Dog Bite Brought Up at Council Meeting

Hampton Postmaster Mike Arndorfer shared his concerns about a dog bite during the public comment portion of the July 24 city council meeting. 

The dog had bit one of his postal carriers on Wednesday afternoon, July 23, at 702 7th Avenue SW.

“It was pretty severe. He got ten stitches,” Arndorfer said. “I don’t like to see anybody lose their dog or have this happen, but the issue is, at the residence there is a big 30-foot camper parked in the front yard, and my understanding of the city rules is that is a no-go. Campers are not to be parked on a yard.” 

He said the dog was sitting on the front steps, behind the camper, giving the postal carrier no chance to get away from the dog. 

“The sad part is the owner was sitting out there by the steps, didn’t grab the chain, didn’t holler the dog’s name and didn’t even ask my carrier if he was OK,” he said. “The whole situation, in my opinion, could have been avoided if the city would have done the proper steps to remove that camper.” 

According to Hampton Police Chief Mark Morrison, a notice was served for the camper prior to the dog bite. The dog bite took place during the five-day waiting period after the notice was served. 

A vicious dog hearing will be held Tuesday night, July 29, to determine if the dog is viscous or not. If deemed vicious, the dog will have to be removed from city limits or humanely euthanized. 

The dog is currently being held at the Hampton Veterinary Center and the camper has since been removed from the yard, according to Chief Morrison. 


Other meeting highlights 

After public comment, Darrell and Mary Alice Paullus were named the recipients of the July 2025 Image of Pride Award. They were nominated by City Councilor Jim Davies for their property at 424 11th Ave NE. The motion was approved unanimously.

The council voted to approve street closures on 300-400 blocks of 1st Ave NW for the upcoming BBQ event August 22-23, 2025 coordinated by  Charlane Pralle-Janssen.

Derek Johnson from ISG presented information regarding 4 and 6 1st Avenue NW cleanup related expenses. A motion was made by Lamos and seconded by Palmer to authorize the city manager to approve a contract for removal of junk from the buildings and the installation of a beam for stabilizing of the building for a cost not to exceed $20,000. The motion was approved unanimously.

The council considered an amendment to the Employee Handbook. A motion was made by Palmer and second by Roode to approve the Employee Handbook amendment to residency requirement giving the city manager authority to make exceptions to the requirement based on individual circumstances and personnel needs. The motion passed with a 5 to 1 vote. Holmstrom voted nay.

The council considered fence quotes for the skate park. A motion was made by Grefe and second by Palmer to approve the purchase and installation of a 112 foot of 6’ tall Chesterfield privacy fence with almond posts and rails in the amount of $8,376.63. The motion passed with a 5 to 1 vote. Holmstrom voted nay.

The claims as submitted by city staff in the amount of $289,758.57 were approved. 

A public purpose policy for the expenditure of funds for city employees; elected officials; and members of boards & commissions was approved with a roll call vote. 

The following consent agenda was approved: approve previous minutes as drafted from the Monday, July 7 regular session; schedule the next regular session for Thursday, August 14 at 6 p.m. at the Hampton City Council Chambers; approve alcohol licensing for Mi Tierra, 115 1st St NW, Hampton, IA; Fareway Stores, Inc., 309 Central Ave W, Hampton, IA; and Top of Iowa Lucky Wife, 303 2nd St. South, Swea City, IA for sales at Peace Plaza during a special event on Aug. 19. 


Reports

During his report, Hampton Police Chief Mark Morrison mentioned that the dog who had bit the postal carrier was at the Hampton Veterinary Center, where he would be for ten days. He also recommended that they hold a special meeting for the dog bite, as the next meeting wouldn’t be until Aug. 14. It was decided that the council would meet Tuesday, July 29, to discuss the incident. 

For his report, Public Works Director Doug Tarr said he had court earlier in the day for 312 1st SW, which the city won. He said they were also supposed to have court for 924 4th Ave SE, which was continued by city representation. 

“I’ve been in touch with the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. about that property and they advised they have some people to clean that up in preparation to auction it off here in the near future,” Tarr said. “It was one of those things where the property owner had it one day and the next day he didn’t and everything overlapped and we had to figure it all out.” 

City Manager Ron Dunt had no report for the evening. 

For his report, City Councilor Jim Davies said the Hampton American Legion is accepting donations for a bench that would honor a late veteran from Hampton. He also mentioned Main Street America’s upcoming visit to Hampton on Aug. 13, along with the Christian Motorcyclists Association rally the past weekend, which he called “very successful.” 

City Councilor Bill Holmstrom had no report for the evening. 

For his report, City Councilor Barry Lamos said he personally knows the postal carriers, calling them “some of the hardest working carriers the city has.” He said it’s sad something like this had to happen and he hopes he heals quickly from his injury. 

For his report, City Councilor Patrick Palmer said he wanted to point out that he supports the police department, public works department and city manager, even when he asks questions about their processes. 

For her report, City Councilor Jerre Grefe said the Faith and Four Letter Word ladies will be in Hampton on Aug. 14, with wine slushies and music in Peace Plaza in the hours leading up to the event. The wine slushies and music are scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets for Faith and Four Letter Words can be purchased online. Grefe called the show, which came to Hampton last year, “phenomenal.” 

City Councilor Kristin Roode had no report for the evening. 

For his report, Mayor Steve Birdsall said he’s noticed more UTVs with the proper signage, which he’s happy about. He also commended the Franklin County Fair Board, the Hampton Police Department and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts during the 2025 fair.