The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at the Hampton City Hall for a public hearing and the regular scheduled meeting. Present were Mayor Skog; Council Members Jerry Huddleston, and Amanda Jensrud. Council Members John Knetter and David Luhring were absent. Also present was Marlin Reinardy, Water and Sewer Superintendent; Cory Bienfang, City Engineer; and Chris Meyer, City Treasurer.
Public Hearing Called to Order - The purpose for the public hearing was to discuss MnDOT’s proposed improvements to Highway 50. Mayor Skog opened the Public Hearing at 6:30 p.m. Terra with the engineering team of MnDOT explained that improvements to Highway 50 from TH3 in Farmington to TH52 in Hampton were planned for 2017 and would include modification to intersections at both Highway 80 and 81, additional turn lanes, and the re-surfacing of roadway. Victor Vasas with MnDOT described the project as an improvement to obscured intersections at Highway 80 and 81 and that it would bring the areas perpendicular to increase safety. Vasas also confirmed that the project would maintain and restore roads, improve drainage and guardrails, install pedestrian curb ramps at 47 and Water and re-new signing. Huddleston addressed the issue of installing wider shoulders at the area of Heights of Hampton. Vasas said that they have been looking at a possible ten foot shoulder and were taking costs into consideration. Terra commented that drainage may be an issue. Huddleston stated that this issue should be addressed at the time of this improvement as it was very important to the community. Residents present supported the comments made and suggested that shoulders be widened and speed limits be lowered in that area as well as crosswalks installed at Water Street and Highway 50. MnDOT said that they could see that improvements were needed and would be in contact with the City in regards to any updates with the project.
Adjournment - Motion by Jensrud seconded by Huddleston to close the Public Hearing. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 3:0. The Public Hearing closed at 6:55 p.m.
Regular Meeting Called to Order - Mayor Skog called the Regular Scheduled Meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. Present were Mayor Skog; Council Members David Luhring, Jerry Huddleston, and Amanda Jensrud. Council Member John Knetter was absent.
Disclosure of Interest – None.
Approval of September 8, 2015 Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes – Motion by Jensrud seconded by Luhring to approve the September 8, 2015 Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0.
Approval of Disbursements – Motion by Luhring seconded by Huddleston to approve the October disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0.
Public Comment – None
Petitions, Requests, and Communications - Neil Hoadley, Planning Commissioner said that he had attended the only two meetings that the Ziprail had provided to the public and that he had been appointed to the Community Advisory Committee. Hoadley explained that the Ziprail was being set up as an elevated transportation to run down the median of Highway 52 and that he had requested to have more meetings conducted for informational purposes. Huddleston inquired as to what funding was being discussed. Neil said that mostly private funding was mentioned and that the State would be responsible for maintenance. Hoadley questioned any benefit as the cost was planned to be $30.00 one way. Luhring mentioned that CAPX has been conducting work along the corridor of Highway 52. Neil said that issue had been brought up and that the Ziprail had the ability to go around or over the work being done. Luhring also questioned the disaster plan in place. Neil explained that the Ziprail confirmed that no crossing at level would be allowed but nothing further was discussed. Motion by Jensrud seconded by Luhring to add St. Mathias Church’s request for a temporary gambling license to the agenda. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0. Motion by Luhring seconded by Jensrud to approve a gambling license issued to St. Mathias for bingo events scheduled for November 14 and December 5. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0.
Ordinances and Resolutions
Resolution 2015-08 – Motion by Huddleston seconded by Jensrud to Approve the MnDOT TH50 Improvement Project. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0.
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees
Engineer Report – Cory Bienfang, City Engineer stated that the Main Street drainage project was complete and that the final paperwork would be provided for payment approval at next month’s meeting. Bienfang provided an update on the abandoned well explaining that some of the wall in the old city hall would need to be removed and the cost would exceed the remaining portion of the grant that the City had received. Cory suggested submitting an application for additional funding and that the current grant had been extended and would cover the cost of the floor restoration to this point along with staff time. Bienfang mentioned that CAPX had requested access off the frontage road along Highway 52 and that the City Clerk had worked with them on putting Right of Way permits in place. Luhring confirmed with Bienfang that the gas line had been installed at the Doffing construction site.
Water / Sewer Report - Marlin Reinardy, Water and Sewer Superintendent confirmed that the sewer ponds inspection had gone well and mentioned that the method of input had changed and proven to be a real challenge. Reinardy informed the Council that as Hampton was located in Dakota County, the City was required to approve a Contingency Plan in regards to what action would take place in the event of a sink hole and although he had requested an exemption since there had been no events recorded, there had been an administrative order in place to require emergency plans documented if ever a sink hole would occur at the ponds. Marlin requested assistance from John Knetter and Amanda Jensrud with the plan. Reinardy commented on the discharge process and felt that all was going well. Marlin mentioned that the City had received a request from an industry seeking space in the area and had inquired on water/sewer services as they would be using approximately eight million gallons per year. Reinardy felt that this would over tax the City’s system and would probably not be able to handle the sewage. Marlin confirmed that the hydrants would be flushed October 21 and 22. Luhring requested an update on the water/sewer operator training. Reinardy explained that John Knetter was being trained on the water portion and was scheduled for an exam and Josh Dixon was heading up the sewer portion. Marlin said that after both employees felt comfortable in their areas, that they would be cross trained.
Park Report – Huddleston confirmed that the CDA was in the process of verifying the quotes for the Park Plan Update and felt that there would be a decision by the November Council meeting. Marlin Reinardy mentioned that
X-Cel Energy had agreed to install the new lights purchased for the hockey rink.
Street Report - None.
Unfinished Business – None
New Business -
Award Snow Removal Contract - Luhring stated that there had been one quote submitted and did not feel comfortable waiting another month this late in the season to collect additional quotes. Skog confirmed that insurance for the contractor would be in place with the City Clerk. Skog also mentioned the option of the City purchasing their own snow removal equipment. Wendy Carpenter, City Clerk agreed to research what expenses would be incurred by comparing other cities that maintain their own streets. Huddleston agreed that at this point, the City Council had a responsibility to have a contract in place as inclement weather could arrive at any time. Motion by Huddleston seconded by Luhring to award the snow removal contract to Supreme Landscaping. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0. Jensrud reminded the Council that City Officials needed to be careful and should not discuss particulars until the information gathered on certain issues is in fact made public.
City Hall Flagpole - Skog said that the flagpole at City Hall had been hit by a couple of individuals on the Fire Department and that it was dented and bent and felt as no one had taken responsibility, he had collected quotes for it’s
repair. Skog explained that Tom Eileen, who had donated the flagpole, requested that it be fixed. Carpenter suggested contacting the Fire Department for information on any incidents. Jensrud requested that any quotes that had been submitted be brought to the Council before any further discussion.
Adjournment - Motion by Jensrud seconded by Luhring to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0. The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Wendy Carpenter