The Hampton City Council met on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at the Hampton City Hall for the regular scheduled meeting. Present were Mayor Skog; Council Members Jennifer Budrow, and Amanda Jensrud. Council Members John Knetter and Ron Endres were absent. Also present were David Luhring, Planning Commissioner; Marlin Reinardy, Water and Sewer Superintendent; and Steve Hamilton, Planning Commissioner.
Regular Meeting called to Order - Mayor Skog called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Disclosure of Interest – None
Approval of October 14, 2014 Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes – Motion by Jensrud seconded by Budrow to approve the October 14, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 3:0.
Approval of Disbursements – Motion by Jensrud seconded by Budrow to approve the November disbursements. All voted in favor. None
opposed. Motion passed 3:0.
Public Comment – None.
Petitions, Requests, and Communications - Chris Opelt spoke on behalf of the Fire Department and requested the City fund the pictures with Santa as the 2nd annual fundraiser was planned for December 7. Opelt stated that approximately 325 people were fed last year. Budrow said that there had been a disrespectful letter submitted to the City regarding the Burgerfest fundraiser and questioned why support should be considered for this fundraiser. Opelt stated that he was aware of the letter although he did not have a part in it and felt that the issue could be discussed at a different time and place. Chris requested the same amount be donated to the Breakfast with Santa as last year. Wendy Carpenter, City Clerk confirmed that the amount of $600.00 was given towards the event last December. Motion by Jensrud seconded by Budrow to donate in the same fashion as the last event. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 3:0.
Ordinances and Resolutions -
Resolution 2014-07- Motion by Budrow seconded by Jensrud to approve Resolution 2014-07 to Certify the Results of the November 4, 2014 General Election. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 3:0. Skog extended his congratulations to David Luhring.
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees
Engineer Report – None. Cory Bienfang was not in attendance.
Water / Sewer Report - Marlin Reinardy, Water and Sewer Superintendent explained that Dan Hines was not present due to another commitment as he was under the impression that the meeting was the following Tuesday. Reinardy stated that the hydrants were flushed and all drained properly including the one by City Hall that needs to be pumped out to avoid freezing and recommended putting a tag on that hydrant so people would be aware of the issue. Marlin said that although there was still a fair amount of algae present at the ponds, it was thinner and the discharge test results came in good. Reinardy confirmed he would continue treating the ponds until they freeze over. Marlin explained that the Main Street lift station had both impellors and wear rings replaced and he had re-calibrated the pumps to increase flow. Reinardy mentioned that he had purchased a water pump for $400.00 that usually would sell for $600.00 new and felt that it would be an asset to have on hand for basements and the Fire Department as well as could be used at the ponds for when pumping was needed. Reinardy explained that it may be something the Council would want to purchase on behalf of the City. Skog requested the Clerk to put the item on December’s agenda for consideration.
Parks Report - Skog said that he had tried patching up the boards and gate on the ice rink but felt that it was in need of further repair and suggested that perhaps, Paul Steinbruckner could flood the figure skating rink. Jensrud commented that it had been discussed at last month’s meeting and the Council had determined that it was not cost effective to repair the rink and that it needed to be replaced. Marlin Reinardy felt that it was a waste to have a hockey rink in the City and not be able to use it. Budrow said that she had brought this issue up at previous Council meetings and stated that the gate needed to be repaired. Skog said he would be willing to work on the rink further and requested Steve Hamilton’s assistance with the project.
Street Report - Jensrud relayed the snowplowing contractor’s concern with salting the roads or not when it rains now that the weather had turned colder. Skog said that he preferred sand over salt.
Unfinished Business – None
New Business - Breakfast with Santa - See above under Petitions, Requests, and Communications.
Utility Permits - Marlin Reinardy addressed the Council and discussed the cable put in by Midcon across from the old O’Brien property and said that it was not all in the right of way and felt that the City should consider issuing utility permits. Reinardy requested Roger Otto to speak on the subject as he was familiar with Dakota County’s procedure on the permits. Otto stated that the County charged four dollars a foot and after complete restoration of the work area, would return two dollars. Roger explained that the County would require private contractors to show locates, running lines, and provide drawings. Council confirmed that to instate the permit requirement, an ordinance change would need to be made. Jensrud suggested working along Dakota County guidelines. Reinardy recommended appointing Roger Otto to oversee the permit work. Jensrud requested that the Clerk research Dakota County and Castle Rock Township utility permits and forward information to be discussed at the next month’s meeting.
Assess Overdue Water / Sewer Bill - Motion by Jensrud seconded by Budrow to assess account #00015500 water and sewer bill in the amount of $370.81 as the property owner had been non-responsive to previous letters or phone calls and that the Clerk should send one final letter giving two weeks to pay. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 3:0. Skog requested information and updates on any additional past due accounts.
Adjournment - Motion by Jensrud seconded by Skog to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 3:0. The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Wendy Carpenter