The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at the Hampton City Hall for the regular scheduled meeting. Present were Mayor Knetter; Council Members Anthony Verch, Victor Anderson, Kati Evertz-Garcia and David Luhring. Also present was Chris Meyer, City Treasurer; and Brad Fisher with Bolton and Menk.
Regular Meeting called to Order - Mayor Knetter called the Regular Scheduled Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Disclosure of Interest – Knetter said that he was a member of the Randolph / Hampton Fire Relief Association and that Reed Kosir was present to speak on behalf of the Association. Motion by Knetter seconded by Luhring to add Kosir to the agenda. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Reed explained that the Randolph / Hampton Fire Relief had held a meeting and approved raising the level of benefits from $1,450.00 per year of service to $1,850.00 and wanted to notify the City Council. The Council had no objections.
Approval of January 14, 2020 Special Meeting and Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes – Motion by Verch seconded by Anderson to approve the January 14, 2020 Special Meeting and 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 February disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Public Comment – None.
Petitions, Requests, and Communications – Chris Meyer, City Treasurer provided the Annual Year-End Financial Summary showing the monthly balances in checking, Diamond Money Market, and Escrow accounts for the City. Meyer also stated that the Financial Statements were required to be available for public inspection 45 days after year-end and would be submitting them to the Council and then address any questions at the March meeting.
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees
Engineer Report – Brad Fisher with Bolton and Menk stated that the snowplower was handling the new curbs well.
Water / Sewer Report – John Knetter mentioned that they were working on water transfer at the ponds preparing for spring discharge.
Park Report – Evertz-Garcia said that the trees had been trimmed in the ballpark area.
Street Report – Luhring confirmed that the streets looked good in regards to potholes and the plowing was going great and would be providing the Clerk with a list of street signs that were in need of replacement.
Unfinished Business – None.
New Business
Restricted Parking Towing / Destruction of Public Property – Luhring stated that back in December the Council agreed to tag and tow vehicles to enforce the winter parking ordinance and that there were some unhappy Residents and some destruction to street signs posted had occurred. Devon Dimmeck, 23382 Doffing Way, said that her vehicle had been towed on February 2, 2020 and felt that it had been done so illegally as there was no snow and was requesting reimbursement. Luhring explained that state statute gives local authority the right to tow vehicles in violation of city ordinances and that he had confirmed that with the City Attorney as well as with the Sheriff’s Department. Residents present were also concerned with varying fees, pick-up locations, and payment methods used by All American Towing and Recovery and that their background showed that it was not a desirable company to be working within the city. Knetter confirmed that he would be checking with the City Attorney for confirmation and direction in writing. Verch mentioned that numerous people did complain when cars were left on the streets and the Council was trying to make things safer within the City and provide cleaner streets. Verch also felt that the City needed to check on the towing company used as it seemed that the present company being used was causing a lot of frustration. Council Member Verch said that he was glad to see the public engagement and that this was the way to make changes to ordinances if the citizens wish to. Council agreed to put the parking ordinance on the March agenda for review. Knetter thanked everyone for coming and the discussion.
Randolph / Hampton Fire Contract Renewal – Motion by Luhring seconded by Evertz-Garcia to approve the Fire Services Contract. opposed. Motion passed 4:0. Knetter abstained from voting.
The Deputy Sheriff suggested that Residents lock up snowmobiles and trailers.
Community Room Policy – Council felt that the Community Room could be rented out on holidays. Motion by Verch seconded by Luhring to amend the policy. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Adjournment - Motion by Luhring seconded by Verch to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Wendy Carpenter