Fire Relief Funding, Building Façade Grant Top Light Jordan Council Agenda
By Jan Gilmer
The City Council met on Monday, August 11, 2025, with a light agenda, including discussion of the Jordan Fire Relief Association benefit and a façade matching grant request.
Administrator’s Report
Councilmember Whipps requested the second reading of Ordinance 2025-04-02 be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under the Administrator’s Report so it could be voted on independently. City Administrator Tom Nikunen introduced Ordinance 2025-04-02, Resolution 08-50-2025 – Managed Natural Landscapes on City-Owned Boulevards/Right-of-Way.
Councilmember Schuh asked if there would be a permit and fee associated with the boulevard garden and how the maintenance of the gardens would be handled. Administrator Nikunen indicated there would be an annual permit with a fee, with the amount to be decided in the future, but staff is considering $50. Maintenance will be enforced through code enforcement.
Council approved Ordinance 2025-04-02, with Councilmembers Whipps and Schuh opposing.
Councilmember Schuh also asked for an update on the traffic signal at the corner of Hwy. 21/282. In a previous meeting, Mayor Fremming had asked that the signal be reviewed for potential improvements for a Hwy. 282 southbound left turn, noting it had taken him four light cycles to make the turn. Nikunen said staff has been in communication with MnDOT and learned that any improvements could potentially trigger ADA upgrade requirements. Council asked if staff could pursue a modification to the signal light only, since the turn lane already exists. Staff will continue discussions to determine if a solution is available without triggering ADA requirements.
Finance Report
Finance Director Morey Schaefer introduced proposed funding for the Jordan Fire Relief Association fund. The JFD Relief comes from the City of Jordan and State Aid. The city contributes the required amount per state funding or the city-approved contribution, whichever is higher.
The State Aid flows to the state, then directly to the city for the Relief Association fund. State reporting considers the age of the firefighters and years of service for each to determine the total liability and compares that to the fund balance. The city is then required to contribute at least 10% of the unfunded balance after State Aid is determined. The calculated amount for the city is then increased annually in line with the Jordan Police Department’s cost-of-living adjustment, as previously decided by Council.
The proposal increases the annual benefit to $4,400 per year for 2026 and the city contribution to a minimum of $77,250 (plus COLA) for 2026, increasing annually. In 2025, the annual benefit was $3,800. The JFD Relief pension has been prudently managed and successfully invested to be well above funding thresholds and in a position to absorb market changes. In addition, 10 members have deferred their benefits until they reach a vesting age, making those funds available for investment.
It is important for the lump-sum JFD Relief fund to be comparable to other similar cities to aid in the retention and recruitment of firefighters.
Councilmember Schuh motioned to approve the JFD Relief contribution, seconded by Councilmember Pho. Mayor Fremming and Councilmember Whipps abstained from the vote.
Planner’s Report
City Planner Sahni Moore introduced a request for a Façade Matching Grant for the property at 108 1st St. W. The request had been previously reviewed by the EDA and sent to Council with approval, contingent on the applicant appearing at the Council meeting for questions. Lindsey Ballard was present to share the vision for the project and its anticipated timeline.
Ms. Ballard said the priority is to clean up the front of the building and remove the steps encroaching on city-owned property. The cleanup will include framing a new entrance, replacing broken windows, repairing the sidewalk after the steps are removed, and completing brickwork. The contractor has been chosen and will start the project as soon as funding is secured. Due to potential unknowns behind the steps and possible structural concerns, a specific timeline is not defined.
The vision for the building’s use is to have the main level serve as a reception area for funerals, providing a gathering space for families and guests. The long-term vision includes a single apartment on the upper level for a long-term lease, potentially to clinical students or interns.
The current owner purchased the building in late 2023 and believes the improvements will cost about half a million dollars to complete properly. With the funeral home parking lot shared by both buildings, the applicant believes a back entrance will best serve the new layout.
Nikunen will consult with the building inspector to determine if a structural design must be approved before exterior improvements are made. At present, there are no outstanding code enforcement issues.
Councilmember Whipps recalled an offer from the city to lease the property under the encroaching steps. Nikunen said the lease was not pursued. Whipps also asked if a structural engineer would be required if the building remains vacant in the near future. Nikunen said a structural engineer’s approval would be needed prior to occupancy.
Councilmember Penney asked if there would be access to the building from the funeral home. The applicant said no, due to grading differences.
Nikunen noted that a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) would be required for the lower level to be an “event center” but added that such a request for use with funerals would likely be viewed favorably by Council.
Councilmember Whipps motioned to approve the Façade Matching Grant of $10,000, seconded by Councilmember Monyok.
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Whipps motioned to approve items A–I and K–L on the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by Councilmember Schuh. Item J was moved and discussed under the Administrator’s Report.
The Consent Agenda included:
Monthly bills, per diem pay, and the July Public Works Report
Partial pay requests for:
190th Street Improvements
Sunset Drive Improvements
Strains of the Earth Parking Lot
Second reading of Ordinance 2025-05 – Micro-Distillery On-Sale and Off-Sale Liquor Licenses
Resolution 08-49-2025 – Sunset Drive Improvement: Authorize Grant Agreement with MnDOT
Bridle Creek 12th Addition LOC release
Post message board approvals for Holzer Park, Pauly Park, and a wall-mount vertical message board for the Mini-Met
Resolution 08-51-2025 – Calling for a Public Hearing by the City Council on the Proposed Modification to the Development Program for Development District No. 1 (Tax Increment Financing) for Inland Development Partners. This hearing will be Sept. 8, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Mayor’s Comments
Night to Unite was held last week. Chief Empey and the mayor attended multiple events. Some were large gatherings with significant participation.
There was discussion about fire service at the last SCALE meeting. Special recognition was given to Savage Chief Jeremie Bresnahan and Jordan Assistant Chief Derik Briese for their presentation. A follow-up meeting for questions and answers regarding the service will be held at the next meeting.
The next Movie in the Park is Aug. 15, featuring Matilda.
Council Comments
Councilmember Schuh: The Brewers are playing in the state tournament. The next game is Sunday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. in Hutchinson. If they win, they will play the following weekend as well.
Councilmember Pho: Attended the Firemen’s Golf Tournament last weekend, which had a good turnout and was a great event.
Councilmember Monyok: Requested an update on the status of the Xcel building the city purchased. Nikunen said an engineer is scheduled to evaluate the building and determine what can and cannot be removed as part of the façade enhancement.
Councilmember Whipps: Stated that Minnesota ranks 48th in the nation for cost of fire prevention services, confirming the service is excellent for minimal expense. Residents should be proud of the fire department’s management and service.
The next Jordan City Council meeting will be Monday, August 25 at 6:30 p.m.