Official Minutes 9.6.16

The September monthly board meeting of Farming Township was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Matt Schmitz, Brian Brix, Dale Lange and Nick Salzer.
The August minutes were read. One correction was made: the wages for the Albany firemen was $11.00 per hour. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report stating the checking account balance was $290,833.12.
RE: Clear Lake/300th St. Culverts – It was reported that repair work was done on the culverts. It was also noted that a culvert on 218th St. needs to be cleaned out. This will be taken care of.
RE: Kriegle Lake Road – Vernon Willenbring reported that repair on the road will not be done this year and Collegeville Township will contact us again before the work is done.
RE: Road Spraying – Matt Schmitz reported that some areas were missed during road spraying.
RE: Marshfield Circle – Nick Salzer stated that the recent rains have caused problems along his property. Discussion was held. The Board asked Lange Trenching to check on the problem and repair it if necessary.
RE: Albany School Board Meeting – Dan Stommes reported that things are going well with the new construction. Student count is up. Construction costs are running below estimates at this time.
RE: District Township Meeting – The Supervisors attended the meeting on August 18, 2016. Dave Robertson won a copy of the Manual on Town Government and gave it to the Board.
RE: County Road 117 – Discussion was held concerning the Chip Seal that was done on the road and its current condition.
RE: Old Computer – The Clerk asked the Board for permission to get rid of the old computer that was given to the Township by the County many years ago. It is outdated and current accounting programs, etc cannot be used on it. The Board told the Clerk to get rid of it as she saw fit.
RE: Zoning/Road Spreadsheet – Dewey Klaphake gave a short zoning report and distributed copies of the updated Road Spreadsheet. He will continue to update it as he receives the information. The Board thanked him for his work.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6475 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 311.68
6476 Daniel Stommes reimburse – mileage 36.96
6477 Dave Robertson supervisor wages 439.82
6478 Dave Robertson reimburse – mileage 35.28
6479 Math Schmitz road ditch cutting 2315.00
6480 Lange Trenching blading/culvert repair 5260.86
6481 COL Fire District Qtr 3 fire protection 1243.09
6482 Vernon Willenbring reimburse – election meals 60.39
6483 Victor Kotten election judge 137.70
6484 Mary Lou Salzl election judge 140.50
6485 Judy Bruemmer reimburse – mileage/computer 209.20
6486 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 803.44
6487 Joyce Wimmer election judge 227.88
6488 Linda Theisen election judge 112.50
6489 Jack Wimmer election judge 112.50
6490 Judy Bruemmer election judge 115.63
6491 Vernon Willenbring election judge 116.62
6492 Dave Robertson election judge 87.50
6493 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6494 Dewey Klaphake reimburse – mileage 38.72
6495 Dewey Klaphake zoning administrator/website wages 657.99
6496 Vernon Willenbring supervisor wages 443.28
6497 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 429.43
Total $13,400.90
Year-to-date Total $221,549.79
At 9:00 pm, Vernon Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 8.2.16
The August monthly board meeting of Farming Township 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, John Blenker and Mike Schleper.
The July minutes were read. There was one correction: CentraSota of St. Martin sprayed road ditches not St. Martin Coop. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
A financial report was given by Duane Janssen stating that the checking account balance was $294,139.56.
RE: Clear Lake Road Culvert – Discussion was held regarding the Clear Lake Road culvert and the repairs needed. Dave Robertson made a motion to have Lange Trenching repair the culvert, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Road Shoulders – Road shoulders will be checked next spring to see if any repairs are needed.
RE: Kriegle Lake Road – Vernon Willenbring stated that the road needed repair and Collegeville Township asked Farming Township to help pay. Vernon Willenbring will check with them again to see what repairs are needed.
RE: Road Spreadsheet – Discussion was held concerning the spreadsheet Dewey Klaphake had drawn up concerning work/repairs/gravel, etc that had been done on Township Roads in previous years. Dave Robertson made a motion to have him update the spreadsheet and to keep it current, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Road Camera – Discussion was held on the information concerning the cost and need for a road camera. It was decided to put the issue on hold.
RE: Weed Inspection – Supervisors reported that weed inspection was finished and any issues that needed attention were taken care of.
RE: Albany Fire Dept – Dan Stommes reported on the Albany Fire Department Meeting. He stated that the wages for calls was raised to $11 per hour and a new water tanker will be purchased and the old one will be sold.
RE: Tar Repairs – The Supervisors will check into any tar road repairs that are needed and report back at the September monthly meeting.
RE: Clear Lake Road Repairs – The Supervisors will check into any repairs needed on Clear Lake Road and report back at the September monthly meeting.
RE: Tax Exempt Purchase – Mike Schleper, from the Farming Athletic Association, requested that Farming Township allow them to use the Township Tax Exempt status to help them purchase lighting for the baseball field. The Board informed him that Townships are not allowed to pass that exemption on to third parties according to the MN Township Association.
RE: District 5 Township Meeting – Any members of the Board wishing to attend the District 5 Meeting in Willmar on August 18, 2016 should meet at Trappers Pub and Grub to ride share.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6469 Lange Trenching blading $1793.00
6470 Star Publications newspaper ads 32.00
6471 VOID
6472 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6473 CentraSota Coop of St. Martin spray road ditches 2247.37
6474 Munson Township repair to 260th West 2832.50
Total $ 6,969.80
Year-to-date Total $ 208,148.89
At 9:32 pm, Vernon Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

icThe July monthly meeting of Farming Township was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. Present were Vernon Willenbring, Dave Robertson, Judy Bruemmer and Duane Janssen. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Owen Braegelmannn, Chris Hopfer, Matt Schmitz, Dale Lange and John Blenker. Dan Stommes was absent.
The June minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report stating that the checking account balance was $411,841.57.
RE: Tarring Fund – Vernon Willenbring made a motion to transfer $50,000.00 into a CD at Stearns Bank for the tarring fund, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: One Day Gambling License – Mr. Braegelmann and Mr. Hopfer presented an application for a one day gambling license from the Rich Spring Ducks Unlimited to be held on August 25, 2016 at Trappers Pub and Grub. Discussion was held. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to sign the application for the one day gambling license, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Kriegle Lake Road – Vernon Willenbring reported that Kriegle Lake Road needed tar repair and that Farming Township was asked to help pay for their part of the road. It was decided to table it until the August meeting.
RE: Road Work – It was reported that Class 2 work was done, dustcoating was completed, ditch cutting was done, weed spraying will be done by CentraSota Coop of St. Martin and weed inspection is on-going.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake reported there were complaints of Barker burning materials on his property. Dewey spoke to Barker and the problem should be taken care of.
RE: Summer Short Course – Clerk Judy Bruemmer gave a short report on the Summer Short Course and gave the Suprvisors a book from the DOT concerning care of gravel roads.
RE: Road Camera – John Blenker presented information on the road camera, types, costs, etc. Discussion was held. It was decided to table any more discussion until the August meeting. The Board thanked Mr. Blenker for his information.
RE: Clear Lake Road Culvert – Discussion was held concerning the culvert on Clear Lake Road near Norb Jost. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to check into the matter and repair it if necessary, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6460 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6461 Albany Post Office stamps 47.00
6462 Lange Trenching blading, Class 2, tractor & loader work 24,570.50
6463 Stearns Cty Auditor assessing fees 6975.00
6464 US Treasury medicare/social security 693.20
6465 Wakefied Twp COL debt ret. and interest/fees 5649.38
6466 Math Schmitz road ditch cutting 1248.00
6467 Cent. MN Dust Control dustcoating 28,154.00
6468 Stearns Bank transfer to CD for tarring fund 50,000.00
Total $ 117,402.01
Year-to-date Total $ 201,179.09
At 9:15 pm, Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
ial Minutes 7.5.16

Official Minutes 6.7.16

The June monthly meeting of Farming Township 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, John Blenker and Matt Schmitz.

The May minutes were read. One correction was made in the May 3, 2016 minutes: change “bituminous overlay” to “chip seal”. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried. One correction was made in the May 17, 2016 extended meeting: change c.yd. in the quotes to “ton”. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Janssen gave a financial report stating that the checking account balance is $252,132.55.

RE: Class 2/Dustcoating – It was reported that Class 2 and Dustcoating applications would begin by the end of the week, weather permitting.

RE: Ditch Cutting – Only one quote was received for ditch cutting. It was received from Schmitz Mowing Service for $60/hr plus fuel, using a 70 hp tractor with an 8 ft disc mower. Discussion was held. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to accept the bid from Schmitz Mowing Service, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Mr. Schmitz reported that there were large areas of thistles, especially along 280^th and 223^rd that needed spraying. Supervisors will check into it.

RE: Weed Inspection – Supervisors reported that they will begin weed inspection with each taking 1/3 of the Township.

RE: Legal Seminar – Dave Robertson gave a report on the Township Legal Seminar he attended. He said it was excellent and well attended. Two points he brought up were that transferring monies from one fund to another can only be done by a unanimous decision of the Board and that tarring decisions are made by the Board.

RE: Website – Dewey Klaphake reported that moving the website is a ‘work in progress’ and should be done by the end of July.

RE: General Election – The Clerk presented the list of election judges and head judges. Election judges are Linda Theisen, Jack Wimmer, Mary Lou Salzl, Vernon Willenbring, Dave Robertson and Victor Kotten. Head judges are Joyce Wimmer and Judy Bruemmer. All judges have been scheduled for training. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to approve the list of election judges and head judges, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

RE: Summer Short Course – A reminder was made concerning the Township Summer Short Course. Judy Bruemmer plans on attending.

The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:

6442       Stearns Electric monthly electric bill                                $              64.93

6443       MN Assn of Twp   workshop fee/Judy                                            50.00

6444       COL Fire District   Qtr 2 fire protection                                          1243.09

6445       Void

6446       Lange Trenching  blading                                                                   2260.50

6447       Dewey Klaphake  re-imb. fees/mileage/website                          357.23

6448       Dave Robertson   supervisor wages                                                664.34

6449       Dave Robertson   re-imb. mileage/wkshop fee                           214.52

6450       Wm. Scepaniak Inc.  class 5 on twp. roads                                     29535.27

6451       Vernon Willenbring  supervisor wages                                            918.88

6452       Vernon Willenbring  re-imb. wkshop fee/mileage/meals           122.15

6453       Dewey Klaphake  zoning adm. wages/website                               370.55

6454       Daniel Stommes   supervisor wages                                                664.92

6455       Daniel Stommes   reimb. mileage/wkshop fee                              239.96

6456       Judy Bruemmer    clerk wages                                                          969.67

6457       Judy Bruemmer    reimb. wkshop fee/mileage/computer           175.02

6458       Duane Janssen      reimb. wkshop fee                                              50.00

6459       Duane Janssen      treasurer wages                                                  595.66

Total       $                              38,496.69

Year-to-date Total      $                              83,777.08

Vernon Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 pm, Dave Robertson seconded.

All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 5.17.16
The extended May Board Meeting was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm. Present were Dan Stommes, Vernon Willenbring, Dave Robertson and Duane Janssen. Also present were Dale Lange, and Brian Brix.
RE: Crushed Granite Quotes – Two Quotes were received. One from Lange Trenching for $18.50/ton for hauling, blading and water packing. Another from Scepaniak, Inc. for $21.40/ton for Class 2 granite and $15.25/ton for Class 1 Granite which included loading, hauling and placement of material. Discussion was held. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to accept the bid from Lange Trenching for $18.50/c.yd, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Dustcoating – Central MN Dust Control stated that the price for dustcoating would be the same as last year. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to use Central MN Dust Control for dustcoating, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: 317th Street – Discussion was held concerning the road. No decisions were made.
At 8:40 pm, Vernon Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Minutes taken by Dan Stommes

Official Minutes 5.3.16
The May Board Meeting was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Brian Brix, John Blenker and Dale Lange.
The April minutes were read. Vernon 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 stating that the checking balance was $255,223.82.
RE: Blading Quotes – Only one quote was received for blading. Lange Trenching submitted a quote of $44.00/mile. Discussion was held. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the bid of $44.00/mile, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Chip Seal – Dale Lange presented information concerning Chip Seal as an option to tarring. He also submitted estimates from Knife River and Astech to show cost of overlay. Discussion was held. The County is currently planning on using the overlay on County Road 117. Supervisors decided to watch how the overlay works on that road.
RE: Website – Dewey Klaphake presented information on the new domain and website. GoDaddy will host the site. They need credit card payment. Mr. Klaphake agreed to pay the fee which will be reimbursed by Farming Township. Dave Robertson made a motion to have Mr. Klaphake pay the fee and the Township will reimburse him for it, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Dustcoating – Supervisors decided which roads would be dustcoated. The clerk will post a notice to Township landowners stating that any request for dustcoating of roads along their property should be given to the Supervisors before May 17, 2016. Supervisors will check for dustcoating quotes.
RE: 288th East – Brian Brix was present to request a cost-share for work he had done along 288th Street East as it costed him more than he had anticipated. Supervisors stated that he had asked to be allowed to do the work along the road and requesting a cost-share after the fact was not acceptable. The Board decided they would not pay for any of the work done. (Noted: Dave Robertson abstained from the decision because of his relationship with Mr. Brix.)
RE: 317th – Dale Lange and John Blenker were present to find out if there was any way to get 317th improved or tarred. They argued that the tarring resolution stated that it could be done if the property owners would pay half. Discussion was held. It was noted that the road would need some work before tarring could be done and it was not known about the interpretation of the tarring resolution. Some checking would have to be done concerning the condition of the road and the resolution.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6439 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 64.93
6440 Lange Trenching blading 2440.28
6441 Stearns Cty Aud/Treas election costs/maintenance 585.06
Total $ 3,090.27
Year-to-Date Total $ 45,280.39
At 10:05 pm, Vernon Willenbring made a motion to extend the May Board Meeting to Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 8:00 pm for the purpose of making final decisions on dustcoating, receiving quotes for crushed granite, and to discuss options for 317th Street, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 4.5.16
Dan Stommes called the April Board Meeting to order at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Dale Lange, Brian Brix, John Mergen and Patti Zimmerman.
The March minutes were read. Vernon 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 stating that there was $258,712.70 in checking.
RE: Road Tour – Patti Zimmerman had some questions regarding Road Tour. Discussion was held.
RE: Mergen Driveway – John Mergen was present with questions about his driveway and the need for an area for the school bus to turn around. Discussion was held. The Board stated that they had no say about where the bus would turn around and the Township does not take care of resident’s driveways.
RE: Tarring Policy – Dale Lange stated that he and the other residents on their Township road are looking for improvements and/or possible tarring. He was inquiring what their options are. Discussion was held. No decisions were made.
RE: Zoning – Discussion was held concerning raising the fee for a driveway permit to $30 since the old $20 fee does not cover the costs of inspection and issuing the permit. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to raise the fee to $30, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Dewey Klaphake presented the new Driveway Permit Fee Form.
RE: Gravel Quotes – Two Class 5 gravel quotes were received. One from Scepaniak for $8.15 c/yd and one from Kotzer for $9.55 c/yd. Supervisors noted that the contractors had been notified that the Class 5 gravel must meet their specs and they must have a Certificate of Insurance on file. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the quote from Scepaniak with proof of insurance, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Roger Mergen – As a result of the inspection of Mahogany Road during Road Tour it was decided to return Roger Mergen’s damage deposit check. Dan Stommes will return it to him.
RE: Trappers Pub and Grub – A request was received for a County On/Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License. Discussion was held. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to approve the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: COL Fire District – Vernon Willenbring gave a short report on the Fire District. All is going well and they are in the process of setting up their Relief Association Fund.
RE: Blading Quotes – It was decided to open blading quotes at the May meeting. Supervisors will contact blading contractors for quotes.
RE: Road Tour – The results of the Road Tour were reviewed and decisions were made about where graveling, etc should be done.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6430 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 64.93
6431 Victor Kotten election judge/moderator 137.50
6432 Linda Theisen election judge 100.00
6433 Joyce Wimmer election judge 100.00
6434 Lange Trenching blading 1924.27
6435 Town Officers Assn. spouse dinner 10.00
6436 Star Publications newspaper ads 163.54
6437 Sunny Brook Ent Inc snowplowing guarantee 600.00
6438 US Treasury medicare/social security 360.32
Total $ 3,460.56
Year-to-date Total $ 42,190.12
At 9:37 pm, Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Farming Township ReOrganization Meeting 3.17.16
Clerk Judy Bruemmer called the ReOrganization Meeting to order at 8:00 pm. Present were Judy Bruemmer, Vernon Willenbring, Dan Stommes, Duane Janssen, Dewey Klaphake and Dave Robertson. The flag pledge was said.
Judy Bruemmer and Dave Robertson received their Certificate of Election and took their Oath of Office.
Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations for Board Chairperson. Vernon Willenbring nominated Dan Stommes, Dave Robertson seconded. Dan Stommes accepted the nomination. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to close nominations, Dave Robertson seconded. Motion carried. Dan Stommes was named Board Chairperson.
Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations for Board Vice-chairperson. Dave Robertson nominated Vernon Willenbring, Dan Stommes seconded. Vernon Willenbring accepted the nomination. Dan Stommes made a motion to close nominations, Dave Robertson seconded. Motion carried. Vernon Willenbring was named Board Vice-chairperson.
RE: Zoning Board – Vernon Willenbring made a motion that the meeting per diem for zoning board members be raised to $50 with only the administrator attending the monthly meetings and the rest of the Board meeting as needed, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Board Members – Discussion was held. Dave Robertson made a motion to leave the meeting per diem for all elected Board members at $60, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Hourly Wage – Vernon Willenbring made a motion to keep the hourly wage at $12.50, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Supervisor’s Hourly Wage:
Dan Stommes made a motion to pay Dave Robertson $12.50 an hour for work other than regular supervisor duties, Vernon Willenbring seconded. Motion carried.
Dan Stommes made a motion to pay Vernon Willenbring $12.50 an hour for work other than regular supervisor duties, Dave Robertson seconded. Motion carried.
Vernon Willenbring made a motion to pay Dan Stommes $12.50 an hour for work other than regular supervisor duties, Dave Robertson seconded. Motion carried.
RE: Mileage Rate – Dave Robertson made a motion to keep the mileage rate at 56 cents per mile, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Treasurer’s Monthly Wage – Vernon Willenbring made a motion to leave the Treasurer’s monthly wage at $75, Dave Robertson seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Clerk’s Monthly Wage – Dave Robertson made a motion to leave the Clerk’s monthly wage at $150, with a $10 monthly reimbursement for computer time, which would be reviewed should computer rates increase, Vernon Willenbring seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Zoning Permit Inspection Fee – Discussion was held on permit fees and inspection fees. It was decided to table the subject until the April meeting.
RE: Fee for Tractor and Equipment – Vernon Willenbring made a motion for the Supervisor’s to negotiate each case with the owner, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
At 8:35 pm, Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.