The May 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 Math Schmitz, Eric Popp, Stearns County Deputy, Kristina Peasley and Dale Lange. The meeting was held using social distancing and Covid 19 recommendations.
The April 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 $497,621.55 in the checking account.
RE: Ryan Symanietz was granted is request to vacate the easement between lots 2 and 3 of Royal River Road
RE: Eric Popp of the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department gave a report of the activity that happened in Farming Township in March and April of 2022.
RE: Kristina Peasly asked if it would be possible to have some more crushed granite hauled on to 218th Ave, it is very soft in some spots, especially when wet. The board will look into this in the near future when the road is wet.
RE: Dust Control, there is only one quote it was from Central Minnesota Dust Control, their quote is for .65 cents per foot. Discussion was held, they should be able to apply in a timely manner this year as they have more storage for the product. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept this bid. Ben Mergen seconded, all in favor, motion carried.
RE: Ditch Cutting, there was only on quote, it was from Math Schmitz, his quote was for $85/hour plus fuel. Discussion was held Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept this quote, Ben Mergen seconded, All in favor, motion carried
RE: Crack Filling, there was only one quote, it was from Midwest Asphalt it is for $1.60 per pound. Discussion was held, Ben Mergen made a motion to accept this quote, Jason Willenbring seconded it, All in favor, Motion carried
RE: Class 2, there was only one quote, it was from Lange Trenching, class 2 granite $21.47/ton and bladed one time. Discussion was held, Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the quote for Class 2 granite from Lange Trenching, Ben Mergen seconded, All in favor, Motion carried
RE: Class 5 gravel, there was only one quote, it was from Lange Trenching Inc, Class 5 gravel $13.50 CY and bladed one time. Discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the quote from Lange Trenching for the class 5 and blading, Ben Mergen seconded All in favor, Motion carried
RE: Blading township roads, there was only one quote, it was from Lange Trenching Inc. Blading the roads at $55/hour. Discussion was held. Ben Mergen made a motion to accept the quote from Lange Trenching to blade the township roads for $55/mile, Jason Willenbring seconded it, All in favor, Motion carried
The supervisors had finished the road tour. Discussion was held with Dale Lange about road and culvert issues along 223rd Ave and all other roads with issues.
RE: Linn Dairy driving up on to the road thru the ditch on Clear Lake Road Jason will discuss with them.
RE: Arvig update, they would charge $6500 to bring fiber optics to the building. Discussion was held. Arvig did bring the internet into the building thru the telephone line.
RE: Broadband to unserved and underserved in the township, Discussion was held Ben Mergen made a motion to commit $40,000 of ARPA money to the county so they can go ahead and apply for the boarder to boarder grant at this time, and when the township gets the second half of the ARPA money we will look at giving more money for this project. Jason Willenbring seconded it, All in favor, Motion carried.
RE: Liquor License for Trappers Pub and Grub discussion was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve the liquor license for Trappers Pub and Grub, Ben Mergen seconded it, all in favor, Motion carried
RE: 5th Monday Meeting Dan Stommes gave a report that there will be a referendum to purchase the old hospital building in Albany. If purchased the pre school classes and Kindergarten would be in that building.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid
Check 7094 Robyn Theisen help Linda with ARPA report $18.00
Check 7095 Stearns Electric Monthly bill $65.08
Check 7096 M& R Sign Sign $45.40
Check 7097 MAT CTAS Training/Linda $65.00
Check 7098 Lange Trenching Blading $3465.00
Check 7099 Chain of Lakes Fire 2nd qtr fire protection $1813.60
Total $5472.08
Year to date total $59518.98
At 9:55 pm Jason Willenbring made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Ben Mergen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 4.5.2022
The April 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 Mariah and Ryan Symanietz, Dan and Dana Rea. The meeting was held using social distancing and Covid 19 recommendations.
The March minutes were read. Corrections: Change Rich Symanietz to Ryan Symanietz. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes as read,with corrections, Ben Mergen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $500,065.89 in the checking account.
RE: Dan Rea from the Farming Athletic Field requested a 3.2 Malt Liquor License for the period of April 15,2022 thru October 14,2022. Jason Willenbring made a motion to approve the liquor license. Ben Mergen seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Reorganization Meeting. Jason Willenbring made a motion to accept the minutes of the Reorganization meeting, Ben Mergen seconded All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Dust coating/gravel/class 5 and tarring Dan Stommes will contact Lange Excavating and Scepaniak Excavating to get bids for gravel and class 5. He will contact Midwest Asphalt about tarring for repairs and Dale Lange for blading.
RE: Reminder road tour will take place April 19 at 9:30 am
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7088 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
7089 US Treasury Quarterly payroll taxes $ 516.40
7090 Dewey Klaphake Moderator for annual meeting $ 50.00
7091 Stearns County Truth in Taxation/Election Chg $ 337.66
7092 Sunny Brook March Plow and March guarantee $ 1240.00Ja
7093 Star Publication Public Hearing Notice $ 235.20
Total $ 2444.34
Year-to-date Total $ 54046.90
At 8:50 Jason Willenbring made a motion to recess the regular meeting, Ben Mergen seconded it. Motion carried
At this time a special meeting was called to order regarding vacating the easements of lots 2 and 3 of Royal River Road for Ryan Symanietz. Discussion and review of the application to vacate the easements of lots 2 and 3 of Royal River Road was held. Jason Willenbring made a motion to vacate the easement on lots 2 and 3 of Royal River Road. Ben Mergen seconded it. Motion carried.
At 9:40 Jason Willenbring made a motion to close the special meeting, Ben Mergen seconded, motion carried
At 9:40 Jason Willenbring made a motion to reopen the regular meeting, Ben Mergen seconded, regular meeting back in session.
Arvig update-No update, waiting to hear back
At 10:00 pm Ben Mergen made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jason Willenbring seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 3.1.22
The March Monthly Meeting of the farming Township Board was called to order by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake and Linda Theisen. The meeting was held using social distancing and following Covid-19 recommendations.
The February minutes of the Board Meeting, Board of Audit and Budget Meeting were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $483,090.39 in the checking account.
RE: Redistricting Resolution – Because of redistricting in Stearns County the Board needed to re-establish the precinct polling places. Dave Robertson made a motion to pass Resolution 3.1.22 designating the Farming Community Center as the polling place for local elections and the Stearns County Service Center in Waite Park as the polling place for the State and Federal elections, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Township Election and Annual Meeting – The Clerk stated all is in order.
RE: District Meeting in Freeport on February 23, 2022 – Jason Willenbring and Dan Stommes attended the meeting and gave a report. Representatives were present at that meeting and presented information on the ARPA grant and what the County plans would be.
RE: Albany Fire Department – Dan Stommes gave a report on the Department Meeting.
RE: Rich Symanietz – Dewey Klaphake presented information stating the Mr. Symanietz needed the Board to vacate the 20 foot drainage utility easement before they would issue a building permit. The Township Board needed to do that. The Supervisors were in favor of vacating the easement. Dewey Klaphake will check with Stearns County as to what steps needed to be taken.
RE: A reminder was given that the Board of Equalization will be held in person on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 10:30 am in the FCC Board Room.
RE: District Semi-annual Meeting – A reminder was given that the meeting will be held in Freeport, MN on Thursday, April 7, 2022. It will be a dinner meeting for officers and their spouses.
RE: Dustcoating, Gravel and Blading – Discussion was held. It was decided to contact MN Dustcoating soon and to get gravel and blading quotes for the May meeting.
Minutes 3.1.2022 second page
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7072 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
7073 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing/sand 3,340.00
7074 M-R Sign, Inc. 911 sign 45.43
7075 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages 180.08
7076 Dave Robertson supervisor wages 415.57
7077 Dave Robertson reimb. mileage 17.92
7078 Jason Willenbring supervisor wages 554.10
7079 Dewey Klaphake reimb. permit fees/mileage 132.88
7080 City of Albany fire protection 18,556.00
7081 City of St. Martin fire protection 6,763.33
7082 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 512.54
7083 Daniel Stommes reimb. mileage 45.92
7084 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 831.15
7085 Judy Bruemmer reimb. supplies/computer/mileage 304.58
7086 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 623.36
7087 Stearns Cty Officers Assn spouse dinners 20.00
Total $ 33,407.94
Year-to-date Total $ 51,602.56
At 9:25 pm, Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dust Coating
Dustcoating 2022
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, 2022. If your road is not one of the designated roads, the Township asks that you to share in the cost of the dustcoating.
Notice of Public Hearing
Notice of Public Hearing
The Farming Township Board has scheduled a Public Hearing for 8:30 p.m. Tuesday April 5th, 2022 to be held at the Farming Community Center, Farming, MN. The purpose of the hearing is to gather public input regarding the proposed vacation of a 20’ utility easement between lot #2 and lot #3 in Royal River View Addition. Pursuant to MN Statute 164.07, the Board is in receipt of an authorized petition by property owners within the proposed boundaries of the District and who are legal voters of the town. Persons wishing to provide comment on this proposal may attend the hearing in person, or contact the Farming Township Clerk via email at farmingtownship@gmail.com. Comments submitted should pertain only to this proposal and should be able to be read/stated within 3 minutes. All written comments must be received by 5 P.M. on 4/4/22 to be included in the hearing. Respectfully, Farming Township.
https://www.farmingtownship.org/2022/03/1002/
Farming Township
The Board of Appeal and Equalization for Farming Township will meet on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at the Farming Community Center from 10:30 to 11:00 am. 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 assessment 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 3.8.2022
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
Official Minutes 2.1.2022
The February Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm in the FCC Board Room. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Linda Theisen, Grant Kulzer, Ben Mergen and Deputy Eric Popp. The meeting was held using social distancing and following Covid-19 recommendations.
The January minutes were read. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Duane Janssen gave a financial report with a balance of $499,012.42 in the checking account.
RE: Grant Kulzer – Grant Kulzer was present with an application for a Stearns County building permit. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to sign the building permit application, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Deputy Report – Deputy Eric Popp gave a report on happenings in Farming Township for December and January. Discussion was held on the use of drones, snowmobiles and dog complaints.
RE: Hildebrandt – A request from Hildebrandt Trucking was presented for permission to drive on gravel roads during road restrictions for hauling and pickup of rendering. Discussion was held noting that the Clerk should ask them to have the year included in their next permission request. Dan Stommes made a motion to approve the request, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Ryan Symanietz – An application for a Stearns County building permit for Ryan Symanietz was presented. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to have Dewey Klaphake sign the application form, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Albany School District – Dan Stommes gave a report on the public School Board meeting concerning the possibility of purchasing the Albany Hospital building and a possible referendum.
RE: Arvig – Discussion was held on the installation of internet services in the Farming Community Center.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7066 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
7067 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing/sand 3,280.00
7068 Star Publications newspaper ads 44.88
7069 Wakefield Twp. COL debt1320/interest39.60 1,359.60
7070 COL Fire & Rescue Dist. Qtr 1 fire protection 1,813.60
7071 Stearns Cty Assn of Twp state and county dues 1,027.44
Total $ 7,590.60
Year-to-date Total $ 18,194.62
At 9:20 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to recess the monthly meeting to hold the Board of Audit and Budget Meetings, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Minutes from 2.1.2022 Page 2
Unofficial Minutes of the Board of Audit Meeting 2.1.2022
Jason Willenbring called the Board of Audit Meeting to order at 9:22 pm.
The Clerk and Treasurer had met on Monday, January 17, 2022 to reconcile their records. The Supervisors reviewed the report. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the report as presented, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
At 9:40 pm Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the Board of Audit Meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Unofficial Minutes of the Budget Meeting 2.1.2022
Jason Willenbring called the Budget Meeting to order at 9:41 pm.
The Board reviewed the budget information and expenses from the previous year and set the budget to propose at the Annual Meeting at $210,500. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the proposed amounts, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
At 9:55 pm Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the Budget Meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
The February Monthly Meeting was called back to order by Jason Willenbring at 9:57 pm.
RE: Township Election – Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to appoint Joyce Wimmer as head judge, with Vic Kotten and Judy Bruemmer as judges, and to appoint Joyce Wimmer and Judy Bruemmer to the Absentee Ballot Board, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Dave Robertson made a motion to use Tuesday, March 22, 2022 as the third alternate date for the Township Election, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
At 10:15 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 1.4.2022
The January 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 Dewey Klaphake, Marvin Eiynck, Daryl Eiynck, Linda Theisen and John Blenker. The meeting was held using social distancing and following Covid 19 recommendations.
The December minutes were read. Dave Robertson made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $492,609.55 in the checking account. He stated that $58,739.20 of that balance is from the ARPA grant.
RE: Polling Place – Clerk Judy Bruemmer stated that the Board needed to pass a new polling place resolution to amend the resolution in December to include the site for the mail ballot election. The amended resolution would state that the polling site for the Township Election would be the Community Center and the polling site for the State/Federal Election would be the Stearns County Building in Waite Park. Dan Stommes made a motion to pass Resolution 1.4.22 to include both polling sites, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Road Grant Application – John Blenker was present with information regarding a grant application for 223rd Street. Discussion was held. The Board was awaiting more information on prices and John Blenker will present more information at future board meetings.
RE: Board Room Internet – Jason Willenbring presented information on the possibility of having internet in the Community Center Board Room and the cost from Arvig. Discussion was held. Dan Stommes made a motion to go ahead with plans to install the internet, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Board of Audit/Budget Meeting – It was noted that the Meeting will be held at the February
Board Meeting.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7061 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill $ 65.08
7062 US Treasury medicare/soc.sec. 403.94
7063 MATIT township insurance 1,495.00
7064 Farming Community Center annual rent 3,300.00
7065 Sunny Brook Ent. Inc. snowplowing/guarantee 5,340.00
Total $ 10,604.02
Year-to-date Total $ 10,604.02
At 9:28 pm Dave Robertson made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Official Minutes 12.7.2021
The December Monthly Meeting of the Farming Township Board was called to order in the FCC Board Room by Jason Willenbring at 8:00 pm. The flag pledge was said. All members were present. Also present were Dewey Klaphake, Marlene Statz and Marvin Eiynck. The meeting was held using social distancing and following Covid 19 recommendations.
The November minutes were read. One correction was made: Dewey Klaphake was also present at the November meeting. Dan Stommes made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
Treasurer Duane Janssen gave a financial report with $448,464.50 in the checking account.
RE: Farming Lions – Marlene Statz presented an application for a Gambling Permit for the Farming Lions for an event on 4/1/22 at the Trappers Pub and Grub. Discussion was held. Dave Robertson made a motion to sign the application, Dan Stommes seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Polling Place Resolution – Dan Stommes made a motion to designate the Farming Community Center as the Farming Township Polling Place for 2022 by Resolution 12.7.21, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.
RE: Elections – Marvin Eiynck reported that he had talked to the County Representative Roxann Gerads and was told that he and his support group could handle the in-person election if the Board decided to go back to the in-person election. Discussion was held. Clerk Judy Bruemmer stated that she did not believe that was correct and would contact the Stearns County Election Board for clarification. Her understanding was that only the Clerk was the Election Administrator.
RE: Albany School Board Meeting – Dan Stommes reported on items discussed at the meeting. One possibility that was being looked into was the purchase of the old hospital building in order to gain more space. He stated that there was no open enrollment at this time because of space restrictions.
RE: Zoning – Dewey Klaphake stated that there were no issues to discuss at this time.
RE: FCC Board Room – The Board received notice that the rent for the Board Room would be $3300 for 2022. This is the same as 2021.
The following claims were examined, verified and ordered paid:
7048 Dave Robertson supervisor wages $ 207.79
7049 Jason Willenbring supervisor wages 415.57
7050 Daniel Stommes reimb. mileage 19.60
7051 Judy Bruemmer clerk wages 761.89
7052 Dewey Klaphake zoning adm. wages 166.23
7053 Dewey Klaphake reimb. for permit fees 97.36
7054 Daniel Stommes supervisor wages 304.75
7055 Judy Bruemmer reimb. ink/computer 133.91
7056 Stearns Electric monthly electric bill 65.08
7057 MATIT workman’s comp ins. 337.00
7058 M-R Sign Co. Inc. 911 sign 48.60
7059 Duane Janssen treasurer wages 581.80
7060 Farming Township tarring fund CD 50,000.00
Total $ 53,139.58
Year-to-date Total $ 270,379.58
At 9:15 pm, Dan Stommes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dave Robertson seconded. All in favor, motion carried.