The Hampton City Council met on Tuesday, June 9, 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 Chris Meyer, Treasurer, Brad Fisher of Bolton & Menk, Dakota County Commissioner Mike Slavik, 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 May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Luhring, seconded by O’Connor, to approve the May 12, 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: Marlin Reinardy reported that the baseball park scoreboard is currently inoperable due to an apparent internal failure. The control box has been sent in for evaluation, and the City is awaiting a diagnosis to determine whether repairs or replacement will be necessary. Mayor Knetter noted that funding is available in the budget for the needed repairs or replacement and directed staff to proceed once the issue is identified. Reinardy also shared a resident's concerns regarding the condition of a property at the corner of Lincoln and Main Street, describing it as an eyesore and potential public nuisance. The Council acknowledged the concern and indicated that a letter would be sent to the property owner and applicable city ordinances would be reviewed.
Dakota County Commissioner Mike Slavik provided an update on several county projects and initiatives. He reported that County Road 86 remains under construction, with hopes of reopening before the start of the school year if weather and utility work allow. Planning continues for the reconstruction of County Road 47, with the Hampton to County Road 86 segment scheduled for construction next year and the southern portion toward Northfield anticipated for 2028. Slavik also discussed ongoing planning for the Mill Towns State Trail connection between Waterford and Lake Byllesby, noting that trail construction is dependent on future state and DNR funding. He updated the Council on the county's 2027 budget process, highlighting the financial impact of new unfunded federal and state mandates, including additional staffing requirements for medical assistance eligibility verification. Slavik also announced plans to invite representatives from small cities to future meetings with township officials to discuss shared issues, particularly the increasing costs of fire protection and public safety services. Council discussion included updates on the County Road 50 project, unresolved right-of-way ownership near the Hampton Park-and-Ride, future trail connections in the area, and questions regarding potential Progressive Rail expansion. Commissioner Slavik indicated he was unaware of any plans for rail expansion north of County Road 86.
Petitions, Requests, and Communications: The City Council discussed participation in the Metropolitan Council's Small Communities Planning Program as part of the required 2050 Comprehensive Plan update. Mayor Knetter expressed concern that participation could increase pressure to adopt higher residential density standards than the City has historically supported but emphasized that the Council would retain final authority over the Comprehensive Plan. City Engineer Brad Fisher explained that the program would provide consultant and Metropolitan Council staff assistance throughout the planning process, potentially reducing the City's consulting costs while still requiring significant involvement from the Planning Commission and City Council. Councilmembers discussed the financial benefits of participation compared to completing the Comprehensive Plan independently, noting that the City's previous update cost approximately $30,000. Dakota County Commissioner Mike Slavik shared that other small communities have had positive experiences with the program and indicated that most consultant costs are expected to be covered through the program, though local oversight and decision-making responsibilities remain unchanged. The Council also discussed submitting a letter of support requesting that Bolton & Menk be selected as the City's consulting partner due to its familiarity with Hampton and prior work on the City's infrastructure planning. Following discussion, Council consensus was to move forward with participating in the Small Communities Planning Program while requesting Bolton & Menk as the preferred consultant and maintaining close local oversight throughout the planning process.
Ordinances and Resolutions – Resolution 2026__(5) A Resolution Authorizing Participation in the Met Council’s Small Communities Program for Assistance with Preparation of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan – Motion made by Huddleston and seconded by Russell to Approve A Resolution Authorizing Participation in the Met Council’s Small Communities Program for Assistance with Preparation of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, all voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0.
Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:
Engineer Report – Brad Fisher of Bolton & Menk provided an update on the water tower project, reporting that contractors are completing remaining punch list items, including paint and coating touch-ups, with final work expected the following week. He announced that demolition of the old water tower is scheduled for July 18 and confirmed that arrangements have been made to salvage the tower's top section, including the "H," and the lower portions of the legs for future display. Staff will coordinate notifications to nearby property owners and businesses prior to demolition, as well as traffic control and logistics for relocating the salvaged pieces. Mayor Knetter and Marlin Reinardy discussed future plans for mounting the salvaged tower legs on concrete foundations. Fisher also noted that the project is nearing completion, with only final punch list items, site restoration, and seeding remaining. Fisher reported that the City's lead service line inventory has been resubmitted to the Minnesota Department of Health for review, with future notification requirements to follow once the review is complete. He also updated the Council on the City's GIS mapping system transition, stating that the new ArcGIS Online platform is approximately 90 percent complete and will provide the City with ownership and management of its utility data. Training will be scheduled for City staff and interested Council members, with discussion including potential enhancements such as adding photographs and detailed records of utility infrastructure to improve future maintenance and locating efforts.
Water / Sewer Report – Mayor Knetter reported that seasonal wastewater discharge has been completed and that all sampling results have been satisfactory. He also noted that the City's annual Minnesota Department of Health water system inspection is scheduled for later in the month. The new water tower project was discussed earlier in the meeting during the engineer's report. Councilmember Huddleston asked about providing advance notification to residents during planned water outages. Mayor Knetter explained that during the recent water main break on Colorado Avenue, the contractor attempted to notify affected residents by knocking on 22 doors, although only four residents were home. He noted that the leak repair evolved quickly from an investigation into an emergency repair, limiting notification time. The Council discussed creating door hanger notices that could be kept on hand for future planned shutoffs. Mayor Knetter also explained that the recent pipe failure was consistent with previous corrosion issues caused by soil conditions and indicated similar failures may occur in the future due to the age and material of the water main.
Park Report – Councilmember Russell reported that the only park update was the need for assistance installing security cameras. Mayor Knetter offered to assist with the installation.
Street Report – Councilmember Luhring reported that there were no updates for the street department.
Social Media/Website – Councilmember Huddleston reported that there were no social media or website updates.
Unfinished Business – None
New Business – Liquor License Renewals: The City Council considered the annual liquor license renewals for The Roundup and Meric's. A motion to approve both renewals was made by Councilmember Luhring, seconded by Councilmember Huddleston, and approved unanimously.
Randolph-Hampton Fire District Bylaw Updates: The Randolph-Hampton Fire Chief presented proposed updates to the Fire District bylaws, which had been approved by the department membership prior to being brought before the City Council. The revisions primarily reorganize the department's leadership structure by adding lieutenant positions and expanding captain responsibilities to improve delegation and long-term planning. Additional changes eliminate the previous maximum age requirement for firefighters, requiring only that members be at least 18 years of age. The Council discussed the benefits of removing the age restriction, noting it would allow experienced firefighters who relocate to the area or work within the community to continue serving, helping address daytime staffing challenges. Following discussion, Councilmember Huddleston moved to approve the updated bylaws, Councilmember Russell seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment - Motion by Luhring, seconded by O’Connor, to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor. None opposed. Motion passed 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly Roan
