A primary focus of the meeting was the potential dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries, which have been implicated in fires both in neighboring Woodbury and within Bayport itself. A council member raised concerns about several incidents where homes caught fire due to overheating batteries. In response, Fire Chief Eisinger cautioned residents to handle these batteries carefully, recommending they be charged on flat surfaces and unplugged once fully charged to prevent overheating. Eisinger emphasized the importance of community awareness and safety, stating, “I’d be careful with everything. Yeah, they get hot.”

The council also approved a series of community-oriented initiatives. A notable program, organized by a city staff member, offers free curbside pickup of mattresses and box springs for Bayport residents throughout October. This initiative is conducted in partnership with Second Chance Recycling and aims to promote environmental sustainability by facilitating the responsible disposal of bulky waste items. The service is available on Wednesdays, with a limit of two items per household.

Community engagement was further highlighted with the announcement of several upcoming events. The fire department planned an open house on Saturday, shifting the time to 10 AM to 1 PM to encourage greater attendance. The event will feature firefighters, trucks, and educational activities, alongside snacks and giveaways. The council discussed the need for effective promotion after issues with an annual fundraising mailing that failed to reach half of Bayport residents due to a postal service error, raising concerns about potential financial losses from the campaign.

The police department also engaged in community activities, including escorting children from Anderson Elementary to a “Diggy Dash” event and supporting breast cancer awareness through the sale of pink patches. All officers will wear these patches throughout October, with the proceeds aimed at supporting breast cancer charities. Preparations for a Halloween event in collaboration with the Lions Club at the old fire hall are underway, with safety measures such as distributing glow sticks to children to enhance visibility.

In city maintenance updates, Public Works Director Hansen reported on routine and seasonal activities, including the planting of disease-resistant trees and ongoing prairie restoration efforts. Solar panels were recently installed at the fire station, with a power shutdown scheduled to finalize the interconnection.

Assistant Administrator Taylor provided insights into city projects, highlighting updates to cannabis and hemp ordinances, the publication of the September newsletter, and the development of a new city website. She also noted the retirement of Beth Kelly from the planning commission and acknowledged Colleen Sigfreed and Erin Oaks for their continued service.

Discussions also touched on the future of the fire chief position, with staff suggesting that hiring be delayed until the results of an ongoing salary survey are available. The council is also considering a lease extension for the old fire hall, with plans to maximize its use for police operations while maintaining its accessibility for community functions.

Mayor Hansen shared her participation in various community events and meetings, including a King Plant stakeholder meeting and a Tri City Mental Health Summit, where collaboration with other city leaders was emphasized. She also highlighted the success of the recent Derby Days event and the acquisition of land for solar farms.