The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Hampton City Hall for the Regularly Scheduled Meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter and Council Members Jerry Huddleston, David Luhring, and Erica O’Connor. Councilman Nick Russell was absent. Also present were Brad Fisher of Bolton & Menk, Ryan Otto of Ottomatic, and Marlin Reinardy.
Regular Meeting Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Disclosure of Interest – None
Approval of March 17, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring, seconded by O’Connor, to approve the March 17, 2026 regular meeting minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0.
Approval of Disbursements - Motion by Luhring, seconded by Huddleston, to approve the disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0.
Public Comments: None
Petitions, Requests, and Communications: The council reviewed a pricing proposal from Ottomatic for the upcoming year, with Knetter noting that the adjustment falls within the terms of the existing contract. Council members generally agreed the increase was fair and reasonable, particularly in light of rising fuel costs and the company’s consistent service without prior increases. Discussion clarified that mowing and maintenance services are billed per occurrence, with mowing frequency varying based on park usage and seasonal needs, and chemical and fertilizer applications typically occurring once or twice annually on an as-needed basis. Additional context was provided regarding ballfield maintenance, scheduling, and recent improvements, including fencing upgrades and field enhancements supported by both Randolph school and Ottomatic. After confirming that the contract is auto-renewing with mutually agreed pricing adjustments, Councilwoman O’Connor made a motion to approve the new proposal, Councilman Huddleston seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
A deputy provided a public safety update to the council, noting the installation of temporary stoplights at the intersection of Highways 46 and 52, with permanent signals planned due to a history of serious crashes. The deputy also warned of an increase in countywide scam attempts in which callers impersonate law enforcement officials, falsely claim individuals have warrants, and request payment via gift cards; residents were advised that legitimate law enforcement will never request payment in this manner and to report suspicious calls. The deputy reported generally low incident levels aside from increased traffic concerns with warmer weather, highlighting speeding and safety issues on local roads, including Highway 47 and 190th Street. Council members raised concerns about excessive noise and unsafe driving related to truck engine breaking (jake braking) along 240th Street, as well as frequent stop sign violations. The deputy acknowledged the concerns and stated that enforcement efforts would be increased in those areas.
Ordinances and Resolutions – None
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:
Engineer Report – Brad Fisher of Bolton & Menk provided three updates to the Council. He reported that the water tower improvement project is now substantially complete, with the new tower online and the old tower offline; remaining work includes completing punch list items, installing features such as the aviation light, addressing control system access and alarm issues, minor site work, and coordinating the upcoming demolition of the old tower, which may begin as early as late May. No pay application was submitted this month, but one is anticipated next month as the project nears closeout. Fisher also updated the Council on the CSAH 47 pavement preservation project, noting that after coordination and a site walk with Dakota County, select sidewalk panel replacements were added to the plans, which have since been approved for bidding. Lastly, he reported that follow-up information was provided to representatives of the proposed Pure Jade cannabis grow facility regarding development requirements; however, the applicant has expressed concerns about meeting zoning and timeline constraints and is exploring alternative approaches, though initial feedback from staff indicates those alternatives may not comply with current regulations.
Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter reported that preparations are underway for the spring discharge at the ponds, including required sampling activities. He noted that some maintenance work will also be needed at the site, such as repairing valve handles and addressing other minor issues. A complete list of maintenance items will be compiled and provided after discharge operations are finished.
Park Report – Mayor Knetter reported that, in Councilman Nick’s absence, quotes are being obtained to potentially repurpose the old water tower top as a pavilion supported by four legs, with further details to be provided at the next meeting. Discussion included salvaging approximately 10–12 feet of the tower legs for reuse, repainting them off-site to reduce costs, and coordinating with contractors to ensure desired components are preserved during demolition, with possible structural review needed for the final design. Additionally, Knetter noted a request from the Randolph school to install an AED at the concession stand to support youth activities, which has been forwarded to the Fire Department Relief Association for consideration. He also highlighted recent improvements to the softball field, completed by the middle school at no cost to the City, including new field materials, fencing, and player seating areas.
Street Report – Councilman Luhring reported that the curb replacement on Hampton Avenue between Water Street and Doffing has been completed and looks very good. Some minor paving patching will still be needed, but attention will also be directed to significant repair work required in the alley behind Lucky’s, with arrangements to have a contractor address both areas as feasible. Street sweeping is scheduled for Thursday. Knetter added that hydrant flushing for the water and sewer system is planned for next month.
Social Media/Website – Councilman Huddleston reported that the City’s new email system has been set up, and council members have received instructions for access. Initial setup has been successful on both iPhone and Android devices, though some members still need time to complete the process. The system is cloud-based and can be accessed from personal devices, though it requires downloading applications such as Microsoft Authenticator and may involve some initial setup challenges. The council discussed options for assisting members with setup, including holding a 30-minute work session prior to the next meeting, with additional support available if needed. Huddleston also noted that the City’s new website is now live in its initial form, with plans for further development and training on content management. The council discussed posting meeting materials, budgets, and other public information online, while ensuring compliance with state requirements for official publications. There was also interest in using the website to share community updates and support local businesses, with the understanding that both digital and traditional publication methods may be used during the transition.
Unfinished Business – Mayor Knetter reported on discussions with representatives regarding the potential for charitable gambling at Meric’s, noting that while the location may not be highly profitable, the participating organization would still contribute a portion of proceeds to the City, designated for parks or community needs. With no local organizations currently able to operate such activities and the fire department not interested, the council expressed support for allowing an outside organization to proceed. A motion was made and unanimously approved to update the ordinance and permit the Meisville Lions Club to conduct pull tab operations at Meric’s.
Mayor Knetter also provided an update on the proposed park camera system, noting no new developments, and presented revisions to the camera policy, including clarified access controls limited to the clerk, mayor, council, or designee, and law enforcement as needed, along with a 30-day data retention period unless required for legal purposes. A motion to approve the updated camera policy was made and unanimously passed.
New Business – Mayor Knetter presented a request from Tayven’s Pursvit Inc. for a one-day gambling permit in conjunction with their annual bag tournament event at the fire hall, noting that the event has been held successfully in prior years with strong attendance and no complaints. The event includes activities such as a raffle and/or silent auction, and organizers have maintained the facility and surrounding area well. The council expressed support for the request, and a motion to approve the one-day gambling permit was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Adjournment - Motion by Luhring, seconded by Huddleston, 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
