Well we had our meeting today with officials from MnDOT, Scott County regarding the proposed mining operation in Sand Creek Township.

The short version of the story is that the meeting did not go as I hoped.

I did, however, learn a great deal about the WHY behind some of the plans, and I'm optimistic that there will be some positive outcome for Jordan as a whole.

Hello all. I was talking with a fellow blogger the other day and we were discussing the whole public comment issue. He helped me realize (thank you Twinsfan) that rather than being an infrequent blogger, I need to be MORE active.

Maybe the better plan is to discuss day to day stuff, even some of the mundane and not-so-controversial items. With more threads going during periods where things are not incredibly tense, everyone gets a better feel for what is going on, more bloggers are likely to participate and the effort to diffuse imperfect perceptions isn't the only effort expended.

I love this Web site. 

Thank you especially to the commenting public who: regularly raises good questions; answers others' questions; and conducts respect, factual dialogue.

You embody your First Amendment right to the freedom of speech.

Keep up the comments. But I would additionally encourage you to regularly participate in more than just the commenting on my forums. Try some other uses of this Web site:

- Read the stories and blogs. Comment on them.

I am one of the members of the Jordan Community Coalition. Some of you may remember this group as the Ministerium. The JCC is comprised of school administrators, social workers, leaders of our local clergy, representatives from Community Ed., the city council, police department and our local food shelf.

Sorry about the sleepy keyboard, folks. Been too long since my last post.

I've attended 2 meetings now with the school board, looking for ways that the city and the school district can communicate and collaborate, in effort to better stretch our precious tax resources.

We've had some great ideas, mostly little things but it's so funny when you add all the little things up.

An alarming discussion has emerged regarding our schools. The middle school is clearly an antiquated facility, I'm sure anyone who has taken the briefest of tours can see it.

Sorry it's been so long since I posted anything. There haven't been many decisions or even discussions that were not covered effectively by the JI in the past few months.

As for some of the questions in the blogs, maybe I can shed some light. The following is my understanding of the situation:

1. 282 is not being widened from Sand Creek to the railroad crossing, other than a few inches in some places to ensure consistent road width.

Hi all -

I was just curious if anyone has heard from the Bridle Creek homeowners association this year. Last year in May we received the bills and I'm expecting them to come again soon (I know, I'm really looking forward to Spring :-)).

When we last received the bill there was a $40 increase from the year before - so I called to ask for a budget and find out how the increase was approved. I never received a call back.

At last night's TNT hearing, the acronym TNT could not be more accurate. Comments from more than a dozen residents rained down like bombs in an air raid.

I want to assure those who commented that a great deal of notes were taken by the council, we will all be using them to deliberate over the next 14 days leading up to the meeting that will determine the final budget and levy.

I'll do my best to summarize both the comments or questions, as well as what has already been done or is being discussed:

OK I don't have enough time to add any spreadsheets today but here are numbers that show the increase in debt service

1996A GO Bond increase $58,000
1998A GO Bond increase $63,268
2001C GO Bond decrease -$72,946
2001A GO Bond increase $378
2002A GO Bond increase $1,423
2003A GO refunding $3,675
2004A GO Bond decrease -$1,683
2004B GO refunding $117,097
2007A Cert of Debt (ladder truck) $91,473
new 2008A GO Bond (fire hall expansion) $140,784
new 2008B GO Bond (282 reconstruction and Park Drive) $104,439

That's an increase of $505,000.

OK I have some answers for those still curious about the pieces of the tax dollar pie.

First of all, I will break down the departments:

Personnel: 50.80%
Supplies: 6.51%
Other Charges & Services: 27.96%
Capital Outlay: 5.63%
Debt Service & Transfers: 9.10%

I think we've finally nailed down the reason for the discrepancy in quotes about how much of the City budget is for personnel--it's because several (8 total) of the staff are paid from Water & Sewer Funds, either in part or in total.

Right now we are wrestling with the 2009 tax levy, trying to make last minute cuts that will soften the hike from the ugly 22% originally proposed. Staff has reduced spending more than $100,000 and continues to dig deep.

But we have new "stuff" we have to pay for, and not enough new growth to offset the larger payments. Also there are other factors that contribute to an increased payment schedule for the next 3 years. Could anyone predict we would only have 7 new home permits in 2008? No. So I don't personally believe the planning decisions have been irresponsible.

I have a very tattered American flag that is beyond repair. I would like to see it disposed of in the proper manner. I found online that Scout troops sometimes perform flag burning ceremonies.

Can someone refer me to a local troop leader who might take this?

Comment in the blog or email me directly

projectguy7@gmail.com

-David Hanson

The people of Jordan have spoken that they want a new Mayor. Clearly. I'm not saying that the mayor-elect doesn’t deserve his new seat. He’s earned it. I’m not saying he can't handle the position--every newly elected official has to start his or her experience somewhere.

I also don’t want to give the impression I don’t like Pete Ewals. I admire his passion and look forward to learning more about his point of view. We have already spent hours discussing ideas long before the election. We have agreed on several points and respectfully agreed to disagree on others.

I've heard a great deal of discussion regarding whether or not Jordan should or could have new development in the commercial district. People I talk to all the time ask when we're going to get a pharmacy, a clinic, hotels, more restaurants, Target or other "big box" retailers. They ask the question as if they were ordering a value meal at a burger joint.

I've been asked the question "Why doesn't Jordan want to grow?" about a hundred times.

I laugh a little when I hear all these questions, but it's really not funny.

Hello and welcome to Just one vote for Jordan! My name is David Hanson and I'm one of our City Councilman. I am not one of the candidates running for re-election. This group is not meant to be a political move or affiliated with any campaign. This group is meant as the view of just ONE council member, not the entire 7-member Council or any member of the City staff.