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The final meeting December 19 of the Lent Township Board of Supervisors was no swan song of a half-dozen obsolete policymakers.  Following the public 6 p.m. open house of refreshments, reminiscing and reconnecting— the 7 p.m. full Township Board meeting notably concentrated on a list of things needing attention.  

The supervisors seemed reluctant to permanently adjourn,  without first setting the township’s to-do list firmly in order.

As of December 31, 2023  the township, organized in 1870,  officially is absorbed into the city of Stacy.

Lent Supervisor Rick Keller remarked he’d been told 32 meetings had been convened for this; between the March 2022 affirming vote at the township annual meeting to investigate a merger; leading to this evening.  

It will all have been worth it, Keller continued, if township citizens don’t notice any difference once Lent dissolves.  He added that extensive give and take between Stacy and Lent resulted in “synergy” as the two entities “worked as one” to help relieve concerns from both sides and create a framework for township lifestyle to continue.

The boundary adjustment agreement sanctioned by an administrative law judge, includes a new election schedule for a combined area city council to be seated in the spring.  From comments last week there will be at least three supervisors looking to serve.  Keller, Brian Seekon, and Jeff Barrett all left that door open.  Supervisor Troy Nelson has a maintenance job with Stacy and no plans to campaign.

The election is April 9, 2024.

Supervisor Carolyn Cagle was less clear, predicting it will be “nice to be a participant,” for a change, and  sounded nostalgic as she spoke of “great laughs and great fights” Lent supervisors have shared.

Keller added nobody on the Town Board has been “disagreeable,” although there were issues members disagreed on.

Lent supervisors discussed the on-going projects that the city will need to finish off.  There’s several hundred square feet of flooring replacement pending inside township hall.   There is a negotiated resolution with the manufacturer agreeing to cover $6 per square foot, due to quality control issues with the product.  Supervisor  Cagle promised any future “building committee” membership will keep this project on-track.The township hall is also slated to use Lent’s remaining American Recovery Program Act monies that must be committed soon, or returned. A security keycard access system, ice-melting mats on walkways and two new windows are the town board’s priorities.

The township heard from East Central Energy on its internet enhancement initiative, announcing the cooperative has two corners of Lent Township in its work plan.  Lent Township Board earlier supported ECE’s state funding assistance application for the greater Isanti-North Branch area, with a $1,000 contribution.  (The night after this final township meeting Chisago County 

Board disbursed $200,000 to ECE for broadband enhancement.  This is part of an Internet service aid fund out of county federal recovery act grants.)

Watch for ECE marketing  new fiber network services.  

The Hometown Internet firm is also planning wireless service enhancements in the township area, and Supervisor Barrett said with help from Chisago County and the ARPA aid Lent Internet consumers now have two good options.

Lent’s philosophy supporting recreation will live on as well.  

Cagle noted there’s a balance in the parks account, built through platting, permit fees, etc.  The Board agreed to recommend to Stacy an additional outdoor pickleball court be built.  Financial balances are being transferred as part of the merger.

The township hall complex contains three indoor pickleball courts for 12 players, and an outdoor fenced set. The last indoor league night saw players waiting.  The interest in pickleball is definitely there, supervisors concurred.

The actual township hall will become a facility for recreation, a venue for rental events and the Stacy City Council has announced it is holding meetings there regularly as of now.

Lent Township official duties have sunsetted.  

From here on out if you have a question or complaint about roads, zoning violations, want permit info, or need clarification related to government rules, operations, etc. contact Stacy.

And, in a final regulatory decision Lent supervisors found no offenses stemming from a complaint about a trucking operation on Grand Avenue.  

Supervisors had a trail camera positioned to record all site activity and last week they agreed to yank the camera.  It’s Stacy’s use permit to monitor now.

Big thank you’s were extended by the supervisors  to Stacy Lions and the combined Stacy-Lent Fire Department.  One of the Board’s final actions was to accept large donations from both organizations for equipment and other qualifying expenses.  

And, to all you who participate in the gopher bounty  Stacy is taking over paying those who bring in two front feet from the critter.

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