And Gordie did thousands of little things that went unnoticed and unrecognized. And that was just his style.”

Newport Mayor Laurie Elliott

The Newport City Council met Thursday, Feb. 19 in city hall at 7 p.m. In just under 15 minutes the council covered multiple items, including a resolution honoring Gordon Bailey, plaque presentation of the resolution to the Bailey family, another resolution approving an end grant for city infrastructure, and more.
Newport Mayor Laurie Elliott shared more before the resolution passage.
“We have a really and very heartfelt special recognition this evening. We have standing up here Mike Bailey, JoAnn Bailey, and John,” she said. “I think most people are aware that Gordie passed away recently. And the Bailey family has been a very important part of the Newport community. And I mentioned at our last meeting that their family line goes back to 1849. And each generation of Baileys has contributed to Newport in their own way. Some a little more prevalent or you see that their name is on something, a road or a school or a park. And others contribute in their own way that is more to their style. But no matter how it’s done, it’s done in a way that contributes to our community and makes a big difference as to who we are. And I was thinking: what would Newport be without the Bailey family? The support of the family line, and specifically we’re here to honor Gordie Jr. tonight.
“And Gordie did thousands of little things that went unnoticed and unrecognized. And that was just his style. He wasn’t flashy, I think he’d wonder what all the fuss was about, probably chuckle a little bit. But he really made a difference in thousands of people’s lives, tens of thousands of people’s lives. And I think that was witnessed at the funeral by all of the people who came and attended, because he touched them in such a special way. So “I’m going to read the resolution, and then we’ll make our motion to adopt, and then I would like to give you a chance to say a few words.
“Whereas, Gordon “Gordie” Bailey was a longtime resident of Newport and a respected member of the community whose life spanned a century of the city’s growth and change; and
"Whereas, the Bailey family has played a significant role in Newport's history over multiple generations, contributing to the community's economic vitality and sense of place, and
"Whereas, through his leadership of the Newport-based business Bailey Nurseries, Inc. and his commitment to service, Gordon Bailey exemplified civic responsibility, community stewardship, and respect for Newport's institutions and people, and
"Whereas, his influence was felt not only through formal actions, but through sustained engagement, leadership, and investment in the well-being of the community;
"Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the city council of Newport recognizes to honors the life of Gordon Bailey, expresses its gratitude for his contributions to the civic life of the city, and extends its sincere condolences to his family and loved ones."
With motion by Mayor Elliott and second by Council Member Tom Ingemann the resolution was adopted.
JoAnn Bailey spoke following adoption of the resolution.
“Well thank you very much to the city of Newport and council. It was just one thing that Gordie loved doing. You know, as you said he was probably the most humble person you’ve ever seen. We have countless stories of him and his jacket that he wore hanging together with shreds and whatnot. But he would be very appreciative as would the whole family to receive this, because amen lived in Newport or what became Newport since 1849. So it’s been a long time. We raised our family of seven kids here and have enjoyed living here all that time. So on behalf of the family I thank you very much for this great honor,” she said.
With pictures taken and thanks yous, the meeting moved on to public comment and consent agenda, no one speaking in public comment.
Also in news from Feb. 19 at Newport, the council heard from city engineer Jon Herdegen, adopting a resolution approving an End Grant Agreement between the Metropolitan Council and the City of Newport. The approved grant agreement follows allocation of $12,000,000 in general obligation debt bonds by the Minnesota Legislature for municipalities to reduce inflow and infiltration in public system infrastructure. 
The resolution approved with motion by Council member Bill Sumner seconded by Ingemann follows an application made on Jan. 23, 2024 for reimbursement of a percentage of the construction costs of the city's sanitary sewer lateral lining improvements, along with the sanitary sewer manhole and later replacement and manhole lining projects. The city was notified Feb. 5, 2024 of approval to participate in the grant program, the resolution with grant agreement allowing for partial reimbursement of said projects, for estimated final reimbursement amount of $331,937.
As for the ice rink, it’s officially closed.
“The ice rink is closed,” Public Works Superintendent Matt Yokiel said in his update to the council.
Mayor Elliott gave the Mayor’s, sharing that she had been able to meet with state senator Matt Klein on issues facing Newport, planning to meet with legislators again in mid-March.
Last for council input was Sumner, who took time to promote the Newport Library.
“As always our library and community center is offering many wonderful events for the public,” he said. “So check the calendar and come on down and it’s a chance for you to meet new members of the Newport family that you may or may not have had a chance to interact with yet. So come on down and take advantage of the wonderful activities that Sara-Marie puts together.”