John Festa

The Hampton City Council Workshop included discussions about allowing backyard chickens within city limits. Topics covered included property size, coop size, chicken run size/fenced in area, hens only, maximum number of chickens allowed, egg sales, property inspections, and not allowing at properties that have been convicted of a nuisance in the last year. The council decided to include the topic of chickens on the Monday, December 8, 2025 council workshop.

The Hampton City Council held a regular session meeting where they considered a request from La Luz for a food truck during their Latina Holiday Pop-Up Vendor Market. They also reviewed and approved Change Order No. 1 for the Water Treatment Plant Improvements Project and approved claims submitted by staff. Additionally, the council approved the second reading of Ordinance 408, which amends the municipal code to designate an additional no parking zone. Staff, police chief, public works director, city manager, and council members provided their reports.

The council considered awarding the October 2025 Image of Pride award to Marv and Carole Kracht. A request for a street closure by Elisa Van Wert, Greater Franklin County Chamber, for Halloween Howl was approved. Change Order #1 for the 2025-2026 Street Rehab Program was presented by Mark Crawford, Crawford Engineering, and subsequently approved. Contractor Pay Request #1 to Heartland Asphalt for the 2025-2026 Street Rehab Program was also approved. The FY2025 Street Finance Report was presented and acknowledged. Requests for chickens on properties owned by La Varne Arnold Gruelke Jr. and Jennifer Gruelke, and Taylor J. Kolb and Sarah Marie Kolb were approved, while a similar request for Maricela Rodriguez Muratalla was denied. The council also approved claims and the third and final reading of Ordinance 407, amending Section 69.08 of the Hampton Municipal Code by adding subsections thereto designating additional no parking zones. The consent agenda was approved, and staff reports were given by the Police Chief, Public Works Director, and City Manager. Council and Mayor's Reports were also presented. The burn ban will be lifted from November 1, 2025-November 30, 2025.

The Hampton City Council Workshop addressed several topics including a request to remove a sidewalk, a letter regarding a request for chickens, an update on the 2025 season at the aquatic center, and a tree planting request from the Hampton Tree Board. The council also discussed the Mayor's veto of Ordinance 407 and decided not to override it, with plans to draft a new ordinance for parking restrictions. Additionally, they considered moving the next council workshop.

The council discussed a proposal from the Hampton Tree Board to plant trees in the cemetery. They also approved claims submitted by staff. The council considered the second reading of an ordinance amending the municipal code by adding subsections designating additional no parking zones, with the third and final reading scheduled for a later meeting. The consent agenda included scheduling the next regular session, and approving the renewal of alcohol licensing for Koerner-Whipple Pharmacies, and approving an ownership update on a liquor license for Hy-Vee, Inc. Staff and council reports were also given.