The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, at Hampton City Hall for the Regularly Scheduled Meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter and Council Members Jerry Huddleston, David Luhring and Nick Russell. Absent was Anthony Verch. Also present were Brad Fisher and Madison Richard of Bolten & Menk, Merritt Clapp-Smith, Tabitha Lyon, and Mariah Calverley.
Regular Meeting Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the regular meeting to order at 7:01pm.
Disclosure of Interest – None
Approval of October 14, 2025 Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring, seconded by Russell, to approve the October 14, 2025 work session regular meeting minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0.
Approval of Disbursements - Motion by Russell, seconded by Luhring, to approve the disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0.
Public Comments: Mayor Knetter recognized resident Mariah Calverley, who addressed a longstanding pothole at the end of her driveway on Water Street. Mrs. Calverley noted previous inquiries with City Hall and expressed concern about safety for teenage drivers. Mayor Knetter assured her that the city will fill the pothole, explaining that an expected contractor was unavailable, but a cold patch will be applied before the first snowfall. Mrs. Calverley thanked the Council, and Mayor Knetter apologized for the delay.
Petitions, Requests, and Communications: Mayor Knetter informed the Council that he will be out of town for the next two regularly scheduled meetings and requested rescheduling the December meeting to the 16th and the January meeting to the 20th. No objections were raised.
Madison Richard of Bolton & Menk presented the first draft of the city’s cannabis ordinance, noting that it incorporates standard definitions and prior council discussions. Key points included: allowing indoor and outdoor cultivation in the agricultural district with conditional use permits; prohibiting cannabis-related activities under home occupation permits; permitting cannabis and lower-potency hemp retail in the arterial commercial district; and allowing manufacturing, wholesale, micro, and mezzo operations with retail endorsements in the industrial district. She reviewed performance standards for temporary events, buffers, and building requirements, including that outdoor cultivation structures resemble typical agricultural buildings. Richard recommended using conditional use permits over interim use permits due to limited guidance in the city code. Proposed business hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., reflecting state constraints and conservative regulation. The Council discussed alignment with state alcohol rules, weekend operations, and cautious regulation given the city’s size. Richard noted upcoming revisions, including clarifying medical retailer exemptions and drafting a resolution to defer certain oversight to Dakota County. She confirmed the ordinance will proceed to a public hearing at the January Planning Commission meeting.
Engineer Report – Brad Fisher introduced engineer Drew Bailey, who will attend meetings to gain experience and assist with future projects at no additional cost. Fisher then provided a detailed update on the new water tower: painting and coating are complete, electrical work is nearly finished, and the only remaining delay is the aviation safety light, expected in early December. Afterward, punch list items will be addressed and the tower disinfected and filled, likely in late November or early December, keeping the project on track for year-end. Pay Application 7 was included in the disbursements.
The Council then discussed the future of the old water tower. Fisher confirmed the contractor will honor the original alternate price to lower and salvage the tank, and the city must provide placement direction if temporarily staged on parkland. Councilmember Huddleston noted interest from Steve Bauer of the Little Log House in taking ownership. Discussion included measurements, structural considerations, salvage methods, preserving a community landmark, and liability concerns. The Council expressed support for transferring ownership to Bauer, pending confirmation of details to ensure the city is no longer responsible. Fisher will coordinate follow-up, with a final decision anticipated in December.
Metropolitan Council Update – Merritt Clapp-Smith briefed the Council on the upcoming 2050 Comprehensive Plan update. Hampton’s last update (the 2040 Plan) was submitted in 2018, and all metro communities are required to submit the next 10-year update by the end of 2028. The city recently received its System Statement with maps, data, and forecasts. Clapp-Smith introduced the Met Council’s new Small Communities Planning Program, identifying Hampton as one of 29 eligible communities based on size and limited financial resources. Under this program, the Met Council will complete the bulk of technical, mapping, engineering, and data work at no cost, partnering with city officials to ensure the plan reflects community priorities. Engineering consultants will handle water, wastewater, and surface-water components, and city consultants like Bolton & Menk may participate as reviewers or contributors. Councilmembers highlighted Bolton & Menk’s familiarity with Hampton’s infrastructure, groundwater, and development history, particularly near the Hwy 47/52 interchange. Clapp-Smith stated a formal agreement will be prepared in 2026, with planning work beginning in summer 2026. Additional program information will be shared with staff.
NorthfieldWiFi Request – Tabitha Lyon requested leasing space on the new water tower for internet equipment. Mayor Knetter explained that no agreements can be considered until construction is fully complete. Fisher noted the contractor retains control until the old tower is demolished, with contract closure expected around June 30, 2026. Lyon was advised to return to the Council in June or July and to coordinate with the city clerk for agenda placement.
Ordinances and Resolutions: None
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:
Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter reported that wastewater discharging is complete. A head on the water system’s sterilization equipment failed and has been replaced. Chlorine capacity is sufficient, and disinfection is expected to take 3–5 days, likely starting the week of December 1.
Park Report – Councilman Russell provided no updates.
Street Report – Councilman Luhring reported that fall street sweeping is complete and praised the work. The city will purchase material to patch potholes and address protruding iron to ensure it will not interfere with the upcoming plowing season. Material will be delivered to the community when procured.
Unfinished Business – Gambling Ordinance – The Council discussed updating the ordinance to allow a local business to conduct non-profit gambling after the fire department’s withdrawal. The attorney recommended minor wording changes. Knetter expressed support, and a motion was made and seconded to update the ordinance. The motion passed unanimously. Final approval and adoption, along with the resolution number, will occur at the next meeting.
Parking Lot Signage – Knetter proposed signage for the city-owned parking lot near The Roundup to address long-term, dilapidated, unlicensed, or inoperable vehicles that obstruct snowplowing. The Council defined “vehicle” to include cars, trucks, boats, and campers, and established criteria for inoperable vehicles (e.g., multiple flat tires). Two signs will be installed at both entrances, and ample warning will be provided. Ordinance updates will reflect this policy.
Park Security Cameras – The Council discussed installing security cameras at the park due to ongoing vandalism. Russell identified several vendors offering cellular cameras with cloud storage. The Council emphasized creating a formal policy for data retention, public access, and signage to notify the public. A 30-day automatic data retention period was agreed upon, and cameras will be installed at secure, accessible locations. Knetter noted the importance of power sources, including solar, while considering battery performance in winter. Additional proposals and optimal camera locations will be reviewed at the December meeting.
New Business – None.
Adjournment - Motion by Russell, seconded by Luhring, to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Kelly Roan