Hampton City Council Special Meeting and Regular Meeting Minutes for January 10, 2023

The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at the Hampton City Hall for a special meeting and the regular scheduled meeting.  Present were Mayor John Knetter; Council Members Cindy Flodeen, David Luhring, Anthony Verch (arrived at 7:12 pm) and Nick Russell.  Also present was Brad Fisher with Bolton and Menk; Chris Meyer, City Treasurer; and Roger Otto with Ottomatic Lawn Care, Landscaping, and Snow Removal. 

Special Meeting Called to Order – The purpose of the special meeting was to discuss Resolution #2023-01 – Setting salaries, fees, licenses and permits, charges for services, schedules, appointments and annual designations.  Mayor Knetter called the special meeting to order at 6:33 pm.

Mayor Knetter asked what the opinion of Council was regarding wage increases.  Councilor Luhring suggested a 3% increase across the board, as that is the average in the current wage market.  Knetter agreed to a 3% increase for all employees, with the exception of the City Clerk and Treasurer, who he feels should receive a 4% increase.

Councilor Luhring suggested a 10% increase in rental fees.  Discussion.  After discussion, Luhring decided that, because of the small volume of yearly rentals, the administrative costs to change the rental fees wouldn’t be worth it.

Mayor Knetter asked Chris Meyer, City Treasurer, when water/sewer fees were last increased.  Meyer stated that the last increase was in 2020.  At that time, Council had made the decision to increase fees every 2 to 3 years to keep fees in line with the market, and so that fees would cover increasing system operating costs.  Knetter suggested a 3% increase in water/sewer fees.

Knetter asked Brad Fisher of Bolton and Menk if the City’s sewer access (SAC) fee is in line with that of other cities.  Fisher stated that it is, but on the low end.  Knetter would like to increase the sewer access fee from $2,000 to $2,550 to match that of the water access fee.

Mayor Knetter asked if anyone wanted to make any other changes to the fee schedule.  Councilor Luhring suggested that the annual fee for on sale liquor licenses be increased $100, from $1,200 to $1,300.  Discussion.  Fee will be set at $1,300.

Councilors reviewed the 2023 Appointments and Designations, and the 2023 Schedule of Regular Council Meetings and Schedule of Regular Planning Commission Meetings.  There were no changes made to the lists.

Adjournment – Motion by Luhring seconded by Flodeen to close the special meeting.  All voted in favor.  None opposed.  Motion passed 4:0. The special meeting closed at 6:50 p.m.

Regular Meeting called to Order - Mayor Knetter called the Regular Scheduled Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Mayor John Knetter; Council Members Cindy Flodeen, David Luhring, and Nick Russell.  Council Member Anthony Verch arrived at 7:12 pm.  

Disclosure of Interest – None

Approval of December 13, 2022 Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring seconded by Flodeen to approve the December 13, 2022 Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes.  All voted in favor.  None opposed.  Motion passed 4:0.

Approval of Disbursements – Motion by Luhring seconded by Flodeen to approve the January disbursements.  All voted in favor.  None opposed.  Motion passed 4:0.  

Public Comment – None

Petitions, Requests, and Communications – None

Ordinances and Resolutions:

Resolution 2023-01 – Setting salaries, fees, licenses and permits, charges for services, schedules, appointments and annual designations – Mayor Knetter stated that this resolution confirms the recommendations made by Council during the special meeting.   Motion by Russell seconded by Flodeen to approve Resolution 2023-01.  All voted in favor.  None opposed.  Motion passed 4:0.

Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:

Engineer Report – Brad Fisher with Bolton and Menk reviewed the 3 quotes received for the Water Street Lift Station Backup Generator Project.  The low quote of $109,515 was received from Killmer Electric Company, Inc. out of Crystal, MN.  Fisher explained that there were a number of factors as to why this generator project price came in higher than the previous generator project, including overall inflation.  Other factors included low supplies of generators and parts, significant increases in copper prices, the site layout requiring boring and extended lengths of wiring between the lift station and the generator site, increase in steel and concrete prices, additional site work, and facility improvements to accommodate the service upgrade to 100 amps.  Fisher’s recommendation is to award the project to Killmer Electric.  Fisher reminded Council that the City obtained approximately $75,000 in Coronavirus grant funding, which will be used to fund the project, so there is a shortfall in funding.  Mayor Knetter responded that there is plenty of money in the Sewer Fund to cover the costs.  Discussion ensued about proceeding with the project.  Fisher said his recommendation is to proceed with the project because of the benefit to the community.  Councilor Luhring commented that in the future project costs could be even higher if the project were to be scrapped at this time.  Knetter also mentioned the liability of having to haul a generator to the site.  Motion by Russell seconded by Luhring to approve awarding the Water Street Lift Station Generator Project to Killmer Electric.  All voted in favor.  None opposed.  Motion passed 5:0.

Mayor Knetter acknowledged two Dakota County Deputies in attendance at the meeting and asked them if they had anything to report.  One of the deputies was new to the Sheriff Department and was introduced to Council.  It was also reported that there had been several burglaries in the area, so it was recommended that residents keep things locked up.

Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter mentioned that the dissolved oxygen and pH meter that Council had previously approved that he purchase has been ordered.

Park Report – Councilor Russell reported that the hockey rink was flooded, and that there was very little leakage when that was done.  Snow fencing has been put up.  Russell also reported that someone drove a vehicle on the hockey rink. 

Street Report – Councilor Luhring reported that he had driven around the city with Ryan Otto, of Ottomatic Lawn Care and Snow Removal, the previous Sunday to identify areas where snowbanks should be pulled back.  He said he also gave Otto permission to clear the snow out of the cul de sacs.  Councilor Verch mentioned that, in some areas, the banks have been pushed back too far into the yards of some residents in the Heights of Hampton, and that there were occasions when banks were left at the end of driveways.  Roger Otto was in attendance at the meeting.  He asked Council what should be done with the alleys.  Luhring stated that it would be okay to truck the snow out of the alleys, along with the cul de sacs.

  

Unfinished Business – None

New Business:

Planning Commission Appointments – Marlin Reinardy’s term ended in 2022.  He submitted an Interest Form to serve an additional term.  Motion by Luhring seconded by Verch to appoint Marlin Reinardy to the Planning Commission.  All voted in favor.  None opposed.  Motion passed 5:0.

Pay Equity Report – Mayor Knetter stated that this is a report that the city must submit to the state every three years to verify that wages paid to employees are equitable and not based on gender.  Motion by Luhring seconded by Verch to approve submission of the report to the state.  All voted in favor.  None opposed.  Motion passed 5:0.

Rezoning (Map Change) Application – Part of PID 18-00800-11-010 and part of PID 18-00800-30-010 (referral from 12/15/22 Planning Commission meeting) – Mayor Knetter referred to application form and survey map included in Council packets.  Knetter asked Brad Fisher his opinion of the request.  Fisher stated that, in his opinion, it looks good and makes sense.  Motion by Verch seconded by Russell to approve the rezoning application.  All voted in favor.  None opposed.  Motion passed 5:0.

Adjournment - Motion by Verch seconded by Russell to adjourn the meeting.  All voted in favor.  None opposed.  Motion passed 5:0. The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,  Judy O’Brien

Hampton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes for April 12, 2022

The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at the Hampton City Hall for the regular scheduled meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter; Council Members David Luhring, Anthony Verch and Nick Russell. Also present was Chris Meyer, Treasurer and Marlin Reinardy, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Brad Fisher with Bolton and Menk; Kathy Youngquist with Cassia; and Dale Hallcock and Keith Sande with the Randolph/Hampton Fire Department.

Regular Meeting called to Order - Mayor Knetter called the Regular Scheduled Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Disclosure of Interest – Mayor Knetter stated that a member of the Randolph/Hampton Fire Department will be attending the meeting and asked to be put on the agenda. Knetter said that, as a member of the fire department himself, he will not be voting on any actions that Council may make in regard to this agenda item.

Approval of the March 8, 2022 Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes and March 30, 2022 Special Meeting Minutes – Motion by Verch seconded by Luhring to approve the March 8, 2022 regular scheduled meeting and March 30, 2022 meeting minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0.

Approval of Disbursements – Motion by Luhring seconded by Verch to approve the April disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0.

Public Comment – None.

Petitions, Requests, and Communications:

Ottomatic Lawn Care Surcharges – Mayor Knetter stated that he had spoken with Roger Otto, of Ottomatic Lawn Care regarding a fuel surcharge due to rising fuel prices and a fertilizer surcharge, also for significant price increases since the mowing and weed control service contracts were bid. When Knetter discussed the fuel surcharge with Otto, Otto told him that Ottomatic uses 16 gallons of fuel per mowing. Knetter said that, in researching fuel surcharges, what he has found is surcharges are based upon mileage, not fuel consumption per project. So, he believes further research needs to be done and brought back to the May meeting. Discussion. Councilor Verch agrees that more information is needed. He feels that the City has an open, honest and fair relationship with Ottomatic, and that a fuel surcharge is warranted. Knetter also mentioned the fertilizer surcharge, and that fertilizer prices have pretty much doubled, but that more research is needed and should be brought back to the May meeting. Councilor Luhring stated that Ottomatic should come to the May meeting and make a proposal regarding the fuel and fertilizer surcharges. Council agrees that any applicable surcharges will be back-dated to the beginning of the season.

Randolph/Hampton Fire Department pension contribution – Keith Sande was in attendance as the representative of the Fire Department Relief Association. He informed Councilors that, at their business meeting last month, there was discussion about raising the pension contribution per year of service from $2,000 to $2,250. Consensus among Councilors that the increase is warranted. Motion was made by Verch seconded by Luhring to increasing the pension contribution from $2,000 to $2,250 per year of service. All voted in favor, with Mayor Knetter abstaining from voting. None opposed. Motion passed 3:0.

Business communication equipment located on the City’s water tower – Mayor Knetter informed Councilors that the Northfield WiFi equipment is off the water tower. There are two parties who have expressed interest in having their equipment placed on the City’s water tower and he would like to get Council’s opinion about that. Discussion ensued regarding the timing of allowing this when the City is actively pursuing replacing the tower, and the City’s ability to get a contract ready in time for this to benefit either party. Also, Knetter mentioned maintenance needs of the existing tower, including handrail issues, the need for cleaning, and the short timeframe until the tower comes down. Councilor Verch stated that he feels it would be in the best interest of the City to wait until the resolution of the current water tower issues before considering having any new equipment placed on the tower.

Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:

Engineer Report – Brad Fisher with Bolton & Menk began by stating that MnDOT reached out last week about the City’s current Master Partnership Contract, which will expire on June 30th of this year. MnDOT would like to renew the contract for the period 2023 to 2027. Fisher explained that the contract provides the framework by which services can be exchanged between the City and MnDOT and each party then can bill the other for providing those services. Fisher stated that this is just an FYI for Council at this time and asked Councilors to review the proposed contract over the next month and contact him with any questions they may have. He will ask that a resolution to adopt the renewed contract be included on the agenda for May’s City Council meeting.

The second item on Fisher’s monthly staff report is the Water Street Lift Station Backup Generator Project. He explained that the City has received funds through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and that it is the City’s intention to use those funds to purchase a new backup generator. The generator will be for the Water Street lift station, and this will be a project similar to the one that Bolton & Menk completed for the City on the Main Street lift station. Bolton and Menk will use the same subconsultant (Design Tree) to assist with the electrical engineering required for the project. Fisher continued by explaining that the existing lift station is located between two residences. His proposal for the location of the generator is to place it at the southeast corner of Water Street and Sun Valley Lane, in the City’s right-of-way. A topography survey will be done to make sure the generator is not susceptible to flooding. Councilors asked Fisher if he had any concerns about locating the generator on a corner because of the possibility of vehicles going off the road and hitting the generator. Fisher stated that they certainly could put up a green chain link fence, or some other decorative barrier, such as bushes or trees, to protect the generator. Because of Council concerns, Fisher said he would explore other possibilities for the location of the generator. Additionally, Fisher mentioned that the new backup generator would not need to be as large as the one at the Main Street lift station. Also, the plan is to have the generator fueled by natural gas, rather than propane.

Water / Sewer Report – Marlin Reinardy, Water/Sewer Superintendent, stated that congratulations are in order for Josh Dixon, as he passed his wastewater certification examination.

For his sewer report, Reinardy mentioned that a discharge is scheduled to be done on May 1st. In June he plans to have someone from the Minnesota Rural Water Association come and measure the primary sewer pond. He is hopeful that the City can then go to a maintenance mode of treating the sewer ponds, versus the sludge reduction treatment that is currently being done.

Reinardy reported that there were two water main breaks in the last month. The first was on Northfield Boulevard, and the second was in the parking lot of the 7-unit apartment building at 23300 Main Street. Reinardy said his question is, who is responsible for payment of the repair? He believes the responsibility lies with the owner of the property because of the location of the curb stop. The City is responsible for repairs up to the curb stop valve and the property owner is responsible beyond that.

Park Report – Councilor Russell reported that he is still working on a grant for trash receptacles for the City. Also, he will be purchasing new basketball hoops. Marlin Reinardy mentioned that the family of Tony Nicolai will be donating a tree to the City in memory of Nicolai. He said he is aware that replacing some trees is a project that is still in the works, and he will work with who is in charge of that to determine where the donated tree will be placed.

Street Report – Councilor Luhring mentioned that Hampton Avenue needs repairs. He has been checking other streets as well to determine maintenance needs.

Ordinances and Resolutions:

Resolution 2022-____(04) Calling for a public hearing on approving the issuance of senior housing and healthcare revenue bonds to finance a project by the Rosemount, LLC and Praha Village, LLC and authorizing the publication of a notice of the hearing (The Rosemount and Praha Village Project). Kathy Youngquist of Cassia was present at the meeting. Mayor Knetter asked her if she had anything she wanted to present. Youngquist said she was there to answer any questions Councilors may have. Knetter asked if anyone had any questions about the project or the resolution. There were no questions, so Knetter asked for a motion to approve. Motion by Luhring seconded by Verch to approve Resolution 2022-04, calling for a public hearing on approving the issuance of senior housing and healthcare revenue bonds to finance a project by the Rosemount, LLC and Praha Village, LLC and authorizing the publication of a notice of the hearing. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0.

Unfinished Business – None. 

New Business:

Conduit Issuer for the Rosemount and Praha Village Project – Approval of item covered under Ordinances and Resolutions.

Professional Engineering Services for the Water Street Lift Station Backup Generator – Bolton and Menk -

This was reported on and discussed under the Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees in the Engineer’s Report. Brad Fisher of Bolton and Menk asked that Council make a motion to approve the contract for Bolton and Menk’s professional engineering services for the Water Street Lift Station Backup Generator project. Motion by Russell seconded by Verch to approve having Bolton and Menk provide professional engineering services for the Water Street Lift Station Backup Generator Project. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0

Mayor Knetter acknowledged a Dakota County deputy in attendance and asked if she had anything to report. She introduced herself as Nicole Young. She said law enforcement issues in the Hampton area have calmed down recently in regard to noise and automobile issues. She asked if Councilors had any questions for her. There were no questions from Councilors, but they thanked her for her service.

Adjournment – Motion by Verch seconded by Luhring to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed 4:0. The meeting adjourned at 7:42 pm. All voted in favor. None opposed.

Respectfully submitted, Judy O’Brien