The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Hampton City Hall for a Special Hearing and the Regularly Scheduled Meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter and Council Members Jerry Huddleston, David Luhring, and Nick Russell. Councilwoman Erica O’Connor arrived at 6:55pm. Also present were Chris Meyer, Treasurer, Drew Bailey of Bolton & Menk, Attorney Anna Yunker, and various Residents.
Special Hearing Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the Special Hearing to order at 6:30 p.m.
Chris Meyer reviewed the proposed amended 2026 budget and the 2027 budget, noting that the meeting packet included a worksheet identifying all proposed changes. For the amended 2026 budget, Meyer reported reductions of $100,000 in bond principal and $72,642 in bond interest to reflect debt payments that were made in December 2025 rather than January 2026. For the 2027 budget, Meyer presented a proposed overall tax levy increase of approximately 3.19%, with the general tax levy increasing by $7,863, or 2.02%.
Other revenue adjustments included a $2,500 reduction in rental fees because the applicable fee occurs only in even-numbered years, a $1,073 reduction in state grants and aids, and a $12,000 reduction in projected bulk sewer charges based on recent trends. On the expenditure side, Meyer reviewed adjustments including reductions in general fund dues and subscriptions, legal fees, building personnel costs, and sewer cleaning and engineering expenses; increases in planning and zoning, fire district expenses, mowing, and water tower electrical costs; and the elimination of personnel costs associated with building cleaning because the work is now contracted.
The Council discussed sewer line cleaning and videotaping, noting that newer piping does not require the same frequency of maintenance, and confirmed that no phosphorus management project is currently planned for 2027. Meyer also noted that the City could consider water and sewer rate adjustments in January, as rates have not been increased since 2023, although both funds are currently in good financial condition. The Council discussed recovering water usage costs associated with outside use of City hydrants, potential State Department of Health grants for water system improvements and fluoride equipment, and training budgets for the general, water, and sewer funds.
The Council also discussed insurance coverage for the new water tower, with the replacement project construction costs expected to be just under $2 million. The Council indicated that the new tower should be insured for approximately $2 million, with the former tower already removed from the policy.
Meyer advised that the proposed budget could still be adjusted before the September meeting, when the Council is expected to formally adopt the budget. He noted that reductions could continue to be made through December, but increases could not be made after the September adoption. Council members expressed support for the proposed levy and budget and had no additional questions.
Adjournment - Motion by Russell, seconded by Knetter, to adjourn the special hearing. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
Regular Meeting Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Disclosure of Interest – None
Approval of July 14, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring, seconded by Huddleston, to approve the July 14, 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: Mike Thurmes raised concerns regarding potholes and other holes in the roads, noting that he had previously brought the issue to the Council’s attention with photographs but had not observed any corrective action. Thurmes also asked whether the City intended to address the use of Jake brakes. Mayor Knetter explained that the City has an existing noise ordinance and has requested that Dakota County conduct enforcement patrols. Thurmes specifically pointed out several holes in the alley near the bar and encouraged the City to inspect road conditions throughout town. The Council thanked Thurmes for his comments.
Adam Siebenaler was also present regarding a gambling matter for the Sportsman Club. Councilman Luhring made a motion to add the matter to the New Business portion of the agenda. Councilwoman O’Connor seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Petitions, Requests, and Communications: Mayor Knetter reported that a street sign at the corner of Cardinal Court and Belmont Street needs repair. He stated that he would attempt to repair the sign and, if unable to do so, would remove it. Mayor Knetter also addressed an inquiry from Northfield WiFi regarding leasing space on the City’s water tower, stating that the City is not currently accepting proposals for leasing space on the water tower. A representative from Northfield WiFi acknowledged the information.
Ordinances and Resolutions – None
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:
Engineer Report – Drew Bailey of Bolton & Menk provided an update on current projects. The water tower improvement project is substantially complete, with miscellaneous punch-list items continuing to be addressed; no pay application was submitted this month. The Dakota County 47 pavement preservation project, including the county mill and overlay, has reached substantial completion.
Bailey also provided an update on the MnDOT Highway 50 Hampton to Douglas Township project, noting that Highway 50 remains closed in both directions between Highway 52 and Highway 61 through late August, with access to local businesses and residences maintained. Following reopening of that segment, Highway 50 is anticipated to close between Hinton Avenue and Holt Avenue, with Hogan Avenue also closed between just north and just south of Highway 50, approximately from late August through September. Mayor Knetter asked Bailey to relay to Brad that the mowing had been taken care of.
Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter reported no updates on Water and Sewer
Park Report – Councilman Russell provided an update on the water tower pavilion project and reviewed two options for the deteriorated pavilion top. The first option, from a metal fabricator, is approximately $25,000 to construct a replica of the existing top while retaining, sandblasting, repainting, and modifying the existing legs. Concrete work is not included in that estimate, and Russell estimated an additional $5,000–$6,000 for the concrete work. The second option is approximately $25,000 and would include the concrete work while salvaging, patching, and refinishing the existing top.
Russell noted that the existing top is in poor condition, with extensive pitting and numerous holes, and expressed concern about the appearance and long-term durability of repairing it. The Council discussed the importance of preserving the historical character of the pavilion while also considering the condition, appearance, durability, and cost of the two options. No decision was made, and Russell will obtain more formal information and estimates for further Council consideration.
Street Report – Councilman Luhring reported that he is working with the City Clerk to obtain a quote for epoxy spray patching of potholes on Main Street and in the alleys. He noted that the holes on Main Street have previously been cold patched multiple times and that the spray patching method has been reliable in the past. Mayor Knetter indicated support for obtaining the quote.
Social Media/Website – Councilman Huddleston reported that there were no social media or website updates.
Unfinished Business – The Council reviewed the City’s data practices policy, which is required to be reviewed annually in August. No changes were proposed, and the Council unanimously approved the data practices policy. The Council then discussed the draft email use policy, including procedures for handling City-related emails received through personal email accounts, clarification regarding email retention, and language distinguishing government records from non-government communications. Anna Yunker agreed to work with the City Clerk to incorporate the suggested revisions and present an updated draft for further consideration.
The Council also discussed a proposal from American Legal Publishing for digital ordinance hosting at an annual cost of $695. The Council determined the service would be redundant because the City already maintains digital records of ordinance changes and declined the proposal.
New Business – The Council considered a gambling permit application for the Sportsman Club. Adam Siebenaler explained that the permit is for a public raffle associated with the club’s annual “meat shoot,” which includes shooting competitions and raffle tickets available to the public, with approximately 50 participants from other clubs attending the event. The Council discussed the location of the club’s property and confirmed that the clubhouse is located within city limits.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the gambling permit for the Sportsman Club. The motion passed unanimously.
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 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Kelly Roan