The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Hampton City Hall for the regularly scheduled meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter and Council Members Jerry Huddleston, David Luhring, Anthony Verch, and Nick Russell. Also present were Brad Fisher of Bolten & Menk, Marlin Reinardy, and Melissa Timm.
Regular Meeting Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the regular meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Disclosure of Interest – None
Approval of May 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Verch, seconded by Luhring, to approve the May 13, 2025 regular meeting minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0.
Approval of Disbursements - Motion by Luhring, seconded by Verch, to approve the May disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0.
Public Comments: A Deputy Sheriff provided a safety update, noting an increased risk of property crimes during warmer months. Residents were advised to check locks on sheds and storage units, as recent thefts involved criminals cutting locks and returning later. Farmers were cautioned to monitor wiring and cables due to potential copper theft.
Motorcycle safety was also addressed, with a reminder to watch for motorcycles and report reckless behavior. In some circumstances, failure to report a crash may result in legal liability.
Personnel updates included the start of a new deputy on Team One (2 p.m.–midnight shift), a park ranger entering field training later this month, and another deputy expected to qualify in November. Two deputies are currently focused on warrant apprehension and locating high-profile individuals.
Mayor Knetter thanked the Sheriff’s Office for his service and for deploying the speed indicator trailer on Belmont Street, which has been effective in reducing speeding.
Marlin Reinardy reported recent vandalism at the concession stand, including a broken toilet in the women’s restroom caused by a brick, debris thrown onto the roof, and removal of a privacy panel. He also noted that during a church service two weeks ago, windows were broken in two vehicles. When asked by Council Member Verch whether these incidents were reported, Marlin confirmed they were not but wanted to make the Council aware.
Petitions, Requests, and Communications: Tom’s Live Market Proposal-
Tom Meyer presented a proposal to establish Tom’s Live Market, a USDA-inspected animal processing and live market near the Highway 52 interchange on Hampton’s north side. Meyer, formerly operating a similar business in Omaha, Nebraska (sold in 2023), plans to relocate to Minnesota to be near family. The market would cater to ethnic communities and local consumers by offering same-day butchering of live animals (goats, sheep, poultry, etc.) and USDA-inspected processing for local producers.
The proposed 80-by-220-foot building would include species-specific indoor pens and poultry cages. A commodity shed would store hay, bedding, and wood chips. All animals would be fed and watered per USDA standards and may stay on-site from minutes to several days.
Processing would occur Mondays and Tuesdays under USDA inspection. The live market would operate Wednesday through Sunday. All waste, including blood and offal, would be collected and hauled to a rendering facility. No manure or animal waste would enter the city sewer system. Grease interceptors would prevent fats from entering the lines. Public and employee restrooms would be on a separate sewer line.
Estimated water use is 2,000–3,000 gallons per day. Meyer projected $980,000 in wages in the first year, rising to $1.25 million by year three. He emphasized hiring skilled butchers at livable wages and supporting local producers, including 4-H families. The facility could also provide manure bedding for gardeners.
The site includes commercially and multi-family-zoned parcels. Meyer expressed interest in rezoning part of the area and requested preliminary Council support to begin due diligence and infrastructure coordination with the city engineer.
Council members discussed concerns including odor control, sewer impacts, and zoning compliance. Meyer clarified that odors would be minimized through indoor storage, strict pest control plans would be in place, and no wild game would be processed. He acknowledged potential impacts from Highway 52 expansion but emphasized the need for proximity to services.
The Council expressed interest in the proposal but emphasized that no formal approval was being granted. They requested a detailed site plan, zoning clarification, and infrastructure assessments. Meyer will follow up with his engineering team and return with additional information.
Driveway Variance Request – Daryl and Stacey Patrick
Daryl and Stacey Patrick requested approval to expand their residential driveway. Upon purchasing the home, they intended to enlarge the driveway but were informed by the Planning Commission that such expansion was not permitted under existing regulations. Their initial proposal involved a north-side extension along the garage, with an alternative plan to widen the existing drive.
The current driveway is 20 feet wide. City staff clarified that a 10-foot side yard setback applies in residential areas. Based on this, a four-foot expansion to the east could be completed without a variance. A larger expansion—approximately eight to nine feet—would require a variance.
The Patricks explained their need for additional off-street parking for family members and noted safety concerns about parking on County Road 47. A 3x6-foot concrete pad alongside the garage, intended for trash cans only, was also discussed.
Council members reviewed zoning language concerning setbacks and off-street parking. It was noted that required yard setbacks cannot be used for parking, but variance requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. A similar variance was granted for a neighboring, unusually shaped lot.
In response to Councilmember Luhring’s question, the Patricks confirmed the space would not be used for RVs or unsightly storage—only for vehicle parking when family visits.
Councilmember Luhring made a motion to approve the variance request. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Russell and passed unanimously.
The Patricks were advised to submit a formal variance application with detailed plans. The Council will conduct a final review upon receipt.
Ordinances and Resolutions: None
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:
Engineer Report – Brad Fisher of Bolten & Menk reported that foundation work for the water tower project is largely complete. Sanitary sewer testing, including televising and mandrel testing, is underway. Pending successful test results, paving, curbs, and driveway work will begin shortly. Water tower components are being fabricated offsite, with steel erection anticipated in late summer or fall.
Fisher also updated the Council on Dakota County road projects. A preservation project on Highway 47 is scheduled for 2026, followed by a major reconstruction project in 2027–2028 affecting Hampton. Fisher will continue to represent the city in planning discussions.
Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter reported the discharge process is complete with good results. He also noted recurring issues with broken liquor bottles in front of the concession stand near the pumphouse on Belmont Street and asked residents to remain vigilant.
Park Report – Councilmember Russell reported on weed control efforts and vandalism concerns. Police reports may need to be filed for recent incidents. The Council discussed options such as increased law enforcement presence, lighting at the pavilion, and the use of trail or dummy cameras with signage. Real surveillance cameras may be considered in the future.
Street Report - Councilmember Luhring reported generally good street conditions, with one exception: a deteriorated paved curb at Hampton and Water Street. A contractor will assess the area. The Council discussed replacing the curb with cement and will seek estimates. Luhring also continues to explore grant opportunities for future projects.
Councilmember Russell commended Mike Thurmes for painting the dugouts and noted the baseball team’s request to add a “Home of the Cardinals” sign, which the Council supported.
Unfinished Business: - Councilmember Huddleston provided an update on the city website and mobile app project with D-Tech. He confirmed previous questions were addressed and that example sites meet the city’s needs. The Council approved allowing Huddleston and Clerk Kelly Roan to proceed with the project, prioritizing key features such as agendas, minutes, ordinances, financials, and contact information.
Motion by Knetter, seconded by Luhring, to proceed. Motion passed 5-0.
New Business – The Council reviewed liquor license renewal applications for The Roundup and Meric’s. Motion by Luhring, seconded by Verch, to approve both. Motion passed 5-0.
Adjournment - Motion by Luhring, seconded by Verch, to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Kelly Roan