By Jan Gilmer
The Jordan City Council met on Monday, November 24 to review and approve two union contracts and to conduct the first reading of the 2026 fee schedule. The meeting also included updates from city staff, approval of several consent agenda items, and comments from the mayor and council.
Public Comment
No members of the public addressed the Council.
Administrator’s Report
Teamsters Union Contract
Administrator Nikunen outlined six negotiated changes to the Teamsters Union Contract, which covers City of Jordan office workers in union-mandated positions: two police records personnel, three administrative assistants and one community service officer (CSO). Negotiations took place over three months, including three in-person meetings with the union and multiple email exchanges.
Key contract changes include:
One additional personal holiday
A City-provided cell phone for CSO officers with defined usage expectations
A $200 increase in the clothing allowance to help offset the cost of bulletproof vests
Expanded vacation accrual for employees with more than 20 years of service, increasing to 4.5 weeks
Increases to City health insurance contributions: $25 more per month for single coverage and $75 more for family coverage
COLA increases across all salary grades:
2026: 3%
2027: 5%
2028: 3%
Councilmember Whipps questioned the 5% COLA in 2027, noting he has not seen an increase of that size before. Nikunen explained that the City reviews comparable wages in nearby communities—including New Prague, Belle Plaine and Le Sueur—and Jordan has been paying less than these communities. A comprehensive third-party compensation study in 2024 found several positions below average, prompting the proposed COLA and step adjustments beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Councilmember Monyok noted the union was not fully satisfied with the offer but recognized the City’s financial limits. Councilmember Penney confirmed the changes would bring wages in line with neighboring cities.
Estimated increased wage expenses under the contract:
2026: $36,463.40
2027: $48,046.34
2028: $40,781.29
The Teamsters contract was approved, with Councilmember Whipps voting no.
Local 49ers Union Contract
The Local 49ers contract covers public works employees, including six street maintenance workers and one sewer operator. The City met twice in person with the union, while the Personnel Committee met three times to review proposals.
Key changes include:
Updated language related to the collection and remittance of monthly union dues, including a ½% deduction for overtime pay, with detailed reporting required each month
Increases to health insurance contributions: $25 more per month for single coverage and $75 more for family coverage
COLA increases across all salary grades:
2026: 3%
2027: 5%
2028: 3%
Nikunen noted the 2024 wage study found City pay for public works positions to be 9%–11% below market rates.
Estimated increased wage expenses under the contract:
2026: $35,893.41
2027: $59,156.01
2028: $46,451.91
The Local 49ers contract was approved. Councilmember Whipps voted no.
Finance Report
Finance Director Morey Schaefer presented the first reading of the annual 2026 Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2025-08), highlighting adjustments to existing fees and new additions made throughout the year. The first reading was unanimously approved.
Consent Agenda
Council approved the Consent Agenda, including:
Monthly Police and Finance reports
Donations to Mini Met Ballpark from Siwek Lumber and an anonymous donor
Donations to Holzer Field Lights from Jordan Girls Fast Pitch and Jordan Fire Relief Association
190th Street project partial pay request
Resolution 11-79-2025 on Monetary Tort Limits
Purchase of Tool Cat and UTV utility vehicles
Resolution 11-80-2025 authorizing pursuit of a Scott County grant for the County Road 59 Area Development Vision Plan
Mayor’s Comments
Mayor Fremming asked about the progress of new officer training and received positive feedback. He thanked recent donors, attended the ribbon cutting for Strains of the Earth’s new legal cannabis business, and toured the new tunnel under Highway 169 connecting North and South Jordan. He also confirmed the City of Jordan will participate in the upcoming Dazzle Parade.
Council Comments
Councilmember Schuh noted that the Commercial Club is accepting donations of winter gear.
All Council members extended Thanksgiving well wishes.
The meeting adjourned to a closed session for the annual evaluation of the City Administrator. The next city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, December, 8 at 6:30 p.m.