Bayport Mayor Michelle Hanson denies involvement in husband’s case, council adopts 17‑item consent agenda

Mayor Michelle Hanson told the Bayport City Council she was not involved in her husband’s criminal case and apologized for not speaking sooner, as residents filled the meeting to make public comments.

"I was not involved in my husband's criminal case," Hanson said, adding that she learned last August about actions her husband carried out years earlier and was "horrified." She said social media speculation has made it hard to "piece together the truth" and that investigations show she was not part of any scheme to defraud the funeral home or the victim's family.

The mayor's remarks followed a series of public-comments that included an anonymous commenter who warned the council that the mayor's refusal to publicly denounce the crimes or clear her name risked "severe reputational harm" for Bayport and could create the impression that the city tolerated a compromise of ethical standards.

Several residents spoke in support of Hanson. "If I had one word to describe Michelle, it would be responsibility," Kim McReynell, a charter member of the Affton Bayport Lakeland Lions Club, told the council, saying the mayor has not been charged or convicted of any crime. Robert Dickey, a resident and attorney who said he attended the sentencing for Mr. Hansen, said the victim's family and the pre‑sentence investigator both asked the court not to impose jail time and that there has been no complaint raised in court against the mayor.

Another resident, Jeff Selman, read a short note from his daughter describing Hanson as a supportive presence for students at Anderson Elementary and urged the council to judge the mayor on her record of community service rather than on her husband's actions.

Council members repeatedly urged residents to bring concerns directly to the council by email or phone so staff can investigate. One council member clarified that the council and the mayor do not have direct access to all city payables and receivables—those items are subject to the city's annual audit and are published monthly on the city's website.

Separately, the council considered its consent agenda for the night, a bundled resolution covering items 1–17. The packet included routine minutes and payables, building and permit reports, temporary liquor licenses for upcoming events, renewal of a 2027 service contract, award of quotes for tree work, a cannabis hemp retailer registration, and several departmental contract renewals and policy updates. A council member moved to adopt the consent agenda; another council member seconded and the resolution passed by roll call. Council members Bliss, Gilmore, Kipp, Hill and Mayor Hanson voted "Aye." The packet also included an item (No. 13) for a service agreement whose amount was corrected to $35,000 before the vote.

In staff reports, Fire Chief Kenny said the department responded to 101 calls in June, noted a correction to average-response‑time data, and said four applicants have applied so far for paid‑on‑call firefighter positions. Police Chief Jackson summarized a safety camp and community outreach activities and said the department posts its approved peddler/solicitor list on Facebook. Public Works Director Hansen reported completion of the Barker's Alps sign, progress on Bay Haven water and sewer mains and preparations to begin 5th Avenue sidewalk construction (including tree removals, moving three fire hydrants and replacing a leaking water valve), with completion still set for the start of the school year.

The mayor concluded by thanking residents for attending and saying she is available to meet with anyone who has questions; council members offered public support and the meeting adjourned later that evening.

Votes at a glance: The council approved a resolution adopting the consent agenda (items 1–17) by roll call. Named roll-call responses recorded in the transcript were: Council member Bliss — Aye; Council member Gilmore — Aye; Council member Kipp — Aye; Council member Hill — Aye; Mayor Michelle Hanson — Aye. The motion to adopt was moved by a council member and seconded by another council member (both identified in the transcript by speaker number rather than full name).