(Unofficial)

City of Hampton

5265 238th Street East • P.O. BOX 128 • Hampton, MN 55031 • United States of America • 651.437.8846

Hampton City Council Meetings Happen Every Second Tuesday of the Month.

BRIDGING THE PAST INTO THE FUTURE.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Hampton City Council Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes for October 11, 2016

The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at the Hampton City Hall for a public hearing and the regular scheduled meeting. Present were Mayor Skog; Council Members David Luhring, and Jerry Huddleston. Council Members John Knetter and Kristina Waltman were absent. Also present were Cory Bienfang, City Engineer; Scott Qualle, City Building Inspector; and Marlin Reinardy, Water and Sewer Superintendent. 

Public Hearing Called to Order - The purpose for the public hearing was to receive public input regarding the ordinance allowing chickens within the City. Mayor Skog opened the public hearing at 6:34 p.m. 

Public Hearing - After research, Skog felt that a new ordinance should be put in place and that Hampton could be a leader and set standards for others to follow. Huddleston mentioned some parts of the City’s current ordinance may be beneficial with some amendments such as required setbacks and lot size allowances to offer more flexibility.  Council Member John Knetter arrived at 6:40 p.m. Luhring felt that the City ordinance could be amended to allow chickens. Knetter agreed that setbacks for structures providing shelter should be altered. Council agreed to consider two chicken allowances up to . acre and five chickens to a . acre within the City. Wendy Carpenter, City Clerk said that she would have a draft of an ordinance amendment prepared for discusssion at the November meeting. 
There was no public comment. 

Adjournment - Motion by Knetter seconded by Luhring to close the Public Hearing. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0. The Public Hearing closed at 6:55 p.m. 

Regular Meeting Called to Order - Mayor Skog called the Regular Scheduled Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Present were Mayor Skog; Council Members John Knetter, David Luhring, Jerry Huddleston, and Kristina Waltman. 

Disclosure of Interest – None. 

Approval of September 13, 2016 Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes – Motion by Knetter seconded by Huddleston to approve the September 13, 2016 Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0. 

Approval of Disbursements – Motion by Knetter seconded by Luhring to approve the October disbursements excluding John Knetter‘s. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0. Motion by Luhring seconded by Huddleston to approve John Knetter’s October disbursement. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0. Knetter abstained from voting. 

Public Comment – Skog read a letter submitted by Bernard and Mary Lou Bauer in support of the Radford’s and stated that they were against any land being condemned for the use of a bike trail. The Deputy Sheriff asked if there were any concerns and stated that County Road 47 was still being monitored to slow traffic. 

Petitions, Requests, and Communications - Motion by Knetter seconded by Waltman to schedule a special meeting to canvas the 2016 election results on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0. Huddleston confirmed with the City Clerk that the Regular Scheduled November Meeting would be held Wednesday, November 9, 2016 due to the election and a notice would be published. 

Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees 

Engineer Report – Cory Bienfang, City Engineer confirmed that work was being scheduled to address the abandoned well located at the old city hall and had had been working with Marlin Reinardy to rectify the drainage issue at the ball field. Bienfang recommended installing drain tile and storm sewer at this time and take advantage of the topsoil available from the new home construction on Main Street but due to the time of year, suggested waiting on further work on a retaining wall at this time. 

Water / Sewer Report - Marlin Reinardy, Water and Sewer Superintendent stated that chlorinating and flushing of the hydrants would be done during the week and was working on the water line to the new Dohmen home on Main Street and planned to extend it for a second service at the same time to feed the lot east of that for future development. Rienardy confirmed that discharging had begun and was using a vent scrubber at the lift station to assist on keeping fumes down. Skog addressed a letter that was sent to him from Jerry and Joyce Beissel in regards to a past due bill for a water meter. Reinardy provided the Council a short history on the subject stating that back in 2014 Beissel’s water meter was not working and it was found that the wire had been disconnected. Reinardy then decided to switch to a new radio read which all residents will eventually be required to do, and it was determined that a leak was present and the City had already forgiven them $137.00 due to high readings when in fact, the readings were accurate and city water had been used. Marlin suggested giving Beissels options including paying $70.00 for the new reader, replacement of previous meter but charging service fees totaling $150.00 plus the water charge that was adjusted off in the amount of $137.00, or shutting the water off in the event no payment was received. Knetter felt that the options were reasonable and that Council had in fact approved the cost of new water meters being split between the City and property owner, and also commented that the City staff was handling the situation adequately. Luhring stated that in the past, he saw no forgiveness in late water payments and that all residents should be treated equally. Huddleston mentioned that the City staff’s time needed to be covered or the City would end up paying for Beissel’s services. Skog recommended offering Beissels a payment plan and invited them to attend the next Council meeting to provide their side of the story. 

Park Report – Huddleston confirmed with Luhring that the September Planning Commission meeting was cancelled and that the Park Plan update would be reviewed at the October meeting. Huddleston mentioned that some trees at Hampton Avenue and Water Street were causing a visibility issue and that he and Luhring would work to identify the problem after the meeting. 

Street Report - Luhring confirmed that RCM had patched problematic areas to prepare for the snowplowing season and felt they did a great job. 

Unfinished Business – 

Ordinance Regarding Chickens - Council agreed that the City Clerk would look into amending lot size and setback requirements. Joe Heiman arrived and requested an explanation of what was discussed at the public hearing. Huddleston provided the basic information on what was being considered. Heiman felt the number of chickens allowed should be increased. Waltman stated that ideas were being discussed and that additional amendments could always be considered. 

Building Inspector Contract Renewal - Knetter recommended approving the contract for a one year renewal and see how the new staff hirings and satallite offices discussed worked out. Huddleston stated that there is usually a clause allowing a cancellation of the contract. Scott Qualle confirmed that there was a 30 day notice required and felt that the typical renewal was for three years and that this was a warning sign and was wondering if there were any concerns. Council agreed service had been sufficient. Motion by Knetter seconded by Waltman to appoint MnSPECT as the official City Building Inspector. Knetter, Luhring, Huddleston, and Waltman voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0. Skog abstained from voting. 

New Business - None 

Adjournment - Motion by Knetter seconded by Luhring to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0. The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. 
Respectfully submitted, Wendy Carpenter