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The annexation of Lent Township parcels into the City of North Branch has set some related actions in motion, among these is the expansion of a county commissioner district.  The properties affected, shown in map, were approved by the city council last week to go into Jim Swenson’s County Commissioner District One, which is all of North Branch.

The council was also okay with the land area coming into Precinct C.  (North Branch has three balloting precincts A, B and C.)

According to the County Auditor there are about 24 registered voters within the property impacted.

The territory affected has been carved out of Lent Township as part of a process leading to the eventual annexation of all of the township into Stacy.
A small east corner of the township is being absorbed by Chisago City.

In other matters the North Branch City Council appointed four to the Water & Light Commission.  The four of five terms had expired December 2022.

Incumbents Nathan Keech and Phil Carlson, were seated to the two-year posts. Patrick Meacham and Anthony Folstad were put in the four-year terms.

The one seat that had not expired, occupied by James Baxter, was left untouched.

Council gave the okay for the city to apply for two grants, one from the MN SHIP program for equipment to install a Rapid Flashing Beacon crossing on Grand Avenue and the other from the MN DNR for a pickleball court in the northeast corner of  Northwood Park.  The park is between Cherokee Avenue and Cougar Trail.

And, Community Development Director Jason Ziemer spoke to council about the local business retention and expansion outreach.  The pilot program is aiming to connect with two to three businesses monthly and discuss their needs, goals and collect information on their goods and services available.

A bill payment on the claims list questioned by Council member Peter Schaps was explained as a lobbying expense, contracted by the city,  for $30,000. The firm Larkin Hoffman is paid in 12 installments of $2,500.

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