Government Observers

Rate the Scott County Board

Mathias Baden — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:11:25 -0500

How would you rate the Scott County Board on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 the lowest and 10 highest)?

Government Observers

DNR restocks fish in the Mill Pond

Mathias Baden — Mon, 05 May 2008 22:10:28 -0500

Start: 05/07/2008 - 2:00pm

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

Between 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is scheduled to arrive to restock fish in the Mill Pond. The public is invited to watch.

For more information, go to http://www.jordannews.com/news/animals/mill-pond-officially-reopens-wedn....

Government Observers

Park Drive improvements cost $425,000

Mathias Baden — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:30:00 -0500

Redoing Park Drive could cost more than $425,000.

The Jordan City Council asked for cost estimates for improvement to Park Drive, which runs alongside the Mill Pond and through Lagoon Park. City Engineer Carol Caron presented three concept plans, each of which included 90-plus paved parking spaces, and the council asked that the design include just a couple fewer parking spaces and a little bit more beach area.

"I'm envisioning that beach space is going to be at a premium," Mayor Ron Jabs said.

Government Observers

City makes another payment on well No. 8

Mathias Baden — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:18:00 -0500

Jordan will make another payment on the Well No. 8 project.

Tonight, the city council OK'd spending of $62,007.69 from the bond proceeds it borrowed last year.

The well is located at the water treatment plant, which is near St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in lowertown Jordan.

City Engineer Carol Caron said the well has been fully drilled and televised so that city officials can see its level of production.

"It looks like it's going to be a very good well for us," Caron said. "A lot of water."

Government Observers

More streetlights along Highway 282 come at increased price

Mathias Baden — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:14:00 -0500

If the Jordan City Council wanted more streetlights along Highway 282, they would cost an average increase of $2,500 apiece.

Months ago, the council authorized Xcel Energy to install a dozen 150-watt streetlights along Highway 282 at a cost of $90,055, or about $7,500 per light. Late last month, the council talked about adding four more streetlights -- two near the intersection of Highway 282 and East Street, two west of Mertens Street and near the highway bridge over Sand Creek.

Government Observers

Firefighters get special event permit

Mathias Baden — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:05:00 -0500

The Jordan Fire Department got a special event permit for its 125th anniversary party.

A downtown parade begins at 1 p.m., Fire Chief Steve Kochlin said, and bands begin playing at 7:30 p.m. at the fire station, which is located at 501 Varner St. in lowertown Jordan.

Other festivities -- including water fights and other firefighter competitions, games for children, fire truck displays, dancing, beer and wine coolers, pop, bottled water, tacos, French fries, hamburgers, and hotdogs -- will wrap up about 10 hours later, Kochlin said.

Government Observers

If household income factored into property taxes ...

Mathias Baden — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:23:07 -0500

A little birdie pointed out the impact of a delete-all amendment on House File 1349. It's the Minnesota House of Representatives omnibus tax bill.

The amendment factors household income into the property tax equation. The link above will send you to a page with a property tax calculator -- that's the most interesting part.

Read the bill by clicking here.

Government Observers

Agree with city’s mission statement?

Mathias Baden — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:11:53 -0500

The Jordan City Council recently passed this mission statement: "The foundation of Jordan is built on a small-town historic presence that supports quality services, collaboration, leadership, and a well-planned future." Do you agree with the city’s vision, as stated in the mission statement?

Government Observers

Buesgens tries to add racino proposal to agriculture and veterans policy bill

Mathias Baden — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:54:17 -0500

Just a minute ago, State Rep. Mark Buesgens, R-Jordan, tried to make an amendment that would've added the proposal for a Canterbury Park racino to the omnibus agriculture and veterans policy bill (House File 3683).

It was ruled not germaine to the bill and thus not included.

"Perhaps I went about that last amendment the wrong way," Buesgens said on the House floor. "You have to build a bridge to get across the water."

Government Observers

13% availability

Mathias Baden — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:50:21 -0500

Economic development in Jordan is healthy, Mayor Ron Jabs noted as an aside during the city council meeting tonight.

For a discussion about this summer's art festival, City Planner Casey MacCallum put together a map with the names of businesses that front downtown Jordan streets. The map was meant to factor into a decision about which sections of roadway to close for the festival, which annually draws about 2,000 people to the historic business district.

Government Observers

Downtown promo costs city $1,500

Mathias Baden — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:29:04 -0500

The start of something big often starts with something little.

Businessowners have succeeded in garnering a $1,500 pledge from the city of Jordan to take out an advertisement in a promotional brochure meant to showcase the city's downtown to tourists.

The city council unanimously approved the measure this week, following the recommendation of the Jordan Economic Development Authority to pass the proposal made by Terri Knox, Mara Wallach, and Vicki Anderson.

Government Observers

Low revenues might lead to cuts

Mathias Baden — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:18:46 -0500

Building permit revenues are lower than expected, Jordan Finance Director Tom Nikunen told the city council tonight.

The city budget calls for $230,100 in revenues to come from building permits. During the first quarter of the year, only $7,855.62 had been received. That's a little more than 3.4 percent of the annual budget, according to Nikunen's monthly finance report.

"Theoretically, we should be at 25 percent," Mayor Ron Jabs said, "but we're at 3.41 percent."

Government Observers

City approves permits for St. John's upcoming events

Mathias Baden — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:21:33 -0500

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan has received approval from the city council for the church's fall festival and 150th anniversary gambling permits, as well as a temporary liquor license for the anniversary event.

The church will celebrate its anniversary June 21-22, the same weekend as the Jordan Art Festival. The fall festival is set for Sept. 21.

These actions took place at the April 7 council meeting, according to the minutes of the meeting, which the council approved this week.

Government Observers

City passes lake management plan for Mill Pond

Mathias Baden — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:06:03 -0500

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources plans to stock the Mill Pond with largemouth bass, bluegill (sunfish), and black crappies.

“They populate very quickly,” Bendzick said.

At no cost to the city, the DNR nets the fish in the morning and stocks them in the afternoon.

Stocking the pond is part of a three-year lake management plan passed 6-0 by the Jordan City Council earlier this month. Barry Ullmann was absent from the meeting.

Government Observers

City, St. Paul's agree to trade during water plant construction

Mathias Baden — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:50:09 -0500

The Jordan City Council voted earlier this month to exchange with St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church the right to build a parking lot on the West Street right-of-way for permission for the city of Jordan to use a portion of the property as a staging area during the construction of an addition to the water treatment plant.

Jordan will excavate the parking lot site and place 9 inches of rock in the area at a cost of $10,000. The cost had been worked into the project bid for the water plant expansion.

Government Observers

Jordan's comprehensive plan for 2008

Mathias Baden — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 09:30:00 -0500

Interested in the city of Jordan's comprehensive plan for 2008?

Draft versions of the introduction, the natural resources inventory, and the demographic profile are posted online at http://www.jordan.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={C5E359B9-6663-49C4-A953-390238D41058}.

Government Observers

Reviewing the economic impact of Wal-Mart

Mathias Baden — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:53:57 -0500

Start: 04/21/2008 - 7:00am

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

The New Prague City Council will review an economic impact study it commissioned earlier this year in regard to a potential site for Wal-Mart.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the New Prague city hall. To see the public notice, click here.

Government Observers

When the storm sirens activate

Mathias Baden — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:03:22 -0500

With severe weather season approaching, it might be a good idea to review the city's storm siren policy if you're not familiar with it.

This has been updated in the past year or so: http://www.jordan.govoffice.com/vertical/Sites/%7B04B02830-4B09-4682-A968-AB067C359ABD%7D/uploads/%7BEF7ED871-8332-41B8-92FC-1F51A4BC5A79%7D.PDF.

Government Observers

Lawn sprinkling restrictions go into effect

Mathias Baden — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:56:48 -0500

Lawn sprinkling restrictions have gone into effect.

The restrictions follow the odd-even system, plus time restrictions.

A customer whose home or business address ends with an odd number may sprinkle on odd-numbered dates.

A customer whose home or business address ends with an even number may sprinkle on even-numbered dates.

In addition, no sprinkling is permitted between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., regardless of the home or address. A 30-day exception will be allowed for new seed or new sod.

Government Observers

Best things about the Mill Pond

Mathias Baden — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:19:35 -0500

To you, what are the best things about having a revived Mill Pond by this summer?

Government Observers

Jordan Fire Department's 125th anniversary celebration

Mathias Baden — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:21:38 -0500

Start: 05/17/2008 - 1:00pm

End: 05/17/2008 - 11:59pm

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

The Jordan Fire Department is marking its 125th anniversary this year with a citywide celebration.

A parade through downtown Jordan begins at 1 p.m.

Following that will be firefighter competitions, a fire truck display, games for children, and music from Zuhrah Pipes and Drums and the St. Peter Govenaires Drum Corps. From 8 p.m. to midnight, Bobby Vee will perform.

Activities after the parade will be held at the fire station, 501 Varner St., and food and beverages will be sold throughout the day.

For more information, call the city of Jordan at 952-492-2535.

Government Observers

Spring cleanup day

Mathias Baden — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:44:54 -0500

Start: 05/16/2008 - 7:00am

End: 05/16/2008 - 6:00pm

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

Residents of the city of Jordan and Sand Creek Township can dispose of
unwanted household items during the annual spring cleanup day at the
Mini-Met ballpark parking lot.

For more information, go to http://www.jordannews.com/news/activities/jordan-sand-creek-township-hos....

Government Observers

Spring cleanup day

Mathias Baden — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:41:03 -0500

Start: 05/16/2008 - 7:00am

End: 05/16/2008 - 6:00pm

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

Residents of the city of Jordan and Sand Creek Township can dispose of
unwanted household items during the annual spring cleanup day at the
Mini-Met ballpark parking lot.

For more information, go to http://www.jordannews.com/news/activities/jordan-sand-creek-township-hos....

Government Observers

Planning commission meets

Mathias Baden — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:16:32 -0500

Start: 06/10/2008 - 6:00pm

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

A meeting of the Jordan Planning Commission is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 10.

The Jordan Government Center is located at 210 First St. E. Meetings
generally take place in the city council chamber in the basement of the
city hall.

Government Observers

City council meets

Mathias Baden — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:14:44 -0500

Start: 06/16/2008 - 6:30pm

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

A meeting of the Jordan City Council is scheduled to begin at 6:30
p.m. Monday, June 16. A work session
will follow.

The Jordan Government Center is located at 210 First St. E. Meetings
generally take place in the city council chamber in the basement of the
city hall.

Government Observers

City council meets

Mathias Baden — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:12:25 -0500

Start: 06/02/2008 - 5:30pm

End: 06/02/2008 - 6:30pm

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

A meeting of the Jordan City Council is scheduled to begin at 6:30
p.m. Monday, June 2.

The Jordan Government Center is located at 210 First St. E. Meetings
generally take place in the city council chamber in the basement of the
city hall.

Government Observers

Parks and recreation commission meets

Mathias Baden — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:06:37 -0500

Start: 04/28/2008 - 7:00pm

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

A meeting of the Jordan Parks and Recreation Commission is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Monday, April 28.

The Jordan Government Center is located at 210 First St. E. Meetings
generally take place in the city council chamber in the basement of the
city hall.

Government Observers

Memorial Day

Mathias Baden — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:00:23 -0500

Start: 05/26/2008 - 12:00am

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

Memorial Day services are planned to celebrate Jordan's fallen soldiers and deceased firefighters.

The Church Basement

Public safety committee meets

Mathias Baden — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:58:22 -0500

Start: 05/27/2008 - 8:30am

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

A meeting of the Jordan Public Safety Committee is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 27.

The Jordan Government Center is located at 210 First St. E.
Generally, city meetings that are open to the public take place in the
city council chamber in the basement of the
city hall.

Government Observers

Public safety committee meets

Mathias Baden — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:55:14 -0500

Start: 04/22/2008 - 8:30am

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

A meeting of the Jordan Public Safety Committee is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 22.

The Jordan Government Center is located at 210 First St. E. Generally, city meetings that are open to the public take place in the city council chamber in the basement of the
city hall.

Government Observers

Training center survives governor's veto pen

Mathias Baden — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:27:27 -0500

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty line-item vetoed the state bonding bill today, but to the relief of local officials, kept $1 million in for the Scott County Public Safety Training Center.

The training center, which is already partially built with local and state funding and ready to begin operations, wasn't part of the governor's bonding proposal. It was only included in the senate's bonding legislation, but still made it into the final bill agreed to by the House and Senate. The center is located at the historic Mudbaden site in Sand Creek Township.

Government Observers

Baffled

kem390 — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:57:46 -0500

I am Baffled by the House and Senates Proposed budget. How is it that the Democratic led House and senate can impose the biggest tax increase on transportation in recent years to fund delapidated roads and bridges . But when it comes to funding these projects they fail to earmark money to roads and a mere 2 million to bridges. But yet earmark 4 million to do a study, a STUDY for a high speed light rail project from St. Paul to chicago. I would like them to explain to us how that helps the road and bridge problem in the state of Minnesota?

Government Observers

Why don’t you use the Jordan library?

Mathias Baden — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:36:55 -0500

Why don’t you use the Jordan library?

Government Observers

Are you in favor of Scott County increasing its sales tax for transportation?

Mathias Baden — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:37:05 -0500

Are you in favor of Scott County increasing its sales tax for transportation?

Government Observers

Economic development authority meets

Mathias Baden — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:32:33 -0500

Start: 03/18/2008 - 7:00pm

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

A meeting of the Jordan Economic Development Authority is scheduled to begin at 7
p.m. Tuesday, March 18.

The Jordan Government Center is located at 210 First St. E. Meetings generally take place in the city council chamber in the basement of the city hall.

Government Observers

City council meets

Mathias Baden — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:24:22 -0500

Start: 04/21/2008 - 6:30pm

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

A meeting of the Jordan City Council is scheduled to begin at 6:30
p.m. Monday, April 21. A work session
will follow.

The Jordan Government Center is located at 210 First St. E. Meetings
generally take place in the city council chamber in the basement of the
city hall.

Government Observers

City council meets

Mathias Baden — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:22:59 -0500

Start: 04/07/2008 - 6:30pm

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

A meeting of the Jordan City Council is scheduled to begin at 6:30
p.m. Monday, April 7.

The Jordan Government Center is located at 210 First St. E. Meetings
generally take place in the city council chamber in the basement of the
city hall.

Government Observers

Planning commission meets

Mathias Baden — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:25:52 -0500

Start: 05/13/2008 - 6:00pm

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

A meeting of the Jordan Planning Commission is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 13.

The Jordan Government Center is located at 210 First St. E. Meetings
generally take place in the city council chamber in the basement of the
city hall.

Government Observers

Planning commission meets

Mathias Baden — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:21:57 -0500

Start: 04/08/2008 - 6:00pm

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

A meeting of the Jordan Planning Commission is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 8.

The Jordan Government Center is located at 210 First St. E. Meetings generally take place in the city council chamber in the basement of the city hall.

Government Observers

Planning commission meets

Mathias Baden — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:16:44 -0500

Start: 03/11/2008 - 6:00pm

Timezone: Etc/GMT-5

A meeting of the Jordan Planning Commission is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11.

The Jordan Government Center is located at 210 First St. E. Meetings generally take place in the city council chamber in the basement of the city hall.

For more information, go to
http://www.jordan.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={F292D1A9-CFA7-4DB4-87BE-652548D036D3}.

Government Observers

What has public safety committee been doing

Mathias Baden — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 20:45:00 -0600

Here's some of what the Jordan Public Safety Committee has been discussing:

- The committee asked Hope Lutheran Church to revise its proposal for a crosswalk. A design provided to the committee did not connect to a sidewalk.

- A police officer slipped on some ice and twisted his hip. The incident, which was determined to be unpreventable, was covered by workers compensation.

Government Observers

What's going on with the park board

Mathias Baden — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:00:00 -0600

Here's what Jordan's park board has been up to lately:

- Commissioner Jerry Langsweirdt was appointed chairman and Commissioner Donna Breeggemann vice chairwoman of the Jordan Parks and Recreation Commission this year.

- Langsweirdt, John Glyn, Marty Huss, and Margaret Knutson were interviewed for positions on the park board.

- Breeggemann and Commissioner Ron Beckman discussed writing a letter to Chris Schwingler thanking her for years of work and support.

- Mayor Ron Jabs spoke about the Mill Pond dredging project.

Government Observers

Mass Transit Boondoggle

kem390 — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:00:13 -0600

Are you aware that despite the recent passage of the Mass transit tax increase passed by the Mn legislature that it doesnt have to be accepted by the county Commissioners. Meaning that the county of Scott can forgo the implementation and collection of the new mass transit Tax increase. All that needs to be done is to convince the county commissioners to block these tax increases, Thats means to let them know how you feel on the increases by calling them or sending them an email. You can find a list of Commissioners including

Government Observers

US Hwy 169 / 282 Legislative Bill

jrgoebel — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:51:03 -0600

http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legis.asp House bill: HF3383 Senate bill: SF3111

Government Observers

Hazardous materials agreement passes

Mathias Baden — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:44:14 -0600

A joint powers agreement related to hazardous materials met the approval of the Jordan City Council tonight.

In a unanimous vote, the council OK'd a document that encourages the governmental entities that are part of the Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency (SCALE) to provide hazardous materials and terroristic threat responses throughout the county.

The Hazardous Materials Response Group would coordinate SCALE members' effort to respond to hazardous materials and terroristic threat incidents.

Government Observers

City passes law enforcement mutual aid amendment

Mathias Baden — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:51:08 -0600

Tonight, the Jordan City Council passed an amendment to the local law enforcement mutual aid pact.

The agreement provides for Belle Plaine, Elko New Market, Jordan, New Prague, Prior Lake, Savage, Shakopee, Three Rivers Park District, and Scott County to assist each other by making equipment, personnel, ant other resources available throughout the rest of the county.

Government Observers

What David Bly says about transportation

Mathias Baden — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:58:00 -0600

State Rep. David Bly, DFL-Northfield, sent out an update that focused on transportation issues. He represents Minnesota House of Representatives District 25B, which includes Helena Township.

See the PDF attached below.

Government Observers

How should neighbors make up after bitter dispute?

Mathias Baden — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:33:54 -0600

What’s the best way for you to make up with your neighbors – officials at city hall or those in favor of the church’s position – after a bitter dispute about widening the intersection of highways 169 and 282, near an important historic building?

Government Observers

City pays another $41,000 for well

Mathias Baden — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:57:32 -0600

Jordan paid another $41,078.81 to contractor E.H. Renner for work done on well No. 8.

The 600-foot-dep well behind the water treatment plant, near St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in lowertown Jordan, will tap into the Mt. Simon aquifer.

Government Observers

City reapplies for trails grant

Mathias Baden — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:56:01 -0600

The city of Jordan is reapplying for a grant it failed to receive last year from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

If the city is successful, the DNR’s local trail connection program would provide a 50-50 matching grant for a proposed trail system that includes a proposed trail along County Road 66 (aka Old Highway 169) in Jordan that recently escalated in price by about $20,000.

City Planner Casey MacCallum said a retaining wall is necessary along a segment of the county road.