A significant highlight from the meeting was the council’s decision to appoint a full-time fire chief. The position, added to the consent agenda, saw a candidate accept the role pending a background check, which includes a psychological evaluation. The anticipated start date for the new chief is projected for late January or early February. This appointment follows the council’s acceptance of Councilmember John Dahl’s resignation, leading to Orin Kip filling his term until December 31, 2026. As part of the transition, Ethan Gilmore was appointed as the acting deputy mayor due to his longer tenure on the council. Orin Kip was also assigned several liaison roles, including citizen representative for the Inspiration Foundation and liaison to the Middle St. Croix Watershed.

The council approved a notable adjustment to the fee structure for riverway residential reviews. The fee, previously unchanged for an extended period, increased from $350 to $400. Additionally, a new category was introduced for riverway residential reviews, known for their complexity and time requirement, with a fee set at $600 each. These changes reflect the increased effort involved in such reviews and aim to better cover the costs associated with them.

Another highlight from the meeting was the proclamation of January 13, 2026, as Malta Day in Bayport, coinciding with the World Snow Celebration. This marks the second consecutive year the city has observed Malta Day, celebrating cultural diversity. The event will feature snow sculptors from around the globe, with a team from Malta led by artists Adriana Oramus, Sarah Hutgur, and Robert Folks. The mayor expressed excitement about the event, particularly the team’s enthusiasm for returning to Bayport. Last year, the team engaged with local elementary school students, and similar interactions are anticipated this year. First State Bank was acknowledged for sponsoring the event, although this was not included in the formal proclamation text.

In the realm of public safety, Fire Chief Eisinger reported a call volume of 105 for December, slightly down from 107 the previous year. He highlighted ongoing fire inspections and plan reviews, along with a recent repair of an aerial truck, which, although financially impactful, was considered worthwhile given the truck’s value and replacement cost. The chief emphasized the importance of a smooth transition process for his successor to ensure operational continuity. Meanwhile, Police Chief Jackson reported a quiet month for public events due to weather conditions, noting the success of the Toys for Tots initiative and compliance checks at local liquor establishments.

Public Works Director Hansen discussed the city’s transition to winter operations, detailing preparations for snow events and park closures. He reported the completion of annual sewer jetting and ongoing inspections for water service lines, in compliance with state requirements. Hansen received commendations for effective snow plowing operations, with staff also focusing on taking down Christmas decorations and snow removal along key roadways.

Assistant Administrator Taylor reported on a successful recycling event for mattresses and box springs, collecting 32 items from 23 households. Funded by a grant from Washington County, a similar event is planned for 2026. The recent city newsletter was distributed before the holidays, and the preliminary plat for the second phase of Bay Haven was reviewed and approved earlier in the meeting.

As the meeting drew to a close, discussions included a lease extension with the Department of Corrections for the old fire hall, alongside potential improvements. A court-mandated cleanup of a property on Point Road had been completed, with the city preparing to invoice the property owner, though payment was not anticipated.