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.
Dustcoating 2021
Dustcoating 2021
Farming Township is planning on dustcoating several roads in the Township. If you are interested in having the road along your property dustcoated, please contact one of the Township Supervisors by June 1, 2021. If your road is not one of the designated roads, the Township asks that you to share in the cost of the dustcoating.
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.
Important Information Regarding Property Assessments
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