Hampton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes for November 18th, 2025

The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, at Hampton City Hall for the Regularly Scheduled Meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter and Council Members Jerry Huddleston, David Luhring and Nick Russell. Absent was Anthony Verch. Also present were Brad Fisher and Madison Richard of Bolten & Menk, Merritt Clapp-Smith, Tabitha Lyon, and Mariah Calverley.

Regular Meeting Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the regular meeting to order at 7:01pm. 

Disclosure of Interest – None 

Approval of October 14, 2025 Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring, seconded by Russell, to approve the October 14, 2025 work session regular meeting minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0.

Approval of Disbursements - Motion by Russell, seconded by Luhring, to approve the disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0.

Public Comments: Mayor Knetter recognized resident Mariah Calverley, who addressed a longstanding pothole at the end of her driveway on Water Street. Mrs. Calverley noted previous inquiries with City Hall and expressed concern about safety for teenage drivers. Mayor Knetter assured her that the city will fill the pothole, explaining that an expected contractor was unavailable, but a cold patch will be applied before the first snowfall. Mrs. Calverley thanked the Council, and Mayor Knetter apologized for the delay.

Petitions, Requests, and Communications: Mayor Knetter informed the Council that he will be out of town for the next two regularly scheduled meetings and requested rescheduling the December meeting to the 16th and the January meeting to the 20th. No objections were raised.

Madison Richard of Bolton & Menk presented the first draft of the city’s cannabis ordinance, noting that it incorporates standard definitions and prior council discussions. Key points included: allowing indoor and outdoor cultivation in the agricultural district with conditional use permits; prohibiting cannabis-related activities under home occupation permits; permitting cannabis and lower-potency hemp retail in the arterial commercial district; and allowing manufacturing, wholesale, micro, and mezzo operations with retail endorsements in the industrial district. She reviewed performance standards for temporary events, buffers, and building requirements, including that outdoor cultivation structures resemble typical agricultural buildings. Richard recommended using conditional use permits over interim use permits due to limited guidance in the city code. Proposed business hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., reflecting state constraints and conservative regulation. The Council discussed alignment with state alcohol rules, weekend operations, and cautious regulation given the city’s size. Richard noted upcoming revisions, including clarifying medical retailer exemptions and drafting a resolution to defer certain oversight to Dakota County. She confirmed the ordinance will proceed to a public hearing at the January Planning Commission meeting.

Engineer Report – Brad Fisher introduced engineer Drew Bailey, who will attend meetings to gain experience and assist with future projects at no additional cost. Fisher then provided a detailed update on the new water tower: painting and coating are complete, electrical work is nearly finished, and the only remaining delay is the aviation safety light, expected in early December. Afterward, punch list items will be addressed and the tower disinfected and filled, likely in late November or early December, keeping the project on track for year-end. Pay Application 7 was included in the disbursements.

The Council then discussed the future of the old water tower. Fisher confirmed the contractor will honor the original alternate price to lower and salvage the tank, and the city must provide placement direction if temporarily staged on parkland. Councilmember Huddleston noted interest from Steve Bauer of the Little Log House in taking ownership. Discussion included measurements, structural considerations, salvage methods, preserving a community landmark, and liability concerns. The Council expressed support for transferring ownership to Bauer, pending confirmation of details to ensure the city is no longer responsible. Fisher will coordinate follow-up, with a final decision anticipated in December.

Metropolitan Council Update – Merritt Clapp-Smith briefed the Council on the upcoming 2050 Comprehensive Plan update. Hampton’s last update (the 2040 Plan) was submitted in 2018, and all metro communities are required to submit the next 10-year update by the end of 2028. The city recently received its System Statement with maps, data, and forecasts. Clapp-Smith introduced the Met Council’s new Small Communities Planning Program, identifying Hampton as one of 29 eligible communities based on size and limited financial resources. Under this program, the Met Council will complete the bulk of technical, mapping, engineering, and data work at no cost, partnering with city officials to ensure the plan reflects community priorities. Engineering consultants will handle water, wastewater, and surface-water components, and city consultants like Bolton & Menk may participate as reviewers or contributors. Councilmembers highlighted Bolton & Menk’s familiarity with Hampton’s infrastructure, groundwater, and development history, particularly near the Hwy 47/52 interchange. Clapp-Smith stated a formal agreement will be prepared in 2026, with planning work beginning in summer 2026. Additional program information will be shared with staff.

NorthfieldWiFi Request – Tabitha Lyon requested leasing space on the new water tower for internet equipment. Mayor Knetter explained that no agreements can be considered until construction is fully complete. Fisher noted the contractor retains control until the old tower is demolished, with contract closure expected around June 30, 2026. Lyon was advised to return to the Council in June or July and to coordinate with the city clerk for agenda placement.

Ordinances and Resolutions: None

Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees: 

Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter reported that wastewater discharging is complete. A head on the water system’s sterilization equipment failed and has been replaced. Chlorine capacity is sufficient, and disinfection is expected to take 3–5 days, likely starting the week of December 1.

Park Report – Councilman Russell provided no updates.

Street Report – Councilman Luhring reported that fall street sweeping is complete and praised the work. The city will purchase material to patch potholes and address protruding iron to ensure it will not interfere with the upcoming plowing season. Material will be delivered to the community when procured.

Unfinished Business – Gambling Ordinance – The Council discussed updating the ordinance to allow a local business to conduct non-profit gambling after the fire department’s withdrawal. The attorney recommended minor wording changes. Knetter expressed support, and a motion was made and seconded to update the ordinance. The motion passed unanimously. Final approval and adoption, along with the resolution number, will occur at the next meeting.

Parking Lot Signage – Knetter proposed signage for the city-owned parking lot near The Roundup to address long-term, dilapidated, unlicensed, or inoperable vehicles that obstruct snowplowing. The Council defined “vehicle” to include cars, trucks, boats, and campers, and established criteria for inoperable vehicles (e.g., multiple flat tires). Two signs will be installed at both entrances, and ample warning will be provided. Ordinance updates will reflect this policy.

Park Security Cameras – The Council discussed installing security cameras at the park due to ongoing vandalism. Russell identified several vendors offering cellular cameras with cloud storage. The Council emphasized creating a formal policy for data retention, public access, and signage to notify the public. A 30-day automatic data retention period was agreed upon, and cameras will be installed at secure, accessible locations. Knetter noted the importance of power sources, including solar, while considering battery performance in winter. Additional proposals and optimal camera locations will be reviewed at the December meeting.

New Business – None.

Adjournment - Motion by Russell, seconded by Luhring, to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,  Kelly Roan 

Hampton City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes for October 14th, 2025

The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Hampton City Hall for the Work Session and Regularly Scheduled Meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter and Council Members David Luhring and Nick Russell. Absent was Jerry Huddleston and Anthony Verch. Also present were Brad Fisher and Madison Richard of Bolten & Menk, Marlin Reinardy and Ryan Otto.

Work Session Called to Order – Mayor John Knetter called the City Council Work Session to order at 6:35 p.m. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the framework and policy direction for the City’s forthcoming Cannabis Ordinance, which will regulate the sale, manufacturing, and cultivation of cannabis within city limits. Mayor Knetter emphasized that the city aims to align the ordinance with Minnesota’s state cannabis statutes while maintaining appropriate local control.

Madison Richard explained that cities cannot issue cannabis licenses, as licensing authority rests with the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management. Municipalities may, however, implement registration ordinances to maintain local records and conduct compliance checks. She cautioned that registration would create administrative costs and legal liability. The council agreed to defer all registration responsibilities to Dakota County, which limits cannabis establishments to one per 12,500 residents, avoiding duplication and local liability.

The discussion then focused on zoning and land use. Richard noted that retail sales would be appropriate in commercial districts, manufacturing in industrial zones, and agricultural cultivation in agricultural areas. Indoor cultivation could occur in industrial zones, while outdoor cultivation would require proper screening, fencing, and security. The council reached consensus on these zoning classifications and agreed to maintain flexibility where industrial and agricultural uses overlap.

Buffer requirements and operational hours were discussed next. The council agreed on a 500-foot buffer from schools and residential treatment facilities to anticipate future development. Business hours for retail cannabis establishments will align with existing liquor regulations, generally 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and limited hours on Sundays, ensuring consistency and minimizing legal challenges.

Signage, noise, and odor standards were reviewed. The council agreed to follow state restrictions prohibiting cannabis imagery in signage and to apply existing city sign regulations. Noise limits will comply with MPCA standards, and odors must not be detectable at property lines or within adjacent tenant spaces. Council Members noted that existing odor controls in city facilities provide a suitable model for cannabis operations.

Finally, the council agreed that Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) would be the preferred mechanism for regulating cannabis businesses rather than interim permits. No separate local cannabis fees will apply beyond standard CUP application fees. Madison Richard will draft the ordinance incorporating the council’s guidance, which will be reviewed at the next meeting and later presented for a public hearing. Mayor Knetter thanked Madison Richard for her guidance and noted that the session clarified zoning, regulatory responsibilities, and operational standards.

Adjournment - With no further discussion, Mayor Knetter adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m.

Regular Meeting Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the regular meeting to order at 7:05pm. 

Disclosure of Interest – None 

Approval of September 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring, seconded by Russell, to approve the September 9, 2025 regular meeting minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 3-0.

Approval of Disbursements - Motion by Russell, seconded by Luhring, to approve the disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 3-0.

The deputy provided an overview of recent law enforcement activity, highlighting that scam activity remains widespread in the area. He described a new scam involving individuals sending explicit photos and demanding money to prevent public disclosure, as well as scams where perpetrators impersonate law enforcement and request payment via gift or prepaid cards. The deputy emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies never request such payments and encouraged residents to help raise awareness.

The deputy also reviewed juvenile curfew hours: children under 12 must be indoors from 9:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m. (Sun–Thu) and 10:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m. (Fri–Sat); ages 12–14, 10:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m. (Sun–Thu) and 11:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m. (weekends); ages 15–17, 11:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m. daily. Residents were encouraged to report suspicious activity. He additionally noted that archery deer hunting season is open and referred residents to the Minnesota DNR website for guidance.

Mayor Knetter reported vandalism at the city park pavilion, including multiple incidents over time. The deputy stated law enforcement will increase patrols during evenings and weekends. Council members discussed potential deterrents, and the deputy recommended security cameras. The council thanked the deputy for the update.

Public Comments: Mayor Knetter introduced Ryan Otto to discuss a minor price adjustment for snow removal services, noting the city’s contract allows modest increases. Ryan explained the proposed changes included $200 for plowing, $75 for salt, and $125 for salt pickup and hauling, reflecting slight operational cost increases. The council agreed no formal motion was necessary and expressed appreciation for Ryan’s reliability.

Ryan clarified that the current contract remains in effect through the 2024–2025 season and must be renewed for 2025–2026. He also discussed maintenance issues, including a few potholes, a low-hanging tree near the post office, and snow removal responsibilities at the new water tower site and hockey rink. The council confirmed these responsibilities and emphasized prompt responses to additional plowing requests.

The council thanked Ryan for consistently maintaining city roads and public areas in a professional and timely manner.

Petitions, Requests, and Communications: Mayor Knetter raised concerns about inoperable and unlicensed vehicles in the city-owned Main Street parking lot. He proposed installing signage to address long-term storage, with council input on wording. Council Member Luhring suggested language stating, “Inoperable and unlicensed vehicles will be towed,” while Council Member Russell proposed adding a 72-hour limit.

The council agreed that clear signage and consistent enforcement would address resident complaints and directed staff to draft signage guidelines. Knetter noted that the regulation would apply to all city-owned parking areas, and the item will return for formalization. Council members also discussed potential updates to the city ordinance to ensure consistency across municipal properties.

Ordinances and Resolutions: Mayor Knetter introduced Ordinance 2025-08 regarding the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP), aligning city infrastructure improvements with Dakota County’s planned mill and overlay project on County Road 47. City Engineer Fisher provided background, explaining the LRIP process and noting that municipal support strengthens the county’s application for state funding.

Resolution 2025 – 08 In Support of Dakota County’s Application to the Local Road Improvement Program for the County State Aide Highway 47 Reconstruction Project from Trunk Highway 50 to County State Aide Highway 86 – Motion made by Luhring and seconded by Russell to approve In Support of Dakota County’s Application to the Local Road Improvement Program for the County State Aide Highway 47 Reconstruction Project from Trunk Highway 50 to County State Aide Highway 86. All voted in favor. None opposed. 3-0.

Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees: 

Engineer Report – Brad Fisher of Bolton & Menk provided an update on the Water Tower Improvement Project. He reported that paving on Lincoln Street, including the final wear course, was completed and drainage was satisfactory following recent rainfall. Restoration work at the water tower site will occur after major operations are complete. Painting and coating of the tower are ongoing but delayed due to weather, with completion expected later this week or early next week, depending on temperatures. Following painting, the electrical contractor will install wiring in about a week to ten days, after which the tank will be disinfected, final grading completed, and site restoration finished, marking the end of this year’s construction. Pay Application No. 6 was included in the disbursements for approval, and Fisher confirmed that the contractor agreed to extend the project deadline to June 30, 2026, to allow additional time for demolition of the existing tower.

Fisher discussed transferring the star lights from the old tower to the new one. The contractor will remove and install the lights at no additional cost if the city allows a short schedule extension, though a minor charge from the electrical contractor was incurred for a dedicated electrical line. Installation and testing will occur soon, weather permitting. Mayor Knetter and Council Member Russell confirmed the stars had already been removed from the old tower, and Knetter noted he would replace the bulbs before reinstallation. Fisher will coordinate with the contractor’s coating specialist to align timing with testing plans.

Council Member Luhring raised concerns about verifying the approved paint color and options if it did not meet expectations. Fisher acknowledged that any changes would require a change order brought back to the council for discussion. He accepted responsibility for approving the paint specification and will review his notes and coordinate with staff before proceeding. The council agreed to review documentation and discuss potential changes at a future meeting prior to authorizing any additional costs.

Fisher then addressed plans for demolishing the existing water tower. The contractor provided conceptual renderings for salvaging the tank and is willing to honor original alternate bid pricing if the city chooses that option. He explained that removal would involve detaching the roof and cutting access holes to allow proper crane lifting and balancing, which is standard for tanks of this size. Fisher shared photos to illustrate the process and potential staging areas and requested council direction by December to align with crane scheduling and site logistics.

Mayor Knetter commended the visual examples and confirmed the proposed removal method aligns with industry standards. He noted that structural modifications, such as cutting access holes for lifting beams, are normal and can be repaired afterward. Council Member Russell agreed with the approach, and Council Member Luhring asked whether accurate tower dimensions had been provided to Council Member Jerry. Fisher confirmed that while exact engineered drawings were unavailable, all existing documentation had been shared and field measurements could be taken if needed.

Water / Sewer Report – Mayor John Knetter reported that hydrant flushing will take place later this month. He stated that the city is still discharging at the wastewater treatment plant and that all sample results continue to look good. There were no additional updates for water or sewer operations.

Park Report – Council Member Russell reported that, aside from the recent vandalism at the park pavilion, there were no new issues to report. All repairs and restoration work at the pavilion have been completed. Mayor Knetter commended the appearance of the dugouts and thanked Russell for his efforts in overseeing those improvements. Russell also shared that he had spoken with Mr. Kelly at Randolph School, who confirmed that their ongoing project is still expected to be completed this fall.

Street Report – Council Member Luhring reported that several street repairs remain necessary before winter and recommended obtaining patching material to minimize potholes and road damage. Council Member Russell asked whether it would be worthwhile to hire a contractor for hot patching before the asphalt plants close for the season. City Engineer Fisher advised that asphalt plants typically shut down in early to mid-November, depending on temperatures. Luhring agreed to make a few calls to check contractor availability and pricing and, if unable to secure assistance, proceed with cold patch repairs as needed. Mayor Knetter asked to be updated by the weekend.

Russell also inquired about scheduling street sweeping before winter. Luhring stated he would coordinate with Kelly to schedule the work, noting that last year’s sweeping occurred too early and resulted in poor results. Russell suggested asking the contractor to also clean the hockey rink area, which is currently filled with pine needles and debris. Luhring and the City Clerk agreed to reach out and see if that could be included in the upcoming sweep.

Unfinished Business – Gambling Ordinance: Mayor Knetter opened the discussion on the gambling ordinance and proposed adding a section to require full council approval for any organization not currently authorized to operate within the city, while leaving existing language unchanged. Council Member Luhring supported the amendment to ensure oversight and maintain local resident involvement. Knetter noted that organizations are licensed by the state and that the fire department has withdrawn from operations. Knetter asked the Clerk to confirm with the city attorney that the proposed amendment is allowable. A motion to add the amendment was made by Luhring, seconded by Russell, and approved unanimously.

Pavilion Vandalism and Security: Mayor Knetter and Council discussed recent vandalism to the women’s bathroom at the city pavilion. Luhring recommended filing a formal report with the sheriff’s department, which the council agreed to do. The council also discussed the potential for submitting a claim to the city’s insurance, contingent on repair costs relative to the deductible, and will verify the deductible amount before proceeding. The discussion included security options for the pavilion and other city properties, such as installing trail cameras, either cellular or Wi-Fi enabled, to monitor activity and store footage locally or on a secure server. Luhring offered to consult with a security specialist on feasible camera options, and the council agreed to continue exploring solutions to minimize potential vandalism, including at the future water tower site.

New Business – None.

Adjournment - Motion by Russell, seconded by Luhring, to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Kelly Roan