The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Hampton City Hall for the Regularly Scheduled Meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter and Council Members Jerry Huddleston, David Luhring, Anthony Verch, and Nick Russell. Also present were Brad Fisher of Bolten & Menk, Chris Meyer treasurer, Stacie Leifeld, and Alayna Lund
Regular Meeting Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the regular meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Disclosure of Interest – None
Approval of August 12, 2025 Special Meeting and Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring, seconded by Verch, to approve the August 12, 2025 special meeting and regular meeting minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0.
Approval of Disbursements - Motion by Verch, seconded by Luhring, to approve the disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0.
Public Comments: None
Petitions, Requests, and Communications: Stacie Leifeld, Charitable Gambling Manager for the Miesville Lions Club, addressed the City Council to discuss the possibility of the club operating charitable gambling at Meric’s, following the previous operator's withdrawal due to low profitability. Leifeld noted that although there is interest in continuing gambling at the location, the current city ordinance presents challenges—specifically, the requirement that a gambling organization must either own land in the city, be located within city limits, or have at least 15 members who reside there. She provided information on the club’s annual charitable donations and clarified that the Lions Club operates only paper pull-tabs, dispensing machines, bar jars, and e-tabs, not bingo. Mayor Knetter and council members acknowledged that the ordinance likely hasn't been updated in over 15 years and expressed a willingness to review and possibly revise it. They agreed to add the topic to the agenda for the next council meeting, allowing time to evaluate the ordinance and consider necessary changes. Leifeld thanked the council, and the discussion concluded with general support for exploring the request further.
Alayna Lund appeared before the City Council to inquire whether a conditional use permit would be required for her proposed coffee shop in the old bank (Merchant’s Bank) building. Mayor Knetter and Councilman Huddleston clarified that while “coffee shop” is not explicitly listed in the city's ordinance, the property is zoned commercial and falls within the Central Business District (CBD), which is intended to support a variety of retail establishments. Huddleston further explained that, based on the ordinance’s stated intent and common definitions in Minnesota zoning practices, a coffee shop clearly qualifies as a permitted retail use and does not require a conditional use permit. Mayor Knetter agreed and proposed that the council formally acknowledge the proposal as consistent with the CBD's permitted uses. Huddleston made a motion affirming that the coffee shop meets the intent of the ordinance and has the Council’s approval to proceed with necessary permitting and remodeling. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Verch and passed unanimously.
Chris Meyer presented a draft of the 2026 budget to the City Council, noting that the only change since the previous month’s budget workshop was the addition of $10,000 to the levy and expenses to cover Bolton & Menk's work on the GIS system transition, which will be addressed further by Brad. Meyer recommended scheduling a special meeting for December 9 at 6:30 p.m. to hold a public hearing on the budget, as required for certification with Dakota County by the end of September. The proposed budget includes a general tax levy of $149,521, with a total levy increase of 44.78%, consistent with figures previously discussed. Mayor Knetter thanked Meyer for his clarity and thoroughness in preparing the budget materials.
Mayor Knetter noted that the Planning Commission recommended updating City Code paragraph 152.186, recognizing it as outdated and unclear. Russell, speaking on behalf of the Planning Commission, emphasized that the current language is vague and that the version reviewed is nearly 30 years old, highlighting the need for clarification. Huddleston added that the code dates back 27 years and only minimally changed, reflecting limited development in the area, which may have contributed to the original vagueness. Knetter suggested scheduling the update discussion for early next year. Verch and Luhring echoed the need for flexibility in the code, noting the city has historically approached changes on an as-needed basis. The conversation also touched on the upcoming need for a cannabis ordinance. Russell mentioned it's on the agenda and will become increasingly relevant. Knetter explained that the city had delayed action until the state finalized its regulations, which has now occurred. He confirmed the city will need to adopt a cannabis ordinance to remain in compliance with state law. Huddleston clarified that while the city cannot prohibit or license cannabis use, it can implement regulations.
During the City Council meeting, discussion continued regarding the fate of the old water tower. Knetter opened the topic, referencing prior Planning Commission conversations. Russell deferred to Marlin, who proposed relocating just the tank portion of the tower to a city park near the highway where children play, suggesting it could be set partially in the ground for safety. Marlin also offered to contribute or help fundraise for the project. Luhring recalled earlier Council discussions that expressed a desire to preserve the structure. Russell noted he had contacted a restoration company experienced in such work and was awaiting a design and cost estimate.
Fisher clarified that when the tower project was originally bid, there were two options: demolish or salvage. The Council had chosen demolition due to cost savings, but salvaging the tank had been approximately $10,000 more. Since the demolition bid was awarded, any changes would require renegotiation. Fisher warned of additional procedures and legal considerations, including the presence of lead paint. Huddleston mentioned a potential alternative location for the tank as a landmark site near other historical features in Hampton and said a contact there was interested in preserving and displaying it, pending dimensional information for transport feasibility.
Verch provided a rough estimate of the tank’s diameter (21–24 feet), and Fisher noted the city had found a historical drawing from 1910, which might offer more clarity. Knetter emphasized getting an updated cost and clarified that further discussion should be placed on a future agenda. The group discussed potential structural and safety concerns if the tank is drained and left standing through winter, noting risks related to wind loads and freezing. They debated whether to delay removal until spring to avoid winter complications and confirmed more information was needed from the contractor, especially regarding the demolition method—whether it would come down in one piece or in sections.
Ultimately, it was agreed to tentatively plan for removal in the spring, allowing time to explore preservation options and safety logistics. Fisher committed to gathering more details, including costs, structural concerns, and clarity on the demolition process, and would report back at the next meeting.
Ordinances and Resolutions: Resolution 2025 – 07 Approving the 2025, tax levy – Motion made by Luhring and seconded by Russell to approve the 2025, tax levy. All voted in favor. None opposed. 5-0.
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:
Engineer Report – Brad Fisher of Bolton & Menk provided two key updates. First, he reported on the progress of the water tower improvement project. The tower structure has been erected, and final welding inspections are underway. Once approved, painting and coating will follow, likely later this month or potentially into October. Remaining tasks include final installations, site restoration, and grading before winter. Pay Application #5 was submitted and included in this month’s disbursements. Fisher confirmed the project remains on schedule and within expectations.
Secondly, Fisher introduced a budgetary consideration regarding the city’s GIS data management. Esri, the provider of the city’s current GIS platform (hosted via Bolton & Menk), will require all clients to transition ownership of their GIS accounts by late 2026. The city already has an ArcGIS Online account established through a grant, and Fisher recommended transitioning to this setup, allowing the city to retain full data ownership and optionally continue working with Bolton & Menk for maintenance. No immediate action is needed, but Fisher encouraged the Council to consider it in future budgeting, noting significant time and cost savings for engineering, zoning, and infrastructure management. Knetter and Fisher both emphasized the practical benefits of GIS, especially for locating underground utilities.
Fisher also noted he had shared a planning memo regarding cannabis regulations and reminded the Council that while cities cannot prohibit or license cannabis businesses, they may regulate elements such as hours of operation and signage. Knetter suggested a short working session before the next meeting to discuss those regulatory options. Council agreed to meet at 6:30 p.m. on October 14 for that purpose. Fisher confirmed he would check with the planning team to ensure a representative could attend to help guide legal compliance, and Knetter added that the working session must be publicly posted.
Water / Sewer Report – At the meeting, Knetter thanked Brad for his assistance with the Minnesota Department of Health grant requirements. He explained that the cost to set up backup power generation exceeded the grant amount significantly, so the grant writer agreed to allow the city to use the full $10,000 grant for purchasing equipment and then close out the grant. Knetter noted another grant round would open this fall offering a 50/50 match, but preferred to wait until spring to apply for a potential 100% funded grant that would cover all costs. He also mentioned that once installation begins, the grant amount could increase to $15,000. When asked about the generator plan, Knetter said the city would rent a generator capable of running the pumps temporarily, while working toward either converting or swapping an existing generator if compatible. Marlin reminded the Council that the current generator is too small to run the pumps. Knetter confirmed the plan was to at least install the necessary switch and connection to allow a rented generator hookup during outages, with grant funds supporting ongoing infrastructure upgrades over time. He also reported that sewer sampling has been completed, with results pending, and preparations are underway for fall discharge.
Park Report – Russell reported that the pavilion painting project has been completed with very good workmanship. However, he noted that the entire north side of the pavilion has significant wood rot and suggested replacing the panels. Additionally, there is a roof leak—possibly around a vent—that is causing soffit rot, and he plans to inspect the roof further. When asked, it was noted the roof was last replaced over 23 years ago. Russell estimated the panel replacement would cost around $150 plus paint materials and labor. He also mentioned the doors were repainted and look nice. Wood chips have been installed at the park by Ottomatic, and work has begun on the adjacent field, including removal of the backstop. Knetter explained that Randolph School is funding the field improvements, aiming to complete the work this fall to have it ready for next spring. The school requested to use the old softball field for their fifth and sixth grade baseball teams and will maintain and update the field, including backstop repair and field lining. Council members expressed support for the arrangement, noting it’s better to have the field actively used and maintained rather than left to deteriorate. Russell added that additional ballfield lining is needed for the other field as well.
Street Report – Luhring: Nothing to report.
Unfinished Business - None.
New Business – None.
Adjournment - Motion by Russell, seconded by Verch, to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Kelly Roan