The December Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order in the FCC Board Room by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Marlene Statz and Marvin Eiynck. The meeting was held using social distancing and following Covid 19 recommendations.
The November minutes were read. One correction was made: Dewey Klaphake was also present at the November meeting. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $448,464.50 in the checking account.
RE: Farming Lions – Marlene Statz presented an application for a Gambling Permit for the Farming Lions for an event on 4/1/22 at the Trappers Pub and Grub. Discussion was held. Dave Robertson made a motion to sign the application, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Polling Place Resolution – Dan Stommes made a motion to designate the Farming Community Center as the Farming Township Polling Place for 2022 by Resolution 12.7.21, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Elections – Marvin Eiynck reported that he had talked to the County Representative Roxann Gerads and was told that he and his support group could handle the in-person election if the Board decided to go back to the in-person election. Discussion was held. Clerk Judy Bruemmer stated that she did not believe that was correct and would contact the Stearns County Election Board for clarification. Her understanding was that only the Clerk was the Election Administrator.
RE: Albany School Board Meeting – Dan Stommes reported on items discussed at the meeting. One possibility that was being looked into was the purchase of the old hospital building in order to gain more space. He stated that there was no open enrollment at this time because of space restrictions.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake stated that there were no issues to discuss at this time.
RE: FCC Board Room – The Board received notice that the rent for the Board Room would be $3300 for 2022. This is the same as 2021.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7048 Dave Robertson supervisor wages $ 207.79
7049 Jason Willenbring supervisor wages 415.57
7050 Daniel Stommes reimb. mileage 19.60
7051 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 761.89
7052 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages 166.23
7053 Dewey Klaphake reimb. for permit fees 97.36
7054 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 304.75
7055 Judy Bruemmer reimb. ink/computer 133.91
7056 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 65.08
7057 MATIT workman’s comp ins. 337.00
7058 M-R Sign Co. Inc. 911 sign 48.60
7059 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 581.80
7060 Farming Township tarring fund CD 50,000.00
Total $ 53,139.58
Year-to-date Total $ 270,379.58
At 9:15 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Category Archives: 2021 Minutes
Official Minutes 11.2.2021
The November Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was call to order in the FCC Board Room by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Marvin Eiynck, Kerry Mergen, Dale Lange and Andy Nathe. The meeting was held using social distancing and Covid 19 recommendations.
The October minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $447,078.28 in the checking account.
RE: Snowplowing Quotes – Only one quote was received. Lange Trenching was not interested in giving a quote. Sunny Brook Enterprises gave a quote of $120/hr for snow removal and sanding, salt/sand was $100/yd (price change may be due if there is a shortage), $10/hr surcharge if diesel goes above $4/gallon. In addition to the normal charges, they require &700/month guarantee for the months of January, February, March and April. 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: 288th Street – Kerry Mergen along with Andy Nathe presented information regarding their plan to cut through 288th Street. They reported that Stearns County had given them permission to cut through 117th as part of the drainage project. Discussion was held. They were advised that the Township will require a $500 permit fee, which would be refunded if the road meets Township standards upon completion of the project plus a non-refundable $100 crossing inspection fee. All fees would be payable before the start of the project. Dan Stommes made a motion to allow the cut through of 288th Street upon receipt of the fees, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Elections – Marvin Eiynck was present to represent a group of Township voters who would like to do away with the mail ballot elections for the general elections. Discussion was held. Several ideas were presented. Mr. Eiynck was told to contact Stearns County as they are in control of election procedures for the County.
RE: COL Fire & Rescue District – Jason Willenbring gave a report on the Fire District and some information on future plans that would be presented at the December meeting.
The Following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7044 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
7045 Stearns Cty. SWCD water testing post cards 191.98
7046 COL Fire & Rescue Dist. Qtr 4 fire protection 1,507.21
7047 Lange Trenching road rpr.574.60/blading6512.50 7,087.10
Total $ 8,851.37
Year to Date Total $ 217,240.00
At 9:10 pm Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 10.5.2021
The October Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order in the FCC Board Room by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Shane Bartels and Dale Lange. The meeting was held using social distancing and Covid 19 recommendations.
The September minutes were read. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $465,446.17 in the checking account.
RE: Gambling Permit – Shane Bartels presented a request to approve an application for a gambling permit for the Richmond Rod and Gun Club. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to sign the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Freeport Township Meeting – Discussion was held concerning items discussed at the Freeport Meeting. The ARPA Grant and its possible uses was the item of most interest.
RE: Snowplowing Quotes – Quotes for snowplowing will be opened at the November meeting.
RE: Road Issues – A sunken area along Clear Lake Road was discussed and will be checked into.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7041 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
7042 US Treasury soc. sec./medicare 410.80
7043 Central MN Dust Control dustcoating 18,071.25
Total $ 18,547.13
Year-to-date Total $ 208,388.63
At 8:50 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 9.7.2021
The September Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order in the FCC Board Room by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Math Schmitz and Dale Lange. The meeting was held using social distancing and Covid 19 recommendations.
The August minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $486,856.78 in the checking account.
RE: ARPA Grant – The Clerk reported that $58,876.65 was received from the State of MN for the American Rescue Plan Grant. The second half of the Grant should be received in the next twelve months. Dan Stommes made a motion for the Chairperson to sign the necessary Federal documents and the Entity Administrator document, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Discussion was held concerning some uses of the Grant money.
RE: Albany Fire Department – Dan Stommes presented the fire protection contract from the Albany Fire Department. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to sign the contract, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Dan Stommes will return the contract to the Fire Department.
RE: Albany School District – Dan Stommes reported on the Fifth Monday Board Meeting stating that 25 new teachers and 15 new personnel had been hired for the 2021-2022 year. He also stated that they had enough bus drivers for the year.
RE: Zoning – Administrator Dewey Klaphake stated that he was asked about a permit for a solar array. He contacted the County and they stated that we could control those permits if we added an amendment to our MOA of the County Zoning Ordinance. Discsussion was held. It was decided to leave the County in charge of the permitting at this time.
The Board was reminded about the Town Officers meeting in Freeport on Thursday, September 16, 2021.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7026 Daniel Stommes reimb. mileage $ 67.20
7027 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 457.13
7028 Math Schmitz road ditch cutting 3,063.00
7029 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 761.89
7030 Judy Bruemmer reimb. computer 75.00
7031 M-R Sign Inc 911 and arrow signs 285.85
7032 City of St. Martin ½ 2021 fire protection 6,010.83
7033 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 65.08
7034 CentraSota St. Martin spraying ditches 6,578.35
(official Minutes 9.7.2021 page 2)
7035 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 457.13
7036 Jason Willenbring supervisor wages 415.58
7037 Dave Robertson supervisor wages 277.05
7038 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages 110.82
7039 Dewey Klaphake reimb. permit/mileage 51.20
7040 Lange Trenching road rpr. 1147/blading 1587.20 2,734.50
Total $ 21,410.61
Year-to-date Total $ 189,841.50
At 9:05 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 8.3.2021
The August Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dale Lange and Gilbert Bruemmer. The meeting was held using social distancing and Covid 19 recommendations.
The July minutes were read. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $430,971.43 in the checking account.
RE: Stearns County Sheriff – Deputy Kern was present with reports of activity for the months of May, June and July. He stated that most of the incidents were the usual kind. Discussion was held. The Supervisors stated that they had no special concerns.
RE: Dustcoating – Dustcoating is finished.
RE: Ditch Spraying – Ditch spraying for noxious weeds is in progress. Discussion was held. It was decided to do the spraying a little earlier next year.
RE: Farming Athletic Field – The athletic field has a 911 sign so all is in order.
RE: Albany Fire Department – Dan Stommes gave a report on the Albany Fire Department Meeting. He stated that the new pumper truck is being built and should be done by fall. He also stated that the fire department will be getting a used ladder truck from another fire department. Money from donations and gambling have kept the department in good shape. The Albany Fire Department along with several area departments, Life Link and the Sheriff’s office will be putting on a Farm Safety Demonstration Day on September 11, 2021.
RE: ARPA Grant – The Clerk stated that the SAM registration is in progress.
RE: County Township Officers Board – Duane Janssen gave a report on the Board meeting. He stated one of the concerns was the disposal of solar energy panels.
RE: District 5 Meeting – The Board was reminded of the District 5 Township Meeting on August 19, 2021. Those attending will meet at Trappers at 5:30 pm.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7021 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
7022 Star Publications newspaper ads 16.32
7023 COL Fire & Rescue Dist. Qtr 3 fire protection 1,507.21
7024 Midwest Asphalt injection road patch 500.00
7025 Lange Trenching blading 637.00
Total $ 2,725.61
Year-to-date Total $ 168,430.89
At 9:05 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 7.6.2021
The July Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Dale Lange, Math Schmitz and Gilbert Bruemmer. The meeting was held using social distancing and Covid 19 recommendations.
The June minutes were read. One correction was made: removal of extra words “Kern gave”. 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 $331,641.73 in the checking account.
RE: Dustcoating – Discussion was held. Dustcoating was unsatisfactory. The contractor will be contacted in an effort to get the job completed.
RE: WSB Grant Application – Word was received that the grant application with Munson Township for 260th West was not approved. They will try again next year.
RE: Ditch Cutting – Ditch cutting was completed. After some discussion it was decided to also spray certain areas. Jason Willenbring will contact St. Martin CentraSota.
RE: ARPA – The ARPA grant application is in progress.
RE: Farming Athletic Field – Question was raised concerning a 911 address for the athletic field in case of an emergency. Jason Willenbring will check into it.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7015 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
7016 Stearns Cty. Env. Services Ordinance copy 20.00
7017 Math Schmitz ditch cutting 1,649.00
7018 US Treasury medicare/soc. security 576.06
7019 Lange Trenching blading/ Class 2 & Class 5 31,761.20
7020 Farming Township tarring fund CD 50,000.00
Total $ 84,071.34
Year-to-date Total $ 165,705.28
At 9:00 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 6.1.2021
The June Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dale Lange, Dewey Klaphake and Deputy Kern. The meeting was held using social distancing and Covid-19 recommendations.
The May minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $329,666.27 in the checking account.
RE: Sheriff Report – Deputy Kern gave a report on March and April issues. He stated that they were pretty quiet with the bulk of issues being traffic stops. Discussion was held. The Supervisors had no issues they were concerned about.
RE: Dustcoating – Dale Lange has contacted MN Dust Control. Dustcoating will be done in June, weather permitting.
RE: Morningstar Road – Signs have been ordered.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake reported there were no major issues.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7001 Albany Post Office stamps $ 55.00
7002 Judy Bruemmer election judge 112.50
7003 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 900.41
7004 Stearns Cty. Aud/Treas. assessing fees 7,211.75
7005 Judy Bruemmer re-imb. mileage/comp/supplies 236.74
7006 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 65.08
7007 Munson Township WSB grant application 1,750.00
7008 Daniel Stommes re-imb. mileage 42.00
7009 Jason Willenbring supervisor wages 692.62
7010 Dave Robertson supervisor wages 484.84
7011 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 484.84
7012 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages 221.64
7013 Dewey Klaphake re-imb. permits/mileage 132.04
7014 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 692.62
Total $ 13,082.08
Year-to-date Total $ 81,633.94
At 8:55 pm, Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 5.4.2021
The May Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dale Lange and Math Schmitz. The meeting was held using social distancing and Covid-19 recommendations.
The April minutes were read. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. A financial report was given by Duane Janssen with $341,360.66 in the checking account.
RE: Gravel and Class 2 Quotes – Two quotes were received. The quote from William Scepaniak was: Class 5 for $14.14 per c/yd, Class 2 for $20.43 per ton. The quote from Lange Trenching was: Class 5 for $10.40 per c/yd, Class 2 for $19.00 per ton. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the quotes for Class 5 and Class 2 from Lange Trenching, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Blading Quotes – Only one quote was received for blading. Lange Trenching’s quote was for $50 per mile – same as last year. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the quote from Lange Trenching, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Ditch Cutting Quotes – Only one quote was received for ditch cutting. Math Schmitz’s quote was for $75 per hour plus fuel. Discussion was held. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the quote from Math Schmitz, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Trappers Pub and Grub – An Application was received from Trappers Pub and Grub to renew their On/Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to sign the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Pilgrim’s Pride – A request from Pilgrim’s Pride was presented for permission to haul agricultural products up to 97,000 pounds gross weight on .50 miles of 260th Street East until May 2022, but not during road restrictions. Discussion was held. Dave Robertson made a motion to approve the request, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Morningstar Road – It was decided to put additional signs up along the road. The Clerk will order the signs.
RE: Gravel and Dustcoating Roads – Discussion was held between the Supervisors and Lange Trenching about which roads needed Class 5, Class 2 and/or dustcoating. Lange Trenching will coordinate with Central MN Dust Control. The Clerk will post notices at the sites and on the website for dustcoating requests to be made by June 1, 2021.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6994 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
6995 COL Fire & Rescue Dist. Qtr 2 fire protection 1,507.21
6996 Victor Kotten election judge 112.50
6997 Joyce Wimmer election judge 127.50
6998 Granite Water Works culvert 5,469.60
6999 SunnyBrook Ent. Inc. March quarantee 700.00
7000 Lange Trenching blading 3,712.50
Total $ 11,694.39
Year-to-date Total $ 68,551.86
At 9:37 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 4.6 .2021
The April Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Marvin Eiynck, Kerry Mergen, John Blenker, Dale Lange and Gilbert Bruemmer. The meeting was held using social distancing and Covid-19 recommendations.
The March minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $349,627.42 in the checking account.
RE: Morningstar Road – Marvin Eiynck was present with a request for additional road signs along Morningstar Road because the road has a lot of curves and is a dark road. Discussion was held. The Supervisors noted it on road tour and will either reposition the existing S-curve signs or put up additional signs after looking into it.
RE: Kerry Mergen – Mr. Mergen came forward with a request to dig through Township Road 288th west in order to drain farmland. He stated that he also would dig through County Road 117 and had been told by the County that it would not be a problem. Discussion was held. Mr. Mergen had property maps. Supervisors stated that they needed more information from him such as excavation type, depth of ‘drainage ditch’, type of materials, official confirmation from the County for #117, etc. They asked him to return at the next Board meeting with additional information.
RE: Road Issues – Road issues found on Road Tour were discussed. They will be looked into.
RE: Stearns Bank Checking Account – Dave Robertson made a motion to remove Dan Stommes as a signer on the Township checking account and to have Chairperson Jason Willenbring, Clerk Judy Bruemmer, Treasurer Duane Janssen and Deputy Clerk Bonnie Behnen as signers on the checking account, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Gravel Quotes – Gravel Quotes will be opened at the May Board Meeting.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6987 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 65.08
6988 Judy Bruemmer March electric bill $ 65.08
6989 M-R Sign Co. 911 sign 37.57
6990 Star Publications newspaper ads 179.52
6991 Stearns Cty. Aud. Treas. truth in taxation/election 311.21
6992 Lange Trenching road rpr. 4778.25/blading 2368.75 7,147.00
6993 US Treasury soc. sec./medicare 461.30
Total $ 8,266.76
Year-to-date Total $ 56,857.47
At 9:15 pm, Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 3.2.2021
The March Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Mike Nielson from WSB, and Dan & Dayna? Rea. The meeting was held using social distancing and Covid-19 recommendations.
The February minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried. A financial report was given by Duane Janssen with $342,270.59 in the checking account.
RE: Farming Baseball Club – Dan Rea presented an application for an On-Sale 3.2% Malt Liquor License for the Farming Athletic Field from April 16, 2021 thru October 15, 2021. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve and sign the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: 260th Grant Application – Mike Nielson from WSB presented a resolution and application for a grant to make improvements to 260th West with Munson Township. Discussion was held. He stated the application would be filed on March 3, 2021. The Board reviewed the application and resolution. Jason Willenbring made a motion to sign the resolution, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Compass Consultants – Compass Consultants e-mailed information concerning their plans in Farming Township. The Supervisors reviewed the information and will wait for further contact from the company.
RE: Fire Departments – Dan Stommes and Jason Willenbring gave reports on the Fire Departments servicing Farming Township. It was noted that all the Departments were very grateful for the CARES Funding given to them.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake gave a short report stating that the Board should review the current zoning fees. It was decided to discuss them at the ReOrganization Meeting.
The Board was reminded that the Board of Equalization and Road Tour are planned for Tuesday, April 6, 2021.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6976 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages/website $ 189.32
6977 Dave Robertson supervisor wages 415.57
6978 Jason Willenbring supervisor wages 484.84
6979 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 346.31
6980 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 775.74
6981 City of Albany fire protection 14,817.00
6982 City of St. Martin fire protection 5,083.18
6983 M-R Sign Co. Inc. 911 sign 37.57
6984 Judy Bruemmer re-imb. postage/mileage/printing 66.27
6985 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing/Feb. guarantee 1,030.00
6986 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 572.57
Total $ 23,818.37
Year-to-date Total $ 48,590.71
At 9:40 pm Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.