The October monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. All members were present. Also present were Dale Lange and John Blenker.
The September minutes were read. One correction was made – check numbers 6607 and 6608 were inverted. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $253,348.32 in the checking account.
RE: Blading Issues – Supervisors reported on issues concerning potholes, etc on several roads. Discussion was held. Recent heavy rains have contributed to the issues and the roads will be checked out.
RE: Voting Booths – The Township will not be receiving the voting booths from another township as they have been destroyed.
RE: Crackfilling – Dan Stommes reported that he has contacted the crackfilling contractor.
RE: Chain of Lakes Fire & Rescue District – Vernon Willenbring gave a short report on the Fire District Meeting. He stated that a new tanker truck, funded by a grant, has been ordered and membership in the District is again at 25 volunteer firemen.
RE: County Election Meeting – Judy Bruemmer reported on the meeting stating that they were presented information on two new voting machines the County was looking at. No decisions had been made yet as they were applying for a grant. The last week in September they were awarded the grant. One option for Townships was to apply for a grant for E-poll Books instead of the regular roster. Discussion was held. Considering that our polling place had no internet access and there was very little trouble handling the voters the Board decided against the E-poll Book at this time.
RE: Snowplowing Quotes – The Supervisors will check for snowplowing quotes which will be opened at the November Board Meeting.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6612 Albany Recycling Center recycle junk from township ditches $ 31.00
6613 Lange Trenching road repair – 223rd Ave 282.00
(total $1640.50) blading 1358.50
6614 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6615 US Treasury social security/medicare 465.32.
Total $ 2,201.75
Year-to-date Total $ 304,817.95
At 8:50 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 9.5.17
The September monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Terry Haust, Dale Lange and Math Schmitz.
The August 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 $264,207.53 in the checking account.
RE: Richmond Rod & Gun Club Gambling Permit – Terry Haust presented an application for a gambling permit for the Rod & Gun Club for a raffle to be held on March 10, 2018 at the Trappers Pub & Grub. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve and sign the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Disaster Emergency Meeting – Vernon Willenbring reported that he had attended the meeting. He stated that he was told our Township was not in eminent danger as we were more than 50 miles away from a nuclear plant.
RE: Crackfilling – Dan Stommes stated that he will contact the contractor and get on the schedule.
RE: District Meeting – Supervisors reported on the District Meeting. The Township received a new Township Law Book. Vernon Willenbring reported that we will be receiving some used election stands from another township as they were updating their election equipment.
RE: Chain of Lakes Fire District – Vernon Willenbring gave a short report on the Fire District Meeting. He stated that they had two resignations and one new hire.
RE: County Election Meeting – Judy Bruemmer stated that she will be attending a meeting concerning new voting machines for the County on Wednesday, September 6, 2017.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6596 Dan Stommes supervisor wages $ 378.63
6597 Dave Robertson reimburse mileage 84.28
6598 Dave Robertson supervisor wages 862.32
6599 M-R Sign Co. Inc. 911 sign 22.01
6600 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6601 Dewey Klaphake zoning administrator wages 57.72
6602 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 637.21
6603 Math Schmitz cutting ditches 2250.00
6604 Chain of Lakes Fire Dist fire protection Qtr 3 1132.45
6605 Dewey Klaphake reimburse – permit fee/mileage 60.08
6606 Star Publications newspaper ads 14.22
6607 Vernon Willenbring supervisor wages 443.28
6608 Judy Bruemmer reimburse-wkshop/mileage/computer 123.00
6609 CentraSota – St. Martin spray road ditches 2702.42
6610 Lange Trenching blading 1721.50
(1799.80) road repair 78.30
6611 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 429.43
Total $ 11,061.78
Year-to-date Total $ 302,616.20
At 9:00 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 8.1.17
The August monthly Board Meeting of Farming Township was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were John Blenker and Dale Lange.
The July 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 $263,410.86 in the checking account.
RE: Blading – It was noted that some complaints were received regarding blading. Discussion was held. It was decided that blading will do no good until we receive some rain, then blading will be done.
RE: Albany School – Dan Stommes reported on the Fifth Monday Board Meeting. The School Board reported that they are about a month behind, mostly because of inability to get enough workers. School will start on September 5 as planned with a temporary set-up. There will be public viewing of the facilities during the August City Celebration.
RE: Chain of Lakes Fire and Rescue – Vernon Willenbring reported he had attended a meeting to discuss some internal turmoil within the department. No decisions were made. He also stated that they had 4 new hires for the department.
RE: District Township Meeting – A reminder was given for the District Meeting to be held in Willmar on August 17, 2017. Those wishing to attend should meet at Trappers Pub and Grub to carpool.
RE: Farming Community Center – Discussion was held concerning the public meeting held on July 12, 2017 regarding the Center. Duane Janssen stated that the Lions would help with donations toward maintenance of the building but they would not take over operation of the building.
RE: Clear Lake Road – It was brought up that there might be a need for some curve signs on Clear Lake Road. Dan Stommes will check the sign inventory and keep an eye on the situation.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6593 Salzl Blue Power Farm Clear Lake Road repair $ 880.00
6594 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6595 M-R Sign Co. Inc. signs 70.90
Total $ 1,015.83
Year-to-date Total $ 291,554.42
At 8:40 pm, Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 7.11.17
The July Monthly Board Meeting of Farming Township was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Math Schmitz, Dale Lange and John Blenker.
The June 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 $317,653.29 in checking.
RE: Ditch Cutting – Math Schmitz reported that ditch cutting went well. He noted that townships should be watching for Wild Parsnip – a very dangerous weed. He also recommended having the ditches sprayed.
RE: Weed Inspection – The Supervisors reported that weed inspection was completed and there were no major issues.
RE: Zoning – Administrator Dewey Klaphake gave a short report on zoning and explained some State Building Code changes.
RE: Ducks Unlimited – Mr. Hopfer from Ducks Unlimited presented an application for a gambling license for their benefit to be held at Trappers Pub and Grub. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Road Issues – a biker reported a hole in 223rd Ave and another resident requested a horse rider sign in order to make drivers aware along Mapleview Road – the hole will be taken care of and a sign will be ordered.
RE: COL Fire District – Vernon Willenbring gave a short report on the Fire District meeting and state that they had 4 new applications for firefighters.
RE: Farming Community Center – Vernon Willenbring reported that he had attended the public meeting concerning future plans for the Community Center. He stated that he was asked if the Township would consider taking it over and said he told them that the Township would not be interested in it. Dan Stommes and Dave Robertson agreed with him.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6587 Star Publications newspaper ads $ 14.22
6588 US Treasury medicare/soc. security 573.78
6589 Math Schmitz ditch cutting 1220.00
6590 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6591 Lange Trenching culvert repair 780.00
(2369.50) blading 1589.50
6592 Farming Township tarring fund CD 50,000.00
Total $ 54,242.43
Year-to-date Total $ 290,538.59
At 9:00 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 6.6.17
The June Monthly Board Meeting of Farming Township was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. Present were Vernon Willenbring, Dan Stommes, Duane Janssen and Judy Bruemmer. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Dale Lange, John Blenker and Tony Legatt. Supervisor Dave Robertson was absent.
TheMay minutes were read. Two corrections were made: to add that accepted Lange bid for Class 2 because of the packing machine used – and that the pit run/fabric quote from Scepaniak was accepted for the Clear Lake Road Repair. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes with the corrections, Vernon Willenbring seconded. Motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report stating that the checking balance was $295,848.57.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake presented a short report on permit activity in the Township for the month.
RE: Dustcoating – It was reported that dustcoating was finished. The Clerk will bill those residents who asked for dustcoating.
RE: Graveling Roads – It was reported that it was finished.
RE: 260th East Repairs – It was reported that repairs needed on 260th East were finished.
RE: Crackfilling – The contractor will be contacted and crackfilling will be done later this year.
RE: Deputy Clerk – Judy Bruemmer stated that she has asked Boni Behnen to be the Deputy Clerk for Farming Township and she accepted. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the appointment of Boni Behnen as Deputy Clerk, Vernon Willenbring seconded. Motion carried. It was decided that she will receive the same wages as the Clerk when performing the Clerk’s duties.
RE: July Board Meeting – Since the meeting falls on July 4th it was decided to hold the July Board Meeting on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. The Clerk will publish and post the notice.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6569 Wm. D. Scepaniak gravel twp rds $ 46,463.40
(93,254.40) Clear Lake Rd repair 46,791.00
6570 Dewey Klaphake permit fees/mileage 97.96
6571 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 1,140.52
6572 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm wages 150.07
6573 Vernon Willenbring supervisor wages 748.03
6574 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 565.64
6575 Vernon Willenbring mileage/wkshop fee 110.48
6576 Duane Janssen workshop fee 50.00
6577 Dan Stommes mileage/wkshop fee/materials 358.70
6578 Stearns County assessing fees 7,156.00
6579 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6580 COL Fire & Rescue Dist. Qtr 2 fire protection 1,132.45
6581 Central MN Dust Control dustcoating 20,650.00
6582 General Rental chainsaw rent 44.77
6583 CentraSota-St. Martin pasture mix seed 240.00
6584 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 858.85
6585 Judy Bruemmer mileage/supplies/computer 201.29
6586 Lange Trenching blade roads 5,467.00
(52,435.78) road repair 260/280/Clear Lake 19,812.78
Class 2 27,156.00
Total $ 179,259.87
Year-to-date Total $ 236,296.16
Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 pm, Vernon Willenbring seconded. Motion carried.
Official Minutes 5.2.17
The May monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Matt Schmitz, Dale Lange, John Blenker and William Scepaniak.
The April minutes were read. One correction was made: repairs to be made at Hilltop Road intersection. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. The minutes of the Board of Equalization Meeting and the Road Tour were also read. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Treasurer gave a financial report stating that the checking account balance was $295,622.92.
RE: Blading Quotes – Only one quote was received. Lange Trenching bid $44.00 per mile. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the bid from Lange Trenching, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Gravel Quotes – Two quotes were received. For Class 5: Scepaniak $8.30 c/yd, Lange $10.83 c/yd. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the quote from Scepaniak, with a gravel sample, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. For Class 2 Scepaniak $18.25/ton, Lange $18.25/ton. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the quote from Lange Trenching because of the packing machine used, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Ditch Cutting – Only one quote was received for ditch cutting. Math Schmitz quote was $60/hr plus fuel. It was noted that he had upped his certificate of insurance to $2 million. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the quote from Schmitz, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried. It was noted ditch cutting would begin around June 19th.
RE: Clear Lake Road Repair – Two quotes were received for the repair. One from Scepaniak and another from Lange Trenching. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the pit run/fabric quote from Scepaniak, Dave Robertson seconded, all in favor, motion carried. After further discussion, Dave Robertson made a motion to shape ditches and replace culverts as needed, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: 260th East – Landowners had been contacted about repairs. Discussion was held. Lange Trenching will do repairs.
RE: Resolution 5217 – Dan Stommes made a motion to enter into a Joint Powers Agreement with the State of MN in an effort to receive 2/3 of the fines recovered by the State of MN for crimes committed in Farming Township, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Trappers Pub and Grub Liquor License – An application for a County On/Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Trappers Pub and Grub was received. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to sign the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Alternate Polling Site – The State of MN requires each precinct to have an alternate polling site listed. After much discussion, it was decided to list Trappers Pub and Grub as it meets the handicapped accessibility rules and could be separated from the bar area. The Clerk with notify the County.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6567 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 64.93
6568 Stearns County election costs 180.26
Total $ 245.19
Year-to-date Total $ 57,036.29
At 10:03 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 4.4.17
The April monthly board meeting of Farming Township was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dan Holthaus, Patti Zimmerman and Dale Lange.
The March minutes were read. One correction was made – an error of 4 cents was made in the amount of the check written to Chain of Lakes – the amount should be $1132.45. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with a balance of $282,389.45 in the checking account.
RE: 260th East – Dan Holthaus was present from Munson Township to discuss repairs to be made on 260th on Hilltop Road intersection. The Board also noted an approach that will need repair to correct water run-off. Discussion was held. The repairs will be checked into. The Board asked Dan Holthaus for advance notice of any major repairs that will be needed on 260th West.
RE: 317th Street – Patti Zimmerman commented on how well the road had survived the winter and asked if it would be considered for dustcoating this year. Discussion was held.
RE: Blading Quotes/Gravel Quotes – Supervisors noted that blading quotes should be by the mile and were requesting more detail in the gravel quotes. Both quotes will be opened at the May monthly meeting.
RE: Spring Workshop – Board members stated that the workshop was interesting. A couple of items of interest were the farm equipment was not exempt from road restrictions and that contractors should have 1.5 million liability on the certificate of insurance.
RE: Dustcoating – Dustcoating will be done again this year. Residents wanting dustcoating should contact the Supervisors. The Clerk with post a notice at the posting places and on the website that requests should be made by May 1, 2017.
RE: Crackfilling – Crackfilling will be done this year on all tar roads as needed.
RE: No Parking Issue – The Board discussed options concerning the No Parking areas in the Township. Dan Holthaus told what there procedures are. No decisions were made.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6560 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 64.93
6561 Mary Lou Salzl election judge 100.00
6562 Jack Wimmer election judge 87.50
6563 Lange Trenching blading 2882.00
6564 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing/guarantee 950.00
6565 Star Publications newspaper ads 39.11
6566 US Treasury social security/medicare 388.06
Total $ 4,511.60
Year-to-date Total $ 56,791.10
At 9:27 pm, Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dustcoating for 2017
Farming Township will again be dustcoating roads in the Township. Residents wishing to have dustcoating along their property are asked to notify one of the Township Supervisors by May 1, 2017.
Judy Bruemmer
Farming Township Clerk
Unapproved Annual Meeting Minutes 3.14.17
The Annual Meeting in the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the Farming Community Center on the 14th day of March 2017. 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, Jack Wimmer seconded. Neil Franz accepted the nomination. All in favor, motion carried. No other nominations for moderator were made. Tony Legatt made a motion to close nominations, John Linn seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Neil Franz was declared the moderator.
The minutes of the 2015 Annual Meeting were read by Neil Franz. Victor Kotten 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. Ken Hamann made a motion to accept the report as printed, Jack Wimmer seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Jack Wimmer made a motion to continue with Trappers Pub and Grub, Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Farming Community Center and the Township Website as posting places, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dale Lange made a motion to have the Albany Enterprise as the official newspaper for publishing legal notices, Ken Hamann seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
John Blenker made a motion to have the Farming Community Center as the official polling place for the Annual Election and for the polling place to be open from 2 pm to 8 pm, Ken Hamann seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
Jack Wimmer made a motion to have the Farming Community Center as the official Annual Town Meeting site with the meeting to start at 8:30 pm on March 13, 2018, John Linn seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Walter Buerman made a motion for the monthly board meetings to be held on the first Tuesday of the month at 8:00 pm in the Farming Township Board Room, Dale Lange seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
Ken Hamann made a motion to allow the Township Board hire someone to mow the road ditches, Duane Janssen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The results of the Annual Election Board of Canvass were reported as follows: For Supervisor – Dan Stommes received 31 votes, Neil Franz received 2 votes and John Zimmerman received one vote. Dan Stommes was declared the winner of the Supervisor position. For Treasurer – Duane Janssen received 32 votes and Ron Backes received 2 votes. Duane Janssen was declared the winner of the Treasurer position. A total of 34 ballots were cast in the Annual Election.
Tony Legatt made a motion to destroy the 2015 Annual Election ballots, John Blenker seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The next item on the agenda was the General Fund Levy. Discussion was held regarding the proposed levy for 2018. Ken Hamann made a motion to set the Levy for the General Fund at $85,500, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Road and Bridge Levy proposed for 2018 was presented. Ron Backes made a motion to set the levy at $125,000, Ken Hamann seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Tarring Fund levy came up for discussion. Ron Backes made a motion to set the Tarring Fund Levy at $100,000 for 2018, Jerry Rausch seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
John Linn made a motion to continue dustcoating roads with the Board deciding which roads to dustcoats and residents wanting additional roads dustcoated along their property paying half, Dale Lange seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Discussions were held concerning the conditions of Clear Lake Road south to County Road 42 and various other roads in the Township. No decisions were made. Supervisors stated that they will check them on Road Tour.
Twenty-two residents were present at the Annual Meeting.
At 9:25 pm, Ken Hamann made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Cookies from Stearns Bank and milk were served following the meeting.
Minutes taken by Judy Bruemmer, Farming Township Clerk
Township Election 2017
Board of Canvass Meeting
3.14.17
The Board of Canvass was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:10 pm.
Present were: Dan Stommes, Judy Bruemmer, Dave Robertson, Vernon Willenbring, Duane Janssen, Jack Wimmer and Mary Lou Salzl.
For the office of Farming Township Supervisor:
Dan Stommes received 31 votes, Neil Franz received 2 votes, John Zimmerman received 1 vote.
Vernon Willenbring made a motion to declare Dan Stommes the winner of the Supervisor position, Dave Robertson seconded. Motion carried.
For the office of Farming Township Treasurer:
Duane Janssen received 32 votes, Ron Backes received 2 votes.
Dave Robertson made a motion to declare Duane Janssen the winner of the Treasurer position, Vernon Willenbring seconded. Motion carried.
At 8:17 pm, Vernon Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.