Hampton City Council Special Hearing Regular Meeting Minutes for August 18th, 2026

The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Hampton City Hall for a Special Hearing and the Regularly Scheduled Meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter and Council Members Jerry Huddleston, David Luhring, and Nick Russell. Councilwoman Erica O’Connor arrived at 6:55pm. Also present were Chris Meyer, Treasurer, Drew Bailey of Bolton & Menk, Attorney Anna Yunker, and various Residents.

Special Hearing Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the Special Hearing to order at 6:30 p.m.

Chris Meyer reviewed the proposed amended 2026 budget and the 2027 budget, noting that the meeting packet included a worksheet identifying all proposed changes. For the amended 2026 budget, Meyer reported reductions of $100,000 in bond principal and $72,642 in bond interest to reflect debt payments that were made in December 2025 rather than January 2026. For the 2027 budget, Meyer presented a proposed overall tax levy increase of approximately 3.19%, with the general tax levy increasing by $7,863, or 2.02%.

Other revenue adjustments included a $2,500 reduction in rental fees because the applicable fee occurs only in even-numbered years, a $1,073 reduction in state grants and aids, and a $12,000 reduction in projected bulk sewer charges based on recent trends. On the expenditure side, Meyer reviewed adjustments including reductions in general fund dues and subscriptions, legal fees, building personnel costs, and sewer cleaning and engineering expenses; increases in planning and zoning, fire district expenses, mowing, and water tower electrical costs; and the elimination of personnel costs associated with building cleaning because the work is now contracted.

The Council discussed sewer line cleaning and videotaping, noting that newer piping does not require the same frequency of maintenance, and confirmed that no phosphorus management project is currently planned for 2027. Meyer also noted that the City could consider water and sewer rate adjustments in January, as rates have not been increased since 2023, although both funds are currently in good financial condition. The Council discussed recovering water usage costs associated with outside use of City hydrants, potential State Department of Health grants for water system improvements and fluoride equipment, and training budgets for the general, water, and sewer funds.

The Council also discussed insurance coverage for the new water tower, with the replacement project construction costs expected to be just under $2 million. The Council indicated that the new tower should be insured for approximately $2 million, with the former tower already removed from the policy.

Meyer advised that the proposed budget could still be adjusted before the September meeting, when the Council is expected to formally adopt the budget. He noted that reductions could continue to be made through December, but increases could not be made after the September adoption. Council members expressed support for the proposed levy and budget and had no additional questions.

Adjournment - Motion by Russell, seconded by Knetter, to adjourn the special hearing. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.

Regular Meeting Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 

Disclosure of Interest – None

Approval of July 14, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring, seconded by Huddleston, to approve the July 14, 2026 regular meeting minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0.

Approval of Disbursements - Motion by Russell, seconded by Luhring, to approve the disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0.

Public Comments: Mike Thurmes raised concerns regarding potholes and other holes in the roads, noting that he had previously brought the issue to the Council’s attention with photographs but had not observed any corrective action. Thurmes also asked whether the City intended to address the use of Jake brakes. Mayor Knetter explained that the City has an existing noise ordinance and has requested that Dakota County conduct enforcement patrols. Thurmes specifically pointed out several holes in the alley near the bar and encouraged the City to inspect road conditions throughout town. The Council thanked Thurmes for his comments.

Adam Siebenaler was also present regarding a gambling matter for the Sportsman Club. Councilman Luhring made a motion to add the matter to the New Business portion of the agenda. Councilwoman O’Connor seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.

Petitions, Requests, and Communications: Mayor Knetter reported that a street sign at the corner of Cardinal Court and Belmont Street needs repair. He stated that he would attempt to repair the sign and, if unable to do so, would remove it. Mayor Knetter also addressed an inquiry from Northfield WiFi regarding leasing space on the City’s water tower, stating that the City is not currently accepting proposals for leasing space on the water tower. A representative from Northfield WiFi acknowledged the information.

Ordinances and Resolutions – None

Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:

Engineer Report – Drew Bailey of Bolton & Menk provided an update on current projects. The water tower improvement project is substantially complete, with miscellaneous punch-list items continuing to be addressed; no pay application was submitted this month. The Dakota County 47 pavement preservation project, including the county mill and overlay, has reached substantial completion.

Bailey also provided an update on the MnDOT Highway 50 Hampton to Douglas Township project, noting that Highway 50 remains closed in both directions between Highway 52 and Highway 61 through late August, with access to local businesses and residences maintained. Following reopening of that segment, Highway 50 is anticipated to close between Hinton Avenue and Holt Avenue, with Hogan Avenue also closed between just north and just south of Highway 50, approximately from late August through September. Mayor Knetter asked Bailey to relay to Brad that the mowing had been taken care of.

Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter reported no updates on Water and Sewer

Park Report – Councilman Russell provided an update on the water tower pavilion project and reviewed two options for the deteriorated pavilion top. The first option, from a metal fabricator, is approximately $25,000 to construct a replica of the existing top while retaining, sandblasting, repainting, and modifying the existing legs. Concrete work is not included in that estimate, and Russell estimated an additional $5,000–$6,000 for the concrete work. The second option is approximately $25,000 and would include the concrete work while salvaging, patching, and refinishing the existing top.

Russell noted that the existing top is in poor condition, with extensive pitting and numerous holes, and expressed concern about the appearance and long-term durability of repairing it. The Council discussed the importance of preserving the historical character of the pavilion while also considering the condition, appearance, durability, and cost of the two options. No decision was made, and Russell will obtain more formal information and estimates for further Council consideration.

Street Report – Councilman Luhring reported that he is working with the City Clerk to obtain a quote for epoxy spray patching of potholes on Main Street and in the alleys. He noted that the holes on Main Street have previously been cold patched multiple times and that the spray patching method has been reliable in the past. Mayor Knetter indicated support for obtaining the quote.

Social Media/Website – Councilman Huddleston reported that there were no social media or website updates.

Unfinished Business – The Council reviewed the City’s data practices policy, which is required to be reviewed annually in August. No changes were proposed, and the Council unanimously approved the data practices policy. The Council then discussed the draft email use policy, including procedures for handling City-related emails received through personal email accounts, clarification regarding email retention, and language distinguishing government records from non-government communications. Anna Yunker agreed to work with the City Clerk to incorporate the suggested revisions and present an updated draft for further consideration.

The Council also discussed a proposal from American Legal Publishing for digital ordinance hosting at an annual cost of $695. The Council determined the service would be redundant because the City already maintains digital records of ordinance changes and declined the proposal.

New Business – The Council considered a gambling permit application for the Sportsman Club. Adam Siebenaler explained that the permit is for a public raffle associated with the club’s annual “meat shoot,” which includes shooting competitions and raffle tickets available to the public, with approximately 50 participants from other clubs attending the event. The Council discussed the location of the club’s property and confirmed that the clubhouse is located within city limits.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the gambling permit for the Sportsman Club. The motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment - Motion by Luhring, 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,  Kelly Roan

Hampton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes for May 12th, 2026

The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Hampton City Hall for the Regularly Scheduled Meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter and Council Members Jerry Huddleston, David Luhring, Erica O’Connor, and Nick Russell. Also present were Brad Fisher of Bolton & Menk. 

Regular Meeting Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 

Disclosure of Interest – None

Approval of April 14, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring, seconded by Huddleston, to approve the April 14, 2026 regular meeting minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0.

Approval of Disbursements - Motion by Luhring, seconded by Russell, to approve the disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0.

Public Comments: The Deputy Sheriff reported that Xcel Energy crews were addressing a downed power line caused by a fallen tree and that the affected road had reopened. He advised residents to report suspicious vehicles parked near agricultural fields, noting several recent incidents of wire theft from irrigation systems, primarily in Greenville Township. The Deputy also informed the Council of a recent change to state law regarding school buses: motorists must stop whenever a bus's red lights are activated, regardless of whether the stop arm is fully extended. He encouraged residents to submit specific dates, times, and locations when requesting placement of the Sheriff's Office speed trailer so enforcement efforts can be targeted effectively. Discussion followed regarding traffic concerns on Belmont Street, particularly near Lincoln Street and the ballfield during weekend events. Council members noted increased traffic and concerns for neighborhood safety, including the presence of children and an autistic child in the area. Possible solutions discussed included requesting a speed trailer for Belmont Street and considering a stop sign at the intersection of Lincoln and Belmont. The Deputy answered questions and concluded his report.

Petitions, Requests, and Communications: Luke Manthey of Infused North had sent an email late Monday evening that he will not be attending the City Council meeting.

Ordinances and Resolutions – None

Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:

Engineer Report – Brad Fisher provided an update on the Minnesota Department of Health's Phase 3 Lead Service Line Inventory requirements. He reported that the City is required to submit and certify its current inventory by July 31, 2026, and that no significant changes to the inventory are anticipated. Following submission, additional notification requirements will require letters to be sent to property owners with unknown service line materials or identified galvanized lead components. Fisher noted that further inventory requirements are expected in 2027, including more detailed identification of service line components and the potential development of a lead service line replacement program. He also indicated that grant funding may become available in the future to assist communities with identifying unknown service line materials. Mayor Knetter added that completing and submitting a required Department of Health spreadsheet within the next 30 days could allow the City to avoid increased lead sampling requirements scheduled for 2027 and 2028. Fisher also provided an update on the water tower improvement project, stating that demolition of the old tower has been delayed due to the proximity of overhead Xcel Energy power lines and associated safety requirements. The contractor is coordinating with Xcel Energy to address the issue, while also completing remaining punch list items at the new tower site. No pay application was submitted for the project this month.

Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter reported that wastewater discharge operations are currently underway and that recent sewer sample results have been favorable. Council discussed pond levels at the wastewater facility and ongoing management strategies recommended by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Knetter also provided an update on a water leak located on Colorado Avenue in the Heights of Hampton development. Leak detection efforts identified water surfacing along a pavement seam in the roadway, but the exact source of the leak could not be determined due to its small size. A damaged curb box near the area will be replaced, and additional leak detection efforts will be conducted once direct access to the service line is available. City staff believe the leak may be associated with either a service connection or a joint in the water main. The Council discussed the importance of accurately locating the leak before excavation to minimize disruption, costs, and damage to the recently installed asphalt roadway. Further investigation and repairs will be completed as more information becomes available.

Park Report – Councilman Russell reported that installation of the City's security camera system remains pending, with the cameras and required policy now in place and activation expected once installation is completed. Russell also noted that additional wood chips may be needed for City parks, particularly at the Heights playground. Mayor Knetter commended the City’s partnership with Randolph for use of the softball field, noting that improvements completed at no cost to the City, including field lining and a new fence, have significantly enhanced the facility. Council members expressed appreciation for the condition of the field and park, highlighting increased community use, frequent games and practices, and the positive impact of providing recreational opportunities for local families and youth. The Council agreed that it was encouraging to see the park and ballfield actively used by residents and visitors.

Street Report – Council Member Luhring reported that street sweeping had been completed successfully and had gone well. Discussion followed regarding the availability of cold patch material for roadway repairs, with staff confirming that approximately four to five bags remain available for use in addressing potholes and other minor street maintenance needs.

Social Media/Website – Council Member Huddleston reported that he and the City Clerk recently met with the City’s website provider to receive training and gain access to make basic updates to the City website. The training provided staff with the ability to independently make minor content changes, including updating council and commission information, contact details, agendas, meeting minutes, events, and the City calendar. Training materials were printed for future reference, and staff indicated they would continue learning the system and expanding website content as time allows. Council members expressed appreciation for the progress, noting that local control of website updates has been a long-awaited improvement. Huddleston also noted that while the City's official website currently appears below an unofficial site in online search results, efforts will continue to improve the City's online presence and functionality.

Unfinished Business – None

New Business – The Council discussed a delinquent utility account with a significant outstanding balance and no payments received since February 2025. The City Clerk reported that multiple notices had been sent without response from the property owner. Following discussion, the Council directed staff to issue a 30-day notice requiring the property owner to contact the City and establish an acceptable payment arrangement. Council members emphasized that the City's preference is to work with residents through reasonable payment plans and avoid utility shutoffs whenever possible. If the property owner makes a good-faith effort to address the balance and remains current on an agreed-upon payment plan, the matter will continue to be handled administratively. However, if no contact or payment is received, the account will be brought back to the Council for further consideration, including possible utility shutoff. The Council noted that each delinquent account should be evaluated individually rather than through rigid payment requirements.

Additionally, Russell reported receiving an inquiry regarding the use of the City baseball field for a professional photo shoot associated with a campaign celebrating America's 250th birthday. Council members expressed support for the request, provided that the activity does not interfere with scheduled ball games or field use. The Council noted that the project would provide positive exposure for the community and showcase the City's ballfield and small-town character.

Adjournment - Motion by Russell, seconded by Luhring, to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,  Kelly Roan