Jordan City Council Meeting Covers Fire Department Report, Senior Center Rent, and Zoning Amendments
By Nathan Peabody and Jan Gilmer
The Jordan City Council convened on February 10 to address a range of community matters, including public concerns over a proposed industrial park, zoning conflicts, and an amendment to the City’s land use ordinance. The meeting also featured the Fire Department’s annual report, updates on local properties, and discussions on annexation board resolutions. Additionally, the Council approved a rent adjustment for the senior community center and reviewed key infrastructure developments. Below is a summary of the key topics discussed.
Public Comment
During the public comment portion of the meeting, three residents addressed the Council. Zack P. and Peggy Joe Doucette voiced their concerns regarding Resolution 02-080-2025, which was on the agenda for discussion later in the meeting. While one of the residents was happy to learn that the City had approved a joint committee between the City, County, and Townships and would be more involved in future development, he was disappointed to learn that the City was rescinding that committee. Another resident expressed concern about development in the area due to the beauty of the land and the fragile soil depth. Both residents urged the City to restrict the development of a proposed industrial park near their homes in Sand Creek Township.
Phil Mitchell, owner of Heavy Line Automotive, also spoke during public comment. He reiterated his desire to resolve ongoing conflicts between his business and the City. Mr. Mitchell read emails exchanged between himself and a previous Jordan City Planner, researching and then agreeing that the best solution for his situation was to request the rezoning of his property to I-2, General Industrial. City Council denied the rezoning request in November 2024. Mr. Mitchell asked that a solution for the zoning and outdoor storage conflicts be identified and agreed upon.
Fire Department Annual Report
Fire Chief Gregg Pekarna presented the 2024 Annual Fire Department Report. The department responded to 291 calls in 2024, which is in line with the last three years. While most calls were within City limits, the department answered calls in surrounding townships, including 10 calls in St. Lawrence Township, 33 calls in Sand Creek Township, and three calls in Louisville Township, as well as assisting neighboring cities. Chief Pekarna expressed satisfaction with the department’s average turnout per call, which was 15.48 responders, indicating that anyone with a pager responds if available during nighttime hours, whereas a range of 10–12 responders is reliably available during daytime hours. He also highlighted the department’s commitment to training, noting that the volunteer force completed a total of 1,886 training hours in 2024. The EMR training has now expanded to a quarterly schedule, adding additional training.
Senior Community Center Rent Adjustment
City Administrator Tom Nikunen presented a request from the Schule Haus to increase the annual rent for the space used by the senior community center by $500. The increase was attributed to recent facility upgrades and additional operating costs. After discussion, the Council approved the expenditure. Some of the activities supported by the Schule Haus Senior Center include services such as CAP Meals-On-Wheels, Wheels Up Wednesday, Jordan Senior Club, Seniors Potlucks, BINGO, AARP Tax Preparation, a community garden, and school groups.
108 First Street Property Discussion
The Council revisited ongoing concerns regarding the vacant property at 108 First Street. Previous enforcement actions led to multiple changes in ownership, with the current owner revisiting proposed plans to address safety and aesthetic issues. The plan includes removing the front staircase, which would resolve the enforcement action for encroachment, and repairing the brick facade during the summer. The goal is to bring the building into immediate compliance and consider other improvements on a phased approach, including potential apartments and an event center. City staff sought Council guidance on moving forward with this plan. The Council supported the proposed safety improvements and requested a follow-up in July to ensure the work is progressing as scheduled. Additionally, the Council confirmed with City staff that any sidewalk repairs due to the removal of the staircase would be the responsibility of the owner.
The Council also requested a status update on the “South House” along Hwy 21. City staff advised that the environmental review was expected to be completed this week, at which time bids would be pursued for the demolition of the building. The building was recently broken into again and had multiple broken windows. It was boarded up again for safety reasons.
Resolution 02-080-2025 - Rescinding Prior Annexation Board Resolution
The Council next discussed Resolution 02-080-2025, the subject of earlier public comments. This resolution proposed rescinding a previous resolution from 2024 that had directed the creation of two boards, each composed of representatives from the City, Scott County, and either Sand Creek or St. Lawrence Township. These boards were intended to facilitate the orderly annexation and planning of adjacent land into the City of Jordan.
City staff noted that the two townships had countered with a proposal for a joint board consisting of representatives from both townships, Scott County, and the City. Jordan’s City Attorney recommended rescinding Resolution 02-080-2025, given that the townships had canceled previous meetings. City staff and the Council discussed whether the joint meeting structure would allow the townships to block planning and annexation efforts, even in cases where both the City and the County were in agreement. Given the potential for delays and costly litigation, the Council determined that continuing with the joint boards would not be in the City’s best interest. The Council voted to rescind the previous resolution and revert to the status quo, with Scott County facilitating township planning and subdivision. The City will resume long-term talks with the Townships.
Automotive Repair - Major Land Use Ordinance Amendment
City Council considered a text amendment related to the zoning ordinance to allow Automobile Repair-Major as a permissible land use under the I-1, Light Industrial use zoning, with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The conditions of the CUP would be identified individually at the time of application based on property or business needs.
The focus was specifically on the text amendment as it would affect any future I-1 businesses; however, considerable discussion was held regarding its application to existing businesses. Ultimately, the text amendment was approved, allowing the use of Automobile Repair-Major in the I-1 zoning district subject to a CUP with the following conditions:
All repair, disassembly, and maintenance of vehicles shall occur inside a structure, except for light-duty work such as battery installation, tire inflation, and changing wipers.
All vehicle parts and equipment shall be stored within a permanent structure.
All vehicles shall be stored on a hard surface such as concrete, bituminous, or gravel.
The property shall be screened from abutting residential uses with a wall, solid fencing, evergreen hedge, or equivalent material. All screening shall be six feet in height.
Hours of operation shall be limited to 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. unless otherwise approved specifically by the conditional use permit.
This was the first reading of the amendment, with the second reading to follow at the next Council meeting.
Consent Agenda
Within the Consent Agenda, Public Works reported that they have removed several compromised ash trees throughout the City. However, if a building is in close proximity, a professional tree service is used. All ash trees at Brentwood and the ash on the boulevard at Holzer Park have been removed. The trees in Bridle Creek will be the focus in 2025. Additionally, it was reported that the ordered plow truck has finally arrived and has been delivered for the box and plow equipment installation. This truck will be ready in the fall for the 2025–26 winter.
Within the same Consent approval, the purchase of a new plow truck was approved for delivery in 2026 so it will not be impacted by the required emission changes effective in 2027. This truck can be ordered at the same price as the plow truck just received.
Other items contained within the Consent Agenda include a letter from the City of Jordan to the Secretary of Transportation supporting the study for the Minnesota River Crossing and Flood Resiliency Study, bills and construction payments, renewals of liquor licenses, a gambling license application, and a lease amendment with T-Mobile for the Broadway Tower improvements.
The next City Council meeting will be February 24 at 6:30 p.m.