Council Moves Forward on Variance Request, Strategic Survey Nears Deadline
By Jan Gilmer
The Jordan City Council met on June 23, 2025, to review a residential variance request and receive updates from city staff. Discussions included the strategic planning survey, upcoming community events, and department activity reports.
Public Comment
One resident spoke during Public Comment, inquiring about Night to Unite. She asked whether deadlines for participation by the Jordan Police Department and the Jordan Fire Department had been published. Chief Empey responded that the information is available on the City’s website at jordanmn.gov, under Departments > Police > Police Events.
Administrator’s Report
Councilmember Schuh asked whether staff had received responses to the “2025 City of Jordan Strategic Planning Survey.” Administrator Nikunen reported that approximately 220 online responses had been received and another 150 were expected. He reminded the Council that the strategic planning retreat is scheduled for Monday, June 30, at 6:00 p.m.
Planner’s Report
City Planner Sahni Moore introduced a variance request for the residential property at 625 Broadway Street South. The homeowner requested a variance to allow a 15-foot expansion of the existing garage, which would encroach upon the standard 30-foot minimum front yard setback.
Due to the location of the Old Trunk Highway 21 right-of-way, the property line was shifted, creating a setback of 4.3 to 5.8 feet from the home. However, the property line still maintains a 53-foot separation from Broadway Street South. The requested variance of 25.7 feet would be consistent with both the existing structure and neighboring properties.
The Council unanimously approved the variance request.
Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda included the following items:
Final pay request for Pauly Park
May Monthly Jordan Police Report
Special Events Permit for the Boogeyman Run
Utility right-of-way easement for the Xcel substation
Temporary On-Sale Liquor License for Heimatfest
Monthly bills and finance report
Night to Unite Proclamation and Road Closures
2026 Budget Calendar
Resolution 06-38-2025, accepting donations from:
Siwek Lumber (materials for Mini-Met Ballpark)
Jordaness Lions (field lights at Holzer Field)
Jordan Fire Relief Association (fire equipment)
The Consent Agenda was approved by the Council.
Mayor’s Comments
Mayor Fremming asked whether the Community Service Officer (CSO) had been hired. Chief Empey confirmed the CSO began on June 19 and that “things are going good.”
The mayor thanked Public Works for installing pedestrian signs on Highway 21 and the Jordan Police Department for installing additional signs at Lagoon Park.
He also noted that the next Movie Night in the Park will take place on Friday, July 11.
Council Comments
Councilmember Schuh announced that the Economic Development Authority (EDA) downtown walking survey has been rescheduled for July 7, due to a previous rain cancellation.
Schuh also reminded residents that the 2025 City of Jordan Strategic Planning Survey is available online or in hardcopy from City Staff, and responses are due by Wednesday, June 25.
Other upcoming events:
Brewer’s Appreciation Night, sponsored by the Commercial Club, will be held on June 26.
The 2025 Nickel Open Golf Tournament and Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, June 28.
Councilmember Whipps wished everyone a happy Fourth of July and reminded residents to use only legal fireworks to ensure public safety.