The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Hampton City Hall for a Special Meeting and the Regularly Scheduled Meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter and Council Members David Luhring, Anthony Verch, arrived 6:47, and Nick Russell. Absent was Council member Jerry Huddleston. Also present were Brad Fisher of Bolten & Menk, Chris Meyer treasurer, and Tom Meyer
Special Meeting Called to Order - Mayor Knetter called the Special Meeting to order at 6:45 PM. City Treasurer Chris Meyer presented a summary of the amended 2025 budget and proposed 2026 budget. Key changes included adjustments related to the Small Cities Assistance Program, a $42,000 prepayment on the 2019 bond series resulting in $11,016 in interest savings, and a $63,311 increase in interest on the 2024 bond series funded by bond proceeds. For 2026, the general tax levy increased by $139,521 (58.19%) due to the 2024 water revenue bonds, while the debt service levy decreased by $3,301, leading to an overall levy increase of $136,220 (41.72%). The 2025 budget retains a $10,000 grant for a transfer switch related to well #2, although its use remains uncertain. Personnel budget changes included a $5,500 increase for the Treasurer and a $2,500 decrease for the Clerk, reflecting a shift in responsibilities. Technology support was increased by $700 to cover cloud backup and minor website hosting costs. Council Member Verch inquired about website maintenance funding, which was confirmed as covered. No vote was taken; final budget decisions will be made in September.
Adjournment – Motion by Russell. Second by Luhring, to adjourn the Special Meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0. The special meeting adjourned at 6:55pm.
Regular Meeting Called to Order – Mayor Knetter called the regular meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Disclosure of Interest – None
Approval of July 8, 2025 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring, seconded by Verch, to approve the July 8, 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 May disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0.
Public Comments: Alayna Lund introduced herself and expressed interest in converting the former Merchant’s Bank building into a coffee shop. She noted reaching out to the city planner for guidance on zoning and feasibility. Mayor Knetter confirmed the property is zoned commercial and expressed support, with Council Member Verch also enthusiastic about new downtown business.
Attorney Nicole Rash and Shane, CEO of Pure Jade, addressed the Council about a potential cannabis micro-business focused on cultivation and possibly retail near Highways 47 and 52. They described plans for an indoor, low-odor cultivation facility and sought input on zoning and city infrastructure. Mayor Knetter clarified no decisions would be made during public comments and explained the city had delayed cannabis ordinances pending state regulations, which are now finalized. Rash offered assistance with drafting compliant ordinances. Council Member Verch asked about license types, facility size, and retail location. The Council discussed water usage; Shane assured the facility would be sustainable and odor-controlled, using city infrastructure instead of drilling a well. The discussion ended with mutual appreciation and agreement to continue collaboration.
Petitions, Requests, and Communications: Mayor Knetter acknowledged recent flagpole repairs. Ottomatic donated two new flags, and Kuhn Crane and Wagner Construction donated labor and equipment to replace a broken cable at no cost to the city. The Council expressed gratitude for their community support.
Tom Meyer addressed the Council regarding Tom’s Live Market. After due diligence, Meyer stated the proposed property was unsuitable due to wetlands, as noted in a SEH report. He would only proceed if the landowners could provide state confirmation that development was possible. He clarified he was not interested in rezoning closer to town if pursued by the owners.
Dan, one of the landowners, explained a formal wetland delineation had not yet been completed but a 2005 delineation identified consistently wet areas near the power pole and culverts. They intend to return with updated information and a formal delineation. Council Member Verch asked about soil borings and previous findings, which Dan confirmed showed persistently wet areas draining under the freeway. Meyer requested pausing discussions until more information is available. Mayor Knetter suggested scheduling a future meeting for detailed discussion. The Council noted a formal delineation would clarify buildable areas, with Verch adding that culverts typically indicate drainage, not official wetlands. The discussion ended with thanks.
Ordinances and Resolutions: Resolution 2025 – 06 Approving Vacation of a Drainage and Utility Easement within the City of Hampton – Motion made by Russell and seconded by Verch to approve the Vacation of a Drainage and Utility Easement within the City of Hampton. All voted in favor. None opposed. 4-0.
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:
Engineer Report – Brad Fisher of Bolton & Menk provided updates on two projects. MnDOT has submitted final documents to the Office of Land Management for the frontage road turnback agreement, marking the last step after the Highway 52 project and annexation agreements with the city and Hampton Township. Final confirmation is expected within six to twelve months.
Regarding the water tower improvement project, Pay Application #4 has been submitted. Recent work includes frontage road restoration, paved driveways, and base layer paving on Lincoln Street. The final wear course will wait until tower construction is complete to avoid damage during ongoing work. The tower foundation is set, and the steel structure is being assembled on-site. Once inspected, the tower will be erected. The project remains on schedule, pending weather for final phases including demolition of the old tower. Council Member Verch commented positively on the progress.
Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter updated on recent repairs to the city’s water and sewer systems. A break occurred in the lift station’s forced main behind the building. Power Services repaired the break, correcting a low spot, with final filling expected next month. Knetter thanked Marlin for assisting with an access issue during his absence. Pump and meter calibrations revealed the meter on pump three is approximately 25% off; rebuilding or replacement may be needed, though costs are pending. Meters for wells 1 and 3 are located in the pump house. Council Member Russell inquired about meter size and offered assistance. Further discussion was planned.
Park Report – Council Member Russell reported moving forward with repainting and restoring the pavilion, including graffiti removal and design updates, based on a favorable, budget-compliant quote. Mayor Knetter added that Randolph School, via Mr. Kelly, requested use of the city’s softball field for 5th and 6th graders this year. In exchange, the school offered to assist with field maintenance and line marking, which Knetter praised.
Street Report – Council Member Luhring thanked Mayor Knetter for quietly addressing several sidewalk hazards noticed during walks. Overall, streets are in good condition. Luhring and the mayor discussed stocking cold patch material and tools for more efficient minor repairs.
Mayor Knetter raised concerns about speeding on Belmont Street after removal of the radar speed sign by the Dakota County Sheriff’s Department. Residents reported increased speeding. Knetter plans to request the sign’s return or a speed trailer. Luhring agreed, emphasizing the ongoing issue, especially given the nearby park and residential area.
Council Member Russell suggested adding “Children at Play” signs. Some residents have discussed petitioning to lower the speed limit, possibly to 20 mph. Despite past resistance to yard signs, the Council agreed that additional signage and enforcement could improve safety.
Unfinished Business - None.
New Business – None.
Adjournment - Motion by Russell, seconded by Verch, to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly Roan
