Farming Township ReOrganization Meeting 3.18.14
Clerk Judy Bruemmer called the Reorganization Meeting to order at 8:05 pm. Present were Judy Bruemmer, Vernon Willenbring, Neil Franz and Daniel Stommes. Also present was Dewey Klaphake. Duane Janssen arrived at 8:10 pm. The flag pledge was said.
Judy Bruemmer and Dan Stommes received their Certificates of Election and took their Oath of Office.
Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations for board chairperson. Neil Franz nominated Dan Stommes, Vernon Willenbring seconded. Dan Stommes accepted the nomination. Neil Franz made a motion to close nominations, Vernon Willenbring seconded. Motion carried. Dan Stommes was named board chairperson.
Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations for board vice-chairperson. Vernon Willenbring nominated Neil Franz, Dan Stommes seconded. Neil Franz accepted the nomination. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to close nominations, Dan Stommes seconded. Motion carried. Neil Franz was named board vice-chairperson.
RE: Zoning Board – Neil Franz made a motion that the meeting per diem for zoning board members be $35, with only the administrator attending monthly meetings and the rest of the board meeting as needed, Vernon Willenbring seconded.
RE: Board Members – Vernon Willenbring made a motion that the meeting per diem for all elected board members remain at $60, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Hourly Wage – Neil Franz made a motion to raise the hourly wage to $12.50, Vernon Willenbring seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Supervisor’s Hourly Wage –
Vernon Willenbring made a motion to pay Neil Franz $12.50 an hour for work other than regular supervisor duties, Dan Stommes seconded. Motion carried.
Dan Stommes made a motion to pay Vernon Willenbring $12.50 an hour for work other than regular supervisor duties, Neil Franz seconded. Motion carried.
Neil Franz made a motion to pay Dan Stommes $12.50 an hour for work other than regular supervisor duties, Vernon Willenbring seconded. Motion carried.
RE: Mileage Rate – Neil Franz made a motion to raise the mileage rate to 56 cents per mile, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Treasurer’s Monthly Wage – Neil Franz made a motion to leave the Treasurer’s monthly wage at $75, Vernon Willenbring seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Clerk’s Monthly Wage – Vernon Willenbring 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, Neil Franz seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Zoning Permit Inspection Fee – Neil Franz made a motion to raise the inspection fee to $25 plus mileage, Vernon Willenbring seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Fee for Tractor and Equipment – Neil Franz made a motion for the Supervisors to negotiate each case with the owner, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
A ‘Thank You’ will be sent to Stearns Bank for the cookies provided at the annual meeting.
At 8:28 pm, Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Unofficial Minutes 3.4.14
The March monthly meeting 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, Brian Brix and Dave Robertson.
The February minutes were read. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
A financial report was given by Duane Janssen stating that the checking account balance was $147,921.75.
RE: Crackfilling – Neil Franz had sent letters with specifications to vendors asking for quotes. He did not receive any replies. Discussion was held regarding specifications and materials. It was decided to research the matter further and extend the meeting to review the results.
RE: Albany Fire Department – Neil Franz reported on the fire department meeting. He presented the agreement papers from the Albany Fire Department. Discussion was held. Neil Franz made a motion to sign the agreement, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake reported that he had contacted the other members of the Zoning Board about having a Special Meeting to present the option to change the setback in R-1 areas from the required 100 feet by Farming Township to the setback required by Stearns County. Discussion was held. It was agreed to have the special meeting on April 1, 2014 before the monthly board meeting. Dewey Klaphake will coordinate with the Clerk to have the meeting notice published and posted.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6173 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages $637.21
6174 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 166.23
6175 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages 64.64
6176 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 374.02
6177 Vernon Willenbring supervisor wages 443.28
6178 Neil Franz supervisor wages 277.05
6179 Dewey Klaphake re-imb/supplies 130.23
6180 City of St. Martin fire protection 5744.46
6181 Star Publications newspaper ads 103.50
6182 COL Fire & Rescue Qtr 1 fire protection 1269.96
6183 City of Albany fire protection 15870.00
6184 Vernon Willenbring election judge 62.50
6185 Judy Bruemmer election judge 152.50
6186 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6187 Judy Bruemmer re-imb/postage/mileage/supplies 274.23
6188 M-R Sign Inc 911 signs 68.64
6189 MATIT insurance 1479.00
Total $27,182.38
Year-to-date Total $51,741.56
At 9:20 pm, Vernon Willenbring made a motion to extend the meeting to Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 8:05 pm to discuss crackfilling and pay the snowplowing bill, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Extended Meeting Minutes 3.11.14
Dan Stommes called the extended meeting to order at 8:05 pm. All members were present. The flag pledge was said.
Neil Franz reported that he had contacted Mike Nelson and Brian Brix in an attempt to get more information regarding crackfilling. He had not received any information. Discussion was held regarding materials, possibly moving it to the fall or doing test areas. Dan Stommes will contact Wm. Scepaniak and Neil Franz will contact Brian Brix for more information to be presented at the April monthly meeting.
The following warrant was examined, verified and ordered paid:
6190 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing $6837.50
Total $6837.50
Year-to-date Total $58,579.06
At 8:15 pm, Vernon Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 2.11.14
The February meeting was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. Also present were: Paul Killmer, Mike Nelson, Leo Gerads, Dale Lange, Craig Bardson, Brian Brix, Dave Robertson, Dean Rausch and Mike Schleper.
The January minutes were read. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried. A financial report was given by Duane Janssen stating that the Township had a balance of $161,510 in checking.
RE: Crackfilling – Mike Nelson from MN Engineering gave a report on crackfilling specs. Discussion was held. It was decided to ask for quotes with material by the pound, using the recommended blow-out specs and using the MN DOT approved materials. Mike will check with Stearns County as to what they use, get the information to Neil Franz, who in turn will send out requests for quotes.
RE: 317th/Marshfield – Paul Killmer was present to ask the Board about the road tarring order, how the priority is set and the possibility of getting bids for roads. Discussion was held. It was decided to discuss the issue further at the Annual Meeting.
RE: Rausch Approach – Dean Rausch was present to request an extension on his driveway approach because of the milk truck’s difficulty getting in. Discussion was held as to who is responsible to extend the driveway and who would pay for it. The Board decided to check it out on Road Tour and then will get back to him.
RE: County On-Sale 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor License for Farming Baseball Club, Inc – Mike Schleper was present to request the Board’s approval of the Liquor License for the period of April 12, 2014 to October 11, 2014. Discussion was held. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to approve the License, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Township Election – Judy Bruemmer stated that all is in order for the election. The Absentee Ballot Board and Election Judges have been appointed.
RE: Albany Fire Department – Neil Franz gave a short report and stated that the next meeting will be on Thursday, February 25, 2014.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6164 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $64.93
6165 Stearns Cty Aud/Treas Election equip. maintenance $452.08
6166 Walter Graham election judge $70.00
6167 Wakefield Township debt ret/interest/clerk fees $5282.03
6168 Star Publications newspaper ads $27.60
6169 MN Engineering prepare crackseal info $225.00
6170 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing $10015.00
6171 Mary Lou Salzl election judge $92.50
6172 Linda Theisen election judge $77.50
Total $16,306.64
Year-to-date Total $24,559.18
At 9:20 pm, Neil Franz made a motion to recess the meeting in order to hold the Board of Audit Meeting and the Budget Meeting, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes Board of Audit Meeting 2.11.14
Dan Stommes called the meeting to order at 9:21 pm. The Board reviewed the information presented by the Clerk and Treasurer. Discussion was held. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to accept the Audit Report, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 pm, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes Budget Meeting 2.11.14
Dan Stommes called the Budget Meeting to order at 9:36 pm. The Board reviewed budget information from previous years and set the Budget to propose to the Township residents at the Annual Meeting.
At 9:49 pm Vernon Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

At 9:50 pm Dan Stommes called the recessed Township Meeting back to order.
Crackfilling was discussed. It was agreed that Neil Franz would assemble information, send requests for quotes from vendors and present the results at the March Board Meeting.
At 9:55 pm Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 1.7.14
The January monthly 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, Leo Gerads, Jerry Rausch, Dave Robertson and Dewey Klaphake.
The December minutes were read. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
A financial report was given by Duane Janssen stating that the Township had a balance of $169,685.44 in checking.
RE: Road Tarring – Dave Robertson and Jerry Rausch made a presentation concerning tarring roads in Farming Township and reasons they believe 280th Street from 223rd Avenus to Clear Lake Road should be one of the roads on the tarring list. Discussion was held. Supervisors stated that right now there is not enough money in the tarring fund to do any tarring and that the subject of which roads to tar should be brought up at the Annual Meeting.
RE: Robertson Complaint – Mr. Robertson stated that there is a problem with the approach to his property and that it causes water to back up by his garage when there is heavy rain. Discussion was held. The Board will look into it and check if something can be done.
RE: Snowplowing – Discussion was held. It was decided to sand the roads in the next day or two as the weather was warming up.
RE: Mergen Fire Bill – Neil Franz stated that he is still working on it and will report back when he has some results.
RE: Crackfilling – Brian Brix asked if the Township had decided to crackfill or not. Discussion was held. Neil Franz stated that he had contacted MN Engineering for information on different kinds of crackfilling materials and had not heard back. The subject was tabled until the February meeting.
RE: Industrial Park – Several people had questioned the Clerk as to what was happening in the Industrial Park along County Road 40. Dan Stommes reported that an approach was improved and that ground was leveled by the property owner. No permits were needed for that work.
RE: February Meeting – The February monthly meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 2014 because February 4 is Precinct Caucus Day and no public meetings can be held after 6:00 pm. It was also decided that the Annual Board of Audit and the Annual Budget Meeting will be held following the February monthly meeting, time permitting.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6156 Farming Community Center annual rent $1650.00
6157 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing 5602.50
6158 COL Fire District fire protection Qtr 4 1056.85
6159 Star Publications newspaper ads 46.90
6160 Albany Post Office stamps 46.00
6161 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6162 US Treasury social sec./medicare 401.62
6163 Stearns Cty Assn of Twps state/county dues 1033.74
Total $8252.54
Year-to-date Total $8252.54
At 9:19 pm, Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 12.3.13
The December monthly meeting 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 and Jason Willenbring.
The November minutes were read. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report stating that the Township had a balance of $90,149.00 as of December 1, 2013.
RE: Mergen Fire Bill – Neil Franz reported that he is still working on it.
RE: Graham & Nett Signs – Supervisors stated they will check on them.
RE: COL Fire District – A form to designate the Township representative was received. Discussion was held. Neil Franz made a motion to appoint Vernon Willenbring as primary representative from the Township and the alternate can be any member of the Board, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Vernon Willenbring reported that COL Fire District is under budget and doing well.
RE: Zoning for Marshfield Circle – Dewey Klaphake reported that he is trying to set up zoning requirements for that area. He will meet with the Zoning Board and then set up a special hearing.
RE: Crackfilling – Discussion was held concerning various products used in crackfilling. It was decided to check on them and discuss the matter at the February meeting.
RE: Special Election for County Commissioner – The special election will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 with polls open from 7 am to 8 pm. Judges will be scheduled from the Township list of election judges.
RE: Township Election – The Township Board Election and Annual Meeting will be held on March 11, 2014. Polls will be open from 2 pm to 8 pm with Annual Meeting following at 8:30 pm. The Supervisor position held by Dan Stommes is up for election as well as the Clerk position held by Judy Bruemmer. The filing period is from December 31, 2103 to 5 pm on Tuesday, January 13, 2014. Judges again will be scheduled from the Township list of judges.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid.
6138 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $64.93
6139 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 637.21
6140 Judy Bruemmer re-imb mileage/computer use 90.00
6141 Neil Franz supervisor wages 221.64
6142 Walter Graham election judge 70.00
6143 Vernon Willenbring re-imb judges meals 36.50
6144 Joyce Wimmer election judge 85.00
6145 Vernon Willenbring election judge 70.00
6146 Linda Theisen election judge 70.00
6147 Judy Bruemmer election judge 100.00
6148 Vernon Willenbring supervisor wages 498.69
6149 Mary Lou Salzl election judge 80.00
6150 Dan Stommes re-imb fuel/mileage 166.02
6151 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 540.25
6152 MATIT workmen’s comp ins. 236.00
6153 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages 96.97
6154 Dewey Klaphake re-imb permit fees 36.00
6155 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 429.43
Total $3,528.64
Year-to-date Total $172,810.01
At 8:45 pm, Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes
11.5.13

The November monthly meeting 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, Randy Orbeck, Mary Orbeck, and Tony Legatt.
The October minutes were read. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report stating that Farming Township had a balance of $99,349.00
RE: Snow Removal Quotes – Only one quote was received fro snow removal. Sunny Brook Enterprises gave a quote for $100/hr, $85 for salt/sand, $5 surcharge if diesel costs more than $4/gal, and a $600 per month guarantee for the months of Dec, Jan, Feb and March in addition to the normal charges. Discussion was held. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the quote from Sunny Brook Enterprises for $100/hr with $5 surcharge if diesel is over $4/gal, $85 for salt/sand and guarantee of $600 for months of Dec, Jan, Feb and March over the normal charges, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried. (Note: Lange Trenching was asked for a quote but did not want to submit one.)
RE: Mergen Fire Bill – Neil Franz reported that he is still checking into it.
RE: Graham Curve Sign – Dan Stommes will check on it.
RE: Nett 911 Sign – Vernon Willenbring will check on it.
RE: COL Fire and Rescue District – Vernon Willenbring reported that there will be a Budget Meeting on November 20, 2013 at 7:30 pm. All board members are invited. A notice will be posted.
RE: District Township Meeting – Duane Janssen attended the District Meeting in Freeport on October 24, 2013. He gave a report on the meeting and shared the information he received there.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake gave a short report on current zoning activity.
RE: Printer – The Township printer is not compatible with the new laptop computer. The authorized the Clerk to purchase a new printer.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6132 Stearns Cty Auditor truth in taxation charge $102.00
6133 Mayer’s Repair bolts for signs $43.10
6134 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $64.93
6135 Star Publications newspaper ads $23.45
6136 Lange Trenching blading $3674.67
6137 City of St. Martin 1/2 fire protection 2013 $5281.35
Total $9,189.50
Year-to-date Total $169,281.37
At 8:40 pm, Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 10.1.13
The October meeting was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm. All members were present. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dan Kron, Dale Lange and Dewey Klaphake.
The September minutes were read. Two corrections were made: also present was John Zimmer and requests for snow plowing “quotes” not bids. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the minutes with the corrections, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report stating that Farming Township had a balance of $105,923.00.
RE: St. Catherine’s Church Plat – Dan Kron presented the final plat for St. Catherine’s Church property. Discussion was held. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to approve and sign the final plat, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: CTAS Program – The CTAS financial program sponsored by the State needs to be updated. The State of MN is requesting that all members using the program pay $300 to help pay for the updating. Discussion was held. it was decided to go ahead and pay the $300. If not enough members sign up for the program the money will be refunded.
RE: Snow Plowing Quotes – The snow plowing quotes with be opened at the November meeting. Lange Trenching was asked for a quote and Dale Lange said they were not interested in submitting a quote.
RE: Road Signs – Dan Stommes reported that most of the replacement and new road signs were put up.
RE: Mergen Fire Bill – Neil Franz reported that he is still working on resolving the issue.
RE: Albany School District – Dan Stommes reported on the Fifth Monday Board Meeting. He stated that Albany had a larger school populationg than Sauk Centre or Melrose. The District is also looking at increasing the size of the elementary school.
RE: COL Fire District – Vernon Willenbring reported that all is going well. They are now in the process of setting up a Relief Association.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake stated that there was nothing to report this month.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6126 US Treasury medicare/soc.sec.$300.66
6127 Wakefield Twp debt int./clerk fees $676.91
6128 MN State Auditor CTAS update fee $300.00
6129 M-R Sign Inc signs.posts $3433.26
6130 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $64.93
6131 Lange Trenching blading $1911.77
Total $6,687.53
Year-to-date Total $160,091.87
Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:58 pm, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes 9.3.13
The September monthly meeting 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, Math Schmitz, Dale Lange, Patsy Zimmerman, Tom & Carol Ramler, Charlie & Lynn Reichert and John Zimmer?.
The August minutes were read. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
A financial report was given by Duane Janssen.
RE: Clear Lake Road – Landowners had questions regarding tarring, dust control and over-hanging trees. They also requested No Parking signs along the road by the public boat landing by Clear Lake. They stated that at times it was nearly impossible to drive along the road because of all the vehicles parked along the road. Discussion was held. The supervisors decided to put up “No Parking This Side” signs along one side of the road in an effort to alleviate the problem.
RE: Marshfield Circle – Landowners in the area requested a speed limit sign and a ‘Watch for Children’ sign in order to slow the traffic in the area. Discussion was held. The supervisors decided to put up the two signs.
RE: Mergen Fire Call Issue – Neil Franz stated that he is still researching the matter and will try to resolve it when he receives more information.
RE: Weed Control – Supervisors reported that weed survey was finished and all problem areas were taken care of.
RE: Road Signs – Judy Bruemmer reported that the second set of replacement signs had been ordered.
RE: Snow Plowing Quotes – Supervisors will start checking into quotes for snowplowing for the 2013/2014 season.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6114 Pat Schmitz road ditch mowing $ 2259.00
6115 Lange Trenching blading 1547.76
6116 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages 96.97
6117 Dewey Klaphake re-imb.permit fee 46.00
6118 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 581.80
6119 Judy Bruemmer re-imb. mileage/computer use 65.00
6120 Daniel Stommer supervisor wages 198.55
6121 Vernon Willenbring supervisor wages 341.69
6122 Neil Franz supervisor wages 221.64
6123 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6124 Duane Janssen re-imb supplies 83.29
6125 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 374.02
Total $ 5,880.65
Year-to-date Total $ 153,404.34
A motion to adjourn was made by Neil Franz at 9:25 pm, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Official Minutes
8.6.13

The August monthly meeting was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present was Dewey Klaphake.
The July minutes were read. One correction was made: the gambling permit was for use at Trappers Pub and Grub. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
A financial report was given by Duane Janssen. He reported that Farming Township had a balance of $116,692.00.
RE: Weed Control – The supervisors reported that weed inspections were being made.
RE: Mergen Complaint – Neil Franz reported that he had talked with the Albany Fire Department, is checking with other departments and will be following up on the complaint as he receives more information.
RE: Culvert Repairs – It was reported that all the culvert repairs were taken care of.
RE: COL Fire & Rescue District – It was noted that an article on the Fire District was in the last MN Township Newspaper. All is going well with the District.
RE: Road Signs – Judy Bruemmer provided a list of signs to be replaced in 2013 – approximately 60 will be ordered this year – with the remainder to be done next year.
RE: Ditch Cutting – It was noted that the second round of ditch cutting will be done around the 15th of August.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6111 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 64.93
6112 COL Fire & Rescue Qtr 3 fire protection 1056.85
6113 Lange Trenching road blading/rd-culvert repairs 5044.54
Total $ 6166.32
Year-to-date Total $ 147,523.69
At 8:45 pm, Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Vernon Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.