Official Minutes 5.5.2020

The May monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present was Dale Lange. The meeting was held using social distancing according to Covid-19 recommendations.
The March minutes were read. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The April minutes were read. One correction was made: Jason Willenbring abstained from voting on the Hildebrand permit, citing possible conflict of interest. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $363,459.55 in the checking account.
RE: Dust Control Quote – Only one quote was received. Central MN Dust Control gave a quote of .58/foot. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the quote of .58/foot from Central MN Dust Control, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Crack Seal Quote – A crack seal bid was received from Jet-Black for $1.35 a pound. The Township has Midwest Asphalt doing crack seal for $1.40 a pound. Discussion was held. It was decided to stay with Midwest Asphalt for this year and to look into other companies next year. Dave Robertson made a motion to stay with Midwest Asphalt at $1.40/lb, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Ditch Cutting Quote – One Quote was received for ditch cutting. Math Schmitz submitted a quote of $60/hour plus fuel. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the quote of $60.hr plus fuel from Schmitz, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Blading – One quote was received from Lange Trenching. It was for $50 per mile – a raise from last year. Discussion was held. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the quote for $50 per mile, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Class 2 – One quote was received from Lange Trenching. It was for $18.25/ton. – the same as last year. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the quote from Lange Trenching for $18.25/ton, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Class 5 Gravel – Two quotes were received for Class 5 Gravel. WD Scepaniak’s was for $10.77/cy, Lange Trenching was for $10.40/cy. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the quote from Lange Trenching for $10.40/cy, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Supervisors had finished Road Tour. Discussion was held with Lange Trenching about road and culvert issues. The Barker and 310th Street culverts are being worked on. Barker will be doing some ditch clearing and if needs any other assistance will contact the Township Board. The 300th Street culvert issue has cleared up.

5.5.2020 Minutes page 2
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6890 Linda Theisen election judge/training 165.70
6891 Victor Kotten election judge/training 165.70
6892 Joyce Wimmer head election judge 135.00
6893 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 65.08
6894 Lange Trenching blading 5,096.34
Total $ 5,627.82
Year-to-date Total $ 56,949.39
At 9:55 pm, Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 4.15.2020

The April Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was held by teleconference due to the Governor’s COVID-19 “stay at home” restrictions. Dan Stommes called the meeting to order at 8:00 pm. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Dale Lange and Jason Barker.
It was noted that Dan Stommes and Judy Bruemmer had received their Certificates of Election and had taken their Oath of Office.
No Minutes or Financial Report were given. They will be reported at the May meeting.
RE: Jason Barker – Mr. Barker was present to discuss the culvert and road situation along his property on 221st Street. He stated that the culvert and road situations have changed greatly since the Township took over the road approximately 2005/2006. There was lengthy discussion on the situation between him, the Supervisors and Lange Trenching. Several issues were covered. Lange Trenching will check to see what can be done. Mr. Barker was also advised the clearing a ditch for better drainage was not the Townships responsibility if it was out of the road right-of-way. He would have to contact neighboring land owners concerning that. The Supervisors will also look into the situation during Road Tour.
RE: Pilgrims Request – Pilgrims request to haul up to 97,000 gross weight on .78 miles of Township roadway was discussed. The permit is not in effect during road restrictions, is good until May 2021 and will be renewed annually. Dave Robertson made a motion to sign the permit, Dan Stommes seconded. Jason Willenbring abstained because of possible conflict of interest, motion carried. Chairperson Dan Stommes will sign the permit and mail it.
RE: ReOrganization – Discussion was held. It was decided that due to the COVID-19 crisis the Board would just keep the same, positions, wage amounts and fees as set up in 2019. Jason Willenbring made a motion to leave all reorganization items the same as 2019, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Website – Dewey Klaphake reported that the Township website and security settings were up for renewal. Jason Willenbring made a motion for Dewey Klaphake to take care of the renewal, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Trappers Pub and Grub – An application from Trappers Pub and Grub for a County On/Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for a period from July 1, 2020 thru June 30, 2021 was presented. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to sign the application, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake had presented copies of 3 permits he had issued by e-mail to the Board.
RE: Road Tour – Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Supervisors will each take an area of the Township and report back at the May meeting.
RE: Road Issues – Several road issues were discussed – culverts on 300th Street and 310th Street among others. They will be checked into once Road Tour is finished and water levels have subsided somewhat.
RE: Quotes – Quotes for ditch cutting, gravel, class 2, dust coating and crack filling will be due at the May meeting.

4.15.2020 minutes – page 2

RE: May monthly meeting – If the “stay at home” restriction is extended to May 13, 2020 the May meeting will be extended to May 14, 2020. The Clerk will check into the restrictions.
The following Claims were examined, verified, and ordered paid by vote on the teleconference – Jason, yes – Dave, yes – Dan, yes:
6885 US Treasury medicare/soc.sec. $ 392.46
6886 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 65.08
6887 Stearns Cty. Aud/Treas. truth in tax/election costs 308.61
6888 Star Publications newspaper ads 192.41
6889 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing guarantee 700.00
Total $ 1,658.56
Year-to-date Total $ 51,321.57
A motion was made by Dan Stommes to allow just two signatures – that of the Clerk and Treasurer – on the checks to pay claims for the month of April due to the COVID-19 crisis, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
At 9:04 pm, Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the teleconference, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 3.4.2020

The March monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present was Darice Stommes.
The February monthly meeting, Board of Audit and Budget Meeting minutes were read. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $337,074.05 in the checking account.
RE: Albany Fire Department – Dan Stommes gave a report on the fire department meeting. The department is planning on a truck purchase and is investigating needs and costs at this time. A Farm Accident Demo is planned with support from area businesses.
RE: Hildebrand Hauling – A request was received from Hildebrand Hauling to drive on the Township gravel roads during road restrictions season for hauling and picking up rendering animals. Jason Willenbring made a motion to give permission, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Road Issues – Road issues were discussed and will be checked into further during Road Tour.
RE: Township Election/Annual Meeting – All is ready. Judy Bruemmer reported that two election judges received E-Poll training as the County would not do paper rosters for the Township Elections.
RE: Reminders – Reminders were given concerning the St. Martin Fire Dept. meeting, the Township Workshop, the Weed Meeting and the Board of Appeals and Equalization.
RE: Gravel, Blading, and Dustcoating Quotes – The Quotes will be addressed at the May monthly meeting.
RE: Road Tour – Road Tour is tentatively planned for April 7, 2020 following the Board of Appeals and Equalization Meeting, weather permitting.
RE: Capital Tour – Duane Janssen gave a report on his tour of the Capital and the items of interest to the Township.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6875 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages $ 304.75
6876 Dave Robertson supervisor wages 277.05
6877 Jason Willenbring supervisor wages 415.57
6878 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 775.74
6879 M-R Sign Inc. 911 sign 36.57
6880 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 65.08
6881 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing 1,970.00
6882 Judy Bruemmer re-imb. mileage/supplies 209.16
6883 City of Albany fire protection 15,473.00
6884 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 595.66
Total $ 20,122.58
Year-to-date Total $ 49,663.01
At 9:00 pm Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Meeting Changes for Farming Township

Farming Township

Currently the July Township Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, 2020 in the Township Board Room at 8:00 pm. If you plan on attending the meeting, please be aware that we will be practicing social distancing. The Governor has OK’d in person Township meetings as of April 27, 2020.

Official Minutes 2.4.20

The February Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present was Dan Rea.

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

Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $359,655.36 in the checking account.

RE: Farming Baseball Association – Dan Rea presented an application for an On-sale 3.2% Malt Liquor License for the Farming Athletic Field from April 2020 to October 2020. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Comprehensive Plan Meeting – Notice was received from the County about a Comprehensive Plan Meeting on March 5, 2020. Dan Stommes will attend.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6870       Albany Post Office                           stamps                                                 $                         55.00

6871       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric bill                                                      65.08

6872       MATIT                                                   insurance/bond                                                                     1,495.00

6873       COL Fire & Rescue Dist.                 debt 5280/interest 419.76/fee 43.56               5,743.32

6874       Sunny Brook Ent. Inc.                     snowplowing                                                              8,374.00

Total                      $                   15,732.40

Year-to-date Total   $          29,540.43

At 8:28 pm Dave Robertson made a motion to recess the monthly meeting in order to hold the Board of Audit Meeting and the Budget Meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes of the Board of Audit Meeting

At 8:29 pm, Dan Stommes called the Board of Audit Meeting to order. All members were present.

The Clerk and Treasurer met in January to reconcile their records. The Board reviewed the information presented by them. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the report as presented, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

At 8:40 pm, Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the Board of Audit Meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes of the Budget Meeting

Dan Stommes called the Budget Meeting to order at 8:41 pm. The Board reviewed budget information and expenses from the previous year and set the Budget to propose at the Annual Meeting at $ 210,500. Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the Budget Meeting at 9:08 pm, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The February Monthly Meeting was called back to order by Dan Stommes at 9:10 pm.

RE: March Meeting – Since the March monthly meeting date falls on the same day as the Presidential Primary, the Board decided to change the March meeting to Wednesday, March 4, 2020 – same time, same place. The change will be published and posted.

RE: Township Election – All is in order and ready.

At 9:20 pm Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the March monthly meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

eeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

 

Official Minutes 1.7.2020

The January monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Daniel Stommes at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Leo Gerads, and Anne and Jim Bleichner.

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

Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $373, 463.39 in the checking account.

RE: Mail Ballot Election – Anne and Jim Bleichner were present with questions regarding the decision to do mail ballot elections for statewide elections. Discussion was held.

RE: Road Issues – Blading issues were discussed. Leo Gerads explained that roads were only spread with gravel and not salt because salt would cause more problems.

RE: Township Election – Jason Willenbring made a motion to make the following Tuesday, March 17, 2020 and Tuesday, March 24, 2020 as the alternate days should inclement weather postpone the Annual Township Election, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Clerk Judy Bruemmer reported that Joyce Wimmer will serve as head judge and Linda Theisen and Victor Kotten will serve as election judges for the Township Election. Joyce Wimmer and Linda Theisen will also serve on the absentee ballot board.

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

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6863       Farming Community Center                        annual rent                         $               3,000.00

6864       Stearns Electric                                                 monthly electric bill                                  63.08

6865       Star Publications                                               newspaper ads                                          74.70

6866       Sunny Brook Ent. Inc.                                     snowplowing                                        8,050.00

6867       COL Fire & Rescue                                           Qtr 4 2019 fire protection                1,093.01

6868       US Treasury                                                        medicare/soc.security                          437.58

6869       Stearns Cty. Assn. of Twps.                         county/state dues                              1,089.66

Total                      $              13,808.03

Year-to-date Total           $                 13,808.03

At 9:10 pm Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Unapproved Annual Meeting Minutes 3.10.2020

The Annual Meeting in the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the Farming Community Center on the 10th day of March, 2020. 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. Duane Janssen nominated Dewey Klaphake, Ron Backes seconded. Dewey accepted the nomination. Judy Bruemmer asked if there were any other nominations. Dewey Klaphake nominated Victor Kotten, Dan Stommes seconded. Victor Kotten accepted the nomination. Duane Janssen made a motion to close nominations, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. A vote by show of hands was held. Dewey Klaphake was declared the moderator.

The minutes of the 2019 Annual Meeting were read by Clerk Judy Bruemmer. Victor Kotten made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Duane Janssen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Ron Backes made a motion to accept the report as presented, Jack Wimmer seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Ron Backes made a motion to continue with Trapper’s Pub and Grub, Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Farming Community Center and the Township Website as posting places, Roger Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Janssen made a motion to have the Albany Enterprise as the official newspaper, Randy Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

John Blenker made a motion to have the polling times for the Township Election from 2 pm to 8 pm in the Farming Community Center Board Room, Dave Linz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Tom Buerman made a motion that the next Annual Meeting be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 8:30 pm in the Farming Community Center, Tony Legatt seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Janssen made a motion to hold the monthly Board Meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at 8 pm, Tom Buerman seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Dale Lange made a motion to have the Board hire a ditch cutter twice a year, Wally Buerman seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Board of Canvass was held immediately following the Township Election. The Results were: For Supervisor – Dan Stommes received 24 votes, there were no other votes. Dan Stommes was declared the winner. For Clerk – Judy Bruemmer received 24 votes, there were no other votes. Judy Bruemmer was declared the winner. A total of 24 voters voted in the Township Election.

Ron Backes made a motion to destroy the 2018 ballots, Randy Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The proposed General Fund Levy of $91,000 and the proposed Road and Bridge Levy of $119,500 was presented. The total of $210,500 was the same as the last year. Discussion was held. Ron Backes made a motion to set the Total Levy at $210,500, Dale Lange seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Tarring Fund Levy came up for discussion. After a question and answer session concerning project plans, maintenance, etc. Ron Backes made a motion to set the Tarring Fund Levy at $100,000, Randy Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Officer Eric Popp from the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department gave a report on calls and happenings in Farming Township. Twenty-one calls were received in December 2019 and twenty in January 2020. He also explained the different services they offer.

Firefighter Adam Braegelmann was present with a report from the Chain of Lakes Fire and Rescue District. The department has 22 members and is 9 years old. They had 93 calls in 2019. One change with the department was that they will begin to pay the members for meetings and trainings. He also explained some of their fundraising efforts.

New Business – As the Board had decided in 2019 to have Farming Township be a Mail Ballot Precinct for Statewide Elections, the Board presented the option to also incorporate the Township Election with the Statewide Elections. That would mean the Township Elections would be held every other November as a Mail Ballot election – on the same ballot as the Statewide election. Because of this, the terms of the Board members would have to be changed to 4 years instead of the 3 years for Supervisors and 2 years for the Clerk and Treasurer. It was explained that the Board could vote to make the Statewide Elections into Mail Ballot elections. However to change the Township Election, the option would have to be presented as a ballot question on the next Township Election and voted on by the eligible voters in the Township. After a lengthy discussion, Ron Backes made a motion to present the question on the 2021 Township Election ballot and, should it pass, change the terms of office for the Board members to 4 years, Dale Lange seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

It was noted that the Annual Township Meeting would still be held every year on the second Tuesday in March, as required by law.

At 9:50 pm, Ron Backes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Tony Legatt seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Cookies, milk and water were served following the meeting.

Minutes taken by Judy Bruemmer, Farming Township Clerk

 

Farming Township Election News

The Farming Township Board has elected to vote by mail ballot procedure in the STATEWIDE ELECTIONS. Registered voters will be notified and will automatically be mailed a ballot for the Statewide Elections. If you are not a registered voter, you can get information about registering by contacting the Stearns County Election Division at 320-656-3920, by e-mail at elections@co.stearns.mn.us or by visiting the website at www.co.stearns.mn.us.

Special note: the Annual Township Board Election will be held as usual on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 with polls open from 2 pm to 8 pm in the Farming Community Center Township Board Room. The Annual Township Meeting will follow the election at 8:30 pm.

Official Minutes 12.3.19

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

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

Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $321,257.60 in the checking account.

RE: Lion’s Club Gambling Permit – An application to conduct off-site gambling was presented. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to sign the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Sheriff Report – Officer Eric Popp gave a report of happenings in Farming Township. Discussion was held.

RE: Road Issues – Discussion was held concerning snowplowing and conditions on 223rd Ave.

RE: Road History – Zoning Administrator Dewey Klaphake presented an updated Road History Report. The Board thanked him for keeping the records. He also stated there were no major zoning issues.

RE: COL Fire & Rescue – Jason Willenbring reported that starting in 2020 the Department will pay the firefighters for training, fire calls, etc. There will be a minor raise in fire protection costs but it was determined it was necessary to keep firefighters as COL was one of only two departments in the state that did not pay its firefighters.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6847       Jason Willenbring                               supervisor wages                                                 $             484.84

6848       Judy Bruemmer                                    reimb. computer/mileage                                                      61.24

6849       Stearns Electric                                    monthly electric bill                                                                 65.08

6850       Dewey Klaphake                                 permit fees/mileage                                                               216.82

6851       Judy Bruemmer                                    clerk wages                                                                              775.74

6852       MATIT                                                     workmans comp insurance                                                   297.00

6853       Stearns Cty Aud. Treas.                       2019 election equipment rental                                       1500.00

6854       Dewey Klaphake                                zoning administrator wages                                                   300.14

6855       Dave Robertson                                   reimb. mileage                                                                          17.98

6856       Dave Robertson                                   supervisor wages                                                                   277.05

6857       Jason Willenbring                                reimb. mileage                                                                          17.92

6858       Daniel Stommes                                   supervisor wages                                                                   346.31

6859       Lange Trenching                                  road repair-223rd                                                                    250.00

6860       Duane Janssen                                      treasurer wages                                                                       457.13

6861       Duane Janssen                                      reimb. stamper                                                                          70.93

6862       Farming Township                                tarring fund CD                                                                    50,000.00

Total       $           55,138.18

Year-to-date Total                $         355,510.80

At 8:58 pm Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 11.5.19

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

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

Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $327,465.65 in the checking account.

RE: Snowplowing Quote – One Snowplowing quote was received. SunnyBrook Enterprises gave a quote with $110/hr for the truck, $90/yd for salt and sand (with possibility of higher price due to shortage), a $5/hr surcharge if diesel goes above $4/gallon, and a required charge of $700 in addition to the normal charges for the months of December, January, February and March. Lange Trenching opted not to give a quote. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the quote from SunnyBrook Enterprises, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Dean Rausch – Dale Lange reported that the project along the Dean Rausch property on 280th Street was finished.

RE: 223rd Ave – Reports had been received concerning the bump on 223rd Ave. Lange Trenching will check it out.

RE: Polling Place Resolution – Jason Willenbring made a motion to designate the Farming Community Center as the Annual Polling Place by Resolution 11.5.19, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Comprehensive Plan Meeting – Dan Stommes and Dewey Klaphake gave a report on the meeting.

RE: District Meeting – It was noted that the District Meeting will be held in Freeport, MN on November 14, 2019 at 8:00 pm.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6844       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric                                               $               65.08

6845       Lange Trenching                               blading1643.14/rd rpr 3120/class 2 684                 5,447.14

6846       City of St. Martin                              fire protection                                                                6,938.47

Total      $         12,450.69

Year-to-date Total           $       300,372.62

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