The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at the Hampton City Hall for a special meeting and the regular scheduled meeting. Present were Mayor John Knetter; Council Members Jerry Huddleston, David Luhring, Anthony Verch, and Nick Russell. Also present was Brad Fisher with Bolton and Menk and Chris Meyer, City Treasurer.
Special Meeting Called to Order – The purpose of the special meeting was to discuss Resolution #2024-01 – Setting salaries, fees, licenses and permits, charges for services, schedules, appointments and annual designations. Mayor Knetter called the special meeting to order at 6:45 pm.
Mayor Knetter asked what the opinion of Council was regarding wage increases. Councilor Luhring suggested a 3% increase across the board. Councilor Huddleston stated that the current rate of inflation is higher than 3% and suggested that the rate increase should match that of inflation. Discussion. The consensus of Council is to increase hourly rates by 5%.
Councilor Luhring mentioned that the salaries for the Mayor and City Council members are not listed on the Salary/Fee Schedule and suggested that, for transparency in government, those figures should be listed on the Schedule each year.
Mayor Knetter stated that the new position, Deputy Election Clerk has been filled at an hourly rate of $23.00. Additionally, the Cleaning Staff position is still open. Knetter would like this to be placed on the February agenda for discussion as to whether the City should pursue hiring another employee or contract with a cleaning service.
Mayor Knetter asked if anyone wanted to make any other changes to the fee schedule. Councilor Luhring stated that he feels that the fees being charged by the City are comparable to other municipalities.
Adjournment – Motion by Luhring seconded by Verch to close the special meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0. The special meeting closed at 6:53 p.m.
Regular Meeting called to Order - Mayor Knetter called the Regular Scheduled Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Mayor John Knetter; Council Members Jerry Huddleston, David Luhring, Anthony Verch, and Nick Russell.
Disclosure of Interest – Mayor Knetter stated that he is an active member of the Randolph/Hampton Fire Department.
Approval of December 12, 2023 Public Hearing and Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes – Motion by Verch seconded by Huddleston to approve the December 12, 2023 Public Hearing and Regular Scheduled Meeting Minutes. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Approval of Disbursements – Motion by Verch seconded by Luhring to approve the January disbursements. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Public Comment – None
Petitions, Requests, and Communications – None
Ordinances and Resolutions:
Ordinance 1133 – Adopting Schedule of Fees and Charges - Motion by Verch seconded by Luhring to approve Ordinance 1133 Adopting Schedule of Fees and Charges. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Resolution 2024-01 – Setting salaries, fees, licenses and permits, charges for services, schedules, appointments and annual designations – Mayor Knetter stated that this resolution confirms the recommendations made by Council during the special meeting. Motion by Luhring seconded by Verch to approve Resolution 2024-01. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:
Engineer Report – Brad Fisher with Bolton and Menk reported that plans and specifications have been prepared for the 2024 Pavement Maintenance Project, which was approved by Council at the June 2023 meeting. The project includes the mill and overlay of the streets in the Heights of Hampton. When finalizing the plans for the project, Fisher stated that he felt the City should also include, within the project’s scope, crack sealing of pavement maintenance projects that were done in recent years. The crack sealing would help to maintain or extend the pavement’s projected useful life, and Fisher feels the City may benefit from better pricing in the bidding process by including the crack sealing in the project contract. Fisher reviewed the project specifications and estimated bid total, which were included on Fisher’s report in Council meeting packets. Fisher stated that the project is ready to be let to bid and asked Council for a motion to approve the beginning of the bidding process. Motion by Russell seconded by Verch to approve putting the project out for bid. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter mentioned that he has been in contact with the MPCA regarding the City’s sewer permit. He stated that there was miscommunication regarding lab samples because of language contained within the permit.
Park Report – Councilor Russell reported that 15 ash trees had been removed at the ball field and that most of the stumps had also been removed. The contractor will use the wood to make wood chips for the parks. Mayor Knetter stated that the City will want to plant new trees. Russell also mentioned that the hockey rink would be flooded on Thursday night. He had 7 yards of gravel hauled in and placed around the hockey rink in order to help prevent water leakage.
Street Report – Councilor Luhring stated that he had nothing to report.
Unfinished Business – None
New Business:
Planning Commission Appointments – Terms ended in 2023 for Melissa Timm and Neil Hoadley. They both submitted an Interest Form to serve an additional term. Brief discussion. Motion by Luhring seconded by Verch to appoint Melissa Timm and Neil Hoadley to the Planning Commission. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0.
Adjournment - Motion by Verch seconded by Russell to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5:0. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy O’Brien
