The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Hampton City Hall for the Regularly Scheduled Meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter and Council Members Jerry Huddleston, David Luhring, Erica O’Connor, and Nick Russell. Also present were Brad Fisher and Madison Richard of Bolton & Menk, Chris Meyer, treasurer, Pure Jade, Kevin Krech with Dakota County, and Neil Hoadley
Regular Meeting Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the regular meeting to order at 6:59pm.
Disclosure of Interest – None
Approval of February 17, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring, seconded by Huddleston, to approve the February 17, 2026 regular meeting minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0.
Approval of Disbursements - Motion by Russell, seconded by Luhring, to approve the disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0.
Public Comments: Neil Hoadley, a resident of 23440 Water Street, addressed the council regarding a previously discussed request for assistance with replacing his specialized water heater, which is connected to his floor radiant heating system. He noted that he had submitted an estimate and completed the replacement, which coincided with the same day as a water main break on Highway 50. Hoadley explained that he became aware of issues, including locating shut-offs, after returning home from the incident and inquired whether the City had filed an insurance claim related to the water main break. Mayor Knetter responded that no insurance claim had been filed, noting that a representative from Bolten & Menk was present on-site at the time and that follow-up investigation had been conducted. It was further clarified that the incident was attributed to hot soil conditions and deteriorated pipes.
Petitions, Requests, and Communications: Madison Richard of Bolton & Menk presented the proposed cannabis ordinance and accompanying resolutions to the council, noting this was the third and likely final review. She explained that under 2024 state legislation, cannabis businesses must be allowed within cities, though municipalities can regulate them through zoning and performance standards. The proposed ordinance takes a conservative approach, assigning cannabis-related uses to specific zoning districts: agricultural production in agricultural zones, retail and lower-potency hemp sales in commercial arterial areas, and manufacturing, wholesale, and other operations in industrial districts. The ordinance also includes standards for hours of operation, screening, signage, and lighting. Richard outlined a recommendation to defer cannabis retail registration to Dakota County, which would handle licensing limits, compliance checks, and administrative processes, reducing the burden on the City while still allowing local zoning oversight. The council expressed appreciation for incorporating prior feedback, and Mayor Knetter emphasized the administrative benefits of county involvement for a small city with limited staff. Additional clarification was provided on the roles of the state, county, and city in licensing and registration, after which the council thanked Richard for the presentation.
Nicole Rash, a cannabis attorney with Hellmuth and Johnson, and Shane Krahn, with Pure Jade, addressed the council regarding a proposed cannabis cultivation project and uncertainty surrounding the zoning of the subject property. They explained that the land had been previously understood to be agricultural, but City GIS and comprehensive plan records indicate it is zoned rural residential, creating confusion and placing the project timeline at risk. With an 18-month pre-approval period expiring in December, the applicants requested guidance on how to proceed and whether they could move forward in a timely manner. City staff and consultants clarified that the project would require a rezoning and likely a comprehensive plan amendment, both involving Planning Commission review and Metropolitan Council approval, and noted these processes are typically completed concurrently but may take several months. Council members expressed general support for the proposed business and economic development but emphasized the need to follow established procedures. Discussion included potential timelines, the option of special meetings to expedite review, and the importance of understanding all requirements before submitting an application. The applicants indicated they are prepared to move forward quickly and requested general feedback from the council, and staff suggested further review of the property to outline necessary steps. The council encouraged continued coordination while acknowledging the timing challenges and regulatory process.
Chris Meyer presented the City of Hampton’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2025 financial statements, noting they were submitted in accordance with State Auditor requirements and consist of standard reporting schedules. He highlighted a year-end cash balance of just over $1.5 million, attributed primarily to remaining proceeds from the 2024 bond series for the water tower project (approximately $516,000) and strong interest earnings from cash accounts. Meyer reported operating losses in both the water fund ($34,815), largely due to significant water main repairs and reduced water sales revenue, and the sewer fund ($19,923), due to decreased dumping fees, increased chemical costs, and maintenance expenses including lift station pump replacements and sanitary line work. Despite these losses, the City remains overall on budget. Outstanding debt totals approximately $4.937 million across four bond series, with the 2012 bonds nearing maturity in 2028. Meyer stated that the Annual Financial Reporting Form will be submitted to the State Auditor by March 31 and published thereafter. He also introduced the annual internal audit process, requesting council volunteers; Council Member Huddleston declined due to recent participation, and council members Luhring and O’Conner agreed to complete the 2025 internal audit.
Ordinances and Resolutions – Ordinance No. 1135 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 152 The City of Hampton City Code – Motion made by Luhring, seconded by Huddleston to approve the Amending Chapter 152 The City of Hampton City Code, all voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0.
Resolution 2026__(3) A Resolution Approving Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 1135 – Motion made by Huddleston, seconded by Russell to Approve Summary Publication of Ordinance No. 1135, all voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passes 5-0.
Resolution 2026__(4) – A Resolution Consenting to Dakota County Registering Cannabis and Hemp Retail Businesses Within the City of Hampton – Motion made by Russell, seconded by Luhring to Consent to Dakota County Registering Cannabis and Hemp Retail Businesses Within the City of Hampton, all voted in favor. None opposed, Motion passed 5-0.
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:
Engineer Report – Brad Fisher of Bolten & Menk provided an update on the water tower project, noting no pay applications were submitted in the past month and that progress remains weather-dependent, with coordination underway for eventual demolition of the old tower and salvage of its top section as previously directed by the council. He then introduced two Dakota County projects on County Road 47 in coordination with County Engineer Kevin Krech. The first is a full reconstruction project extending into Hampton city limits, currently in design with minor city comments addressed, and scheduled for construction in 2027; the project will include concrete pavement, utility adjustments, drainage improvements, and detours during construction. Krech added that the broader corridor project will occur over two phases, include safety upgrades such as wider shoulders and turn lanes, and is currently in final design and right-of-way acquisition. Discussion also included the potential for future trail connectivity, with the county expressing support but preferring alignment with future development or a defined city plan. Council members expressed strong interest in trail development for pedestrian safety, particularly connecting the Heights of Hampton to the city. The second project involves a 2026 mill and overlay of County Road 47 through Hampton, including ADA-compliant pedestrian ramp upgrades; the county confirmed willingness to incorporate replacement of deteriorated sidewalk segments within the right-of-way as part of the project. No roundabouts are currently planned within city limits, though future considerations at other intersections were noted.
Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter provided a brief update on water and sewer operations, noting that the water tower project had been addressed earlier in the meeting. He reported that the City is entering the seasonal “ice-out” period for wastewater ponds, and sampling will begin in preparation for spring discharge. He also stated that the replacement of the ventilation fan in the pump house has been completed, ensuring proper ventilation for safety purposes. No additional updates were provided.
Park Report – Council Member Russell discussed next steps for the water tower demolition project, including identifying a location for placement of the salvaged tower top. Mayor Knetter offered to assist and encouraged additional council members and residents to participate in selecting a site. He noted a verbal commitment from Elien Trucking to assist with transporting the structure, with a crane needed for placement, and added that some residents have expressed interest in donating toward development of a pavilion using the tower top. Discussion included obtaining dimensions of the structure, with Bolten & Menk offering to provide standard sketches. Council members expressed support for the pavilion concept, with plans to further develop details and potentially formalize a name at a future meeting.
Street Report – Council Member Luhring had nothing to report at this time.
Social Media/Website – Council Member Huddleston reported that development of the City’s new website has been completed, and the domain configuration is being updated to transition the site into production at cityofhamptonmn.gov. He noted the transition is expected to occur within the week, after which both he and staff will conduct testing to ensure functionality. Once live, the City will work with DTECH to obtain necessary credentials and tools to manage the site, with both Huddleston and staff having administrative access to make updates, including posting meeting minutes. He anticipates the website will be fully operational by the next council meeting, with training to follow to support ongoing maintenance.
Unfinished Business – Mayor Knetter stated that additional research is needed regarding the Ray’s Spark escrow matter and recommended tabling the item. A motion to table the Ray’s Spark development was made by Council Member Luhring and seconded by Council Member Russell. The motion carried unanimously upon a voice vote.
New Business – Mayor Knetter addressed vacancies on the Planning Commission, noting that one position is currently open following a resignation and that no applications have been received; council members were encouraged to refer interested residents to submit an interest form. He also introduced a draft camera policy for future citywide use, emphasizing the need to establish guidelines—such as data access, storage location, and a proposed 30-day retention period—prior to installing any cameras. The policy would limit viewing access to city staff and council unless otherwise required for investigations. Council Member Huddleston suggested revisions to clarify access control language and agreed to provide edits for further review, with the intent to adopt a finalized policy at the next meeting. In additional discussion, council briefly noted ongoing utility locate activity in the area, potentially related to upcoming fiber installation, and agreed to monitor for any right-of-way impacts requiring city permits.
Adjournment - Motion by Luhring, seconded by Russell, to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Kelly Roan