The July 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, Trevor Lange, Math Schmitz and Dewey Klaphake
The June minutes were read, Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read with correcting the minutes to read the total value of the CD’s should be $1,173,118.23 and that Adam would be combing 7 CD’s into one and not 6 CD’s Ben Mergen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Adam Brix gave a financial report with $ 701,727.56 in the checking and money market accounts and $1,175,218.85 in CD’s for a total of $1,876,946.41 between all accounts.
Ben Mergen has been in contact with Attorney Steve Fenske, regarding sending a letter to some property owners regarding the removal of trees in the township road right of way. This letter needs to be sent out 14 days prior to the removal of the trees.
Regarding the culvert on 290th and County Road 9, Discussion was held. Dale Lange from Lange Trenching will have the underground wires located and Jason Willenbring will contact the Statz’s regarding the size and type of hose that they use when pumping manure, to help determine the size and design of culvert that will be needed.
Dan Stommes gave a report from the Albany Fire Board. They will now send out 3 bills before turning over to a collection agency. They added one new member to the department, their annual golf tournament fund raiser is coming up. They will be applying for a FEMA grant again this year, even though they only qualify once every three years.
Jason Willenbring gave a report from the Chain of Lakes Fire Department. They got the new one ton truck, it will take two to three months to get it into operation. They will be having their annual pontoon raffle again this year.
Ben Mergen has been in contact with Paynesville Cenex, regarding spraying weeds in the township road ditches. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to allow Paynesville Cenex to start spraying for weeds based on the areas of most need, and that they would have a budget between five and seven thousand dollars to start. Ben Mergen seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid.
7228 MR Signs 911 sign 46.43
7229 Arvig Monthly Bill 78.95
7230 Stearns Electric Monthly Bill 65.08
7231 Star Publications Legal Notice 26.74
7232 Lange Trenching Inc Class 2, Class 5, Blading, Repair 51049.80
7233 MATIT Insurance 1455.00
7234 Math Schmitz Mowing road ditches 2221.00
7235 United States Treasury 2nd quarter payroll tax 950.90

Total $ 55,893.90
Year-to-date Total $ 160,365.58
At 9:25pm Ben Mergen made a motion to adjourn, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The June 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 was Dale Lange
The May minutes were read, Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read with correcting the minutes to add Lange Trenching Inc. after Dale Lange, and to add repair and snow removal to the memo for Lange Trenching. Ben Mergen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Adam Brix gave a financial report with $540,780.37 in the checking and money market accounts. Adam also presented a list of the CD’s that the township has at the bank with a value of $1,173,118.23. Discussion was held regarding these CD’s and Adam will combine 7 of them into one CD with 12 month maturity and earning 5% interest.
Other issues of discussion:
Lange Trenching Inc will fix the culvert on 290th Ave up by County road 9.
At the July meeting more discussion will be held regarding removing the cattle pass on 223rd Ave and getting some bids to do some tarring repairs on 223rd Ave.
Linda Theisen presented a one day liquor license request from the Farming Community Center to have a Octoberfest fundraiser on September 30,2023. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the one day liquor license, Ben Mergen seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
The July meeting would be Tuesday July 4, being that is a holiday, discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to move the next meeting to Thursday July 6, 2023, Ben Mergen seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7211 Dan Stommes Supervisor wages $1219.02
7212 Dan Stommes Mileage, supplies,short course fee $260.49
7213 Jason Wilenbring Mileage $129.70
7214 Linda Theisen Clerk wages $1454.51
7215 Linda Theisen Mileage, election judge, copies, $401.32
7216 Ben Mergen Mileage $78.60
7217 Void
7218 Adam Brix Treasurer Wages $831.15
7219 Stearns County Assessing Fees $7231.75
7220 Jason Willenbring Supervisor Wages $1403.72
7221 Jason Willenbring Blading w/tractor,pull in shoulders $ 2520.00
7222 Arvig Monthly Bill $78.95
7223 Stearns Electric Monthly Bill $65.08
7224 Lange Trenching Inc Blading, class 2, repairs $7855.16
7225 Star Post Legal notice $44.55
7226 Ben Mergen Supervisor wages $831.15
7227 Ben Mergen Short course reimburse $75.00

Total $ 24480.15
Year-to-date Total $ 104,471.68
At 9:20pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn, Ben Mergen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The April 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 was Dale Lange.
The March minutes were read, Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Ben Mergen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The Re-Organization minutes were reviewed, Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the re organization minutes with one correction of changing a $18.00/hour to $20.00/hour. Ben Mergen, seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Adam Brix gave a financial report with $563,956.58 in the checking account.
New Signature cards were signed, discussion was held regarding getting a deputy clerk. Jason Willenbring will check with other townships to see what they do.
Dan Stommes will contact Matt Schmitz to see if he is interested in mowing road ditches again this year, if so he should get us a bid by the May meeting.
Dale Lange will get us bids for Class 2, Class 5 and blading for the May meeting.
Dan Stommes will check with Central MN Dust Coating for estimates to bring to the May meeting.
Discussion was held regarding the money in the checkbook and earning of interest. Dan Stommes made a motion to open a Money Market account at Stearns Bank, where we could earn more interest, Ben Mergen seconded, all in favor, motion carried. Adam Brix will do this when time permits.
The insurance policy was reviewed, there are a few minor changes to be made, Linda Theisen, will contact MATIT with these changes.
Upcoming events: April 18, 2023, Board of Equalization meeting with road tour to follow.
April 28, 2023, Annual township officers meeting in Freeport at 7:00pm
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7195 Anne Smith-Bleichner Election Judge $170.00
7196 Arvig Monthly Bill $78.95
7197 Stearns Electric Monthly Bill $65.08
7198 Stearns County Auditor Election Charge Back $182.00
7199 Stearns County Auditor Truth in Taxation $177.00
7200 United States Treasury 1st Quarter Payroll Tax $390.15
7201 Vic Kotten Elect Judge/meeting moderator $300.00
7202 MN Association Township Spring Short Course/Jason $75.00
7203 Sunny Brook Enterprises Snow Plow/monthly guarantee $10560.00
7204 Township Officers Association 2 guest meal ticket $20.00
Total $ 12018.18
Year-to-date Total $ 66065..08
At 9:35 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to recess the meeting, until April 18,2023, Ben Mergen 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 was Adam Brix, Dan Rea and Cole Thoma Stearns County Deputy.
The February minutes were read. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Ben Mergen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $562,273.97in the checking account.
RE: Cole Thoma from Stearns County Sheriffs Department gave a report for the month of January 2023, there were 13 calls in the township.
Dan Rea was present to request a 3.2 liquor license for the Farming Athletic Association for 2023, discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve the liquor license for 2023. Ben Mergen seconded, all in favor, motion carried.
Linda Theisen gave each board member a packet of information to review before the annual meeting, It was noted that John(Jack) Wimmer should be removed from the Zoning Board, and that a replacement will need to be found. Discussion was held regarding the budget. Jason Willenbring made a motion to change the budget to $324,000 which includes $100,000 to going into the tarring fund, instead of having the tarring fund a separate item in the budget. Ben Mergen seconded, all in favor, motion carried.
Jason Willenbring gave a report from the St. Martin Fire Department, they approved their budget, they got a FEMA grant and will be getting a new compressor.
Dan Stommes, gave a report from the Albany Fire Department, nothing new
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid
7184 Sunnybrook Enterprise Plow/Sand/Salt $5,990.00
7185 City of Albany Fire Proctection $16,517.00
7186 Jason Willenbring Supervisor Wages $484.84
7187 Ben Mergen Supervisor Wages $207.79
7188 Dan Stommes Supervisor Wages $346.31
7189 Arvig Monthly internet $78.95
7190 Linda Theisen computer time/supplies $104.93
7191 Stearns Electric Monthly electric $65.08
7192 Dewey Klaphake Planning & Zoning wages $69.26
7193 Linda Theisen Clerk Wages $761.89
7194 Duane Janssen Treasurer Wages $484.84
TOTAL $35,353.54
Year to date total $60,464.43
At 9:25pm Ben Mergen made a motion to adjourn, Jason Willenbring, seconded it, all in favor, motion carried

The February 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 was Adam Brix
The January minutes were read. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Ben Mergen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $537,378.06 in the checking account.
RE: Linda Theisen gave a follow up for the cost of a new computer, it would cost about $1100.00 it was decided that we would wait with getting a new computer at this time.
Duane Janssen will follow up with Stearns Bank regarding interest rates on CD’s current rate is 3.79%, currently if a CD is cashed in before the maturity date we would lose 6 months of interest.
Adam Brix will also check with Bank of the West what their interest rates would be.
A request from Hillebrandt Trucking was presented for permission to drive on gravel roads during road restrictions for hauling and pick up of rendering. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve the request, Ben Mergen seconded it, All In favor, Motion carried
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid
7175 Arvig Monthly Bill $ 78.95
7176 Total Agri-Business Preparing w2’s and 1099’s $ 144.00
7177 City of St. Martin Fire Protections $ 7680.01
7178 Sunny Brook Ent Plow/Sand/Salt $10,265.00
7179 Chain of Lakes Fire 1st Quarter Fire Protection $ 2051.45
7180 Star Publications Legal Notice $42.00
7181 Stearns Electric Monthly Bill $ 65.08
7182 Stearns County Assn Townships Dues $ 1028.70
7183 Farming Community Center Yearly rent $3500.00
TOTAL $24,855.19
Year to date total $35,353.54

At 9:15 Jason Willenbring made a motion to recess the monthly meeting to hold the board of Audit and Budget meetings, Ben Mergen seconded it . All in favor motion carried
Unofficial Minutes of the Board of Audit Meeting 2.7.2023
Dan Stommes call the Board of Audit Meeting to order at 9:15pm
The Clerk and Treasurer met on Tuesday January 31,2023 to reconcile their records. The supervisors reviewed the report. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the report as presented. Ben Mergen seconded it. All in favor motion carried.

Official Minutes of the Budget Meeting 2.7.23
Dan Stommes called the Budget meeting to order at 9:20 pm
The Board reviewed the budget information and expenses from the previous year and set the budget to propose at the annual meeting at $224,000. With $100,000 from the budget being put into the tarring fund. Ben Mergen made a motion to accept the proposed amounts. Jason Willenbring seconded it, All in favor, motion carried.

The February monthly meeting was called back to order by Dan Stommes at 9:25pm
Township Election- Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to appoint Linda Theisen as head judge with Vic Kotten and Anne Smith-Bleichner as judges and to appoint Linda Theisen and Vic Kotten to the Absentee Ballot Board. Ben Mergen seconded it. All in favor, motion carried
Jason Willenbring made a motion to use Tuesday March 28th as the 3rd alternate date for Township election, Ben Mergen seconded it, All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen stated that there was an article in The Township Report stating that township should define what duties are expected of the Deputy Clerk and Treasurer and what their pay should be. This is something to be looked into, in the future
At 9:35 Ben Mergen made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded it, all in favor, motion carried

The January Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Dan Stommes at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present.
The December minutes were read. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Ben Mergen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $691,987.88 in the checking account. This includes ARPA money.
Discussion was held regarding the current rate of interest the township is receiving on the CD’s. Duane Janssen will check with the bank if they have a Money Market that would pay more interest.
Jason Willenbring gave a report from the Chain of Lakes Fire Department. They will be getting a new grass rig. They increased their budget by $10,000. Farming Township will pay a percentage based on the number of calls that were to Farming Township.
Discussion was held regarding getting a new computer. Linda Theisen will check into that and report at the next meeting

The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid
7170 Stearns Electric Monthly Bill 65.08
7171 Postmaster Roll Stamps 60.00
7172 Arvig Monthly Bill 78.95
7173 Sunny Brook Ent Snow plow and Sand 9850.00
7174 United States Treasury 4th Quarter Payroll tax 444.32

Total $ 10498.35
Year-to-date Total $ 10498.35
At 8:50 Ben Mergen made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.

The December 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 Cole Thoma of The Stearns County Sheriffs Department, Marlene Statz, Dale Job from Magnifi Financial and Gail Holdvogt from Magnifi Financial
The November minutes were read. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Ben Mergen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $550,564.86 in the checking account.
Cole Thoma gave a report stating that from October till December 5,2022 there were 34 calls in Farming Township
Dale Job and Gail Holdvogt presented to the board the products that Magnifi is offering, including interest rates.
Marlene Statz was requesting a one day gambling license for the Farming Lions raffle that they will be having in conjunction with their annual fish fry on March 24, 2023. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve the permit, Ben Mergen seconded it, all in favor, motion carried.
Dewey Klaphake is still looking into any ordinance ‘s regarding solar farms, but has not had much time to do so.
Derek Kulzer variance is part of a 5 year plan
Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve Resolution number 12-5-22, which states the Farming Community Center is the polling place for township elections and that the Stearns County Service Center is the polling place for all other elections. Ben Mergen seconded, all in favor, motion carried.
Jason Willenbring gave a report from the Chain of Lakes Fire meeting, they are looking at buying a new grass rig
Discussion was held regarding the interest rates that Magnifi is currently offering, Duane Janssen will check with Stearns Bank and see if they can match them and will follow up at the next meeting
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid
7154 Ben Mergen Supervisor wages $ 207.79
7155 Linda Theisen computer fee/mileage $ 145.20
7156 Linda Theisen Clerk Wages $ 864.40
7157 Jason Willenbring Supervisor Wages $ 484.84
7158 Dan Stommes Supervisor Wages $362.94
7159 Dan Stommes Mileage reimbursement $ 27.49
7160 Stearns Electric Monthly Bill $65.08
7161 Dewey Klaphake Zoning Admin wages $ 207.79
7162 Dewey Klaphake Milage reimb/permits $230.83
7163 Stearns County Auditor mail ballot precinct costs $ 5852.00
7164 Arvig monthly bill(to correct billing error) $ 54.96
7165 MATIT work comp insurance $363.00
7166 Midwest Asphalt Air Patch 223rd ave $ 2950.00
7167 Lange Trenching Blading $2516.28
7168 Duane Janssen Treasurer wages $554.10
7169 Farming Township Transfer to CD tarring fund $50,000.00

TOTAL $64,886.70
Year to date Total $339,033.97

At 9:39 pm Ben Mergen made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.