The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Hampton City Hall for a Special Hearing, a Public Hearing and the Regularly Scheduled Meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter and Council Members Jerry Huddleston, David Luhring and Nick Russell. Also present were Brad Fisher of Bolton & Menk, Chris Meyer, treasurer, and a few Residents of the City.
Special Hearing Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the special hearing to order at 6:33 p.m. to discuss Resolution 2026–(1) regarding salaries and fees. Council reviewed building, zoning, and subdivision fees, noting that revenues have been low due to limited development activity rather than high fee rates. After discussion, the Council approved increasing building, zoning, and subdivision fees by five percent, rounded to the nearest five dollars, excluding permit fee schedules, escrow amounts, deposits, copy fees, and state-regulated charges. A three percent inflationary wage increase for hourly employees was also approved. Discussion was held regarding the upcoming Minnesota Paid Leave law and earned sick and safe time requirements. Council reached consensus to implement a 50/50 cost share between the City and employees for required premiums, pending final rate confirmation. The Clerk confirmed employees had been notified of the new leave program. Council further discussed councilmember compensation, which has remained unchanged for approximately 25 years, and approved increasing meeting pay from $35 to $50 per meeting for both Council and Planning Commission members, with one dissenting vote. Water and sewer rates were reviewed, with no increases recommended at this time. Council also discussed adding cannabis-related fees to the fee schedule pending further guidance following Planning Commission review and clarification of state regulations. With no further business, a motion was requested to close the special hearing.
Adjournment: Motion by Luhring, seconded by Huddleston, to adjourn the special hearing. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0. The Special Hearing adjourned at 6:55pm.
Public Hearing Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the public hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. The purpose of the hearing was to receive comments regarding the proposed issuance of revenue notes for the Fraser Child and Family Center project. Staff explained that the arrangement allows the organization to utilize the City’s ability to issue tax-exempt bonds, generating revenue for the City in the amount of approximately 0.25 to 1 percent of the bond issue, depending on the amount, without any financial risk or liability to the City. It was clarified that the City assumes no debt obligation and bears no responsibility in the event of default. Council noted that similar arrangements have been approved in the past and have provided a beneficial revenue source to help offset expenses and limit tax impacts. No members of the public spoke in opposition or support. Council expressed consensus to move forward with approval of the bond during the regular meeting, and a motion was made to close the public hearing.
Adjournment: Motion by Russell, seconded by Luhring, to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0. The Public Hearing adjourned at 7:05pm
Regular Meeting Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the regular meeting to order at 7:05pm.
Disclosure of Interest – Mayor Knetter provided his annual January disclosure, stating that he is also a member of the Randolph Hampton Fire District and would not be voting on any fee increases.
Approval of December 16, 2025 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring, seconded by Huddleston, to approve the December 16, 2025 public hearing and 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: Dale Radman addressed the Council regarding property damage resulting from the water main break on Highway 50, seeking clarification on restoration plans prior to spring. Mayor Knetter confirmed that restoration work will be completed, including replacement of rock and black dirt, with pavement restored to MnDOT specifications per state permit requirements. Discussion was held regarding replacement of a portion of Mr. Radman’s concrete driveway, with staff noting that the work is typically completed by the contractor according to City standards, with efforts made to match existing scoring and appearance. Mr. Radman questioned the decision to bore the pipe under Highway 50 rather than using an open cut, expressing concern about long-term durability and costs. The Mayor explained that the method was coordinated with MnDOT and met all permitting and specification requirements. Additional questions regarding water tower startup and contractor responsibility were deferred to later in the meeting. The Mayor thanked Mr. Radman for his comments.
Petitions, Requests, and Communications: Mayor Knetter reported that the City will be replacing the fan and vent system in the pump house. Although budgeted, the system is currently not functioning properly, creating safety concerns during the handling of fluoride and chlorine, and repairs will be scheduled. Councilmember Luhring noted that the final disposition of the old water tower had been anticipated for discussion under unfinished business, referencing prior timelines provided by the City’s engineer. It was clarified that the matter would instead be addressed within the Engineer’s Report, with the contractor scheduled to remove the tower by June of next year unless action is taken sooner.
Neil Hoadley addressed the Council regarding damages resulting from the recent water main break. He explained that his water heater failed due to pressure issues and required full replacement. Because the unit included a boiler coil system, it had to be purchased and installed by a certified plumber and was not readily in stock. Mr. Hoadley reported the total replacement cost of $8,849.65 and submitted documentation to the Clerk. He requested consideration for reimbursement but noted he would await further discussion regarding the cause of the incident. The Mayor stated that the cause has not yet been fully determined and would be discussed later in the meeting.
Mayor Knetter requested that next month’s meeting be moved to January 17th due to work travel; the Council had no objections. Councilmember Luhring requested the March meeting be moved to the third Tuesday, March 17th, due to a scheduling conflict; the Council had no objections. Councilmember Huddleston noted that the meeting schedule posted outside City Hall is outdated, and the Clerk confirmed it would be updated.
Stacie Leifeld of the Meisville Lions Club addressed the Council regarding charitable gambling operations at Meric’s. She noted that the Hampton Cardinals are not registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and must meet a three-year requirement before qualifying for a gambling license and gambling manager. She inquired whether the Council was aware of this requirement. Mayor Knetter clarified that final approval authority remains with the Council, that no formal application has been submitted, and that the ordinance matter could be scheduled for a future meeting. Ms. Leifeld thanked the Council for the clarification.
Ordinances and Resolutions: Resolution 2026__(1) Setting Salaries, fees, licenses, and permits, changes for services, schedules, appointments, and annual designations – Motion made by Luhring and seconded by Russell to adopt the Setting Salaries, fees, licenses, and permits, changes for services, schedules, appointments, and annual designations, all voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0.
Resolution 2026__(2) Resolution Approving the Issuance and Sale of a Revenue Note, Series 2026 and Authorizing the Execution of Documents Relating thereto (Fraser Child and Family Center Project) – Motion made by Luhring and seconded by Huddleston to approve Resolution Approving the Issuance and Sale of a Revenue Note, Series 2026 and Authorizing the Execution of Documents Relating thereto (Fraser Child and Family Center Project) all voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passes 4-0.
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:
Engineer Report – Brad Fisher of Bolten & Menk provided an update on the new water tower project. The tower had been initially filled and pressurized; however, following the water main break and subsequent drainage, testing returned a positive bacteria sample. The tower is being re-disinfected and will need to be refilled and retested. Cold temperatures have delayed commissioning, as state guidelines require the tower to be filled to overflow, sampled, held for 24 hours, and sampled again before going online. Sustained warmer temperatures are needed to complete the process safely. No pay application was submitted this month.
Mr. Fisher presented high-level cost estimates for potential salvage and relocation of the old water tower. Having the current contractor lower and set aside the tower would cost approximately $10,000. Additional costs for relocation, foundation work, engineering, and installation as a monument were estimated at over $100,000, with potential lead paint remediation ranging from $225,000 to $300,000 if required. Council discussed liability concerns related to possible lead paint. Prior testing confirmed lead on the legs, but not on the tank. Direction was given to obtain a lead paint sample from the tank, explore private ownership options, and determine if fundraising could cover costs if no lead is present. The matter was tabled for further discussion at the next meeting.
Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter reported that the pump house requires a new ventilation system to ensure safe operations during the handling of fluoride and chlorine. No additional updates were provided.
Park Report – Councilmember Russell requested assistance flooding the hockey rink, noting that recent weather conditions had undone previous efforts. He plans to work on the rink over the weekend but is very busy and requested help. Knetter suggested hiring someone for an hourly fee, and Radman noted that resident Adam Siebenaler, who lives nearby, had previously offered to help. Knetter indicated they would reach out to him.
Street Report – Councilmember Luhring reported that streets are generally in good condition but highlighted the need to replace the curb on Hampton Avenue between Doffing and Water Street. Knetter confirmed that the contractor will provide a price and that the damaged asphalt curb will be replaced with concrete. Fisher noted that this is the same section where pavement was recently replaced. Knetter assured the Council that Brad Fisher’s engineering fee would not be required for the work and that the curb replacement would be prioritized in the spring. Luhring had no additional updates regarding streets.
Unfinished Business – None
New Business – None
Adjournment - Motion by Russell, seconded by Huddleston, to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Kelly Roan