This may affect your 2022 property taxes.
The Board of Appeal and Equalization for Farming Township will meet on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 10:30 – 11:00 am, at the Farming Community Center. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor.
If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you disagree with the valuation and classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the local board of appeal and equalization. The board will review your assessments and may make corrections as needed. Generally, you must appeal to the local board before appealing to the county board of appeal and equalization.
Unapproved Annual Meeting Minutes 3.9.2021
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
Official Minutes 2.2.2021
The February 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, Deputy Kern and Dan Gondringer. The meeting was held using social distancing and following Covid-19 recommendations.
The January minutes were read. Jason Willenbring 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 $328,006.77 in the checking account.
RE: Gondringer Plat – Dan Gondringer was present with the final plat. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve and sign the plat, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Sheriff’s Report – Deputy Kern gave a report on activity in the Township. He stated things were relatively quiet and normal.
RE: Hildebrand Trucking – Hildebrand Trucking requested permission to service farms and drive on Township roads during road restriction season. Discussion was held. Dave Robertson made a motion to approve the request, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Right of Way Resolution – Discussion was held regarding fee amounts for the Right of Way Permit. It was decided to charge $5000 for the first mile and $1000 for each additional mile. This would be refundable after inspection. There would also be a non-refundable $100 inspection fee for each crossing inspection. Dave Robertson will contact Compass Consultants about the decision. The Clerk will also send a letter containing the information.
RE: Road Grants – Discussion was held concerning an application fee for 260th Street. This would be shared with Munson Township. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve sharing the costs of writing the grant application with Munson Township, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried. A Supervisor will notify Munson Township of the decision.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6971 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
6972 M-R Sign road signs 246.84
6973 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing/Jan guarantee 1,300.00
6974 COL Fire & Rescue Qtr 1 2021 fire protection 1,507.21
6975 Wakefield Twp fire debt retirement/fee/interest 5,882.36
Total $ 9,001.49
Year-to-date Total $ 24,772.34
At 9:13 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to recess the monthly board meeting in order to hold the Board of Audit Meeting and the Budget Meeting, Jason Willnebring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 1.5.2021
The January 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 Marlene Statz and Dan Gondringer. The meeting was held using social distancing and following Covid-19 recommendations.
The December minutes were read. Jason Willenbring 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.
RE: Lions Club – Marlene Statz presented an application for a gambling permit for the Lions Club raffle. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve the application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Gondringer Plat – Dan Gondringer presented a plat for their home. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve and sign the plat, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Road Grants – Discussion was held concerning the availability of road grants. Munson Township and Farming Township are checking into a grant application for 260th Street.
RE: Board of Audit and Budget Meeting – It was decided to hold the Board of Audit and the Budget Meeting along with the February Board Meeting.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6963 Farming Comm. Center annual rent $ 3,300.00
6964 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 65.08
6965 Star Publications newspaper ads 80.00
6966 US Treasury medicare/soc.sec. 358.02
6967 Stearns Cty Ass. of Twps. state and county dues 1,094.28
6968 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing/Dec guarantee 2,440.00
6969 MATIT insurance/bond 1,495.00
6970 City of St. Martin 2nd half 2020 fire protection 6,938.47
Total $ 15,770.85
Year-to-date Total $ 15,770.85
At 9:05 pm Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 12.1.2020
The December 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, Dale Lange, and Pachan father & daughter to view meeting.
The meeting was held using social distancing and following Covid-19 recommendations.
The November minutes were read. One correction was made – to state CARES funds for the Community Center were for supplies for cleaning and sanitizing. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: CARES Fund – The Clerk reported that checks were sent and the final report was made to the State.
RE: Sand Lake Road – It was reported that the necessary repairs were made to the hole in the road.
RE: 2021 Polling Place – Dave Robertson made a motion to designate the Farming Community Center Board Room as the 2021 Polling Place, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Chain of Lakes Fire District – Jason Willenbring gave a report. He stated there would not be a year-end meeting because of Covid-19. He also reported that the cost of fire protection would go up because of purchases and the fire department has no levy authority, so townships must help support it.
RE: Signs – The Clerk will order new No Parking and DIP signs to replace those stolen.
RE: 223rd – Discussion was held concerning a hole in 223rd Ave – it will be checked into.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6947 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
6948 Jason Willenbring mileage/culvert inv. 82.36
6949 Dave Robertson supervisor wages 138.52
6950 Jason Willenbring supervisor wages 470.98
6951 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages 110.82
6952 Dewey Klaphake permit fees 138.91
6953 Dan Stommes supervisor wages 207.79
6954 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 775.70
6955 Judy Bruemmer reimb. supplies/computer 87.84
6956 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 457.14
6957 Farming Township tarring fund CD 100,000.00
6958 COL Fire & Rescue Dist. Qtr 4 fire protection 1,251.42
6959 Stearns Cty. Aud. Treas election ballots 4,903.50
6960 MATIT workman’s comp ins. 342.00
6961 City of St. Martin fire protection 5,864.97
6962 Lange Trenching road repair 186.60/blading 1950 2,136.60
` Total $ 117,033.63
Year-to-date Total $ 495,025.72
At 9:00 pm Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Farming Township Election March 9, 2021
The Farming Township Election will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 in the Farming Community Center Board Room.
Affidavits for Candidacy may be filed with the Township Clerk at 27555 County Road 41, Albany, MN 56307 from 9 am on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 until 5 pm on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 for the offices of:
Supervisor – 3 year term – currently held by Jason Willenbring
Treasurer – 2 year term – currently held by Duane Janssen
There is a $2 filing fee.
The filing office will be closed on Friday, January 1, 2021. The Clerk will be available at the above residence from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 as required by law.
Judy Bruemmer, Farming Township Clerk
320-548-3562
Official Minutes 11.5.2020
The November 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. Present were Dan Stommes, Jason Willenbring, Judy Bruemmer and Duane Janssen. Dave Robertson was absent due to self-quarantine. Also present was Dale Lange.
The meeting was held using social distancing and following Covid-19 recommendations.
The October minutes were read. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. Motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $373,350.86 in the checking account.
RE: Snow Quote – Only one quote was received for snowplowing. Sunny Brook Enterprises gave a quote for snow removal and sanding at $110/hr, salt and sand at $90/yd (unless shortage causes a rise in prices), a $5/hr surcharge if diesel goes above $4/gal and an additional guarantee of $700/month for the months of December, January, February and March. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the quote, Dan Stommes seconded. Motion carried. It was noted that Lange Trenching was not interested in giving a quote.
CARES Funding – Discussion was held concerning the CARES funding in the amount of $25,575.00. It was decided to give funds to our fire protection providers, the community center and to purchase PPE equipment for the meeting room.
RE: Road and Culvert Issues – Discussion was held with Lange Trenching concerning the issues and their progress.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6938 Lange Trenching repair 10,124.38/blading 3,129.95 $ 13,254.33
6939 Star Publications newspaper ads 20.00
6940 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 65.08
6941 M-R Sign Co. 911 sign 36.02
6942 Judy Bruemmer CARES purchases reimbursed 87.29
6943 Albany Fire Dept. CARES/radios and accessories 10,348.92
6944 St. Martin Fire Dept. CARES/chest compressor and accessories 5,585.84
6945 COL Fire & Rescue CARES/Covis equipment and services 6,552.95
6946 Farming Comm. Ctr. CARES/Covid supplies, cleaning, sanitizing 3,000.00
Total $ 38,950.43
Year-to-date Total $ 378,012.09
At 9:00 pm Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. Motion carried.
Farming Township Election News
The Farming Township Board Election will be held on March 9, 2021 in the Farming Community Center Board Room.
Affidavits for Candidacy may be filed with the Township Clerk at 27555 County Road 41, Albany, MN 56307 from 9 am Tuesday, December 29, 2020 through 5 pm Tuesday, January 12, 2021 for the offices of:
Supervisor – 3 year term – currently held by Jason Willenbring
Treasurer – 2 year term – currently held by Duane Janssen
There is a $2.00 filing fee.
The filing office will be closed January 1, 2021. The Clerk will be available at the above address from 1 pm to 5 pm on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 as required by law.
Official Minutes 10.6.2020
The October 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. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Allison Eiynck and Aubree Eiynck.
The meeting was held using social distancing and following Covid-19 recommendations.
The September minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $415,384.40 in the checking account.
Allison and Aubree Eiynck were present to observe the meeting as part of their school class.
RE: Stearns County Sheriff – Officer Eric Popp gave a report on the calls and happenings for the months of August and September. He said it was relatively quiet. Thefts of several road signs were reported.
RE: Arvig – Dan Stommes stated that contact had been made and that they are working on the culvert issues. It was suggested to put the Right of Way Permit Resolution on the website. Dewey Klaphake will check into it.
RE: CARES Act – The distribution of the CARES money will be decided at the November meeting.
RE: COL Fire & Rescue District – Jason Willenbring gave a short report and stated that they were purchasing a 4wheel drive truck.
RE: November meeting – The November Board Meeting will be changed to Thursday, November 6, 2020 due to the General Election. A notice will be published and posted.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6933 Midwest Asphalt crackfilling/patching $ 66,420.00
6934 US Treasury soc. sec./medicare 449.84
6935 Star Publications newspaper ads 56.00
6936 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 65.08
6937 COL Fire & Rescue Dist. Qtr 3 fire protection 1,251.42
Total $ 68,242.34
Year-to-date Total $ 339,061.66
At 9:25 pm, Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 9.1.2020
The September 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 and Dale Lange. The meeting was held using social distancing and following Covid-19 recommendations.
The August minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $441,751.44 in checking.
RE: Arvig Culvert Issues – Jason Willenbring reported he found 3 more culverts with issues concerning Arvig as he was doing the culvert inventory. He is not finished with the inventory so doesn’t know if there are any more. A lengthy discussion was held concerning the issues and the ordinance drawn up by the lawyer. Dave Robertson made a motion to adopt the ordinance, named Ordinance 9.1.2020, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried. It was decided the Clerk will publish a summary of the ordinance and put copies in the local library and the County Law library.
RE: Cares Relief Fund – Several options were discussed regarding the fund and which things to fund. The Treasurer stated he had not received any funds yet. The Clerk will check with the State to see if there was any problem. It was decided that Supervisors should check with the fire departments to see what they need and to come with ideas for funding Township with materials and the FCC for Covid-19 cleaning, etc.
RE: Weed Inspection – Supervisors stated that it is finished and there were no major issues.
RE: Albany School District – Dan Stommes gave a report on the School Board meeting and how classes were being started.
RE: Albany Fire Department – Dan Stommes reported on the Fire Department meeting. The department has opted to buy a new pumper truck and put the ladder truck issue on hold due to high cost and loss of some of their fundraisers.
RE: District 5 Meeting – Dave Robertson and Duane Janssen reported on the Zoom meeting. Many legislative issues haven’t been solved. The one concern was an anticipated shortage of state troopers by the year 2022.
RE: Zoning – Dewey gave a short zoning report. He also suggest that the Board come up with a list of permit costs, etc.
9.1.2020 Minutes Page 2
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
6918 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
6919 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 865.82
6920 Math Schmitz road ditch cutting 2,648.50
6921 Judy Bruemmer reimb. supplies/computer 88.91
6922 Lange Trenching granite 310.25/blading2350 2,660.25
6923 Couri & Ruppe lawyer fees 682.50
6924 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages 166.23
6925 Dewey Klaphake reimb. fees/mileage 130.44
6926 Dave Robertson supervisor wages 325.53
6927 Dave Robertson reimb. mileage 24.36
6928 Jason Willenbring supervisor wages 415.57
6929 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 415.57
6930 Daniel Stommes reimb. mileage 32.48
6931 Central MN Dust Control dustcoating 17,319.40
6932 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 526.40
Total $ 26,367.04
Year-to-date Total $ 270,819.32
At 9:36 pm Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.