Hampton City Council Special Hearing. Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes for January 20th, 2026

The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Hampton City Hall for a Special Hearing, a Public Hearing and the Regularly Scheduled Meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter and Council Members Jerry Huddleston, David Luhring and Nick Russell. Also present were Brad Fisher of Bolton & Menk, Chris Meyer, treasurer, and a few Residents of the City.

Special Hearing Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the special hearing to order at 6:33 p.m. to discuss Resolution 2026–(1) regarding salaries and fees. Council reviewed building, zoning, and subdivision fees, noting that revenues have been low due to limited development activity rather than high fee rates. After discussion, the Council approved increasing building, zoning, and subdivision fees by five percent, rounded to the nearest five dollars, excluding permit fee schedules, escrow amounts, deposits, copy fees, and state-regulated charges. A three percent inflationary wage increase for hourly employees was also approved. Discussion was held regarding the upcoming Minnesota Paid Leave law and earned sick and safe time requirements. Council reached consensus to implement a 50/50 cost share between the City and employees for required premiums, pending final rate confirmation. The Clerk confirmed employees had been notified of the new leave program. Council further discussed councilmember compensation, which has remained unchanged for approximately 25 years, and approved increasing meeting pay from $35 to $50 per meeting for both Council and Planning Commission members, with one dissenting vote. Water and sewer rates were reviewed, with no increases recommended at this time. Council also discussed adding cannabis-related fees to the fee schedule pending further guidance following Planning Commission review and clarification of state regulations. With no further business, a motion was requested to close the special hearing.

Adjournment: Motion by Luhring, seconded by Huddleston, to adjourn the special hearing. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0. The Special Hearing adjourned at 6:55pm.

Public Hearing Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the public hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. The purpose of the hearing was to receive comments regarding the proposed issuance of revenue notes for the Fraser Child and Family Center project. Staff explained that the arrangement allows the organization to utilize the City’s ability to issue tax-exempt bonds, generating revenue for the City in the amount of approximately 0.25 to 1 percent of the bond issue, depending on the amount, without any financial risk or liability to the City. It was clarified that the City assumes no debt obligation and bears no responsibility in the event of default. Council noted that similar arrangements have been approved in the past and have provided a beneficial revenue source to help offset expenses and limit tax impacts. No members of the public spoke in opposition or support. Council expressed consensus to move forward with approval of the bond during the regular meeting, and a motion was made to close the public hearing.

Adjournment: Motion by Russell, seconded by Luhring, to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0. The Public Hearing adjourned at 7:05pm

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

Disclosure of Interest – Mayor Knetter provided his annual January disclosure, stating that he is also a member of the Randolph Hampton Fire District and would not be voting on any fee increases.

Approval of December 16, 2025 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring, seconded by Huddleston, to approve the December 16, 2025 public hearing and 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: Dale Radman addressed the Council regarding property damage resulting from the water main break on Highway 50, seeking clarification on restoration plans prior to spring. Mayor Knetter confirmed that restoration work will be completed, including replacement of rock and black dirt, with pavement restored to MnDOT specifications per state permit requirements. Discussion was held regarding replacement of a portion of Mr. Radman’s concrete driveway, with staff noting that the work is typically completed by the contractor according to City standards, with efforts made to match existing scoring and appearance. Mr. Radman questioned the decision to bore the pipe under Highway 50 rather than using an open cut, expressing concern about long-term durability and costs. The Mayor explained that the method was coordinated with MnDOT and met all permitting and specification requirements. Additional questions regarding water tower startup and contractor responsibility were deferred to later in the meeting. The Mayor thanked Mr. Radman for his comments.

Petitions, Requests, and Communications: Mayor Knetter reported that the City will be replacing the fan and vent system in the pump house. Although budgeted, the system is currently not functioning properly, creating safety concerns during the handling of fluoride and chlorine, and repairs will be scheduled. Councilmember Luhring noted that the final disposition of the old water tower had been anticipated for discussion under unfinished business, referencing prior timelines provided by the City’s engineer. It was clarified that the matter would instead be addressed within the Engineer’s Report, with the contractor scheduled to remove the tower by June of next year unless action is taken sooner.

Neil Hoadley addressed the Council regarding damages resulting from the recent water main break. He explained that his water heater failed due to pressure issues and required full replacement. Because the unit included a boiler coil system, it had to be purchased and installed by a certified plumber and was not readily in stock. Mr. Hoadley reported the total replacement cost of $8,849.65 and submitted documentation to the Clerk. He requested consideration for reimbursement but noted he would await further discussion regarding the cause of the incident. The Mayor stated that the cause has not yet been fully determined and would be discussed later in the meeting.

Mayor Knetter requested that next month’s meeting be moved to January 17th due to work travel; the Council had no objections. Councilmember Luhring requested the March meeting be moved to the third Tuesday, March 17th, due to a scheduling conflict; the Council had no objections. Councilmember Huddleston noted that the meeting schedule posted outside City Hall is outdated, and the Clerk confirmed it would be updated.

Stacie Leifeld of the Meisville Lions Club addressed the Council regarding charitable gambling operations at Meric’s. She noted that the Hampton Cardinals are not registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and must meet a three-year requirement before qualifying for a gambling license and gambling manager. She inquired whether the Council was aware of this requirement. Mayor Knetter clarified that final approval authority remains with the Council, that no formal application has been submitted, and that the ordinance matter could be scheduled for a future meeting. Ms. Leifeld thanked the Council for the clarification.

Ordinances and Resolutions: Resolution 2026__(1) Setting Salaries, fees, licenses, and permits, changes for services, schedules, appointments, and annual designations – Motion made by Luhring and seconded by Russell to adopt the Setting Salaries, fees, licenses, and permits, changes for services, schedules, appointments, and annual designations, all voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0.

Resolution 2026__(2) Resolution Approving the Issuance and Sale of a Revenue Note, Series 2026 and Authorizing the Execution of Documents Relating thereto (Fraser Child and Family Center Project) – Motion made by Luhring and seconded by Huddleston to approve Resolution Approving the Issuance and Sale of a Revenue Note, Series 2026 and Authorizing the Execution of Documents Relating thereto (Fraser Child and Family Center Project) all voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passes 4-0.

Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:

Engineer Report – Brad Fisher of Bolten & Menk provided an update on the new water tower project. The tower had been initially filled and pressurized; however, following the water main break and subsequent drainage, testing returned a positive bacteria sample. The tower is being re-disinfected and will need to be refilled and retested. Cold temperatures have delayed commissioning, as state guidelines require the tower to be filled to overflow, sampled, held for 24 hours, and sampled again before going online. Sustained warmer temperatures are needed to complete the process safely. No pay application was submitted this month.

Mr. Fisher presented high-level cost estimates for potential salvage and relocation of the old water tower. Having the current contractor lower and set aside the tower would cost approximately $10,000. Additional costs for relocation, foundation work, engineering, and installation as a monument were estimated at over $100,000, with potential lead paint remediation ranging from $225,000 to $300,000 if required. Council discussed liability concerns related to possible lead paint. Prior testing confirmed lead on the legs, but not on the tank. Direction was given to obtain a lead paint sample from the tank, explore private ownership options, and determine if fundraising could cover costs if no lead is present. The matter was tabled for further discussion at the next meeting.

Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter reported that the pump house requires a new ventilation system to ensure safe operations during the handling of fluoride and chlorine. No additional updates were provided.

Park Report – Councilmember Russell requested assistance flooding the hockey rink, noting that recent weather conditions had undone previous efforts. He plans to work on the rink over the weekend but is very busy and requested help. Knetter suggested hiring someone for an hourly fee, and Radman noted that resident Adam Siebenaler, who lives nearby, had previously offered to help. Knetter indicated they would reach out to him.

Street Report – Councilmember Luhring reported that streets are generally in good condition but highlighted the need to replace the curb on Hampton Avenue between Doffing and Water Street. Knetter confirmed that the contractor will provide a price and that the damaged asphalt curb will be replaced with concrete. Fisher noted that this is the same section where pavement was recently replaced. Knetter assured the Council that Brad Fisher’s engineering fee would not be required for the work and that the curb replacement would be prioritized in the spring. Luhring had no additional updates regarding streets.

Unfinished Business – None

New Business – None

Adjournment - Motion by Russell, seconded by Huddleston, to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Kelly Roan

Hampton City Council Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes for December 16th, 2025

The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Hampton City Hall for a Public Hearing and the Regularly Scheduled Meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter and Council Members Jerry Huddleston, David Luhring and Nick Russell, Nick arrived at 6:50pm. Also present were Cory Bienfang of Bolton & Menk, Chris Meyer, treasurer, Darin Blume, Marlin Reinardy, and a few Residents of the City.

Public Hearing Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the public hearing to order at 6:35 p.m. and thanked staff and attendees, specifically acknowledging Chris Meyer for his work preparing and presenting the budget. Mr. Meyer explained that the hearing was an open public hearing for questions regarding the 2026 budget, noting that the Council had previously reviewed the budget during an August workshop and approved it in September, with no changes made to the budget or levy since that time. A resident asked about the 44% increase in property taxes, and Mr. Meyer explained that the increase was entirely attributable to the new water tower bond series, with 2026 being the first-year debt service payments would be funded through the levy. He emphasized that the City had not raised taxes for general government operations and that other areas of the budget had decreased. Mr. Meyer further noted that the debt service would remain level over the life of the bond, with a decrease anticipated in 2028 when another bond series drops off. Council members and the Mayor provided historical context on the long-term planning and necessity of the water tower project, highlighting infrastructure needs, water pressure, firefighting capacity, and rising construction costs, while acknowledging the burden tax increases place on residents. Mr. Meyer also noted that the levy increase was lower than originally projected. A second resident asked about mailed notices regarding unidentified water service pipes, and Mayor Knetter explained the state-mandated lead service line inventory process, outlining inspection requirements, reporting to the state, and future planning for remediation if needed. Residents were advised on how to submit photos or schedule inspections. With no further questions from the public, the Mayor thanked attendees and asked for a motion to close the public hearing.

Adjournment: Motion by Luhring, seconded by Huddleston, to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 3-0. The Public Hearing adjourned at 6:45pm.

Regular Meeting Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the regular meeting to order at 7:03pm. 

Disclosure of Interest – None 

Approval of November 18, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring, seconded by Huddleston, to approve the November 18, 2025 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: None

Petitions, Requests, and Communications: Mayor Knetter acknowledged receipt of Councilman Anthony Verch’s resignation letter and thanked him for his service to the community, noting that his resignation was due to relocating outside the city limits and expressing appreciation for his time, opinions, and expertise while serving on the council. A motion to accept Councilman Verch’s resignation was made by Russell and seconded by Luhring. Upon a vote, the motion passed unanimously. Discussion followed regarding the procedure to fill the vacant council seat, with Mayor Knetter explaining that interested individuals would be solicited and the council would appoint a replacement to serve until the next election, as there was no eligible runner-up from the most recent election. Council members expressed the importance of maintaining full council representation and noted appreciation that residents had already expressed interest in serving.

Councilman Anthony Verch’s Resignation Letter as follows:

Mayor Knetter 

Hampton City Council

Dear Mayor Knetter and Council Members,

I am submitting my resignation from the Hampton City Council. Having recently moved just outside the city limits, I am no longer eligible to continue serving in this role.

Serving the citizens of Hampton for nearly two terms has been a great honor. I want to sincerely thank the residents, the mayor, my fellow council members and our city clerk for the trust, collaboration, and dedication we shared. Working alongside all of you to support and strengthen our community has been a privilege I will always value.

Although my address has changed, my commitment to Hampton has not. I have lived here for 19 years—half my life—and I will always consider this community my home. I will continue to be present and involved, both through the Hampton Pump and through ongoing investments in the town’s future. Hampton has shaped who I am, and I look forward to supporting its growth in every way I can.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. I wish the council and the City of Hampton continued success, and I stand ready to assist in any way during the transition.

Respectfully,

Anthony Verch

Mayor Knetter called for discussion regarding the internal audit. Councilmember Huddleston reported that on July 31 he met with the Chris, the city Treasurer to conduct an internal audit, which included reviewing random samples of the city’s bank statements, disbursements, receipts, and financial procedures for discrepancies. No discrepancies were found, and the annual internal review was completed successfully in approximately ninety minutes. Mayor Knetter thanked both staff and Councilmember Huddleston for their work. A motion to accept the 2024 audit was made by Luhring and seconded by Huddleston. Upon a vote, the motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Knetter invited Darin Blume, manager of the Hampton Cardinals town ball team, to address the council regarding interest in using charitable gambling proceeds to support the team, including potential improvements such as a new scoreboard and future field enhancements. Mr. Blume noted prior discussions with Meric’s about hosting pull-tabs. Mayor Knetter explained that while charitable gambling is allowed within the city, participating organizations must obtain state-issued charitable gambling licensure and qualifying nonprofit (501(c)(3)) status, as the city does not issue licenses but does approve which organizations may operate within city limits. Mr. Blume, assisted by Michelle, expressed willingness to pursue the necessary nonprofit formation and licensing. Mayor Knetter further noted that the Lion’s Club associated with Miesville had previously expressed interest in operating charitable gambling in the city, and that the city clerk would notify that group of the Cardinals’ local interest. The council expressed support for prioritizing local organizations and encouraged Mr. Blume to proceed with the licensing process and return to the council upon completion.

Ordinances and Resolutions: Resolution 2025__(9) Adopting the Final 2025 Tax Levy, Collectible in 2026 – Motion made by Huddleston and seconded by Luhring to adopt the Final 2025 Tax Levy, Collectible in 2026, all voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0.

Resolution 2025__(10) Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on Approving the Issuance of Revenue Notes to Finance a Project by Fraser Child and Family Center and Authorizing the Publication of a Notice of the Hearing (Fraser Child and Family Center Project) – Motion made by Russell and seconded by Luhring to approve Calling for a Public Hearing on Approving the Issuance of Revenue Notes to Finance a Project by Fraser Child and Family Center and Authorizing the Publication of a Notice of the Hearing (Fraser Child and Family Center Project), all voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passes 4-0.

Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:

Engineer Report – Cory Bienfang of Bolton & Menk provided several engineering updates, including confirmation that the City of Hampton successfully completed and submitted its Phase II Lead Service Line Inventory under the MDH grant, fulfilled required public notifications, and remains in good standing, with the grant now closed and potential Phase III participation to be monitored. He also reported on the new water tower, noting that construction is complete, initial efforts to bring the new tower online were paused due to complications, and the old tower remains temporarily in service while repairs are addressed, with plans to transition fully to the new tower and delay removal of the old tower until spring or summer 2026. Extensive discussion followed regarding options for the existing water tower, including demolition versus salvaging and repurposing it, with consideration of costs, funding sources, liability, lead paint mitigation, and long-term maintenance; while there was interest in preserving the tower as a landmark and offers of private financial support, council members expressed concern about unknown costs and levy impacts. Consensus leaned toward demolition unless clearer cost information could be obtained, and upon motion by Luhring, seconded by Russell, the council unanimously voted to table the decision until the next meeting for final consideration. Mr. Bienfang also announced that effective in 2026, Brad Fisher would assume the role of City Engineer, with Mr. Bienfang transitioning to other responsibilities while remaining available for historical context, and the mayor and council thanked him for his years of service to the city.

Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter stated there were no major system issues at the time but noted ongoing challenges related to preparations for bringing the new water tower online. The city temporarily returned to operating on the old tower while crews addressed two water leaks, one located near Highway 50 and another serving the church. Mayor Knetter explained the leaks may be due to extreme temperature fluctuations, ground frost movement, or aging infrastructure, and that further assessment was underway. Water service had been shut off to affected areas, and the mayor indicated he would gather additional information following the meeting to determine repair timelines and communicate restoration updates to residents west of Highway 50, including Sun Valley Lane and Water Street. He also outlined the required process for bringing the new tower online, including filling, sanitizing, and testing, which creates unavoidable delays.

Park Report – Councilmember Russell reported ongoing flooding conditions and recent efforts to flood and maintain the hockey rink. He stated that water was applied to the rink, which skimmed well, and that additional flooding would occur as weather conditions allow, with the goal of opening the rink once temperatures permit.

Street Report – Councilmember Luhring thanked Mayor Knetter for obtaining cold patch material, which allowed for timely repair of potholes on Water Street and Main Street. He noted that additional material remains available and that he will continue monitoring streets to address new issues as they arise. Discussion also included a resident complaint related to snow plowing, with Councilmember Luhring stating he would follow up directly with the resident to better understand expectations. Mayor Knetter noted that snow plowing was completed to the edges as required and moved the meeting forward to unfinished business.

Unfinished Business – Under inoperable vehicle signage, Mayor Knetter reviewed the city attorney’s recommendation and proposed adopting an ordinance similar to Lakeville’s, limited to city-owned parking lots and excluding streets, requiring inoperable vehicles to be moved within 48 hours. The ordinance would address issues involving boats, campers, and inoperable vehicles. A motion to approve the recommendation as amended was made by Luhring, seconded by Russell, and approved unanimously. The clerk was directed to work with the city attorney to implement the ordinance.

The council then discussed the installation of security cameras in city parks in response to ongoing vandalism. Councilmember Russell presented options and costs for mid-range camera systems, including equipment pricing and annual monitoring plans, and discussed possible camera placement to minimize battery use and vandalism risk. Council members agreed the cost was reasonable and within the existing budget, noting prior vandalism repair expenses. No formal motion was required, and staff was directed to proceed with obtaining and installing cameras.

New Business – Treasurer Chris Meyer reviewed the annual debt service transfers, explaining required fund contributions for various bond series and the handling of capitalized interest from the 2024 bond issuance. He requested approval to make the scheduled transfers to the debt service fund to cover annual bond payments due February 1 and August 1. A motion to approve the debt service transfers was made by Luhring, seconded by Huddleston, and approved unanimously.

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 7:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Kelly Roan