisors will take an extensive look at the road during Road Tour and see what can be done. The residents asked that the date and time for the Road Tour be posted on the website in case any of them are able to attend.

RE: 280th Street – Dave Robertson and Jerry Rausch expressed concerns about 280th Street and that most of the tarring has been done to the northern part of the township and that roads in the southern part should be considered.

RE: Blading – Blading quotes were opened. There were two quotes: Lange Trenching for $41 per mile and Sunny Brook Enterprises for $42 per mile. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to hire Lange Trenching at $41 per mile, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Gravel Quotes – Since those contacted by the Supervisors had turned in their quotes, it was decided to open the gravel quotes instead of waiting until the May meeting. Three quotes were received: Wm. D. Scepaniak, Inc. at $7.30 c/yd, Lange Trenching $8.00 c/yd and Kotzer Excavating $9.75 c/yd. Discussion was held. Neil Franz made a motion to hire Scepaniak for graveling at $7.30 c/yd, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Culvert on Mapleview Road – Neil Franz reported on problems with a culvert on Mapleview Road. Greg Bardson has been asked to repair it.

RE: Discing Ditches – Discussion was held about discing ditches in an effort to bring some of the gravel back on the road. Vernon Willenbring will check into hiring someone to do it.

RE: Road Tour – It was decided to do Road Tour after the Board of Equalization and Review Meeting on Tuesday, April 10.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
5940 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 64.93
5941 US Treasury social security/medicare 329.18
5942 COL Fire & Rescue 2012 – Qtr 1 1153.48
5943 Mary Lou Salzl election judge 80.00
5944 Joyce Wimmer election judge 80.00
5945 Walter Graham election judge 70.00
5946 Patti Legatt election judge 70.00
5947 Sunny Brook Ent. plowing $500/blading $1395 1895.00
5948 Stearns Cty Aud/Treas election charge 172.17
5949 Star Publications newspaper ads 45.50
5950 Brian Brix Excavating crackfilling ($1.20) 11980.00

Total $ 15,940.26
Year-to-date Total $ 49,849.05

At 10:14 pm Vernon Willenbring made a motion to extend the monthly meeting to Tuesday, April 10 at 12:00 pm to do Road Tour, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Farming Township ReOrganization Meeting 3.21.12
Clerk Judy Bruemmer called the Reorganization Meeting to order at 8:00 pm. Present were Judy Bruemmer, Vernon Willenbring, Neil Franz, Dan Stommes and Duane Janssen.

Vernon Willenbring, Duane Janssen and Judy Bruemmer received their Certificates of Election and took their Oath of Office.

Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations for board chairperson. Neil Franz nominated Vernon Willenbring, Dan Stommes seconded. Vernon Willenbring accepted the nomination. Dan Stommes made a motion to close nominations, Neil Franz seconded. Motion carried. Vernon Willenbring was named board chairperson.

Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations for board vice-chairperson. Vernon Willenbring nominated Neil Franz, Dan Stommes seconded. Neil Franz accepted the nomination. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to close nominations, Dan Stommes seconded. Motion carried. Neil Franz was named board vice-chairperson.

RE: Zoning Board – Neil Franz made a motion the the per diem for the zoning board be $35, with only the administrator attending monthly meetings and the rest of the board meeting as needed, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Board Member Per Diem – Dan Stommes made a motion that the meeting per diem for all elected board positions remain at $60, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Hourly Wage – Neil Franz made a motion to leave the hourly pay at $10, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Mileage Rate – Neil Franz made a motion to leave the mileage rate at 50 cents per mile, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Treasurer’s Monthly Wage – Discussion was held. Neil Franz made a motion to leave the treasurer’s monthly wage at $75, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Clerk’s Monthly Wage – Discussion was held. Neil Franz 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, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Zoning Permit Inspection Fee – Vernon Willenbring made a motion to leave the inspection fee at $10, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Fee for Tractor and Equipment – Dan Stommes made a motion for the supervisors to negotiate each case with the owner, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

A ‘Thank You’ will be sent to Stearns Bank for the cookies provided at the annual meeting.

Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 pm, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Farming Township Official Minutes 3.6.12
Vernon Willenbring called the March monthly meeting to order at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Julia Franz and Brian Brix.

The February monthly minutes were read. Neil Franz made a motion to approve the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried. The minutes of the Board of Audit meeting and the Budget meeting were read. Neil Franz made a motion to approve the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Patti Legatt gave a financial report.

RE: Redistricting Resolution – Discussion was held. Neil Franz made a motion to adopt a resolution re-establishing our precinct and polling place as declared by MN Statute, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Crackfilling – Brian Brix stated that crackfilling was not done yet. Discussion was held concerning crackfilling versus seal coating roads. Mr. Brix also inquired about the sign reflectivity deadlines.

RE: Chain of Lakes Fire and Rescue District – Vernon Willenbring gave a report on the Fire & Rescue District.

RE: Road Restriction Variance – A request was received from Frieler Feeds for a road restriction variance. Discussion was held. It was decided to deny the request. The clerk will send them a letter stating the board’s decision.

A reminder was given that blading quotes will be opened at the April monthly meeting and gravel quotes will be opened at the May monthly meeting.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
5928 MATIT township insurance $ 1479.00
5929 Sunny Brook Ent. snowplowing $ 1905.00
5930 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 64.93
5931 Star Publications newspaper notices $ 66.63
5932 City of Albany fire protection $ 14083.00
5933 Judy Bruemmer re-imb. supplies/mileage/computer use $ 284.41
5934 Patti Legatt treasurer wages $ 382.12
5935 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages $ 707.62
5936 Neil Franz supervisor wages $ 396.27
5937 Dan Stommes supervisor wages $ 283.05
5938 Vernon Willenbring supervisor wages $ 566.10
5939 City of St. Martin fire protection $ 6149.05

Total $ 26,367.18
Year-to-date Total $ 33,908.79

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

Farming Township – Official Minutes 2.14.12
The February monthly meeting was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm.
The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Bill Otto, Brian Brix and Mike Schleper. The January minutes were read. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
A financial report was given by Patti Legatt.

RE: Sign Reflectivity – Neil Franz presented the finished map and sign inventory. Discussion was held. A resolution stating Farming Township’s compliance with the guidelines regarding road signs set forth by the Federal Highway Administration was reviewed and signed.

RE: Crackfilling – Brian Brix was present inquiring about crackfilling for 2012. Discussion was held. Neil Franz made a motion to hire Brian Brix to crackfill all paved roads in the township with the understanding that the price will be $1.18# installed, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Absentee Ballot Board – Neil Franz made a motion to establish by resolution the Absentee Ballot Board required by MN Statute for the March township election, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Non-intoxicating Liquor License – Mike Schleper presented an application for a Non-intoxicating Liquor License for the Farming Baseball Club, Inc. Discussion was held. Neil Franz made a motion to approve the license for the year 2012, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Board of Appeal and Equalization – It was noted that the meeting will be held on April 10, 2012 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am.

RE: Chain of Lakes Fire and Rescue District – Vernon Willenbring gave a short report on the Fire District.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
5922 Bill Otto reimb. – permit copies $ 192.37
5923 Sunny Brook Ent. snowplowing 1475.00
5924 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
5925 City of Richmond Qtr 4 ’11- fire protection 309.00
5926 Patti Legatt re-imb. – zoning copies 73.02
5927 Stearns Cty Assn of Twps state & county dues 930.84
Total $ 3,045.16
Year-to-date Total $ 7,541.61

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Neil Franz at 9:18 pm, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, Motion carried.

Official Minutes – Board of Audit 2.14.12

The Board of Audit was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 9:20 pm. All Township Board members were present.
A financial report for the year 2011 was presented to the board by Clerk Judy Bruemmer and Treasurer Patti Legatt. Discussion was held.
Neil Franz made a motion to accept the report of the Clerk and Treasurer and to approve the report as a result of the Township Board of Audit, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
A motion to adjourn the Board of Audit meeting was made by Dan Stommes at 9:40 pm, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes – Budget Meeting 2.14.12

The Budget Meeting was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 9:40 pm. All Township Board members were present.
Discussion was held regarding the budget proposal for year 2013.
Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the budget proposal for 2013, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
At 10:07 pm, Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Farming Township – Official Minutes 1.3.12
The January monthly meeting was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Bill Otto, Tony Legatt and Duane Janssen.

The December minutes were read. One correction was made: that Patti Legatt accepted the temporary re-appointment of Township Treasurer until the March elections. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

A financial report was given by Patti Legatt.

RE: Sign Reflectivity-Discussion was held. Neil Franz made a motion to adopt the Farming Reflectivity Resolution, using the MAT Road Sign Policy sample-noting that the sign inventory will be completed by March 15, 2012, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: February monthly meeting-Due to precinct caucuses, the February monthly meeting will be re-scheduled to Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 8:00 pm. This will be published and posted.

RE: COL Fire & Rescue District-Vernon Willenbring gave a report on the Fire District. Twenty firemen have finished training. Their first call was on December 30, 2011. Mutual aid agreements are being finalized.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
5915 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing $ 945.00
5916 US Treasury soc. sec./medicare 347.13
5917 Star Publications legal notices 52.00
5918 MATIT Agency workmens comp ins 254.00
5919 Wakefield Twp COL fire district expenses 1183.39
5920 Farming Comm. Center annual room rent 1650.00
5921 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93

Total $ 4496.45
Year-to-date Total $ 4496.45

At 8:55 pm Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Minutes taken by Judy Bruemmer, Clerk.

Farming Township – Official Minutes 12.6.11
The December monthly meeting was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 p.m. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were John Mergen and Duane Janssen.

The November minutes were read. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

A financial report was given by Patti Legatt.

RE: Clear Lake Road – John Mergen reported that a culvert was blocked along his property on Clear Lake Road. Discussion was held. It will be checked into. If it cannot be fixed this winter, it will be taken care of in the spring.

RE: Chain of Lakes Fire District – Vernon Willenbring reported that the Open House was well attended. Fifteen firefighters are fully trained and 8 more firefighters are working on completing their training. The Fire District will be operational by the end of the month.

RE: Building Permit – Duane Janssen was present for a building permit. He stated that he has been unable to contact the zoning administrator. The zoning administrator was not present. Vernon Willenbring will contact him.

RE: Treasurer Resignation – Patti Legatt presented a letter of resignation for her office as treasurer of Farming Township. She no longer resides in Farming Township. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the resignation, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Discussion was held. In the interest of continuity and ease of transition, Dan Stommes made a motion to re-appoint Patti Legatt to the office of Treasurer until the March elections, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Patti Legatt accepted the temporary re-appointment.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
5905 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 64.93
5906 Farming Baseball Team last ½ payment of levy 2500.00
5907 Vernon Willenbring supervisor wages 636.86
5908 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 764.23
5909 Judy Bruemmer re-imb. mileage/computer use 42.50
5910 Patti Legatt treasurer wages 382.12
5911 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 339.66
5912 Neil Franz supervisor wages 339.66
5913 Karolyn Boucher website design/training 618.34
5914 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. blading/plowing 1634.00
Total $ 7,322.30
Year-to-date Total $ 187,565.56

At 9:18 p.m. Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Minutes taken by Judy Bruemmer.

Farming Township – Official Minutes 11.1.11
The November monthly meeting was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present.

The October minutes were read. There was one correction: that O’Malley and Boe presented a ‘preliminary’ plat for ‘St. Catherine’s Addition’. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

A financial report was given by Patti Legatt. Discussion was held.

RE: Chain of Lakes Fire and Rescue District – Vernon Willenbring gave a report on the Fire District.

RE: Statz Cartway – It was reported that the road repairs were being taken care of.

RE: Township Website – Judy Bruemmer has received training from Karolyn Boucher and will begin putting the meeting minutes on the website.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
5903 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 64.93
5904 Sunny Brook Ent. blading 1143.00

Total $ 1,207.93
Year-to-date Total $ 180,243.26

At 9:05 pm, Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Minutes taken by Judy Bruemmer.