The Annual Meeting of the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the Farming Community Center on the 12day of March, 2024. It was called to order by Clerk Linda Theisen at 8:30 pm. The flag pledge was said.
A total of 17 residents were present at the meeting.
Clerk Linda Theisen asked for nominations from the floor for moderator. Dewey Klaphake nominated Victor Kotten; Neil Franz seconded. Duane Janssen made a motion to close nominations; Tony Legatt seconded it. The Clerk declared Victor Kotten as the moderator.
The minutes of the 2023 Annual Meeting were read by Clerk Linda Theisen, Duane Janssen made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Craig Bardson seconded it. All in favor, motion carried.
The Treasurer’s report was reviewed. Discussion was held. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the report as read. Duane Janssen 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, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dewey Klaphake made a motion to have the Star Post as the official Township newspaper, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen 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, Tom Winkels seconded. All in favor, motion carried
Duane Janssen made a motion that the Annual Meeting on March 11, 2025 be held at 8:30 pm in the Farming Community Center, Dewey Klaphake seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Craig Bardson made a motion to hold the monthly Board Meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at 8 pm in the Farming Community Center Board Room, Duane Janssen 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 18 votes, Randy Backes received 3 votes. Jason Willenbring was declared the winner. For Clerk Linda Theisen received 20 votes, there were no other votes. Linda Theisen was declared the winner. A total of 21 voters voted in the Township Election.
Duane Janssen made a motion to destroy the old 2022 ballots, Tony Legatt seconded it. All in favor, motion carried.
The proposed General Fund and Road and Bridge Fund Levy Of $338,000 was presented. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes gave an explanation of how the budget is set. Jason Willenbring gave an explanation of an approximate cost per mile for tarring. Duane Janssen made a motion to set the annual budget at $338,000 with $238,000 for general operating and $100,000 going into the tarring fund, Dewey Klaphake seconded it. All in favor, motion carried.
Old Business, voting in person versus mail in voting. Discussion was held. Tom Winkels is working on getting election judges, as that was a main concern when going to mail in voting. He has several people interested in being election judges. Training for any new judges will be held in the spring/summer of 2024 any new judges
At 9:30 pm, Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dewey Klaphake seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Cookies were served after the meeting.
Minutes taken by Clerk Linda Theisen

Approved Annual Meeting Minutes 3.14.2023
The Annual Meeting of the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the
Farming Community Center on the 14 day of March, 2023. It was called to order by Clerk Linda Theisen
at 8:30 pm. The flag pledge was said.
A total of 20 residents were present at the meeting.
Clerk Linda Theisen asked for nominations from the floor for moderator. Neil Franz nominated Victor
Kotten, Dave Robertson seconded. The Clerk declared Victor Kotten as the moderator.
The minutes of the 2022 Annual Meeting were read by Clerk Linda Theisen Pete Rushmeyer made a
motion to accept the minutes as read, Dewey Klaphake seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Treasurer’s report was reviewed. Discussion was held. Ron Backes made a motion to accept the
report after a mathematical error is fixed. Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding the failing of banks. Neil Franz made a motion to allow the board to look
into other banks and moving some money to another bank to assure that the township money is safe if
the bank fails. Dewey Klaphake seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
Dave Robertson made a motion to continue with Trappers Pub and Grub, Immanuel Lutheran Church,
Farming Community Center and the Township Website as posting places, Ron Backes seconded. All in
favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen made a motion to have the Star Post as the official Township newspaper, Dewey
Klaphake seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dave Robertsons made a motion to have the polling time for the Township Election from 4 pm to 8 pm
in the Farming Community Center Board Room, Duane Janssen seconded. After discussion, Dave
Robertson withdrew his motion. Neil Franz made a motion to have the polling time for the Township
Elections from 2 pm to 8pm. Ronnie Backes seconded, all in favor, motion carried.
Neil Franz made a motion to allow the board to take the necessary actions to place the issue of voting in
November for township officials on the ballot at the next annual election. Ronnie Backes seconded it, all
in favor, motion carried.
Tom Winkels made a motion that the Annual Meeting on March 12, 2024 be held at 8:30 pm in the
Farming Community Center, Tony Legatt 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 in the Farming Community Center Board Room, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion
carried.
The Board of Canvass was held immediately following the Township Election. The results were: For
Supervisor Dan Stommes received 17 votes, there were no other votes. Dan Stommes was declared the
winner. For Treasurer Adam Brix received 17 votes, there were no other votes. Adam Brix was declared
the winner. A total of 17 voters voted in the Township Election.

Neil Franz made a motion to destroy the old 2021 ballots, John Blenker seconded. All in favor, motion
carried.
The proposed General Fund and Road and Bridge Fund Levy Of $324,200 was presented. Discussion was
held. Dan Stommes gave an explanation of how the budget is set. Jason Willenbring gave an expla
nation of an approximate cost per mile for tarring. Dewey Klaphake made a motion to set the annual
budget at $324,200 with $224,200 for general operating and $100,000 going into the tarring fund,
Ronnie Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
There was no old business.
New Business – Mail in ballots, there was much discussion regarding the post cards and the ballots that
the county sent, and why some people got two and some didn’t get any.
Dan Stommes presented Duane Janssen an plaque and thanked him for his 27 years of service to the
township board.
At 10:15 pm, Neil Franz made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dewey Klaphake seconded. All in favor,
motion carried.
Coffee and cookies were served after the meeting.
Minutes taken by Clerk Linda Theisen

The Annual Meeting of the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the Farming Community Center on the 8th day of March, 2022. It was called to order by Clerk Judy Bruemmer at 8:30 pm. The flag pledge was said.
A total of 23 residents were present at the meeting.
Clerk Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations from the floor for moderator. Victor Kotten nominated Dewey Klaphake, Duane Janssen seconded. The Clerk asked for additional nominations for moderator. Dewey Klaphake nominated Victor Kotten. The nomination failed because of lack of a second. Duane Janssen made a motion to close nominations, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Dewey Klaphake accepted the position of moderator.
The minutes of the 2021 Annual Meeting were read by Clerk Judy Bruemmer. Duane Janssen made a motion to accept the minutes as read, John Blenker seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Treasurer’s report was reviewed. Discussion was held. Victor Kotten made a motion to accept the report as presented, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Ron Backes made a motion to continue with Trappers Pub and Grub, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Farming Community Center and the Township Website as posting places, Tony Meyer seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen made a motion to have the Star Post as the official Township newspaper, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Ron Backes 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 Annual Meeting on March 14, 2023 be held at 8:30 pm in the Farming Community Center, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Ben Mergen made a motion to hold the monthly Board Meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at 8 pm in the Farming Community Center Board Room, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Board of Canvass was held immediately following the Township Election. The results were: For Supervisor Ben Mergen received 23 votes, there were no other votes. Ben Mergen was declared the winner. For Clerk Linda Theisen received 23 votes, there were no other votes. Linda Theisen was declared the winner. A total of 23 voters voted in the Township Election.
Tony Legatt made a motion to destroy the old 2020 ballots, Duane Janssen 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 last year. Discussion was held. Supervisors explained the ARPA grant. Duane Janssen made a motion to set the General and Road and Bridge Levy at $210,500 and have a Tarring Levy at $100,000, Victor Kotten seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
There was no old business.
New Business – The Board stated that there was a need for additional election judges and a need for a member on the Zoning Board. Anyone interested in the positions should contact the Township Clerk or the Zoning Administrator.
Clerk Judy Bruemmer and Supervisor Dave Robertson were presented plaques and thanked for their years of service on the Township Board.
At 9:07 pm, Duane Janssen made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Tony Meyer seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Coffee and cookies were served after the meeting.
Minutes taken by Clerk Judy Bruemmer

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

The Annual Meeting in the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the Farming Community Center on the 10^th day of March, 2020. It was called to order by Clerk Judy Bruemmer at 8:30 pm. The flag pledge was said.

Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations from the floor for moderator. Duane Janssen nominated Dewey Klaphake, Ron Backes seconded. Dewey accepted the nomination. Judy Bruemmer asked if there were any other nominations. Dewey Klaphake nominated Victor Kotten, Dan Stommes seconded. Victor Kotten accepted the nomination. Duane Janssen made a motion to close nominations, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. A vote by show of hands was held. Dewey Klaphake was declared the moderator.

The minutes of the 2019 Annual Meeting were read by Clerk Judy Bruemmer. Victor Kotten made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Duane Janssen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Ron Backes made a motion to accept the report as presented, Jack Wimmer seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Ron Backes made a motion to continue with Trapper’s Pub and Grub, Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Farming Community Center and the Township Website as posting places, Roger Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Janssen made a motion to have the Albany Enterprise as the official newspaper, Randy Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

John Blenker made a motion to have the polling times for the Township Election from 2 pm to 8 pm in the Farming Community Center Board Room, Dave Linz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Tom Buerman made a motion that the next Annual Meeting be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 8:30 pm in the Farming Community Center, Tony Legatt seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Janssen made a motion to hold the monthly Board Meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at 8 pm, Tom Buerman seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Dale Lange made a motion to have the Board hire a ditch cutter twice a year, Wally Buerman seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Board of Canvass was held immediately following the Township Election. The Results were: For Supervisor – Dan Stommes received 24 votes, there were no other votes. Dan Stommes was declared the winner. For Clerk – Judy Bruemmer received 24 votes, there were no other votes. Judy Bruemmer was declared the winner. A total of 24 voters voted in the Township Election.

Ron Backes made a motion to destroy the 2018 ballots, Randy Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The proposed General Fund Levy of $91,000 and the proposed Road and Bridge Levy of $119,500 was presented. The total of $210,500 was the same as the last year. Discussion was held. Ron Backes made a motion to set the Total Levy at $210,500, Dale Lange seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Tarring Fund Levy came up for discussion. After a question and answer session concerning project plans, maintenance, etc. Ron Backes made a motion to set the Tarring Fund Levy at $100,000, Randy Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Officer Eric Popp from the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department gave a report on calls and happenings in Farming Township. Twenty-one calls were received in December 2019 and twenty in January 2020. He also explained the different services they offer.

Firefighter Adam Braegelmann was present with a report from the Chain of Lakes Fire and Rescue District. The department has 22 members and is 9 years old. They had 93 calls in 2019. One change with the department was that they will begin to pay the members for meetings and trainings. He also explained some of their fundraising efforts.

New Business – As the Board had decided in 2019 to have Farming Township be a Mail Ballot Precinct for Statewide Elections, the Board presented the option to also incorporate the Township Election with the Statewide Elections. That would mean the Township Elections would be held every other November as a Mail Ballot election – on the same ballot as the Statewide election. Because of this, the terms of the Board members would have to be changed to 4 years instead of the 3 years for Supervisors and 2 years for the Clerk and Treasurer. It was explained that the Board could vote to make the Statewide Elections into Mail Ballot elections. However to change the Township Election, the option would have to be presented as a ballot question on the next Township Election and voted on by the eligible voters in the Township. After a lengthy discussion, Ron Backes made a motion to present the question on the 2021 Township Election ballot and, should it pass, change the terms of office for the Board members to 4 years, Dale Lange seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

It was noted that the Annual Township Meeting would still be held every year on the second Tuesday in March, as required by law.

At 9:50 pm, Ron Backes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Tony Legatt seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Cookies, milk and water were served following the meeting.

Minutes taken by Judy Bruemmer, Farming Township Clerk

The Annual Meeting in the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the Farming Community Center on the 12^th day of March 2019. It was called to order by Clerk Judy Bruemmer at 8:30 pm. The flag pledge was said.

Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations from the floor for moderator. Walter Buerman made a motion to nominate Neil Franz, Duane Klaphake seconded. Neil Franz accepted the nomination. All in favor, motion carried. Duane Janssen made a motion to close nominations, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Neil Franz was declared the moderator.

The minutes of the 2018 Annual Meeting were read by Clerk Judy Bruemmer. Duane Klaphake made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Victor Kotten seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Discussion was held. Walter Buerman made a motion to accept the report as printed, John Blenker seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Klaphake made a motion to continue with Trappers Pub and Grub, Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Farming Community Center and the Township Website as posting places, John Linn seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Tony Legatt made a motion to have the Albany Enterprise as the official newspaper for publishing legal notices, Tom Winkels seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Klaphake made a motion to have the polling times from 2 pm to 8 pm in the Farming Community Center for the Township Election, Dale Lange seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Victor Kotten made a motion that the next Annual Meeting be held in the Farming Community Center at 8:30 pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, John Blenker seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Dale Lange made a motion that the monthly Board Meetings be held on the first Tuesday of the month at 8 pm, John Linn seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Klaphake made a motion to hire a ditch cutter to cut ditches twice a year, Tom Winkels seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Board of Canvass was held immediately following the election. The results were: For Supervisor – Dave Robertson 25 votes, Neil Franz 1 vote, John Blenker 1 vote. Dave Robertson was declared the winner. For Treasurer – Duane Janssen 28 votes. Duane Janssen was declared the winner.

John Linn made a motion to destroy the 2017 ballots, Walter Buerman seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The proposed General Fund Levy of $88,000 was presented. Discussion was held. Dale Lange made a motion to set the General fund Levy at $88,000, Duane Klaphake seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The proposed Road and Bridge Levy of $122,500 was presented. Discussion was held. Duane Klaphake made a motion to set the Road and Bridge Levy at $122,500, Dale Lange seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Tarring Fund Levy came up for discussion. After a lengthy question and answer session concerning tarring plans, costs, maintenance, etc. Victor Kotten made a motion to set the Tarring Fund Levy at $200,000, Don Brinkman seconded. A voice vote was not able to tell the number for or against. A hand vote was taken. Ten residents were in favor of the Levy, eight were against. The motion passed. The Tarring Fund Levy was set at $200,000.

New Business – the Township was informed that there will be a change in the Election Procedures with the County. We will no longer have paper rosters and will have to decide on either an E Poll Book system or a Mail Ballot system. Discussion concerning the options was held. The residents were informed that a representative from the County will be at the April Board Meeting to better inform the Board and the public on the options. As always the meetings are open to the public. The Clerk will post and publish notice of the meeting.

Twenty residents were present at the meeting.

At 9:37 pm, Tony Legatt made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Walter Buerman seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Minutes taken by Judy Bruemmer, Farming Township Clerk

Cookies from the Stearns Bank were served following the meeting.

The Annual Meeting in the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the Farming Community Center on the 13^th day of March, 2018. It was called to order by Clerk Judy Bruemmerat 8:30 pm. The flag pledge was said.

Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations from the floor for moderator. Math Schmitz made a motion to nominate Victor Kotten, Ken Hamann seconded. Victor Kotten accepted the nomination. All in favor, motion carried. No other nominations for moderator were made. Dale Lange made a motion to close nominations, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Victor Kotten was declared the moderator.

The minutes of the 2017 Annual Meeting were read by Clerk Judy Bruemmer. Neil Franz made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dale Lange seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Discussion was held. Brenna Linn made a motion to accept the report as printed, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Ken Hamann made a motion to continue with Trappers Pub and Grub, Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Farming Community Center and the Township Website as posting places, John Blenker seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Duane Klaphake made a motion to have the Albany Enterprise as the official newspaper for publishing legal notices, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The results of the Annual Election Board of Canvass were reported as follows: For Supervisor – Jason Willenbring received 46 votes, John Blenker received 6 votes, and Neil Franz received 32 votes. Jason Willenbring was declared winner of the Supervisor position. For Clerk – Judy Bruemmer received 82 votes, there was one write-in and one blank vote. Judy Bruemmer was declared the winner of the Clerk position. A total of 84 ballots were cast in the Annual Election.

Math Schmitz made a motion to destroy the 2016 Annual Election ballots, Ken Hamann seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The next item on the agenda was the General Fund Levy. Discussion was held. One item for discussion was the possibility of losing the Community Center as the Board Room rental. It was decided to table the discussion until the next Annual Meeting and to have the Board present a report on the Community Center Building maintenance at that meeting. Ron Backes made a motion to set the Levy for the General Fund at $85,500, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Road and Bridge Levy was presented. Discussion was held. Ron Backes made a motion to set the Levy at $125,000 as proposed, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The Tarring Fund Levy came up for discussion. After considerable discussion concerning tarring costs and maintenance, Ron Backes made a motion to set the Tarring Levy at $100,000, John Zimmerman seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Dale Lange made a motion for the Board to decide which roads to dustcoat and residents who wanted additional dustcoating to pay half of the cost, Brenna Linn seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

New Business: Duane Klaphake, the Zoning Administrator, announced that there was a vacancy on the Town Zoning Board. Anyone interested in serving on the Zoning Board should contact him.

A plaque honoring Vernon Willenbring for his 30 years of dedicated service as a Township Supervisor was presented at the meeting. Vernon Willenbring gave a short speech thanking everyone.

Thirty-one residents were present at the Annual Meeting.

At 9:46 pm Ken Hamann made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Neil Franz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

Coffee, milk and cookies from Stearns Bank were served after the meeting.

Minutes taken by Judy Bruemmer, Farming Township Clerk

The Annual Meeting in the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the Farming Community Center on the 14th day of March 2017. It was called to order by Clerk Judy Bruemmer at 8:30 pm. The flag pledge was said.
Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations from the floor for moderator. Walter Buerman made a motion to nominate Neil Franz, Jack Wimmer seconded. Neil Franz accepted the nomination. All in favor, motion carried. No other nominations for moderator were made. Tony Legatt made a motion to close nominations, John Linn seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Neil Franz was declared the moderator.
The minutes of the 2015 Annual Meeting were read by Neil Franz. Victor Kotten made a motion to accept the minutes as read, John Blenker seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Discussion was held. Ken Hamann made a motion to accept the report as printed, Jack Wimmer seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Jack Wimmer made a motion to continue with Trappers Pub and Grub, Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Farming Community Center and the Township Website as posting places, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dale Lange made a motion to have the Albany Enterprise as the official newspaper for publishing legal notices, Ken Hamann seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
John Blenker made a motion to have the Farming Community Center as the official polling place for the Annual Election and for the polling place to be open from 2 pm to 8 pm, Ken Hamann seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
Jack Wimmer made a motion to have the Farming Community Center as the official Annual Town Meeting site with the meeting to start at 8:30 pm on March 13, 2018, John Linn seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Walter Buerman made a motion for the monthly board meetings to be held on the first Tuesday of the month at 8:00 pm in the Farming Township Board Room, Dale Lange seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
Ken Hamann made a motion to allow the Township Board hire someone to mow the road ditches, Duane Janssen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The results of the Annual Election Board of Canvass were reported as follows: For Supervisor – Dan Stommes received 31 votes, Neil Franz received 2 votes and John Zimmerman received one vote. Dan Stommes was declared the winner of the Supervisor position. For Treasurer – Duane Janssen received 32 votes and Ron Backes received 2 votes. Duane Janssen was declared the winner of the Treasurer position. A total of 34 ballots were cast in the Annual Election.
Tony Legatt made a motion to destroy the 2015 Annual Election ballots, John Blenker seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The next item on the agenda was the General Fund Levy. Discussion was held regarding the proposed levy for 2018. Ken Hamann made a motion to set the Levy for the General Fund at $85,500, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Road and Bridge Levy proposed for 2018 was presented. Ron Backes made a motion to set the levy at $125,000, Ken Hamann seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Tarring Fund levy came up for discussion. Ron Backes made a motion to set the Tarring Fund Levy at $100,000 for 2018, Jerry Rausch seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
John Linn made a motion to continue dustcoating roads with the Board deciding which roads to dustcoats and residents wanting additional roads dustcoated along their property paying half, Dale Lange seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Discussions were held concerning the conditions of Clear Lake Road south to County Road 42 and various other roads in the Township. No decisions were made. Supervisors stated that they will check them on Road Tour.
Twenty-two residents were present at the Annual Meeting.
At 9:25 pm, Ken Hamann made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Ron Backes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Cookies from Stearns Bank and milk were served following the meeting.
Minutes taken by Judy Bruemmer, Farming Township Clerk

Unapproved Annual Meeting Minutes 3.8.16
The Annual Meeting in the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the Farming Community Center on the 8th day of March 2016. It was called to order by Clerk Judy Bruemmer at 8:30 pm. The flag pledge was said.
Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations from the floor for moderator. Brian Brix made a motion to nominate Victor Kotten, Dave Robertson seconded. Victor Kotten accepted the nomination. All in favor, motion carried. No other nominations for moderator were made. Dale Lange made a motion to close nominations, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Victor Kotten was declared the moderator.
The minutes of the 2015 Annual Meeting were read by Clerk Judy Bruemmer. Paul Killmer made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Discussion was held. Gary Winkels made a motion to accept the report as printed, Tony Legatt seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Paul Killmer made a motion to continue with Trappers Pub and Grub, Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Farming Community Center and the Township Website as posting places, Brian Brix seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Ken Hamann made a motion to have the Albany Enterprise as the official newspaper for publishing legal notices, Lloyd Salzl seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Gary Winkels made a motion to have the Farming Community Center as the official polling place for the Annual Election and for the polling place to be open from 2 pm to 8 pm, Jerry Rausch seconded. Discussion was held. All in favor, motion carried.
Patti Zimmerman made a motion to have the Farming Community Center as the official Annual Town Meeting site with the meeting to start at 8:30 pm on March 14, 2017, Brian Brix seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dale Lange made a motion for the monthly board meetings to be held on the first Tuesday of the month at 8:00 pm in the Farming Township Board Room, Ken Hamann seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Ken Hamann made a motion to allow the Township Board hire someone to mow the road ditches, Don Brinkman seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The results of the Annual Election Board of Canvass were reported as follows: For Supervisor – Neil Franz received 75 votes, Dave Robertson received 136 votes. Dave Robertson was declared the winner of the Supervisor position. For Clerk – Judy Bruemmer received 203 votes. There were 2 write-in votes with one vote each. Judy Bruemmer was declared the winner of the Clerk position. A total of 212 ballots were cast in the Annual Election.
Ken Hamann made a motion to destroy the 2014 Annual Election ballots, John Linn seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Neil Franz gave a short speech thanking residents for their support over the years and congratulating Dave Robertson and Judy Bruemmer.
The next item on the agenda was the General Levy. Paul Killmer made a motion to put the tarring fund into the General Fund thereby lessening taxes for residents. Discussion was held. It was decided that the motion was not relevant to the General Levy and should be made when the Tarring Fund Levy was up for discussion. Paul Killmer then retracted his motion. Jack Wimmer made a motion to set the General Levy at $210,500, Don Linz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Tarring Fund levy came up for discussion. Paul Killmer made a motion to re-allocate the tarring fund to the General Fund. After much discussion on the subject both for and against, Paul Killmer retracted his motion. Then Jack Wimmer made a motion allocating the tarring fund through 2016 for maintenance of existing roads only, not new tar, Patti Zimmerman seconded. There was considerable discussion on the motion. Don Linz called for a secret paper ballot. 29 residents voted in favor of the motion, 11 against. The motion was carried. There were 40 residents at the Annual Meeting. Tom Buerman made a motion to set the Tarring Fund Levy at $100,000 for 2017, Brian Brix seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Wally Buerman made a motion to destroy the secret ballots, Gary Winkels seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dave Robertson made a motion to continue dustcoating roads with the Board deciding which roads to dustcoat and residents wanting additional roads dustcoated along their property paying half, Dale Lange seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Vernon Willenbring thanked Neil Franz for his years of service on the Township Board.
At 9:52 pm, Ken Hamann made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Don Linz seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Minutes taken by Judy Bruemmer, Farming Township Clerk

Approved Annual Meeting Minutes 3.10.15
The Annual Meeting in the Town of Farming, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota was held in the Farming Community Center on the 10th day of March 2015. It was called to order by Clerk Judy Bruemmer at 8:30 pm. The flag pledge was said.
Judy Bruemmer asked for nominations from the floor for moderator. Todd Barrow made a motion to nominate Dewey Klaphake, Dale Lange seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Jack Wimmer made a motion to close nominations, Ken Hamann seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Dewey Klaphake accepted the nomination and was declared the moderator.
The minutes of the 2014 Annual Meeting were read by Clerk Judy Bruemmer. Lisa Klaphake made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Patti Zimmerman seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Discussion was held. Paul Killmer made a motion to accept the report as printed, Ken Hamann seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Ken Hamann made a motion to continue with Trappers Pub and Grub, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Farming Community Center and the Township website as posting places, Paul Killmer seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dale Lange made a motion to have the Albany Enterprise as the official Township newspaper for publishing legal notices, Ken Hamann seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Paul Killmer made a motion to have the Farming Community Center as the official polling place for the Annual Election and for the polling place to be open from 2 pm to 8 pm, Todd Barrow seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dean Rausch made a motion to have the Farming Community Center as the official Annual Town Meeting place with the meeting to start at 8:30 pm on March 8, 2016, Brian Brix seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dale Lange made a motion for the monthly board meetings to be held on the first Tuesday of the month at 8:00 pm in the Farming Township Board Room, Lisa Klaphake seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Ken Hamann made a motion to allow the Township to hire someone to mow the road ditches, Duane Janssen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The results of the Annual Election Canvass were reported as follows: For Supervisor – Vernon Willenbring received 32 voted, Norb Jost received one write-in vote. Vernon Willenbring was declared the winner of the Supervisor position. For Treasurer – Duane Janssen received 33 votes, there were no write-in votes. Duane Janssen was declared the winner of the Treasurer position. A total of 33 ballots were cast in the Annual Election.
Patti Zimmerman made a motion to destroy the old Annual Election ballots from 2013, Charles Reichert seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
A report was given by the Township Board on the proposed levy for 2016. Discussion was held. Supervisor Neil Franz gave a report on the possible transfer of County Roads 117 and 161 to the Township. Paul Killmer made a motion to accept the levy of $208,500 for the year 2016, Joe Thelen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The next item on the agenda was the tarring levy. An extended discussion was held by Township residents on the amount of the levy, which roads to tar, whether to tar, residents input, etc. Dean Rausch made a motion to have a special meeting to discuss the order of roads to be tarred and the possibility of bonding for tarring roads, Todd Barrow seconded. All in favor, motion carried. Further discussion was held on forming a committee to research the information to be presented at the meeting. The Township residents appointed Fred Holthaus as head of the committee and the person to contact if you wanted to be a member of the committee. Fred Holthaus requested that one of the Supervisors be a member of the committee. Neil Franz agreed to be on the committee. It was decided to present the information at the June monthly meeting rather than have a special meeting. Dean Rausch then made a motion to retract his motion for a special meeting, Lou Jost seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Joe Thelen made a motion to levy $100,000 for the tarring fund with the understanding that the Board of Supervisors would not contract for any additional tarring until the committee had presented their recommendations, Paul Killmer seconded. Fred Holthaus requested a secret ballot. There were 31 voters present of the original 39 residents present. The vote was 16 for the levy, 15 against. The levy was passed.
Brian Brix made a motion to continue dustcoating roads with the Board deciding which roads to dustcoat and residents wanting additional roads dustcoated paying half of the cost of the dustcoating, Lisa Klaphake seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
New Business: Norb Jost presented a petition with 28 signatures regarding a request to limit parking along Clear Lake Road. Discussion was held. Supervisors stated that more No Parking signs will be put up but they will have to review the petition at the next monthly meeting and see what can be done.
At 10:55 pm, Lisa Klaphake made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Brian Brix seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Cookies, provided by the Stearns Bank, and milk were served following the meeting.
Minutes taken by Judy Bruemmer, Clerk