The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at the Hampton City Hall for a special meeting and the regular scheduled meeting. Present were Mayor Knetter; Council Members Anthony Verch, Victor Anderson, and Kati Evertz-Garcia. Council Member David Luhring was absent. Also present were Chris Meyer, City Treasurer; and Brad Fisher with Bolton and Menk.
Special Meeting Called to Order - The purpose for the special meeting was to discuss Resolution 2019-01 Setting salaries, fees, licenses and permits, charges for services, schedules, appointments and annual designations. Mayor Knetter called the special meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. Knetter welcomed Verch to the City Council and brought up the appointments that needed to be addressed. Knetter pointed out that Ron Wasmund was listed as a City Septic Inspector as the previous one had retired and suggested Verch be appointed to Sewer and Water Administration; Anderson to Water Meter Maintenance; and Evertz-Garcia to Media and Community Relations. Evertz-Garcia proposed a 3% cost of living increase for the core staff including the Clerks, Treasurer, Water and Sewer Staff, Meter Reader, and Cleaning Staff. Wendy Carpenter, City Clerk requested a wage increase for Election Judges. Council agreed on $12.00 an hour for Judges and $13.00 for Head Judges. Carpenter pointed out that the City had two water and sewer rate increases without raising the bulk water rate. Council agreed on $10.00 per 1,000 gallons.
Luhring arrived at 6:46 p.m. Luhring requested the ordinance violation penalty be raised. Council agreed on $35 / $75 / $200 in 30 day increments as long as the Clerks work with the residents as much as possible depending on individual circumstances.
There were no other changes discussed or public input.
Adjournment -Motion by Evertz-Garcia seconded by Anderson to adjourn the Special Meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0. The Special Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Regular Meeting called to Order - Mayor Knetter called the Regular Scheduled Meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Present were Mayor Knetter; Council Members David Luhring, Anthony Verch, Victor Anderson, and Kati Evertz-Garcia.
Disclosure of Interest – Knetter stated an annual disclosure that he would abstain from voting on any salaries as he assisted in the water and sewer operations.
Approval of December 11, 2018 Public Hearing and Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes – Motion by Evertz-Garcia seconded by Luhring to approve the December 11, 2018 Public Hearing and Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Approval of Disbursements – Motion by Luhring seconded by Evertz-Garcia to approve the January disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Public Comment – None.
Ordinances and Resolutions
Ordinance 1124 – Adopting Schedule of Fees and Charges
Motion by Evertz-Garcia seconded by Luhring to adopt Ordinance 1124 with the changes to the bulk water and ordinance violation fees agreed on. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Resolution 2019-01 - Setting salaries, fees, licenses and permits, charges for services, schedules, appointments and annual designations. Motion by Luhring seconded by Verch to approve Resolution 2019-01 with changes discussed and agreed upon at the Special Meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed. 4:0. Knetter abstained from voting.
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees
Engineer Report – Brad Fisher with Bolton and Menk confirmed that a street sign had been replaced and trees trimmed in the area of the Highway 50 and County Road 47 intersection. Fisher explained that Bolton and Menk had been working to diagnose the exact problem with the hydrant failure in the same area. Knetter stated that the barrel was broken just below grade. Brad said that MnDOT was not willing to take responsibility for the issue and said that the City would need to work directly with the contractor who worked on the Highway 50 project, Valley Paving, and possibly file a claim. Knetter felt that the State should be involved in the hydrant repair and requested contact information so he could speak directly to them on the issue. Fisher mentioned that surveying had been completed for the 2019 Street Project and he would move forward with the design of some plans for discussion at the next meeting.
Water / Sewer Report – John Knetter mentioned some issues had come up with the Main Street lift station and explained that they were having problems with the current contractor that was used for necessary repairs and may need to look at other options. Knetter said that he was working on finding a backup generator as well.
Park Report – Evertz-Garcia felt that the warming house could use some improvements and would be looking at addressing any needed repairs. Verch suggested compiling a preferred vendor list for services needed by the City such as basic maintenance and repairs.
Street Report – None.
The Deputy Sheriff commented on some abandoned farm break-ins and mail thefts and reminded the community to be aware of phone scams. Luhring mentioned that MnDOT was planning an improvement to the park n ride and that they were considering using County Road 47 for temporary parking during construction. The Deputy had some traffic concerns with the idea and suggested using the salt shed area off of Highway 56.
Unfinished Business – None.
New Business – None.
Adjournment - Motion by Evertz-Garcia seconded by Verch to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0. The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Wendy Carpenter