The February Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Ben Mergen at 8:00pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Tom Winkels, Dan Rea and Robyn Brinkman.
The January minutes were read, Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Adam Brix gave a treasures report with $645,476.45 in checking, Money Market and one operating CD. $1,405,423.99 in tarring fund CD’s for a total of $2,050,900.44. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to renew the CD that is coming due February 10,2025 for a 12 month CD with interest rate of 4.16%. Jason Willenbring seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
Dan Rea was present to request liquor licenses for the Farming Baseball Club, the licenses would be valid for the period of April 12, 2025 to October 11,2025. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve an onsite Wine License for the baseball park and 3.2 Percent malt liquor license for the softball park. Jason Willenbring seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
Arvig sent out information regarding upgrading the internet in the Community Center to fiber and signing a new three-year contract. The new fee would be $77.70/month. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to go ahead with the new contract. Dan Stommes seconded it, all in favor motion carried.
The agreement with Stearns County regarding the registration, compliance and enforcement of Cannabis retail Businesses was reviewed and discussed. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the agreement with Stearns County regarding the registration, compliance and enforcement of Cannabis Retail Business, Jason Willenbring seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
At 8:40 pm Jason Willenbring made a motion to recess the regular meeting to do the Board of Audit and Budget meeting, Dan Stommes seconded it. All in favor, motion carried
Unofficial Minutes of the Board of Audit Meeting 2.4.2025
Ben Mergen called the Board of Audit Meting to order at 8:40pm, the Clerk and Treasurer met before the Febuary 4,2025 meeting to reconcile their records. The supervisors reviewed the reports. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the report as presented. Dan Stommes seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
official Minutes of the Budget Meeting 2.4.2025
Ben Mergen called the Budget meeting to order at 8:45pm. The board reviewed the budget information and expenses from the previous year and set the budget to propose at the annual meeting at $346,000. With $100,000 of the budget being put into the tarring fund for future use and the balance of the funds to be used for operating funds. Dan Stommes made a motion to set the proposed budget at $346,000 for the 2026 year. Jason Willenbring seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
The regular meeting was called back to order by Ben Mergen at 9:25pm
After the discussion that was held during the Budget Meeting, Jason Willenbring made a motion to add $50,000 to the tarring fund CD that is coming due on February 10,2025, Dan Stommes seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.

The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid
7367 Sunnybrook Enterprises Monthly guarantee/sand $2862.50
7368 Stearns County Officers Assn Dues $374.00
7369 Total Agri-Business Prepare W2’s and 1099’s $144.00
ACH Stearns Electric Monthly Bill $63.40
ACH Arvig Monthly Bill 78.95
Total $ 3,522.85
Year-to-date Total $ 14,473.92
At 9:35 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded it. All in favor, motion carried.

The January Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00pm. The flag pledge was said. Members present were Dan Stommes, Jason Willenbring, Adam Brix and Linda Theisen Absent was Ben Mergen. Also present were Tom Winkels, Darice Stommes, Ken Janssen and Dewey Klaphake.
The December minutes were read, Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Adam Brix gave a treasures report with $638,917.80 in checking, Money Market and one CD. $1,405,423.99 in tarring fund CD’s for a total of $2,044,341.79. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to renew the CD that is coming due January 9,2025 for a 9 month CD with interest rate of 4.21%. Dan Stommes seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
Ken Janssen was present to discuss buying some more land and possibly building a house on said land. Discussion was held. He was told that he needs to contact Stearns County Environmental Services first.
There are some road signs that have gotten damaged or gone missing in the township. The board will follow up to see if anything can be done about these yet this winter.
Regarding the upcoming election, a absentee ballot needs to be established. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to appoint Tom Winkels and Linda Theisen to the absentee ballot board, Dan Stommes seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7362 United State Treasury 4th Qtr Payroll tax $498.02
7363 Stearns County Auditor 2024 Election Ballots $6136.00
7364 SunnyBrook Enterprise Guarantee/snow plow $3425.00
7365 Star Post Legal Notice $91.30
7366 MN Assoc Townships Township dues $658.40
ACH Stearns Electric Monthly Bill $63.40
ACH Arvig Monthly Bill 78.95
Total $ 10951.07
Year-to-date Total $ 10951.07
At 8:50 pm Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded it. All in favor, motion carried.

The December Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Ben Mergen at 8:00pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present, also present were Eric Popp Stearns County Deputy, Gary Hemmesch, Tom Winkels, and Marlene Statz
The November minutes were read, Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Adam Brix gave a treasures report with $626,052.01 in checking, Money Market and one CD. $1,291,364.26 in tarring fund CDs for a total of $1,917,416.27. Discussion was held. There is a tarring fund CD which comes due December 12,2024. Jason Willenbring made a motion to take a $100,000.00 from checking and add it to the CD when it comes due and renewing it for a new 12 CD. Dan Stommes seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
Deputy Eric Popp was unable to give a report of recent activity in Farming Township, the sheriff’s office has a new CAD system and it is not totally updated yet. The Sheriff’s department will be getting new tasers, the old ones are outdated and will be returned to the manufacturer. There was discussion regarding the amount of household garbage that is being dumped on Clear Lake Road and 290th Street, Eric will pass this information along to fellow deputies, if they are out in the area to watch for this.
Marlene Statz was present to request an offsite gambling permit for the Farming Lions. This will take place on April 4, 2025 along with their annual fish fry down at Trappers. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the one-day gambling permit for the Farming Lions on April 4,2025. Jason Willenbring seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
Regarding the selling and manufacturing of Cannabis, discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to following the rules of the County regarding the manufacturing and selling of Cannabis products in Farming Township. Jason Willenbring seconded, all in favor, motion carried.
Rich Rothstein had sent an email regarding the culverts on his property and Manana Road, that water was unable to get threw them. Discussion was held. Gary Hemmesch will take a look at this to determine possible solutions,
Stearns Electric will be adding a streetlight on an existing pole across from Mayers Repair to replace the one that was taken down while construction was being done on County Road 23, in 2023
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7352 Dan Stommes Mileage reimb $38.19
7353 Dan Stommes Supervisor Wages $517.16
7354 Ben Mergen Supervisor Wages $332.46
7355 Adam Brix Treasurer Wages $461.75
7356 Jason Willenbring Supervisor Wages $646.45
7357 Hemmesch Excavating Road Grader work $763.80
7358 Farming Community Center 2025 Rent $4400.0
7359 Linda Theisen Clerk Wages $1048.17
7360 Linda Theisen Reimb stamps/comp $182.28
ACH Stearns Electric Monthly Bill $57.85
ACH Arvig Monthly Bill 78.95
Total $ 8527.06
Year-to-date Total $251101.25
At 8:50 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded it. All in favor, motion carried.

The November Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Ben Mergen at 8:05pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present, with the exception of Adam Brix who was absent. Also present were Gary Hemmesch, Travis Rahn, and John Mergen.
The October minutes were read, Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
There was not a treasurers report, being Adam Brix was absent.
Travis Rahn was present with his preliminary plat. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve the preliminary plat for Rahns Estates. Dan Stommes seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
John Mergen was present to discuss putting in a driveway off of 307th Street. Discussion was held. 307th Street is a private road, with a street number for 911 emergency needs only, he will need to talk to the landowner who lives there regarding putting in a new driveway.
There was one bid for snow removal for the 2024-2025 season. The Bid was from Sunnybrook Enterprises Inc. it was for snow removal and sanding truck of $175/hour, and salt/sand of $100 per yard, price may go up without notice if there is a shortage in addition to the normal fees there would be $1000/per month guarantee for January, February, March and April. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the bid from Sunnybrook Enterprises Inc bid for snow removal and sanding truck of $175/hour and salt/sand of $100 per yard, stating that the price may up without notice if there is a shortage in addition to normal fees there would be a $1000/month guarantee for January, February, March and April. Dan Stommes seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
Regarding Stearns County Parks Board Grant, Holly Roush from the Farming Community Center had applied for a Parks Board Grant that showed that Farming Townhip had about $5200 available to improve parks in the Township. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion that the Township allow The Farming Community Center to apply for this grant as it would be a good use of these funds to improve the playground at the Farming Community Center. Jason Willenbring seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
Jason Willenbring noted that the Chain of Lakes Fire and Rescue will be having their annual meeting on December 9,2024 at that all board members are welcome to attend as they will review the past year activity and discuss the upcoming years fees.
Stearns Electric proposed ordinance was reviewed with changes. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve Ordinance 11-5-24 which allows Stearns Electric to repair, maintain, improve or to bring electric to the residents of Farming Township along with trimming trees and shrubs in the road right of way that could interfere with the electric facilities. Dan Stommes seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7349 MN Assoc Township Linda year end training $30.00
7350 Chain of Lakes Fire Fire Protections $1758.21
7351 Hemmesch Excavating Road Grader work $1453.50
ACH Stearns Electric Monthly Bill $57.85
ACH Arvig Monthly Bill 78.95
Total $ 3378.51
Year-to-date Total $242,574.19
At 9:00pm Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded it. All in favor, motion carried.

The October Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Ben Mergen at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Gary Hemmesch, Travis Rahn, Bryan Rubin, Joe Dockendorf, Marlene and Ron Statz, and Cooper Brinkman
The September minutes were read, Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Adam Brix gave a treasures report with $618,832.77 in checking, money market and one CD. and $1,291,364.26 in tarring fund CD’s, for a total of $1,910,197.03.
Travis Rahn was present with some questions regarding, putting in a driveway and building on property that he purchased. Discussion was held. After he hears back from the county, he will need to get in touch with Dewey Klaphake regarding what his next steps are to gets his permits.
Ron and Marlene Statz were present to discuss the culvert on 290th. The culvert is level and has some sharp edges on that would hamper running a manure hose thru to pump manure to the other side of the road. Discussion was held. The Statz’s will meet with Gary Hemmesch to discuss options to fix.
Stearns Electric sent a proposed ordinance that the board reviewed that would allow Stearns Electric to fix, maintain and put in new service to any member in Farming Township. The board reviewed and had some changes that they would like to see in the proposed ordinance. Clerk Linda Theisen will be in contact with Stearns Electric regarding these corrections.
There is a wash out in a field on Fifth Lake Road that needs to be fixed. Jason Hamann will take care of getting that taken care of after the crops are harvested.
Bryan Rubin and Joe Dockendorf reported that they have started on the repair of the carp trap on Clear Lake and will continue to work on as time permits.
Dan Stommes gave a report on the 5th Monday Meeting of Albany Area Schools that was held at the new ECFE building, a tour was provided to those attending. Most of the work is done on the building, with some small items that need to be completed yet. The cost of the building came in under budget. The school was able to replace some of the lighting in existing buildings with new LED lights, the cost of these lights was paid for with grants and rebates.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7347 Hemmesch Excavating Class 2/blading $4646.85
7348 United States Treasury 3rd Quarter Payroll tax $537.04
ACH Stearns Electric Monthly Bill $57.85
ACH Arvig Monthly Bill 78.95

Total $ 5320.69
Year-to-date Total $ 239,195.68
At 9:00pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The September Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Ben Mergen at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Gary Hemmesch, Tom Winkels, Rich & Carol Rothstein, Jere Pohlman and Caden Mueller for the Stearns County Sheriffs Department
The August minutes were read, Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read after a correction of adding that Dan Stommes seconded the motion to allow Stearns Electric to go ahead and fix a broken line on 2606th Street. Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Adam Brix gave a treasures report with $656,446.04 in checking, money market and one CD. and $1,291,364.26 in tarring fund CD’s, for a total of $1,947,810.30.
Officer Mueller gave a report for activity in Farming Township for May, June and July. In May there were 12 calls, June there were 15 calls and in July there were 23 calls. The town board brought to the attention of Officer Mueller that there were complaints of garbage being dumped along Clear Lake Road and there were signs stolen along Clear Lake Road. He will make note of it and see if more patrolling can be done on that road.
Rich and Carol Rothstein were present to discuss the finding from the County with having more than one house number on a driveway. The County is OK with having three house numbers on the one driveway, but suggested that a house number be put at the point on the driveway that shows what house number goes to which house.
Election Judge update, there are still a few people who completed the training, but have no turned in a slip to request payment for that training.
Weed spraying should be done.
Road upkeep on 223rd the culvert by Lloyd Jewell is under water and is on hold for now.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7331 Adam Brix Treasurer wages $461.75
7332 Dan Stommes Supervisor wages $461.75
7333 Dan Stommes Mileage reimb $69.68
7334 Jason Willenbring Supervisor wages $554.10
7335 Ben Mergen Supervisor wages $369.40
7336 Linda Theisen Clerk wages $1394.48
7337 Linda Theisen Ink/mileage/comp time $210.42
7338 Victor Kotten Elect Judge Train/mileage $148.14
7339 Marcus Lemke Election Judge training $20.00
7340 Pville Cenex Spray road ditches $5558.58
7341 Matt Schmitz Cut Road ditches $3981.00
7342 Dave Robertson Election Judge Training $70.00
7343 Jamie Schmitz Election Judge Training $40.00
7344 Hemmesch Excavating Class 2/blading $13769.85
7345 City of St. Martin Fire Protection $7856.04
7346 Lea Langley Election Judge Training $40.00

ACH Arvig Monthly Bill $78.95
ACH Stearns Electric Monthly Bill $57.85

Total $ 35,141.99
Year-to-date Total $ 233,874.99
At 9:00pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The August Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Ben Mergen at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Gary Hemmesch, Tom Winkels, Dewey Klaphake, Rick Tamm, Rich Rothstein, Tyler Rothstein, Charlie Buermann, Vic Kotten and John Harren from Stearns Electric.
The July minutes were read, Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Adam Brix gave a treasures report with $685,616.96 in checking, money market and one CD. and $1,291,364.26 in tarring fund CD’s, for a total of $1,976,981.22. Year to date interest earned is $70,798.70.
John Harren from Stearns Electric was present with a request to replace a broken line on 260th Street and was wondering what the procedure would be to get this done. Discussion was held regarding this repair and what should be done in the future. Jason Willenbring made a motion to allow Stearns Electric to go ahead and get the broken line repaired. Dan Stommes seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carried. Stearns Electric will be sending in a $100 fee that is associated with crossing a township road. Stearns Electric will be providing the township with a proposal has how to handle future repairs and construction.
Rich and Tyler Rothstein were present to discuss what needs to be done when there would be two houses built off the same driveway. Discussion was held. The driveway will need to get a street name or number for emergency personal, but it will remain a driveway.
Ben Mergen reported that Cenex is almost done spraying Albany Township and will be starting Farming Township at the end of this week, staying away from some area’s that the residents requested.
Jason Willenbring reported that Farming Township has about $5000 which can be used for parks and play ground equipment. Information regarding applying for this money was forwarded to Holly Roush of the Farming Community Center board.
Dan Stommes gave a report from the Albany Fire Department Board they have applied for a FEMA grant which they would use for turn out equipment. John Klassen is the new fire chief after the resignation of the previous chief. The front of the fire hall will be getting a face lift which is being paid for thru gambling funds. They are looking to replace a fire truck that was purchased in 2003.
Road upkeep on 223rd will be looked at again in the areas of Roger Backes and Lloyd Jewell to determine what needs to be done before winter.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7328 Central MN Dust Control Dust Control $10,486.25
7329 Hemmesch Excavating Class 2 and Blading $19,161.72
7330 Chain of Lakes Fire 2pymt fire protection $3,516.42
ACH Arvig Monthly Bill $78.95
ACH Stearns Electric Monthly Bill $57.85

Total $ 33,301.19
Year-to-date Total $ 198,733.00
At 9:20pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The July Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Ben Mergen at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present with the exception of Adam Brix who was absent. Also present were Gary Hemmesch, Tom Winkels, Dewey Klaphake, and Math Schmitz.
The June minutes were read, Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Adam Brix was absent, so there was not a treasures report.
Weed tours were completed by all members of the township board, there were no specific areas of concern. Ben Mergen is in contact with Cenex and they will probably start spraying next week.
Regarding dust control, the roads are bladed and ready, dust control has not yet been applied. Dan Stommes and Gary Hemmesch will both contact Central Minnesota Dust Control to see when this will be done.
Regarding election judges, all who signed up should go ahead and do the training for election judges, once they have completed the training, they should get the township their certificate and hours needed to complete this training. Linda Theisen will get this list to Tom Winkels so he can contact those who expressed an interest in being an election judge.
Farming Community Center had a request for a one day liquor license for their Octoberfest to be held on September 28,2024. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve this one day liquor license for the Farming Community Center, Dan Stommes seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
Eric and Katie Stangler had a petition signed by about 20 plus people saying that the Stanlger’s would like to name the lake by their property as Sunrise Lake. Discussion was held. The board is OK with this and the Stanglers will be getting some paper work from the County for Ben Mergen to sign.
Jason Willenbring reported that the Steans County Parks Department has some extra money, Linda Theisen will pass this information along to Holly Roush as something the Farming Community Center can look into.
There are some issues about a manure pile, along a cartway that borders, Collegeville Township. Discussion was held. No further action on this matter.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7324 Math Schmitz Mowing ditches $2079.00
7325 United States Treasury 2nd quarter payroll tax $869.80
7326 Hemmesch Excavating Class 2 and blading $19,382.05
7327 MATIT Insurance $1507.00
ACH Arvig Monthly Bill $78.95
ACH Stearns Electric Monthly Bill $57.85

Total $ 23,974.65
Year-to-date Total $ 165,431.81
At 9:00 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.