The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at the Hampton City Hall for a special meeting and the regular scheduled meeting. Present were Mayor Knetter; Council Members Jerry Huddleston, Victor Anderson, and Kati Evertz-Garcia. Council Member David Luhring was absent. Also present was Marlin Reinardy, Water and Sewer Superintendent; Chris Meyer, City Treasurer; Brad Fisher with Bolton and Menk; and Cory Bienfang, City Engineer.
Special Meeting Called to Order - The purpose for the Special Meeting was to amend the current budget, if needed, and prepare the city budget for the year 2018. Mayor Knetter called the special meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. Chris Meyer, City Treasurer reported that the 2017 budget had been amended to include and show the grant revenue and also the expense of the Capital Improvement Plan Update. Chris explained if the changes to the budget for the year 2018 that he proposed were approved, there would be an increase of $4,633.00 or 1.7% to the levy. Meyer confirmed that the figure could be reduced by withdrawing a CD. Chris stated that most changes were made to reflect recent history, include the Outdoor Recreation grant, and the water / sewer rate increases. The City Treasurer explained that Debt Service changes were scheduled due to current bonds. Council Member Luhring arrived at 6:38 p.m.
Huddleston said that most changes seemed to have been discussed previously throughout the year. Meyer confirmed that any changes made could be discussed further at the September meeting and the levy will be formally approved in December. Knetter recommended addressing the Capital Improvement Plan expenditures at some point. Marlin Reinardy confirmed that there was enough funds set aside for possibly purchasing a power vent for the lift station to help eliminate odors and cleaning the clay pipes that have yet to be addressed. Meyer pointed out that there was still money set for a website. Huddleston said that he was planning something for the near future. Knetter confirmed with Meyer that any funds still set aside for building security could be used for the installation of cameras at City Hall.
Adjournment - Motion by Huddleston seconded by Evertz-Garcia to adjourn the special meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Regular Meeting Called to Order - Mayor Knetter called the Regular Scheduled Meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Present were Mayor Knetter; Council Members Victor Anderson, David Luhring, Kati Evertz-Garcia, and Jerry Huddleston.
Disclosure of Interest – None.
Approval of July 11, 2017 Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes – Motion by Evertz-Garcia seconded by Luhring to approve the July 11, 2017 Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Approval of Disbursements – Motion by Evertz-Garcia seconded by Luhring to approve the August disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4:0. Knetter abstained from voting.
Public Comment – None.
Petitions, Requests, and Communications –
Knetter thanked Chris Meyer, City Treasurer for all of his work and the precise and detailed report.
Luhring requested to add the Doffing Way culvert to the agenda for clarification on the Council’s decision. Motion by Huddleston seconded by Luhring to add the item to the agenda. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Huddleston questioned when the internal audit was planned to be conducted. Wendy Carpenter, City Clerk said that it could take place at anytime. Meyer explained that the audit is typically done in the spring, but last year, it took place later in the year. Carpenter stated that she would schedule the audit and Huddleston and Anderson volunteered to assist.
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees
Engineer Report – Cory Bienfang, City Engineer stated that the contracted payment for crack sealing would be provided for Council approval in September and that the Water Main Project was on schedule with the curb and sidewalks being poured this week. Bienfang thanked the residents affected for their understanding as the water main had been shut down longer than anticipated and stated the new main was being tested for any bacteria and all was looking good at this point. Huddleston confirmed that the Heights of Hampton would see an improvement in the flow rate that will enable more water use at one time, but not necessarily the water pressure itself. Cory also reminded the Council that the MnDOT Highway 50 Project was still scheduled for 2018 which would provide the City with pedestrian ramps along the improved area.
Water / Sewer Report - Marlin Reinardy, Water and Sewer Superintendent reported that the ponds seemed to be doing well with minimal treatment and that he would be attending the Minnesota Rural Water Association training in September. Reinardy also thanked the residents for their support during the water main construction. Marlin mentioned that the Minnesota Department of Health would be conducting an annual inspection on August 9.
Park Report – Evertz-Garcia stated that the new picnic table had arrived and would be working on the installation. Luhring mentioned that he had been quoted $900.00 to remove the dead tree in the boulevard at Water and Hampton and would consult the property owner and ask for their input as they would be responsible for half of the cost. Wendy Carpenter, City Clerk confirmed that the Chainbreaker event was on schedule and was doing a fantastic job on the organization and permits. Carpenter said that they had not requested any special permit for alcohol as it was not allowed on City property at this time. Huddleston commented that the ordinance could be re-evaluated as there are residents that would perhaps enjoy a beer at baseball games and family gatherings. Motion by Huddleston seconded by Evertz-Garcia to add the item to the agenda. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0
The Deputy Sheriff addressed the Council and asked if there were any concerns. Melissa Timm said that she had requested additional patrols in the Heights of Hampton as there had been reported thefts and break ins. The Deputy stated that he would check on the request and explained that they had been short staffed and also mentioned an intoxicated individual was picked up at the Park and Ride.
Street Report - Luhring confirmed that he would monitor cracks on streets at the Heights of Hampton.
Carpenter suggested advertising for the snowplowing contract soon. Council agreed to advertise two weeks in the Cannon Falls Beacon similar to the last cycle which was for a year contract with an option of a second and would be quoted a per event cost.
Unfinished Business – Planning Commission Appointment
Huddleston felt that having two interested individuals was impressive and stated that he knew Melissa Timm and her family and that she would have a lot to offer the City. Luhring recommended having both candidates speak briefly. Melissa Timm explained that she had been a resident of Hampton for 16 years and has always been interested in local government. Timm said that she had been the Clerk for the Hampton Township and had experience in elections and other areas of government. Luhring confirmed that the Planning Commission was in the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan and asked Timm her thoughts on what she would like to see be done. Melissa stated that she would like to see more business in Hampton along with reasonable growth.
Peter Belland introduced himself saying that he and his wife had lived in the Heights of Hampton for four years. Belland explained that he would like to see a gas station in Hampton and discussed the current water main project as he had experience in the field of piping and water main flows. Knetter confirmed that additional time commitments would be required as the Comprehensive Plan update was a lengthy process. Evertz-Garcia inquired if Belland would still be interested at the end of the year, as another seat would open at that time. Peter said that he certainly would be. Motion by Huddleston seconded by Evertz-Garcia to appoint Melissa Timm to the Planning Commission. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
New Business – MnSPECT Report
Wendy Carpenter, City Clerk stated that the MnSPECT representative was ill and had to cancel.
The City Council discussed the Doffing Way Culvert item and Luhring felt that some residents needed to have some clarification. Cory Bienfang, City Engineer explained that the developer had set up the drainage and grading and as it was not an ideal situation, there was nothing unacceptable with the type of drainage the curb cuts provided. Bienfang felt that after his site visit, everyone was in agreement that the city drainage is functioning and if something different is preferred, it should be handled by the homeowner and builder.
The City Council agreed to discuss amending regulations of alcohol on city property. Knetter requested that the Clerk contact the City Attorney on any liability issues. Motion by Luhring seconded by Huddleston to hold a public hearing on the item Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. before the regular scheduled meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Adjournment - Motion by Evertz-Garcia seconded by Huddleston to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0. The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Wendy Carpenter