The Annual Meeting of the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the Farming Community Center on the 9th day of March 2021. It was called to order by Clerk Judy Bruemmer at 8:30 pm. The flag pledge was said.
A total of 18 residents were present at the meeting.
Clerk Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations from the floor for moderator. Dewey Klaphake nominated Victor Kotten, Duane Janssen seconded. Judy Bruemmer asked for more nominations for moderator. There were none. Duane Janssen made a motion to close nominations, Randy Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Victor Kotten accepted the position of moderator.
The minutes of the 2020 Annual Meeting were read by Clerk Judy Bruemmer. Dave Linz made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Wally Buerman seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Treasurer’s report was reviewed. Discussion was held. Marvin Eiynck made a motion to accept the report as presented, Dewey Klaphake seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen made a motion to continue with Trappers Pub and Grub, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Farming Community Center and the Township Website as posting places, John Blenker seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen made a motion to have the Star Post as the official Township newspaper, Marvin Eiynck seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
John Blenker made a motion to have the polling time for the Township Election from 2 pm to 8 pm in the Farming Community Center Board Room, Duane Janssen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
John Blenker made a motion that the next Annual Meeting on March 8, 2021 be held at 8:30 pm in the Farming Community Center, Duane Janssen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dewey Klaphake made a motion to hold the monthly Board Meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at 8 pm, Duane Janssen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Tony Legatt made a motion to allow the Township to hire a ditch cutter twice a year, Marvin Eiynck seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Board of Canvass was held immediately following the Township Election. The Results were: For Supervisor Jason Willenbring received 17 votes, there were no other votes. Jason Willenbring was declared the winner. For Treasurer – Duane Janssen received 20 votes, there were no other votes. Duane Janssen was declared the winner. A total of 20 voters voted in the Township Election.
Duane Janssen made a motion to destroy the 2019 ballots, Dewey Klaphake seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The proposed General Fund and Road and Bridge Fund Levy of $210, 500 was presented. The amount was the same as the last year. Discussion was held. Randy Backes made a motion to set the General Fund and Road and Bridge Fund Levy at $210,500, Dave Linz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Tarring Fund Levy came up for discussion. Future plans, maintenance costs and a current grant application were a part of the discussion. The Board stated that they would appreciate a levy of $100,000 for 2022. Duane Janssen made a motion to set the Tarring Fund Levy at $100,000, Randy Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Further discussion was held. Since there are no tarring projects planned for the future and that the levy would be used for taking care of existing tarred roads that starting next year the levy be included in the Road and Bridge Levy instead of being called a separate Tarring Fund.
Wally Buerman questioned the Board about the Fire Warden position since Darlene Buerman retired from the job. Clerk Judy Bruemmer reported that the DNR stated that they are solely in charge of appointing Fire Wardens. The DNR said that at this time fire permits could be obtained by phone, on-line or from other Fire Wardens in the area.
The issue of Mail Balloting was presented. A lengthy discussion was held. John Blenker made a motion to put the questions on the March 2022 Township Ballot to change the voting to mail ballot for the Township Election, thereby changing the Board terms to 4 years, Dewey Klaphake seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Adam Braegelmann, a representative from the Chain of Lakes Fire and Rescue gave a report. He stated that they had a good crew of 25 firefighters. In 2020 they answered 90 calls. He stated how much they appreciated the money Farming Township awarded them from the CARES Fund enabling them to purchase much needed equipment. He also reported that they are having a pontoon boat fundraiser this year.
Randy Backes stated that he would like to make a motion that Farming Township no longer have mail balloting for the Federal and State elections and not consider it for the Township Election, Tom Winkels seconded. Since a voice vote wasn’t clear, a hand vote was taken. Ten (10) residents were in favor of the motion. Since that was a majority the motion was passed.
At 10:40 pm Dave Linz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Tony Legatt seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Minutes taken by Judy Bruemmer, Farming Township Clerk