The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at the Hampton City Hall for the regular scheduled meeting. Present were Mayor Skog; Council Members David Luhring, Jerry Huddleston, and Amanda Jensrud. Council Member John Knetter was absent. Also present were Josh Dixon, Water and Sewer Operator; Cory Bienfang, City Engineer; and Laura Chamberlain with Sambatek.
Regular Meeting Called to Order - Mayor Skog called the Regular Scheduled Meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Disclosure of Interest – None.
Approval of October 13, 2015 Public Hearing and Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes – Motion by Jensrud seconded by Huddleston to approve the October 13, 2015 Public Hearing and Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0.
Approval of Disbursements – Motion by Luhring seconded by Jensrud to approve the November disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0.
Public Comment – Mike Slavik, County Commissioner confirmed that the City would have electronic speed signs installed the week of December 12th and that Dakota County has been working on their budget and expected a .% maximum levy increase. Slavik explained that the valuation of homes in Hampton had increased 9.2%. Mike also mentioned that next year the County would be paying off all current bonds and would be one of the very few debt free counties in the country. Luhring questioned the average property value across Dakota County. Slavik stated that the area had seen an average increase of just under 5%. Skog asked if there would be additional grants available due to the increase of value. The Commissioner confirmed that grants were base on the income of residents rather than property values and mentioned cost sharing and the collaboration of services such as lawn and snow removal contracts amongst small cities and that it could be an option to cut costs. Huddleston questioned the increase of taxes as the property values had gone up. Slavik said that residents may see an increase of 7.87% and that an average home value set at $192,650.00 would see the taxes increase between $8.00 and $9.00. Mike confirmed that statements would be mailed out within the week.
Petitions, Requests, and Communications - None
Ordinances and Resolutions
Resolution 2015-09 – Approval of Conditional Use Permit at 23250 Main Street - Laura Chamberlain with Sambatek supplied a report stating that the Planning Commission had held a public hearing in regards to the requested conditional use permit for residential uses at 23250 Main Street and as all criteria had been met, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the CUP. Janet Otte provided plans on the proposed use. Skog requested some clarification and Chamberlain explained that the commercial laundromat would be placed in the front and street side and the residential area had a rear entrance and that the 50% requirement had been met. Huddleston felt that this issue had been discussed and addressed earlier with the approval of the text amendment and most questions had been answered regarding the proposed situation. Motion by Jensrud seconded by Huddleston to approve Resolution 2015-09 Granting a Conditional Use Permit at 23250 Main Street. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0.
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees
Engineer Report – Cory Bienfang, City Engineer confirmed that the floor in the old city hall had been restored and that he would seek reimbursement by applying for a grant that would be available in March, 2016. Bienfang stated there would be no further action taken until then as the MDH did not approve the grant this fall.
Water / Sewer Report - Josh Dixon, Water and Sewer Operator confirmed that discharging and testing had been completed and all went well and that both lift station panels had been replaced. Dixon stated that the hydrants had been flushed and the water samples were sent in and results had come back good. Josh also mentioned that the star on the water tower was re-lamped.
Park Report – Huddleston stated that the CDA had verified that Sambatek’s quote submitted for the Park Plan Update was reasonable and that a contract was drawn up and after all signatures had been gathered, Laura Chamberlain will review the current plan and perhaps organize an open house in January to give the public an opportunity to provide their suggestions. Skog asked if quotes were officially collected as he had received calls from a couple of interested parties. Wendy Carpenter, City Clerk confirmed that the CDA solicited the quotes to prove cost reasonableness of the proposal submitted by Sambatek and when the cost was verified to be an acceptable option, they felt that Hampton’s City Planner would be the best fit as they were familiar with the area and the City’s past ventures as well as Hampton’s Comprehensive Plan and future goals. Huddleston stated that the contract was between the CDA and Sambatek so the Council didn’t need to make the decision on awarding the contract.
Street Report - Luhring said that he would check into the condition of Main Street as Skog had mentioned that patching some areas may be required before snow plowing commences.
Unfinished Business – None
New Business - None
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 7:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Wendy Carpenter