The August Monthly Board Meeting of Farming Township was called to order by Dave Robertson at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake and Dale Lange.

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 a balance in checking of $378,320.96.

RE: Kriegle Lake Road – Work is in progress. Dale Lange reported that there were a few problems with construction which may increase the cost to Farming Township slightly.

RE: Dustcoating – Discussion was held. It was noted that it is not controlling the dust as well as other years. Dave Robertson will check with the contractor and also check about the billing.

RE: Weed Inspection – Supervisors reported that weed inspection was complete and there were no major weed problems.

RE: Crackfilling – Dan Stommes presented two estimates he had received for crackfilling and road repair. One was from Midwest Asphalt Maintenance, LLC with a cost of $1.40/lb for repair material. The second was from Bertram Asphalt Company with a cost of $1.60/lb for repair material. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the quote from Midwest Asphalt of $1.40/lb, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Dan Stommes will contact Midwest Asphalt.

RE: Albany Fire Department – A contract for fire protection services was received from the Albany Fire Department. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to sign the agreement with Albany Fire Department, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: COL Fire District – Jason Willenbring gave a report on the COL Fire District. They are planning on purchasing a new truck and have a used water truck for sale.

RE: 210^th Street – Jerry Rausch reported there was a soft spot on 210^th Avenue. This will be checked into.

RE: Gravel/Dustcoat History – Dewey Klaphake presented the history and will update it with this year’s information. The Board thanked him for his efforts in maintaining the history.

RE: District Meeting – The District Township Meeting will be held on August 23, 2018. Those wishing to attend will meet at Trappers to ride share.

RE: Website – Dewey Klaphake reported that the Township had received a notice that the Farming Township website will be noted as an ‘unsafe site’. He suggested adding a security package to the website package. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to add the security package, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Fifth Lake Road Culvert – A report was received about a culvert on Fifth Lake Road. This will be checked into.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6699    Stearns Electric                       monthly electric bill                $                           65.08

6700    Anderson Excavating              culvert repair                                                    250.00

6701    Lange Trenching                     blading 3436.89/rd rpr 395.00                       3831.89

6702    Star Publications                     newspaper ads                                                   29.28

6703    COL Fire District                     Qtr 3 fire protection                                        1156.02

Total                $           5,332.27

Year-to-date Total      $     309,333.61

At 9:26 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The July Monthly Board Meeting of Farming Township was called to order by Dave Robertson at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Dale Lange and Math Schmitz.

The June 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 $254,089.09 in the checking account.

RE: Road Issues – Discussion was held concerning a culvert on 5^th Lake Road South, water running over 221^st Street and various holes on 223^rd Ave. These will be checked into.

RE: Ditchcutting – Math Schmitz reported that ditch cutting was finished. He also noted that there were no signs along the Bardson property concerning cutting and he did not see any flowers or trees that should be avoided. The second ditch cutting is planned to be done before school starts.

RE: Weed Inspection – Supervisors reported that inspection is in progress and there were no major problems.

RE: Kriegle Lake Road Repair – Jason Willenbring presented information concerning the repair and its cost that was given to him by Collegeville Township. The estimated cost to Farming Township was $10,000 to $15,000. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring will check into it further.

RE: Culverts for Munson – Inventory was taken of culverts Farming Township had on hand. It was decided to offer them to Munson Township. Jason Willenbring will contact Munson Township.

RE: Clear Lake Road – It was noted that overhanging trees are beginning to cause problems along Clear Lake Road and may need trimming. This will be checked into.

RE: Tarring – It was noted that 223^rd Ave may need to be resurfaced in the next couple of years or so. Dan Stommes will contact some contractors to check into options and costs.

RE: Tarring Fund CDs – Treasurer Duane Janssen reported that 3 of the CDs are due for renewal in July. He suggested combining them with the $50,000 we received from taxes into a 3 year CD in order to earn a much better interest rate. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to combine the CDs and the $50,000 for a total of 192,978.51 into one three-year CD, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Election Judges – Clerk Judy Bruemmer reported that 7 judges – Judy Bruemmer, Joyce Wimmer, Jack Wimmer, Diane Brinkman, Mary Lou Salzl, Victor Kotten and Linda Theisen – had already received training and the eighth – Grace Orbeck is scheduled for training the next week.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6694       United States Treasury                  medicare/social security                               $               697.80

6695       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric bill                                                              65.08

6696       Lange Trenching                               class 2 $25039/blading $2120.64              27,159.64

6697       Math Schmitz                                    ditchcutting                                                                        1,341.00

6698       Farming Township                           combining 3 CDs/$50,000 tarring fund               192,978.51

Total                      $         222,242.03

Year-to-date Total                           $         304,001.34

At 9:19 pm Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The June monthly Board Meeting of Farming Township was called to order by Dave Robertson at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Math Schmitz, John Blenker and Dale Lange.

The May minutes were read. One correction was made: the liquor license for Trappers Pub and Grub runs from July 1, 2018 until June 30, 2019. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $284,094.22 in the checking account.

RE: 193^rd Ave – Jason Willenbring reported that he talked to adjacent property owners and they were not willing to agree to an easement. After discussion with the Studer family, it was decided they would just do a contract for deed for the property thereby eliminating the need for a road or easement.

RE: Munson Township – Discussion was held concerning the permit allowing Pilgrim Foods trucks to haul heavier loads on Township roads. The new agreement stated that they would honor road restrictions and do an annual renewal of the permit. Munson Township had agreed to the permit. Dan Stommes made a motion to sign the new permit, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Culverts – Munson Township had inquired about Farming and Munson Township buying culverts together. Discussion was held. The Board decided we didn’t need to buy any culverts. They will take an inventory of those we have on hand and if we have an overabundance we will offer them to Munson Township. Jason Willenbring will take care of this.

RE: Ditch Cutting Quote – Only one quote was received for ditch cutting. Math Schmitz quote was for $60/hour plus fuel using a 70 hp tractor with an 8 foot disc mower. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the quote from Schmitz, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Craig Bardson had contacted the clerk requesting ‘NO’ cutting along their property or along their in-law’s property. Math Schmitz was made aware of this and Dan Stommes will contact Bardsons.

RE: Graveling Roads – Class 5 graveling is finished and Class 2 should be finished in a day or two.

RE: Dustcoating – Dustcoating will be done by the end of this week or the beginning of next week, weather permitting.

RE: Noxious Weeds – Supervisors will begin their noxious weed inspection with each Supervisor taking a section of the Township.

RE: County 5-year Road Plan – Dave Robertson reported on the meeting with the County. He stated that there will be no major road repair done in Farming Township for the next 2 or 3 years.

RE: Culvert Issues – Discussion was held concerning a couple of culvert issues. These will be checked into and repaired if needed.

RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake gave a report on zoning in the Township. Discussion was held. He was also given the updated Zoning Ordinance Book from the County.

RE: Election – Judy Bruemmer submitted her list of election judges, stating that all are scheduled for training with the County. Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 and the General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6674      Dewey Klaphke                zoning adm. wages                                         $                  171.43

6675       Wm. D. Scepaniak Inc.   class 5 gravel                                                                 14,456.75

6676       Duane Janssen                  reimburse wkshop fee/mileage                                      78.00

6677       Duane Janssen                  treasurer wages                                                                 812.68

6678       Lange Trenching               blading                                                                            2,047.52

6679       Daniel Stommes               supervisor wages                                                                595.66

6680       Daniel Stommes               reimburse wkshop fee/mileage                                       137.92

6681       Stearns County                  assessing fees                                                                   7,163.75

6682       Jason Willenbring             supervisor wages                                                              803.44

6683       Jason Willenbring             reimburse wkshop/mileage                                             137.92

6684       Couri &Ruppe PLLP         lawyer fee                                                                              95.00

6685       Sunny Brook Ent. Inc.      snowplowing                                                                   2,750.00

6686       COL Fire District                Qtr 2 fire protection                                                        1156.02

6687       Judy Bruemmer                  clerk wages                                                                       1025.08

6688       Judy Bruemmer                  reimburse supplies/mileage/computer                        223.19

6689       Dave Robertson                   supervisor wages                                                              803.44

6690       Dave Robertson                   reimburse wkshop fee/mileage                                      156.96

6691       VOID

6692       Stearns Electric                 monthly electric bill                                                               65.08

6693       Dewey Klaphake              reimburse permit fee/mileage                                              159.14

Total      $ 32,838.98

Year-to-date Total  $ 81,759.31

At 9:30 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

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

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

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

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

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

RE: Gravel Quotes –

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

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

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

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

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

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

RE: Hildebrande Trucking LLC – A request for permission to service farms and drive on Township roads during road restriction season was received from Hildebrande Trucking (dead animal service). Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to allow the hauling during restrictions season, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Trappers Pub and Grub – A request was made for Township Consent to authorize a County On/Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Trappers Pub and Grub in Farming from July 1, 2018 thru June 30, 2019. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the application for the liquor license, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

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

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

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

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6670     Stearns County Auditor         election costs                                             $  182.27

6671     Star Publications                     newspaper ads                                                 36.60

6672     Stearns Electric                       monthly electric bill                                        65.08

6673     Lange Trenching                     blading                                                           1974.50

Total                               $ 2,258.45

Year-to Date Total       $ 48,920.33

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6660    Victor Kotten                          election judge/moderator                                $             137.50

6661    Linda Theisen                         election judge                                                                   93.75

6662    Joyce Wimmer            election judge                                                                 106.25

6663    Stearns Electric                       monthly electric bill                                                         65.08

6664    United States Treasury           medicare/social security                                                 355.16

6665    M-R Sign Inc.                         911 signs                                                                          46.49

6666    Sunny Brook Ent. Inc.                        snowplowing                                                               2,085.00

6667    Lange Trenching                     blading                                                                                    1,820.50

6668    Town Off. Assn.                     spouse dinner                                                                 10.00

6669    Andersen Excavating              steam culverts                                                             1,200.00

Total                            $         5,919.73

Year-to-Date Total                              $       46,661.88

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