The Annual Meeting of the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the Farming Community Center on the 8th day of March, 2022. It was called to order by Clerk Judy Bruemmer at 8:30 pm. The flag pledge was said.
A total of 23 residents were present at the meeting.
Clerk Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations from the floor for moderator. Victor Kotten nominated Dewey Klaphake, Duane Janssen seconded. The Clerk asked for additional nominations for moderator. Dewey Klaphake nominated Victor Kotten. The nomination failed because of lack of a second. Duane Janssen made a motion to close nominations, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Dewey Klaphake accepted the position of moderator.
The minutes of the 2021 Annual Meeting were read by Clerk Judy Bruemmer. Duane Janssen made a motion to accept the minutes as read, John Blenker seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Treasurer’s report was reviewed. Discussion was held. Victor Kotten made a motion to accept the report as presented, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Ron Backes made a motion to continue with Trappers Pub and Grub, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Farming Community Center and the Township Website as posting places, Tony Meyer seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen made a motion to have the Star Post as the official Township newspaper, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Ron Backes made a motion to have the polling time for the Township Election from 2 pm to 8 pm in the Farming Community Center Board Room, Duane Janssen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
John Blenker made a motion that the Annual Meeting on March 14, 2023 be held at 8:30 pm in the Farming Community Center, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Ben Mergen made a motion to hold the monthly Board Meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at 8 pm in the Farming Community Center Board Room, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Board of Canvass was held immediately following the Township Election. The results were: For Supervisor Ben Mergen received 23 votes, there were no other votes. Ben Mergen was declared the winner. For Clerk Linda Theisen received 23 votes, there were no other votes. Linda Theisen was declared the winner. A total of 23 voters voted in the Township Election.
Tony Legatt made a motion to destroy the old 2020 ballots, Duane Janssen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The proposed General Fund and Road and Bridge Fund Levy Of $210,500 was presented. The amount was the same as last year. Discussion was held. Supervisors explained the ARPA grant. Duane Janssen made a motion to set the General and Road and Bridge Levy at $210,500 and have a Tarring Levy at $100,000, Victor Kotten seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
There was no old business.
New Business – The Board stated that there was a need for additional election judges and a need for a member on the Zoning Board. Anyone interested in the positions should contact the Township Clerk or the Zoning Administrator.
Clerk Judy Bruemmer and Supervisor Dave Robertson were presented plaques and thanked for their years of service on the Township Board.
At 9:07 pm, Duane Janssen made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Tony Meyer seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Coffee and cookies were served after the meeting.
Minutes taken by Clerk Judy Bruemmer
Author Archives: Dewey
Official Minutes 2.1.2022
The February Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Linda Theisen, Grant Kulzer, Ben Mergen and Deputy Eric Popp. The meeting was held using social distancing and following Covid-19 recommendations.
The January minutes were read. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with a balance of $499,012.42 in the checking account.
RE: Grant Kulzer – Grant Kulzer was present with an application for a Stearns County building permit. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to sign the building permit application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Deputy Report – Deputy Eric Popp gave a report on happenings in Farming Township for December and January. Discussion was held on the use of drones, snowmobiles and dog complaints.
RE: Hildebrandt – A request from Hildebrandt Trucking was presented for permission to drive on gravel roads during road restrictions for hauling and pickup of rendering. Discussion was held noting that the Clerk should ask them to have the year included in their next permission request. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the request, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Ryan Symanietz – An application for a Stearns County building permit for Ryan Symanietz was presented. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to have Dewey Klaphake sign the application form, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Albany School District – Dan Stommes gave a report on the public School Board meeting concerning the possibility of purchasing the Albany Hospital building and a possible referendum.
RE: Arvig – Discussion was held on the installation of internet services in the Farming Community Center.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7066 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
7067 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing/sand 3,280.00
7068 Star Publications newspaper ads 44.88
7069 Wakefield Twp. COL debt1320/interest39.60 1,359.60
7070 COL Fire & Rescue Dist. Qtr 1 fire protection 1,813.60
7071 Stearns Cty Assn of Twp state and county dues 1,027.44
Total $ 7,590.60
Year-to-date Total $ 18,194.62
At 9:20 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to recess the monthly meeting to hold the Board of Audit and Budget Meetings, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Minutes from 2.1.2022 Page 2
Unofficial Minutes of the Board of Audit Meeting 2.1.2022
Jason Willenbring called the Board of Audit Meeting to order at 9:22 pm.
The Clerk and Treasurer had met on Monday, January 17, 2022 to reconcile their records. The Supervisors reviewed the report. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the report as presented, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
At 9:40 pm Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the Board of Audit Meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Unofficial Minutes of the Budget Meeting 2.1.2022
Jason Willenbring called the Budget Meeting to order at 9:41 pm.
The Board reviewed the budget information and expenses from the previous year and set the budget to propose at the Annual Meeting at $210,500. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the proposed amounts, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
At 9:55 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the Budget Meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The February Monthly Meeting was called back to order by Jason Willenbring at 9:57 pm.
RE: Township Election – Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to appoint Joyce Wimmer as head judge, with Vic Kotten and Judy Bruemmer as judges, and to appoint Joyce Wimmer and Judy Bruemmer to the Absentee Ballot Board, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dave Robertson made a motion to use Tuesday, March 22, 2022 as the third alternate date for the Township Election, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
At 10:15 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 1.4.2022
The January Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Marvin Eiynck, Daryl Eiynck, Linda Theisen and John Blenker. The meeting was held using social distancing and following Covid 19 recommendations.
The December minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $492,609.55 in the checking account. He stated that $58,739.20 of that balance is from the ARPA grant.
RE: Polling Place – Clerk Judy Bruemmer stated that the Board needed to pass a new polling place resolution to amend the resolution in December to include the site for the mail ballot election. The amended resolution would state that the polling site for the Township Election would be the Community Center and the polling site for the State/Federal Election would be the Stearns County Building in Waite Park. Dan Stommes made a motion to pass Resolution 1.4.22 to include both polling sites, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Road Grant Application – John Blenker was present with information regarding a grant application for 223rd Street. Discussion was held. The Board was awaiting more information on prices and John Blenker will present more information at future board meetings.
RE: Board Room Internet – Jason Willenbring presented information on the possibility of having internet in the Community Center Board Room and the cost from Arvig. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to go ahead with plans to install the internet, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Board of Audit/Budget Meeting – It was noted that the Meeting will be held at the February
Board Meeting.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7061 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
7062 US Treasury medicare/soc.sec. 403.94
7063 MATIT township insurance 1,495.00
7064 Farming Community Center annual rent 3,300.00
7065 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing/guarantee 5,340.00
Total $ 10,604.02
Year-to-date Total $ 10,604.02
At 9:28 pm Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 12.7.2021
The December Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order in the FCC Board Room by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Marlene Statz and Marvin Eiynck. The meeting was held using social distancing and following Covid 19 recommendations.
The November minutes were read. One correction was made: Dewey Klaphake was also present at the November meeting. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $448,464.50 in the checking account.
RE: Farming Lions – Marlene Statz presented an application for a Gambling Permit for the Farming Lions for an event on 4/1/22 at the Trappers Pub and Grub. Discussion was held. Dave Robertson made a motion to sign the application, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Polling Place Resolution – Dan Stommes made a motion to designate the Farming Community Center as the Farming Township Polling Place for 2022 by Resolution 12.7.21, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Elections – Marvin Eiynck reported that he had talked to the County Representative Roxann Gerads and was told that he and his support group could handle the in-person election if the Board decided to go back to the in-person election. Discussion was held. Clerk Judy Bruemmer stated that she did not believe that was correct and would contact the Stearns County Election Board for clarification. Her understanding was that only the Clerk was the Election Administrator.
RE: Albany School Board Meeting – Dan Stommes reported on items discussed at the meeting. One possibility that was being looked into was the purchase of the old hospital building in order to gain more space. He stated that there was no open enrollment at this time because of space restrictions.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake stated that there were no issues to discuss at this time.
RE: FCC Board Room – The Board received notice that the rent for the Board Room would be $3300 for 2022. This is the same as 2021.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7048 Dave Robertson supervisor wages $ 207.79
7049 Jason Willenbring supervisor wages 415.57
7050 Daniel Stommes reimb. mileage 19.60
7051 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 761.89
7052 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages 166.23
7053 Dewey Klaphake reimb. for permit fees 97.36
7054 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 304.75
7055 Judy Bruemmer reimb. ink/computer 133.91
7056 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 65.08
7057 MATIT workman’s comp ins. 337.00
7058 M-R Sign Co. Inc. 911 sign 48.60
7059 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 581.80
7060 Farming Township tarring fund CD 50,000.00
Total $ 53,139.58
Year-to-date Total $ 270,379.58
At 9:15 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Township Filing Notice
Filing Notice for Township Election
Notice is hereby given that the Farming Township Board Election will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 in the Farming Community Center Board Room. Affidavits for Candidacy may be filed with the Township Clerk at 27555 County Road 41, Albany, MN 56307 from 9:00 am on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 through 5:00 pm on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 for the offices of:
Township Supervisor – 3 year term – currently held by Dave Robertson
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, 2022 due to the New Year’s holiday.
The Clerk will be available at the above residence from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 as required by law.
Judy Bruemmer
Farming Township Clerk
320-548-3562
320-250-3398 (cell)
Official Minutes 11.2.2021
The November Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was call to order in the FCC Board Room by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Marvin Eiynck, Kerry Mergen, Dale Lange and Andy Nathe. The meeting was held using social distancing and Covid 19 recommendations.
The October 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 $447,078.28 in the checking account.
RE: Snowplowing Quotes – Only one quote was received. Lange Trenching was not interested in giving a quote. Sunny Brook Enterprises gave a quote of $120/hr for snow removal and sanding, salt/sand was $100/yd (price change may be due if there is a shortage), $10/hr surcharge if diesel goes above $4/gallon. In addition to the normal charges, they require &700/month guarantee for the months of January, February, March and April. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the quote from Sunny Brook Enterprises, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: 288th Street – Kerry Mergen along with Andy Nathe presented information regarding their plan to cut through 288th Street. They reported that Stearns County had given them permission to cut through 117th as part of the drainage project. Discussion was held. They were advised that the Township will require a $500 permit fee, which would be refunded if the road meets Township standards upon completion of the project plus a non-refundable $100 crossing inspection fee. All fees would be payable before the start of the project. Dan Stommes made a motion to allow the cut through of 288th Street upon receipt of the fees, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Elections – Marvin Eiynck was present to represent a group of Township voters who would like to do away with the mail ballot elections for the general elections. Discussion was held. Several ideas were presented. Mr. Eiynck was told to contact Stearns County as they are in control of election procedures for the County.
RE: COL Fire & Rescue District – Jason Willenbring gave a report on the Fire District and some information on future plans that would be presented at the December meeting.
The Following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7044 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
7045 Stearns Cty. SWCD water testing post cards 191.98
7046 COL Fire & Rescue Dist. Qtr 4 fire protection 1,507.21
7047 Lange Trenching road rpr.574.60/blading6512.50 7,087.10
Total $ 8,851.37
Year to Date Total $ 217,240.00
At 9:10 pm Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 10.5.2021
The October Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order in the FCC Board Room by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Shane Bartels and Dale Lange. The meeting was held using social distancing and Covid 19 recommendations.
The September minutes were read. Dan Stommes 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 $465,446.17 in the checking account.
RE: Gambling Permit – Shane Bartels presented a request to approve an application for a gambling permit for the Richmond Rod and Gun Club. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to sign the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Freeport Township Meeting – Discussion was held concerning items discussed at the Freeport Meeting. The ARPA Grant and its possible uses was the item of most interest.
RE: Snowplowing Quotes – Quotes for snowplowing will be opened at the November meeting.
RE: Road Issues – A sunken area along Clear Lake Road was discussed and will be checked into.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7041 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
7042 US Treasury soc. sec./medicare 410.80
7043 Central MN Dust Control dustcoating 18,071.25
Total $ 18,547.13
Year-to-date Total $ 208,388.63
At 8:50 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 9.7.2021
The September Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order in the FCC Board Room by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Math Schmitz and Dale Lange. The meeting was held using social distancing and Covid 19 recommendations.
The August 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 $486,856.78 in the checking account.
RE: ARPA Grant – The Clerk reported that $58,876.65 was received from the State of MN for the American Rescue Plan Grant. The second half of the Grant should be received in the next twelve months. Dan Stommes made a motion for the Chairperson to sign the necessary Federal documents and the Entity Administrator document, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Discussion was held concerning some uses of the Grant money.
RE: Albany Fire Department – Dan Stommes presented the fire protection contract from the Albany Fire Department. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to sign the contract, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Dan Stommes will return the contract to the Fire Department.
RE: Albany School District – Dan Stommes reported on the Fifth Monday Board Meeting stating that 25 new teachers and 15 new personnel had been hired for the 2021-2022 year. He also stated that they had enough bus drivers for the year.
RE: Zoning – Administrator Dewey Klaphake stated that he was asked about a permit for a solar array. He contacted the County and they stated that we could control those permits if we added an amendment to our MOA of the County Zoning Ordinance. Discsussion was held. It was decided to leave the County in charge of the permitting at this time.
The Board was reminded about the Town Officers meeting in Freeport on Thursday, September 16, 2021.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7026 Daniel Stommes reimb. mileage $ 67.20
7027 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 457.13
7028 Math Schmitz road ditch cutting 3,063.00
7029 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 761.89
7030 Judy Bruemmer reimb. computer 75.00
7031 M-R Sign Inc 911 and arrow signs 285.85
7032 City of St. Martin ½ 2021 fire protection 6,010.83
7033 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 65.08
7034 CentraSota St. Martin spraying ditches 6,578.35
(official Minutes 9.7.2021 page 2)
7035 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 457.13
7036 Jason Willenbring supervisor wages 415.58
7037 Dave Robertson supervisor wages 277.05
7038 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages 110.82
7039 Dewey Klaphake reimb. permit/mileage 51.20
7040 Lange Trenching road rpr. 1147/blading 1587.20 2,734.50
Total $ 21,410.61
Year-to-date Total $ 189,841.50
At 9:05 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 8.3.2021
The August Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dale Lange and Gilbert Bruemmer. The meeting was held using social distancing and Covid 19 recommendations.
The July 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 $430,971.43 in the checking account.
RE: Stearns County Sheriff – Deputy Kern was present with reports of activity for the months of May, June and July. He stated that most of the incidents were the usual kind. Discussion was held. The Supervisors stated that they had no special concerns.
RE: Dustcoating – Dustcoating is finished.
RE: Ditch Spraying – Ditch spraying for noxious weeds is in progress. Discussion was held. It was decided to do the spraying a little earlier next year.
RE: Farming Athletic Field – The athletic field has a 911 sign so all is in order.
RE: Albany Fire Department – Dan Stommes gave a report on the Albany Fire Department Meeting. He stated that the new pumper truck is being built and should be done by fall. He also stated that the fire department will be getting a used ladder truck from another fire department. Money from donations and gambling have kept the department in good shape. The Albany Fire Department along with several area departments, Life Link and the Sheriff’s office will be putting on a Farm Safety Demonstration Day on September 11, 2021.
RE: ARPA Grant – The Clerk stated that the SAM registration is in progress.
RE: County Township Officers Board – Duane Janssen gave a report on the Board meeting. He stated one of the concerns was the disposal of solar energy panels.
RE: District 5 Meeting – The Board was reminded of the District 5 Township Meeting on August 19, 2021. Those attending will meet at Trappers at 5:30 pm.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7021 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
7022 Star Publications newspaper ads 16.32
7023 COL Fire & Rescue Dist. Qtr 3 fire protection 1,507.21
7024 Midwest Asphalt injection road patch 500.00
7025 Lange Trenching blading 637.00
Total $ 2,725.61
Year-to-date Total $ 168,430.89
At 9:05 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Free Nitrate Testing for Private Wells
Thursday, September 9, 2021
2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
St. Joseph Township Hall (NOT City Hall)
935 College Ave S., St. Joseph, MN
How to participate:
Collect water sample from kitchen faucet on Sept. 9
Keep sample cool and deliver to St. Joseph Township Hall (NOT City Hall) between 2 pm and 7pm on Sept. 9
Wait about 10 minutes for results.
Optional:
Discuss results with water expert
Bring photos of well and water treatment equipment, if any
Cost share for additional water testing $90 for $40
Check out www.StearnsCountySWCD.net/nitrate for additional information or call 320-251-7800 X3