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1. What is the history & current status of EAB in Bayport?

EAB was discovered in the city in the fall of 2019 during a routine tree trimming project. An analysis of the infestation showed that EAB was likely present for multiple years prior to its detection, which is consistent with the insect’s path of destruction. Symptoms are slow to appear, and once EAB is actually found, it has likely been present for 3 to 5 years. It is estimated that more than 30% of trees located on city property, rights-of-way, and boulevard areas are ash trees (not including the forested area of Barker’s Alps Park). Once EAB is found in an area, the mortality rate of ash trees increases exponentially. After discovery, the mortality rate of ash trees in 4 to 6 years is 30% and increases to 90% in 8 to 10 years.

2. What is the city doing to address EAB infestation?

With the help of the Department of Agriculture, the city has been working to survey ash trees on public property and identify the level of infestation. A total of 363 trees were surveyed, primarily within boulevards, parks, and the cemetery. Of these trees, 10 were confirmed to be infested and 5 potentially infested with EAB. The city has adopted a preliminary EAB Management Plan in response to the infestation on public property (see below). Funding for EAB management and replanting with a more diverse mixture of species will be made possible by a generous grant in the amount of $53,100 from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

3. What is the likelihood that EAB infested ash trees exist on private property?

Given the prevalence of ash trees on public property, the Department of Agriculture staff estimates that there are likely 3-4 times more ash trees on private property. The EAB management plan will discuss detection and management strategies for property owners related to EAB. However, these trees will likely need to be removed at the expense of the property owner.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

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2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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1. I am moving, how do I request a final utility meter reading?

Property owners that are selling their home must contact City Hall at 651-275-4404 to request a final utility meter reading at least 5 days prior to closing on the sale of the home. Final meter readings are scheduled Monday through Friday and are completed on the day of closing or as soon thereafter as the schedule permits.

Following the final reading, a utility bill will be generated for all usage since the last billing cycle and any delinquent charges. Payment of the final bill is the responsibility of the seller.

Please be advised that until a final meter reading is completed, the seller is responsible for all sewer and water usage at the property. For this reason, it is very important that the seller schedule a final reading on the day of closing, to ensure the seller is not billed for usage by the new property owner.

Helpful Information

When contacting City Hall for a final meter reading, it is helpful for the seller to have the contact information for the new property owner, so a new account can be created for the property. If this information is unknown, the seller should advise the new property owner at the closing to contact the city to create a new utility billing account for the property.

2. I am renting, how do I update a utility billing account?

Utility bills for rental dwellings are the responsibility of the property owner. If the expectation of the lease or rental agreement is for the renter to pay the utility bill, it is the property owner’s responsibility to forward the utility bill to the renter for payment.

It is imperative that the property owner inform the city of any change in occupancy, in order to maintain up-to-date account information. In cases of emergency, or if a utility leak or repair needs to be addressed, the city may need to access the interior property. For this reason, contact information for the renter or occupant must be on record.

Property owners must contact City Hall at 651-275-4404 to request a final utility meter reading at least 5 days prior to new occupancy. Final meter readings are scheduled Monday through Friday. Following the final reading, a utility bill will be generated for all usage since the last billing cycle and any delinquent charges.