The April Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was held by teleconference due to the Governor’s COVID-19 “stay at home” restrictions. Dan Stommes called the meeting to order at 8:00 pm. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Dale Lange and Jason Barker.
It was noted that Dan Stommes and Judy Bruemmer had received their Certificates of Election and had taken their Oath of Office.
No Minutes or Financial Report were given. They will be reported at the May meeting.
RE: Jason Barker – Mr. Barker was present to discuss the culvert and road situation along his property on 221st Street. He stated that the culvert and road situations have changed greatly since the Township took over the road approximately 2005/2006. There was lengthy discussion on the situation between him, the Supervisors and Lange Trenching. Several issues were covered. Lange Trenching will check to see what can be done. Mr. Barker was also advised the clearing a ditch for better drainage was not the Townships responsibility if it was out of the road right-of-way. He would have to contact neighboring land owners concerning that. The Supervisors will also look into the situation during Road Tour.
RE: Pilgrims Request – Pilgrims request to haul up to 97,000 gross weight on .78 miles of Township roadway was discussed. The permit is not in effect during road restrictions, is good until May 2021 and will be renewed annually. Dave Robertson made a motion to sign the permit, Dan Stommes seconded. Jason Willenbring abstained because of possible conflict of interest, motion carried. Chairperson Dan Stommes will sign the permit and mail it.
RE: ReOrganization – Discussion was held. It was decided that due to the COVID-19 crisis the Board would just keep the same, positions, wage amounts and fees as set up in 2019. Jason Willenbring made a motion to leave all reorganization items the same as 2019, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Website – Dewey Klaphake reported that the Township website and security settings were up for renewal. Jason Willenbring made a motion for Dewey Klaphake to take care of the renewal, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Trappers Pub and Grub – An application from Trappers Pub and Grub for a County On/Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for a period from July 1, 2020 thru June 30, 2021 was presented. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to sign the application, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake had presented copies of 3 permits he had issued by e-mail to the Board.
RE: Road Tour – Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Supervisors will each take an area of the Township and report back at the May meeting.
RE: Road Issues – Several road issues were discussed – culverts on 300th Street and 310th Street among others. They will be checked into once Road Tour is finished and water levels have subsided somewhat.
RE: Quotes – Quotes for ditch cutting, gravel, class 2, dust coating and crack filling will be due at the May meeting.

4.15.2020 minutes – page 2

RE: May monthly meeting – If the “stay at home” restriction is extended to May 13, 2020 the May meeting will be extended to May 14, 2020. The Clerk will check into the restrictions.
The following Claims were examined, verified, and ordered paid by vote on the teleconference – Jason, yes – Dave, yes – Dan, yes:
6885 US Treasury medicare/soc.sec. $ 392.46
6886 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 65.08
6887 Stearns Cty. Aud/Treas. truth in tax/election costs 308.61
6888 Star Publications newspaper ads 192.41
6889 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing guarantee 700.00
Total $ 1,658.56
Year-to-date Total $ 51,321.57
A motion was made by Dan Stommes to allow just two signatures – that of the Clerk and Treasurer – on the checks to pay claims for the month of April due to the COVID-19 crisis, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
At 9:04 pm, Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the teleconference, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.