Jordan City Council Approves Key Projects and Reviews Downtown Improvements
By Jan Gilmer
The Jordan City Council tackled a full agenda at its March 10 meeting, addressing infrastructure improvements, downtown redevelopment, and event planning. Among the key decisions were approvals for the 190th Street special assessments, a partnership in upgrading Scott County’s Regional Training Facility, and an agreement to demolish a long-standing nuisance property downtown.
With spring approaching, the council also looked ahead to upcoming events and projects, including a Cinco de Mayo celebration at Mini Met and updates to the city’s Code Matching Grant Program to support business development.
Public Hearing on 190th Street Assessments
The Jordan City Council opened a public hearing to discuss special assessments for the 190th Street improvement project. Representatives from city engineering firm Bolton & Menk outlined the planned upgrades, which include road improvements from 190th Street to Beaumont Drive, additional parking at Holzer Park, and a new public parking lot downtown between the former Xcel Building and City Hall Creamery & Coffee.
Assessments will be levied immediately for properties within city limits, while properties in St. Lawrence Township will be assessed upon annexation into Jordan. The financing for these assessments is tied to the city’s bond funding. No public comments were received, and the council moved forward with the project.
City Administrator’s Report
Cinco de Mayo Event Approved
The council approved a Special Events Permit for the Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Mini Met on May 3, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Police Chief Empey recommended two officers be assigned to the event, and a valid caterer’s license be secured for liquor sales. Recognizing that proceeds from the event will benefit the Jordan Food Shelf, the council agreed to waive the Mini Met rental fee and the cost of one police officer, provided event organizers meet all permit requirements.
Scott County Training Facility Commitment
The council approved Jordan’s participation in the upgraded Scott County Regional Training Facility (RTF). Scott County has pledged up to $5 million for the upgrade, with remaining costs covered by RTF member cities. Jordan’s share could increase significantly depending on the chosen improvement plan (Option 2, which includes all phases). However, council members noted that even with higher costs, using a local training facility remains more economical than traveling to facilities in Maple Grove, St. Paul, or Eagan.
A final funding plan is still needed. If additional funds cannot be secured, the project may need to be scaled back. Councilmember Whipps inquired whether Jordan’s share could be offset by rental fees from non-member agencies. Staff will research this further before the next RTF meeting in April.
Demolition of the South House Property
A long-standing nuisance property south of Strains of the Earth, known as the "South House," is set for demolition by mid-May. Business owner Doug Cramond, who has expressed interest in acquiring the lot for additional parking, has agreed to purchase the property under an arrangement with the city. The agreement allows the city to assess demolition and parking lot construction costs over multiple years.
This deal will enhance downtown aesthetics by removing a structure that has been a magnet for vandalism while expanding parking for local businesses.
With no objections raised during the public hearing, the council approved the special assessments for the 190th Street improvement project. Additionally, contracts were awarded for both the construction and parking lot improvements as well as the demolition of the South House.
Planner’s Report
Code Matching Grant Program Updated
The council reviewed proposed revisions to the Economic Development Authority’s (EDA) Code Matching Grant Program. The changes establish two funding tiers:
Small Grant Program: Grants up to $10,000, with a 1:1 match for ADA-related projects and a 2:1 match for other qualifying projects.
Large Special Grant Program: A single matching grant of up to $75,000 for projects such as fire suppression systems and elevator installations to meet ADA standards.
Councilmember Whipps proposed an additional restriction: properties may only receive a Large Special Grant once every five years, and applicants cannot combine small and large grants simultaneously.
Consent Agenda
The council approved several key projects and purchases, including:
Awarding bids for the Sunset Drive roundabout project.
Authorizing the construction of a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) on Highway 282 at Varner Street this summer.
Approving the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds to fund capital improvement projects for 2025.
Waiving platting requirements for a property behind the former Xcel building.
Approving the purchase of a John Deere front-mount mower and a new zero-turn mower as part of the city’s equipment replacement plan.
Posting the job description for a new Community Service Officer position.
Mayor’s Comments
Mayor Fremming attended City on the Hill Day at the State Capitol with Councilmember Pho and City Administrator Nikunen. He described the experience as valuable and noted they will return for the bonding bill session on March 14.
He also attended the ribbon-cutting for Sand Creek Social, where he toured one of the newly available rental units. One unit has already been leased, and the owner is seeking a business tenant for the commercial space.
Mayor Fremming reminded residents of an upcoming open house for the Highway 169/282/9 interchange project on March 12 at the CERC, where Bolton & Menk representatives will be available to answer questions.
Additionally, City Hall Creamery & Coffee will host "Coffee with a Cop" on March 12, providing an opportunity for community engagement with local law enforcement.
Councilmember Comments
Councilmember Penney reminded residents of spring break.
Councilmember Pho thanked the public works department for their quick response in clearing snow from last week’s storm.
Meeting Schedule Update
Due to spring break, the March 24, 2025, City Council meeting has been canceled.