Bayport council fills vacancy, reassigns liaisons and approves appointments for 2026

Bayport City Council approved a slate of appointments and liaison assignments for 2026 at its Jan. 5 meeting, including the appointment of Orin Kip to fill the remainder of the term vacated by Council Member John Dah.

The council approved the personnel and liaison changes following a workshop discussion of schedules and responsibilities. Among the changes, Ethan Gilmore — who was noted as the council member with the longest tenure after the mayor — was designated acting deputy mayor, replacing the prior deputy, and Orin Kip was assigned as the city’s citizen representative to the Inspiration Foundation and as liaison to the Middle St. Croix Watershed. Kip also will serve as alternate liaison to the Lake Elmo Airport advisory body.

The council moved and seconded the resolution to approve the appointments and assignments and approved it by voice vote. The minutes record the motion, a second, and a voice affirmation of approval; individual recorded roll-call tallies were not provided in the meeting transcript.

Council members also removed a previously proposed alternate liaison role for the Excel Energy King Plant stakeholder meetings because staff attendance made the alternate redundant, and reassigned the Bayport Community Action League liaison duties so that Ethan Gilmore will serve as the alternate in place of the outgoing council member.

The council’s action follows a short workshop earlier in the evening where members discussed which assignments matched members’ availability and where newly appointed officials would be oriented by staff in the coming weeks. The appointment of Kip fills the seat through Dec. 31, 2026, as stated on the consent agenda.

The council adjourned after completing the agenda.