Hampton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes for November 10, 2020

The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at the Hampton City Hall for the regular scheduled meeting. Present were Mayor Knetter; Council Members David Luhring and Anthony Verch. Council Members Victor Anderson and Kati Evertz-Garcia were absent. Also present was Cory Bienfang, City Engineer.

Regular Meeting Called to Order - Mayor Knetter called the Regular Scheduled Meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. 

Disclosure of Interest – John Knetter mentioned that the Fire Department of which he was a member requested that

he add an item to the agenda.

Approval of October 13, 2020 Public Hearing and Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring seconded by Verch to approve the October 13, 2020 Public Hearing and Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 3:0.

Approval of Disbursements – Motion by Verch seconded by Luhring to approve the November disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 3:0.

Public Comment – Dennis Kolm addressed the Council as a tenant in a rental unit within the City of Hampton and had been informed that inspections were due this year and requested they be postponed or completed virtually with Covid numbers rising. Knetter said that he would check on the virtual capability with the Building Inspector to provide options to families with vulnerable situations.

Petitions, Requests, and Communications – Knetter explained that the Fire Chief could not attend the meeting due to other commitments, but as changes had been made to the Bi-laws to clean up and update old language requested that the Council be notified. Motion by Luhring seconded by Verch to add the item to the agenda. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 3:0.

Ordinances and Resolutions

Resolution 2020-14 Canvas Election Results – Wendy Carpenter, City Clerk stated that the ballot counts on the Resolution were numbers sent from the County at this time but mentioned that ballots were still being counted. Knetter commented that there could be an amendment if required. Motion by Luhring seconded by Verch to certify the election results counted at this time. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 3:0.

Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees

Engineer Report – Cory Bienfang, City Engineer stated the two assessment appeals in regards to the 2019 Street Project would be formally settled and executed after the publication of the rezoning ordinances approved at the prior meeting.

Bienfang explained that he had received four quotes on a generator for the Main Street lift station and with the authority granted to the Mayor by the Council, awarded the project to the lowest quote of approximately $45,000.00. The City Engineer said that a payment to the Contractor had been approved to utilize the funding of the CARES Act and final disbursement would be after complete install which could be as long as four months. Luhring questioned the type of fuel that would be used. Knetter confirmed that propane would be used but the size of the tank and options of purchasing verses rental were all things still being considered. The Mayor thanked Cory for all of his expertise and time spent on the projects at hand.

Water / Sewer Report – John Knetter mentioned that the discharge was complete.

Park Report – Council suggested posting the ice rink maintenance position on Facebook as no one had shown interest at this time. The City Clerk said that she would wait a week before publishing the opening.

Street Report – Luhring commented on the street plowing delayed due to the weather and complimented the snow plow contractor on such great communication as it was needed already this year.

Unfinished Business –

Discussion on Ordinance Regarding Parking Restrictions/Enforcement – Knetter suggested tabling the item until a full Council was present. Luhring agreed and felt that a month may show any problems that needed to be dealt with. Motion by Knetter seconded by Luhring to table the item. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 3:0.

Former Black Stallion Building Use – Vivian Vaaj and her associate addressed the Council and explained that she had altered her business plan as the embalming would not be done on site. Verch questioned the traffic flow. Vaaj said that only immediate family would be allowed due to Covid restrictions but normally evening hours were busier for visitation and a meal, typically Friday evening through Sunday with a procession on Monday morning. Vivian said that all ceremonies are held indoors. Knetter thanked Vaaj for her interest in a Hampton business but was just concerned with the building use and impact on city streets as there was no longer a direct access from Highway 52 and would like the City Attorney to address the issue, but as she couldn’t attend the meeting due to another commitment and that there were only three Council Members present, would prefer to table the item until next month to be able to hear additional feedback. The Mayor confirmed with the City Engineer that a controlled Minnesota Department of Health license and permit would be needed. Luhring commented on excessive traffic on the side streets and had safety concerns. Vaaj mentioned that at this time it was an allowed use and the Council agreed and thanked her for her attendance and transparency. Vivian said that she would be moving forward and would be available to work on traffic issues if needed.

New Business –

Fire Department Bylaws – Knetter spoke on the minor updates and that the City Clerk would be providing copies to the City Council. Motion by Luhring seconded by Verch to approve the update. Motion passed 3:0.

Adjournment - Motion by Luhring seconded by Verch to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed 3:0. The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Wendy Carpenter