The December monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, John Blenker and Dale Lange.
The November minutes were read. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with the checking account balance of $255,812.82.
RE: Lions Gambling Permit – Marlene Statz presented a request to approve the Lions Club application for a gambling permit for their fundraiser. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake gave a short report on zoning issues including an update on the issues concerning Evergreen Enterprises. Discussion was also held concerning the change to allow rural manufacturing in the zoning ordinance. It was decided to notify the County that the Board would agree to the change.
RE: Culverts – 310th Street and 288th Street have been reported as having culvert issues. These will be checked into and taken care of in the Spring if repairs are necessary.
RE: Township Election – The Clerk reminded the Board of the upcoming Township Election in March and that filing for a positions is from January 2, 2018 until 5 pm on January 16, 2018. One Supervisor and the Clerk position are up for election.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6619 Vernon Willenbring supervisor wages $ 387.87
6620 Wakefield Township COL debt ret. and fees 5980.70
6621 City of St. Martin ½ 2017 fire protection 5471.00
6622 Stearns Cty Aud/Treas. truth in taxation charge 105.00
6623 COL Fire & Rescue District Qtr 4fire protection 1132.45
6624 MATIT workmen’s comp ins. 279.00
6625 Dave Robertson supervisor wages 277.05
6626 Dave Robertson reimb. mileage 28.00
6627 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages 121.21
6628 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6629 Dewey Klaphake reimb. Fees/mileage/permit 97.96
6630 Judy Bruemmer reimb. mileage/supplies/computer 111.90
6631 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 692.62
6632 Duane Janssen treasurer wages $ 429.43
6633 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 277.05
6634 Lange Trenching blading 1666.50
6635 Farming Township tarring fund CD 50,000.00
Total $ 67,122.67
Year-to- date Total $ 374,546.05
At 8:50 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The November monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Dale Lange and John Blenker. The flag pledge was said.
The October meeting minutes were read. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with a checking account balance of $258,468.25.
RE: Crackfillling – Dan Stommes reported that crackfilling was done. Discussion was held. It was noted that there was a hole at the intersection of 223rd Ave and 288th Street East. It will be checked into.
RE: Snow Plowing Quotes – Only one quote was received for snowplowing. Lange Trenching opted to not submit a quote. The quote received was from Sunny Brook Enterprises Inc. It stated that the truck rate was $110 per hour, salt and sand was $90 per yard with possibility of higher price if there is a shortage, a surcharge of $5 per hour for truck if diesel price goes above $4 per gallon and an additional monthly guarantee of $700 for the months of December, January, February and March. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the quote from Sunny Brook Enterprises, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: 2018 Polling Place – Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to adopt Resolution 11-17 which stated that the 2018 polling place for Farming Township would be the Farming Community Center at 23801 County Road 42, Richmond, MN 56368, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Farming Board Room Rent – The Board was notified that the rent for the Board Room in the Farming Community Center would be raised to $2400 per year. Discussion was held. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the new rental rate, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Albany School District Meeting – Dan Stommes reported on the Fifth Monday meeting of the School Board. Other than the project being a little behind schedule all is going well.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake gave a short report on a couple of zoning issues.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6616 Albany Post Office stamps $ 49.00
6617 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6618 Lange Trenching blading 2491.50
Total $ 2,605.43
Year-to-date Total $ 307,423.38
At 8:50 pm Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The October monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. All members were present. Also present were Dale Lange and John Blenker.
The September minutes were read. One correction was made – check numbers 6607 and 6608 were inverted. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $253,348.32 in the checking account.
RE: Blading Issues – Supervisors reported on issues concerning potholes, etc on several roads. Discussion was held. Recent heavy rains have contributed to the issues and the roads will be checked out.
RE: Voting Booths – The Township will not be receiving the voting booths from another township as they have been destroyed.
RE: Crackfilling – Dan Stommes reported that he has contacted the crackfilling contractor.
RE: Chain of Lakes Fire & Rescue District – Vernon Willenbring gave a short report on the Fire District Meeting. He stated that a new tanker truck, funded by a grant, has been ordered and membership in the District is again at 25 volunteer firemen.
RE: County Election Meeting – Judy Bruemmer reported on the meeting stating that they were presented information on two new voting machines the County was looking at. No decisions had been made yet as they were applying for a grant. The last week in September they were awarded the grant. One option for Townships was to apply for a grant for E-poll Books instead of the regular roster. Discussion was held. Considering that our polling place had no internet access and there was very little trouble handling the voters the Board decided against the E-poll Book at this time.
RE: Snowplowing Quotes – The Supervisors will check for snowplowing quotes which will be opened at the November Board Meeting.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6612 Albany Recycling Center recycle junk from township ditches $ 31.00
6613 Lange Trenching road repair – 223rd Ave 282.00
(total $1640.50) blading 1358.50
6614 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6615 US Treasury social security/medicare 465.32.
Total $ 2,201.75
Year-to-date Total $ 304,817.95
At 8:50 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The September monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Terry Haust, Dale Lange and Math Schmitz.
The August minutes were read. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $264,207.53 in the checking account.
RE: Richmond Rod & Gun Club Gambling Permit – Terry Haust presented an application for a gambling permit for the Rod & Gun Club for a raffle to be held on March 10, 2018 at the Trappers Pub & Grub. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve and sign the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Disaster Emergency Meeting – Vernon Willenbring reported that he had attended the meeting. He stated that he was told our Township was not in eminent danger as we were more than 50 miles away from a nuclear plant.
RE: Crackfilling – Dan Stommes stated that he will contact the contractor and get on the schedule.
RE: District Meeting – Supervisors reported on the District Meeting. The Township received a new Township Law Book. Vernon Willenbring reported that we will be receiving some used election stands from another township as they were updating their election equipment.
RE: Chain of Lakes Fire District – Vernon Willenbring gave a short report on the Fire District Meeting. He stated that they had two resignations and one new hire.
RE: County Election Meeting – Judy Bruemmer stated that she will be attending a meeting concerning new voting machines for the County on Wednesday, September 6, 2017.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6596 Dan Stommes supervisor wages $ 378.63
6597 Dave Robertson reimburse mileage 84.28
6598 Dave Robertson supervisor wages 862.32
6599 M-R Sign Co. Inc. 911 sign 22.01
6600 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6601 Dewey Klaphake zoning administrator wages 57.72
6602 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 637.21
6603 Math Schmitz cutting ditches 2250.00
6604 Chain of Lakes Fire Dist fire protection Qtr 3 1132.45
6605 Dewey Klaphake reimburse – permit fee/mileage 60.08
6606 Star Publications newspaper ads 14.22
6607 Vernon Willenbring supervisor wages 443.28
6608 Judy Bruemmer reimburse-wkshop/mileage/computer 123.00
6609 CentraSota – St. Martin spray road ditches 2702.42
6610 Lange Trenching blading 1721.50
(1799.80) road repair 78.30
6611 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 429.43
Total $ 11,061.78
Year-to-date Total $ 302,616.20
At 9:00 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The August monthly Board Meeting of Farming Township was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were John Blenker and Dale Lange.
The July minutes were read. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $263,410.86 in the checking account.
RE: Blading – It was noted that some complaints were received regarding blading. Discussion was held. It was decided that blading will do no good until we receive some rain, then blading will be done.
RE: Albany School – Dan Stommes reported on the Fifth Monday Board Meeting. The School Board reported that they are about a month behind, mostly because of inability to get enough workers. School will start on September 5 as planned with a temporary set-up. There will be public viewing of the facilities during the August City Celebration.
RE: Chain of Lakes Fire and Rescue – Vernon Willenbring reported he had attended a meeting to discuss some internal turmoil within the department. No decisions were made. He also stated that they had 4 new hires for the department.
RE: District Township Meeting – A reminder was given for the District Meeting to be held in Willmar on August 17, 2017. Those wishing to attend should meet at Trappers Pub and Grub to carpool.
RE: Farming Community Center – Discussion was held concerning the public meeting held on July 12, 2017 regarding the Center. Duane Janssen stated that the Lions would help with donations toward maintenance of the building but they would not take over operation of the building.
RE: Clear Lake Road – It was brought up that there might be a need for some curve signs on Clear Lake Road. Dan Stommes will check the sign inventory and keep an eye on the situation.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6593 Salzl Blue Power Farm Clear Lake Road repair $ 880.00
6594 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6595 M-R Sign Co. Inc. signs 70.90
Total $ 1,015.83
Year-to-date Total $ 291,554.42
At 8:40 pm, Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The May monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Matt Schmitz, Dale Lange, John Blenker and William Scepaniak.
The April minutes were read. One correction was made: repairs to be made at Hilltop Road intersection. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. The minutes of the Board of Equalization Meeting and the Road Tour were also read. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Treasurer gave a financial report stating that the checking account balance was $295,622.92.
RE: Blading Quotes – Only one quote was received. Lange Trenching bid $44.00 per mile. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the bid from Lange Trenching, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Gravel Quotes – Two quotes were received. For Class 5: Scepaniak $8.30 c/yd, Lange $10.83 c/yd. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the quote from Scepaniak, with a gravel sample, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. For Class 2 Scepaniak $18.25/ton, Lange $18.25/ton. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the quote from Lange Trenching because of the packing machine used, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Ditch Cutting – Only one quote was received for ditch cutting. Math Schmitz quote was $60/hr plus fuel. It was noted that he had upped his certificate of insurance to $2 million. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the quote from Schmitz, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried. It was noted ditch cutting would begin around June 19th.
RE: Clear Lake Road Repair – Two quotes were received for the repair. One from Scepaniak and another from Lange Trenching. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the pit run/fabric quote from Scepaniak, Dave Robertson seconded, all in favor, motion carried. After further discussion, Dave Robertson made a motion to shape ditches and replace culverts as needed, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: 260th East – Landowners had been contacted about repairs. Discussion was held. Lange Trenching will do repairs.
RE: Resolution 5217 – Dan Stommes made a motion to enter into a Joint Powers Agreement with the State of MN in an effort to receive 2/3 of the fines recovered by the State of MN for crimes committed in Farming Township, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Trappers Pub and Grub Liquor License – An application for a County On/Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Trappers Pub and Grub was received. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to sign the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Alternate Polling Site – The State of MN requires each precinct to have an alternate polling site listed. After much discussion, it was decided to list Trappers Pub and Grub as it meets the handicapped accessibility rules and could be separated from the bar area. The Clerk with notify the County.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6567 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 64.93
6568 Stearns County election costs 180.26
Total $ 245.19
Year-to-date Total $ 57,036.29
At 10:03 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The April monthly board meeting of Farming Township was called to order by Vernon Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dan Holthaus, Patti Zimmerman and Dale Lange.
The March minutes were read. One correction was made – an error of 4 cents was made in the amount of the check written to Chain of Lakes – the amount should be $1132.45. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with a balance of $282,389.45 in the checking account.
RE: 260th East – Dan Holthaus was present from Munson Township to discuss repairs to be made on 260th on Hilltop Road intersection. The Board also noted an approach that will need repair to correct water run-off. Discussion was held. The repairs will be checked into. The Board asked Dan Holthaus for advance notice of any major repairs that will be needed on 260th West.
RE: 317th Street – Patti Zimmerman commented on how well the road had survived the winter and asked if it would be considered for dustcoating this year. Discussion was held.
RE: Blading Quotes/Gravel Quotes – Supervisors noted that blading quotes should be by the mile and were requesting more detail in the gravel quotes. Both quotes will be opened at the May monthly meeting.
RE: Spring Workshop – Board members stated that the workshop was interesting. A couple of items of interest were the farm equipment was not exempt from road restrictions and that contractors should have 1.5 million liability on the certificate of insurance.
RE: Dustcoating – Dustcoating will be done again this year. Residents wanting dustcoating should contact the Supervisors. The Clerk with post a notice at the posting places and on the website that requests should be made by May 1, 2017.
RE: Crackfilling – Crackfilling will be done this year on all tar roads as needed.
RE: No Parking Issue – The Board discussed options concerning the No Parking areas in the Township. Dan Holthaus told what there procedures are. No decisions were made.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6560 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 64.93
6561 Mary Lou Salzl election judge 100.00
6562 Jack Wimmer election judge 87.50
6563 Lange Trenching blading 2882.00
6564 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing/guarantee 950.00
6565 Star Publications newspaper ads 39.11
6566 US Treasury social security/medicare 388.06
Total $ 4,511.60
Year-to-date Total $ 56,791.10
At 9:27 pm, Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The March monthly meeting of the Farming Township Board 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 and Mike Schleper.
The February minutes were read. One correction was made: to note that the storage building owned by Evergreen Farms was converted to housing without a permit. Vernon Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Treasurer gave a financial report stating that the checking account balance was $310,194.60.
RE: Reorganization Meeting – It was decided to have the meeting on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 7:30 pm.
RE: Underground Electric – A request was received from Great River Energy about any restrictions, permits or fees the Township would have concerning underground electric lines. Discussion was held. It was decided to have them contact one of the Supervisors or come to the monthly Township meeting as additional information was needed.
RE: Spring Township Workshop – Board members were reminded of the workshop. They will be reimbursed for the workshop fee if they attend.
RE: Blading Quotes – It was decided to open blading quotes at the May monthly meeting.
The following warrants were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6542 Judy Bruemmer reimburse mileage/computer $ 86.00
6543 Sunny Brook Ent. blading guarantee 700.00
6544 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 64.93
6545 Star Publications newspaper ads 127.98
6546 City of St. Martin fire protection 2016 5406.32
6547 M-R Sign Co. 911 sign 22.01
6548 COL Fire & Rescue fire protection Qtr 1 2017 1132.45
6549 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 637.21
6550 Dewey Klaphake permit fees 33.40
6551 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages 155.84
6552 Vernon Willenbring supervisor wages 387.87
6553 Daniel Stommes reimburse mileage 29.80
6554 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 332.46
6555 Dave Robertson reimburse mileage 61.04
6556 City of Albany fire protection 16,329.00
6557 Dave Robertson supervisor wages 399.41
6558 Lange Trenching blacktop 648/repair 822 1470.00
6559 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 429.43
Total $ 27,805.15
Year-to-date Total $ 52,279.50
Vernon Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 pm, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.