Monday, during the Hampton City Council workshop meeting, resident Carolee Philpott expressed her concerns about the Hampton Tree Board planting trees at Memorial Park, specifically those in the flat area. Philpott is concerned that there is no longer a place for kids to play and there are security issues in the area. She requested the trees be replanted somewhere else and said the tree board should fall under the direction of the city council.
Randy Sanders, speaking on behalf of the Hampton Tree Board, said they started planting trees in Memorial Park in 2015 and in that time he has seen only a few kids at the park. He stated there are just as many trees at other city parks and does not feel the trees are impacting the park being used.
Dick Lukensmeyer, another tree board member, said they are in constant contact with public works director Doug Tarr, and there have only been two trees planted in Memorial Park this year. The council then asked the tree board to continue to stay in contact with the city about future tree-planting efforts.
In other business, city manager Ron Dunt asked the council to provide direction on how to proceed with an ordinance amendment concerning dangerous and vicious animals. After lengthy discussion, Mayor Steve Birdsall suggested the council hold another first reading of the ordinance during the regular meeting Thursday.
Full minutes can be found here; 05-19-25 workshop minutes
