The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, May 12, 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 of Bolton & Menk.
Regular Meeting Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Disclosure of Interest – None
Approval of April 14, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring, seconded by Huddleston, to approve the April 14, 2026 regular meeting minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0.
Approval of Disbursements - Motion by Luhring, seconded by Russell, to approve the disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0.
Public Comments: The Deputy Sheriff reported that Xcel Energy crews were addressing a downed power line caused by a fallen tree and that the affected road had reopened. He advised residents to report suspicious vehicles parked near agricultural fields, noting several recent incidents of wire theft from irrigation systems, primarily in Greenville Township. The Deputy also informed the Council of a recent change to state law regarding school buses: motorists must stop whenever a bus's red lights are activated, regardless of whether the stop arm is fully extended. He encouraged residents to submit specific dates, times, and locations when requesting placement of the Sheriff's Office speed trailer so enforcement efforts can be targeted effectively. Discussion followed regarding traffic concerns on Belmont Street, particularly near Lincoln Street and the ballfield during weekend events. Council members noted increased traffic and concerns for neighborhood safety, including the presence of children and an autistic child in the area. Possible solutions discussed included requesting a speed trailer for Belmont Street and considering a stop sign at the intersection of Lincoln and Belmont. The Deputy answered questions and concluded his report.
Petitions, Requests, and Communications: Luke Manthey of Infused North had sent an email late Monday evening that he will not be attending the City Council meeting.
Ordinances and Resolutions – None
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:
Engineer Report – Brad Fisher provided an update on the Minnesota Department of Health's Phase 3 Lead Service Line Inventory requirements. He reported that the City is required to submit and certify its current inventory by July 31, 2026, and that no significant changes to the inventory are anticipated. Following submission, additional notification requirements will require letters to be sent to property owners with unknown service line materials or identified galvanized lead components. Fisher noted that further inventory requirements are expected in 2027, including more detailed identification of service line components and the potential development of a lead service line replacement program. He also indicated that grant funding may become available in the future to assist communities with identifying unknown service line materials. Mayor Knetter added that completing and submitting a required Department of Health spreadsheet within the next 30 days could allow the City to avoid increased lead sampling requirements scheduled for 2027 and 2028. Fisher also provided an update on the water tower improvement project, stating that demolition of the old tower has been delayed due to the proximity of overhead Xcel Energy power lines and associated safety requirements. The contractor is coordinating with Xcel Energy to address the issue, while also completing remaining punch list items at the new tower site. No pay application was submitted for the project this month.
Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter reported that wastewater discharge operations are currently underway and that recent sewer sample results have been favorable. Council discussed pond levels at the wastewater facility and ongoing management strategies recommended by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Knetter also provided an update on a water leak located on Colorado Avenue in the Heights of Hampton development. Leak detection efforts identified water surfacing along a pavement seam in the roadway, but the exact source of the leak could not be determined due to its small size. A damaged curb box near the area will be replaced, and additional leak detection efforts will be conducted once direct access to the service line is available. City staff believe the leak may be associated with either a service connection or a joint in the water main. The Council discussed the importance of accurately locating the leak before excavation to minimize disruption, costs, and damage to the recently installed asphalt roadway. Further investigation and repairs will be completed as more information becomes available.
Park Report – Councilman Russell reported that installation of the City's security camera system remains pending, with the cameras and required policy now in place and activation expected once installation is completed. Russell also noted that additional wood chips may be needed for City parks, particularly at the Heights playground. Mayor Knetter commended the City’s partnership with Randolph for use of the softball field, noting that improvements completed at no cost to the City, including field lining and a new fence, have significantly enhanced the facility. Council members expressed appreciation for the condition of the field and park, highlighting increased community use, frequent games and practices, and the positive impact of providing recreational opportunities for local families and youth. The Council agreed that it was encouraging to see the park and ballfield actively used by residents and visitors.
Street Report – Council Member Luhring reported that street sweeping had been completed successfully and had gone well. Discussion followed regarding the availability of cold patch material for roadway repairs, with staff confirming that approximately four to five bags remain available for use in addressing potholes and other minor street maintenance needs.
Social Media/Website – Council Member Huddleston reported that he and the City Clerk recently met with the City’s website provider to receive training and gain access to make basic updates to the City website. The training provided staff with the ability to independently make minor content changes, including updating council and commission information, contact details, agendas, meeting minutes, events, and the City calendar. Training materials were printed for future reference, and staff indicated they would continue learning the system and expanding website content as time allows. Council members expressed appreciation for the progress, noting that local control of website updates has been a long-awaited improvement. Huddleston also noted that while the City's official website currently appears below an unofficial site in online search results, efforts will continue to improve the City's online presence and functionality.
Unfinished Business – None
New Business – The Council discussed a delinquent utility account with a significant outstanding balance and no payments received since February 2025. The City Clerk reported that multiple notices had been sent without response from the property owner. Following discussion, the Council directed staff to issue a 30-day notice requiring the property owner to contact the City and establish an acceptable payment arrangement. Council members emphasized that the City's preference is to work with residents through reasonable payment plans and avoid utility shutoffs whenever possible. If the property owner makes a good-faith effort to address the balance and remains current on an agreed-upon payment plan, the matter will continue to be handled administratively. However, if no contact or payment is received, the account will be brought back to the Council for further consideration, including possible utility shutoff. The Council noted that each delinquent account should be evaluated individually rather than through rigid payment requirements.
Additionally, Russell reported receiving an inquiry regarding the use of the City baseball field for a professional photo shoot associated with a campaign celebrating America's 250th birthday. Council members expressed support for the request, provided that the activity does not interfere with scheduled ball games or field use. The Council noted that the project would provide positive exposure for the community and showcase the City's ballfield and small-town character.
Adjournment - Motion by Russell, seconded by Luhring, to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Kelly Roan