Board of Appeals and Equalization Meeting

4.2.19

The Board of Appeals and Equalization Meeting was called to order by Dan Stommes at 10:30 am in the FCC Board Room. All members were present. Also present were Mark Koehn, Michelle Hinnenkamp and Kathy Korte from the Stearns County Assessor’s Office – and Albert Meier.

RE: Albert Meier – Mr. Meier was present to dispute the market value of his property – citing house completion and lack of a decent driveway. After a long discussion with Mr. Meier, Dave Robertson made a motion that no change be made, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried. He was advised that he could appeal the decision to the County.

RE: Alan and Cathleen Miller – The Millers had requested a reduction in the value of their property citing many issues with the home. The Assessor’s Office had gone to re-inspect the property and had agreed with the owners that a reduction should be recommended. After a discussion with the Assessors, Jason Willenbring made a motion to reduce by value to $510,400 as recommended, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Assessors stated that overall total values rose approximately 3% with residential raising by 8 to 10% in some instances.

At 11:30 am Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

 

Official Minutes 3.5.19

The March monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dave Robertson at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake and Leo Gerads. The flag pledge was said.

The February 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 $342,887.07 in the checking account on March 1, 2019.

RE: St. Martin Fire Meeting – a short report was given on the meeting – no major news.

RE: Albany Fire Meeting – a short report was given – all is well, checking into new pumper truck, and gambling income is going very well.

RE: COL Fire Meeting – a short report was given – all is going well.

RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake gave a short report. He will check into rates for variance meetings, etc and report back to the Board.

RE: Complaints – Jost by Clear Lake Road, holes in 223rd Ave, water running across 218th Ave. Discussion was held. The issues will be checked out on Road Tour.

RE: Road Tour – Road Tour is planned for April 2, 2019 after the Board of Appeals and Equalization Meeting, weather permitting. The Clerk will post a notice.

RE: Election Changes from County – The Board will bring the issue up at the Annual Meeting and Dave Walz, from Stearns County, will come to the April 2, 2019 meeting to explain things further. The Clerk will publish and post the meeting.

RE: Gravel, Blading and Dustcoating – Supervisors will check into quotes and present them at the May meeting.

Board members were reminded of the Township Workshop on March 26, 2019, the Board of Appeals and Equalization Meeting on April 2, 2019 and the Weed Meeting on April 3, 2019.

RE: Township Election and Annual Meeting – The Clerk stated that all was in order.

Minutes 3.5.19 page 2

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6772       Daniel Stommes                               supervisor wages                                             $             357.86

6773       Jason Willenbring                             supervisor wages                                                             484.84

6774       Star Publications                               newspaper ads                                                                 123.26

6775       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric bill                                                        65.08

6776       Judy Bruemmer                               postage,supplies,computer, mileage                             179.54

6777       City of St. Martin                              fire protection                                                                8,175.57

6778       Judy Bruemmer                                clerk wages                                                                       845.00

6779       Dewey Klaphake                              zoning adm. wages                                                            110.82

6780       Dave Robertson                                reimb. mileage                                                                  18.48

6781       Dave Robertson                                 supervisor wages                                                             346.31

6782       Duane Janssen                                  treasurer wages                                                               595.66

6783       SunnyBrook Ent. Inc.                      snowplowing, guarantee                                           12,295.00

Total         $                  23,597.42

Year-to-date Total              $                       77,955.71

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

Farming Township Meetings – April 7, 2020

Farming Township Meetings – April 7, 2020

Board of Appeal and Equalization – 10:30 am to 11:00 am

This concerns the value and classification that affects the 2021 property taxes.

Road Tour – immediately following the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting – approximately 11:05 am – Weather Permitting. If you have any concerns, please contact one of the Supervisors or attend a Board Meeting.

Township Board Meeting – 8:00 pm

 

Unapproved Annual Meeting Minutes 3.12.19

The Annual Meeting in the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the Farming Community Center on the 12th day of March 2019. 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. Walter Buerman made a motion to nominate Neil Franz, Duane Klaphake seconded. Neil Franz accepted the nomination. All in favor, motion carried. Duane Janssen made a motion to close nominations, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Neil Franz was declared the moderator.

The minutes of the 2018 Annual Meeting were read by Clerk Judy Bruemmer. Duane Klaphake made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Victor Kotten seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Discussion was held. Walter Buerman made a motion to accept the report as printed, John Blenker seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Klaphake made a motion to continue with Trappers Pub and Grub, Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Farming Community Center and the Township Website as posting places, John Linn seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Tony Legatt made a motion to have the Albany Enterprise as the official newspaper for publishing legal notices, Tom Winkels seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Klaphake made a motion to have the polling times from 2 pm to 8 pm in the Farming Community Center for the Township Election, Dale Lange seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Victor Kotten made a motion that the next Annual Meeting be held in the Farming Community Center at 8:30 pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, John Blenker seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Dale Lange made a motion that the monthly Board Meetings be held on the first Tuesday of the month at 8 pm, John Linn seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Klaphake made a motion to hire a ditch cutter to cut ditches twice a year, Tom Winkels seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Board of Canvass was held immediately following the election. The results were: For Supervisor – Dave Robertson 25 votes, Neil Franz 1 vote, John Blenker 1 vote. Dave Robertson was declared the winner. For Treasurer – Duane Janssen 28 votes. Duane Janssen was declared the winner.

John Linn made a motion to destroy the 2017 ballots, Walter Buerman seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The proposed General Fund Levy of $88,000 was presented. Discussion was held. Dale Lange made a motion to set the General fund Levy at $88,000, Duane Klaphake seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The proposed Road and Bridge Levy of $122,500 was presented. Discussion was held. Duane Klaphake made a motion to set the Road and Bridge Levy at $122,500, Dale Lange seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Tarring Fund Levy came up for discussion. After a lengthy question and answer session concerning tarring plans, costs, maintenance, etc. Victor Kotten made a motion to set the Tarring Fund Levy at $200,000, Don Brinkman seconded. A voice vote was not able to tell the number for or against. A hand vote was taken. Ten residents were in favor of the Levy, eight were against. The motion passed. The Tarring Fund Levy was set at $200,000.

New Business – the Township was informed that there will be a change in the Election Procedures with the County. We will no longer have paper rosters and will have to decide on either an E Poll Book system or a Mail Ballot system. Discussion concerning the options was held. The residents were informed that a representative from the County will be at the April Board Meeting to better inform the Board and the public on the options. As always the meetings are open to the public. The Clerk will post and publish notice of the meeting.

Twenty residents were present at the meeting.

At 9:37 pm, Tony Legatt made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Walter Buerman seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Minutes taken by Judy Bruemmer, Farming Township Clerk

Cookies from the Stearns Bank were served following the meeting.

 

Official Minutes 2.5.19

The February Monthly Board Meeting of the Farming Township Board 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, Leo Gerads and Bob Backes.

The January 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 $342,736.23 in checking.

RE: Backes Plat – Bob Backes presented a preliminary plat for a 4.6 acre area west of Hedgewood Road. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve the preliminary plat, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Midco Permit – Midco had contacted the Township concerning installation of communication cables along 260th Street East and Manana Road. They needed a signed utility permit. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to sign the permit, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: County Election Meeting – The County has requested our presence at a meeting to discuss election procedures for the remaining precincts using paper rosters. They will not be available in 2020 and our choice will be either E-poll books or mail ballot elections. The meetings will be held in February. The Clerk and one Supervisor will attend.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6765       Judy Bruemmer                                 election meals Nov 2018                               $                68.30

6766       MATIT                                                   Insurance                                                                         1,445.00

6767       COL Fire & Rescue Dist.                    Qtr 1 fire protection                                                        1.093.01

6768       Farming Comm. Ctr.                        annual rent                                                                         2,700.00

6769       Couri & Ruppe PLLP                        lawyer fees                                                                             47.50

6770       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric bill                                                              65.08

6771       Sunny Brook Ent. Inc.                     snowplowing                                                                     4,800.00

Total      $         10,218.89

Year-to-date Total           $         54,358.29

At 8:45 pm Dan Stommes 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.

Unofficial Minutes of the Board of Audit Meeting 2.5.19

Dave Robertson called the Board of Audit Meeting to order at 8:46 pm. The Clerk and Treasurer had met on Friday, January 18, 2019 to reconcile their records. The Board reviewed the information presented. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the report as presented, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

At 9:12 pm, Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the Board of Audit Meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Unofficial Minutes of the Budget Meeting 2.5.19

Dave Robertson called the Budget Meeting to order at 9:13 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 accept the proposal amount, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

At 9:40 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the Budget Meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The February Monthly Meeting was called back to order by Dave Robertson at 9:41 pm.

RE: Platting Resolution – Stearns County had drafted a resolution changing the process for approving minor and major plats. The resolution was reviewed by the Board and the Zoning Administrator. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the resolution, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Township Election – The Clerk reported that all was in order. Judges will be Judy Bruemmer, Mary Lou Salzl and Diane Brinkman. Mary Lou Salzl and Judy Bruemmer will serve on the Absentee Ballot Board. Jason Willenbring made a motion to set March 26, 2019 as the third alternate date in case of inclement weather, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Board of Equalization – Dan Stommes presented his Certificate of Training for the Board of Equalization which will expire on July 1, 2022.

At 10:00 pm, Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 1.8.19

The January monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dave Robertson at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. No other people were present.

The December 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 year-end financial report with a checking account balance of $387,216.21 with $340.58 in outstanding checks for the year.

RE: 307th Street – Dan Stommes and Dave Robertson reported that putting up a sign for 307th Street would not make the Township responsible for the road per their inquiries with the County Commissioner and the Township Association lawyer. Jason Willenbring made a motion to install the sign, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried. The Clerk will order the sign and it will be put up as soon as weather permits.

RE: Board of Audit and Budget Meeting – Discussion was held. The meetings will be held on the same evening as the February monthly board meeting.

RE: COL Budget Meeting Update – Jason Willenbring gave a report on the Fire District. All is going well. No major changes in billing for the Township.

RE: Board of Equalization – Supervisors were reminded about getting certified for the Board of Equalization.

RE: Election – The Clerk reminded Board that filing time ends January 15th. Judges are being contacted.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6756       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric bill                                         $               65.08

6757       Sunny Brook Ent. Inc.                     snowplowing                                                                  4,585.00

6758       Midwest Asphalt LLC                      crackfilling/patch                                                         15,600.00

6759       Collegeville Township                    Kriegle Lake Road repair                                          15,000.00

6760       Stearns County Aud. Treas.         elelction equipment rental                                       1,500.00

6761       Star Publications                               newspaper ads                                                                    47.58

6762       Wakefield Township                       COL debt                                                                          5,834.84

6763       Stearns Cty Assn of Twp                               county/state dues                                                        1,086.72

6764       US Treasury                                        medicare/social security                                               420.18

Total                                      $         44,139.40

Year-to-date Total           $         44,139.40

At 9:00 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 12.4.18

The December monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board 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 Marlene Statz.

The November 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 $342,083.93 in checking.

RE: Lion’s Gambling License – Marlene Statz presented an application for approval of a gambling permit for the Lion’s Club spring raffle. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: 307th St. Fire – Dan Stommes reported that the Albany Fire Department contacted him concerning the lack of a street sign on 307th Street. Discussion was held. As 307th is not a township road, Dan Stommes will contact the county as to our responsibilities regarding the sign and Dave Robertson will contact the Township Association attorney about it and any assumed responsibilities if we put up a sign.

RE: Crackfilling – Dan Stommes stated that the patches on 223rd were done and as much crackfilling was done as possible.

RE: Polling Place Resolution #1218 – Dan Stommes made a motion to designate the Farming Community Center as the official polling place for Farming Township elections, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: January Meeting – Due to the New Year’s holiday it was decided to change the January meeting to Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at the usual time and place. The Clerk will publish and post the notice.

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

RE: COL Budget Meeting – A reminder was given that the COL Budget Meeting will be held on December 10, 2018. The Clerk will post the notice.

RE: Board of Equalization – The Clerk reminded the Supervisors that should Dave Robertson not run for re-election or should not win that we would not have anyone on the Board qualified for the Board of Equalization. The Supervisors will check on available training.

RE: Township Election – The Clerk noted that Affidavits for Candidacy for the March Township Election can be filed from January 1, 2019 to 5 pm on January 15, 2019 for the positions of Supervisor and Treasurer.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6742       Dave Robertson                               supervisor wages                             $               323.22

6743       Dewey Klaphake                              zoning adm. wages                                            183.55

6744       Dewey Klaphake                              re-imb. permits/mileage                                   84.64

6745       Daniel Stommes                              supervisor wages                                                311.68

6746       Jason Willenbring                             supervisor wages                                             415.58

6747       Dave Robertson                                reimb. mileage                                                     17.36

6748       MATIT                                                 workman’s comp ins.                                     283.00

6749       City of St. Martin                             ½ 2018 fire protection                                    5701.37

6750       Judy Bruemmer                                 clerk wages                                                        845.00

6751       Judy Bruemmer                                  election judge                                                      87.50

6752       Judy Bruemmer                                    re-imb. computer/mileage                          106.60

6753       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric bill                                            65.08

6754       Duane Janssen                                  treasurer wages                                                   457.13

6755       Farming Township                           combine tarring fund CD’s                        295,815.87

Total                      $ 304,697.58

Year-to-date Total         $ 655,080.49

At 8:55 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

 

***Year-end audit shows 49.00 error in November list of warrants total. End of Year total for warrants should be $655,031.49. ***

Official Minutes 11.8.18

The November monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board 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 John Blenker.

The October 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 $351,197.89 in checking.

RE: Tarring Fund CDs – Duane Janssen reported that several CDs were coming due in December. He asked if the Board wanted to combine the CDs in order to receive more interest. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to combine the CDs, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Snowplowing Quotes – Only one quote was received by phone call – from Sunny Brook Enterprises Inc. He stated that the prices and guarantees would be the same as last year. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the quote from Sunny Brook Enterprises, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. (Last year’s quote was for $110/hr, $90/yd for salt and sand, $5/hr increase if fuel over $4/gal, and guarantee for $700 for the months of December, January, February and March)

RE: Crackfilling – Dan Stommes reported that some crackfilling was finished but that the rainy weather has caused problems. He will contact the contractor to check on the progress.

Fifth Lake Road Culvert – Dale Lange reported that the culvert has been repaired.

Kriegle Lake Road – It was reported that the inspection is finished and Collegeville Township will be sending an invoice for Farming Townships share.

RE: District Township Meeting – Dave Robertson attended the meeting and gave a short report.

RE: Albany School Board Meeting – Dan Stommes attended the meeting and gave a short report.

RE: General Election – Judy Bruemmer stated that all went well at the election. 405 voters voted in the precinct and 28 voters voted absentee ballots.

RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake gave a short report.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6730       Diane Brinkman                                                election judge                                                   $               87.50

6731       Linda Theisen                                    election judge                                                                      96.88

6732       Albany Post Office                           stamps                                                                                    49.00

6733       Grace Orbeck                                    election judge                                                                      90.63

6734       Stearns Electric                                 monthly electric bill                                                            65.08

6735       Joyce Wimmer                                  election judge                                                                   181.16

6736       Mary Lou Salzl                                   election judge                                                                   103.13

6737       Jack Wimmer                                     election judge                                                                      87.50

6738       Victor Kotten                                     election judge                                                                      96.88

6739       Lange Trenching                               road rpr 3175/blading 3892.24                                 7,067.24

6740       Star Publications                               newspaper ads                                                                      32.94

6741       COL Fire & Rescue Dist.                 Qtr 4 2018 fire protection                                             1,156.02

Total                                      $          9,162.96

Year-to date Total                            $       350,382.91

 

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

Official Minutes 10.2.18

The October 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 John Blenker.

The September 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 $346,714.25 in the checking account.

RE: Kriegle Lake Road – Dale Lange stated that work is finished and final inspection will be done this week.

RE: Crackfilling – Dan Stommes reported that it is still scheduled for October.

RE: Culvert Issues – The Clear Lake culvert has been taken care of. Discussion was held concerning the 5th Lake Road South culvert. Lange Trenching will repair it.

RE: Snowplowing Quotes – Snowplowing quotes will be opened at the November meeting. Supervisors will check with contractors for quotes.

RE: General Election – Judy Bruemmer reported that there will be a special head judge meeting regarding the Primary Election. Judges will be scheduled.

RE: November Board Meeting – The Board was reminded that the meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, November 8, 2018 because of the General Election. The Clerk with publish and post a notice.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6726    Stearns Electric                       monthly electric bill                            $               65.08

6727    Joyce Wimmer                        election judge                                                    119.50

6728    US Treasury                             medicare/soc. security                                   460.90

6729    Lange Trenching                     road repair 497.00/blading 1935.02             2,432.02

Total                $         3,077.50

Year-to-date Total                  $     341,219.95

At 8:55 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

General Election

 Township Election/Annual Meeting – March 12, 2019

The results were:

For Supervisor:  Dave Robertson 25 votes, Neil Franz 1 vote, John Blenker 1 vote

For Treasurer: Duane Janssen 28 votes

There were 28 voters in the election.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION

 

To the Electors of the Township of
Farming in the County of Stearns, Minnesota:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN;

That a General Election will be held in all the Election Precincts of the above named Township at:

Farming Community Center
23801 County Rd 42
Richmond, MN 56368

The General Election in said precinct, on November 6, 2018, at which the polls will be open from the hour of 7:00 a.m. to the hour of 8:00 p.m., will be held for the purpose of electing the following officers:

 

FEDERAL OFFICES


Two US Senators
One House of Representatives, District 7         

STATE EXECUTIVE OFFICES


One Governor & Lt Governor
One Attorney General
One Auditor
One Secretary of State
One House of Representatives, 12B

COUNTY OFFICES


One Commissioner, District 5
One Attorney
One Auditor-Treasurer
One Sheriff
One Soil & Water Conservation Supervisor, District 1
One Soil & Water Conservation Supervisor, District 5   

 

Dated: 10/19/2018