The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at the Hampton City Hall for a special meeting and the regular scheduled meeting. Present were Mayor Knetter; Council Members Victor Anderson, David Luhring, Anthony Verch, and Kati Evertz-Garcia. Also present was Marlin Reinardy, Water and Sewer Superintendent; Chris Meyer, City Treasurer; Korine Land, City Attorney; Cory Bienfang, City Engineer; and Brad Fisher with Bolton and Menk.
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 2020. Mayor Knetter called the special meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Chris Meyer, City Treasurer provided a budget worksheet for Council discussion and explained that the 2019 budget had been amended to reflect transfers previously approved, changes to state grants, and any CD withdrawals. Meyer stated that the general levy had decreased by 2.95% but the debt levy ad a significant increase of 24.56% due to the drastic drop with the 2013 bond coming off and the timing of a new bond for the 2019 Street Project. Chris explained that the Council could ease the burden this year and use the $31,000.00 transferred to the general fund after the 2013 bond payoff to lower the levy. There were no public comments. Knetter thanked Meyer for the detailed information and all of the expertise that went into it.
Adjournment - Motion by Luhring seconded by Evertz-Garcia to adjourn the special meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0. The meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.
Regular Meeting Called to Order - Mayor Knetter called the Regular Scheduled Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Knetter; Council Members Victor Anderson, David Luhring, Anthony Verch, and Kati Evertz-Garcia.
Disclosure of Interest – None.
Approval of July 9, 2019 Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring seconded by Evertz-Garcia to approve the July 9, 2019 Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Approval of Disbursements – Chris Meyer pointed out that the disbursements would be amended to show the transfer required to fund the water meter transition and that the expense of the water breaks this past winter would be paid by the water fund at this time, not the capital fund. Motion by Luhring seconded by Anderson to approve the August disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Public Comment – None.
Ordinances and Resolutions –
Resolution 2019-06 Approving Outdoor Liquor License –Motion by Verch seconded by Luhring to allow an outdoor liquor license to the Round Up Bar for a city festival on September 14, 2019. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Resolution 2019-07 Approving a Donation to the City – Motion by Verch seconded by Evertz-Garcia to accept a Little Free Library in memory of Dave Radman donated by Shawn Carpenter. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees
Engineer Report – Cory Bienfang, City Engineer provided an update on the 2019 Street Project and said that for the most part, the streets were finished until spring other than some grass seeding in the area as well raising some manholes. Luhring confirmed that the contractor would be cleaning the streets in the affected area. Bienfang stated that he would begin work on final assessments and recommended a public hearing be held in October. Cory confirmed that the street patching in needed areas had been completed and turned out well. Knetter verified that Belmont had a catch basin installed near the telephone building. The Deputy Sheriff explained that there had been a four-wheeler theft in the area and Knetter requested they increase patrol along Northfield Boulevard.
Water / Sewer Report - Marlin Reinardy, Water and Sewer Superintendent said that he had responded to the MPCA’s concerns regarding the May inspection and that the lower phosphorous level will be addressed within the new permit. Reinardy explained that to bring the sewer issues up to the required Lake Pepin standards would be a process that he hoped could be completed without using chemicals. Marlin also mentioned that Josh Dixon would attend training and testing to obtain his sewer license as Council had requested.
The Water and Sewer Superintendent commented on the hydrant across from the Black Stallion and said that didn’t seem to be leaking at this point. Reinardy also mentioned that there were only a handful of water meters left to switch out and that he and John Knetter would be attending the MRWA Expo. Luhring confirmed that parts had been received for the hydrant repair at Highway 50.
Park Report – Evertz-Garcia stated that parts for the play structure at the Heights of Hampton had been shipped and confirmed with the City Clerk that wood chips would be installed this week or that we would change the order to delivery only to speed up the process. Kati also mentioned that she would be working on collecting quotes for tree trimming in the park.
Street Report – None.
Unfinished Business – None.
New Business –
City Attorney Introduction – Korine Land with LeVander, Gillen out of South St. Paul introduced herself to the Council and explained she had experience representing municipalities, dealing with assessments, criminal representation, and also worked with the League of Minnesota Cities on providing training. Knetter requested that she let him know when training opportunities would be conducted in the area.
Water / Sewer Rates – Chris Meyer, City Treasurer provided comparisons on other area rates showing Hampton being very low and explained that due to an ongoing operating loss and the plan for a new water tower along with the 2019 Street Project, an increase in water rates would be necessary. Council discussed the options and felt that increasing the water rate to match the sewer rate would be reasonable. Verch confirmed the rate for anything over the initial 10,000 gallons would stay the same. Motion by Luhring seconded by Evertz-Garcia to increase the water rate to $45.93 and state surcharge to $2.43 for a quarterly minimum totaling $122.13 effective January 1, 2020. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Hampton City Festival – Verch explained that he had been in contact with the Hampton Boosters and that a festival was planned for September 14 and would include a cook-off, kids games, and live music provided in the area of Merics and Round Up Bar. Marlin Reinardy requested the city generators be available in case they were needed. Motion by Luhring seconded by Verch to approve any necessary city street closings and generator usage for the city festival. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passes 5:0.
Snow Removal Contract – Motion by Luhring seconded by Evertz-Garcia to add the snow removal contract to the agenda and to advertise for the service. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Adjournment - Motion by Verch seconded by Luhring to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0. The meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Wendy Carpenter