Jordan City Council Considers Native Planting Ordinance and Police Staffing
By Jan Gilmer
At its regular meeting on Monday, June 9, the Jordan City Council addressed a range of topics, including a proposal to allow native prairie gardens in city-owned boulevards and a request from the police department to maintain current staffing levels amid changing school partnerships and growing public safety needs.
The meeting drew an unusually large public turnout, with several residents speaking during the open comment period—many in support of changing the city ordinance to permit native plantings in boulevard areas.
Residents Speak Out on Native Plantings
Blake Willems, a new resident of Beaumont Bluffs, inquired about the rear setback of a city park adjacent to his property. Concerned that a basketball court is too close to his rear property line, Willems also expressed worry about a proposed pickleball court. City Administrator Nikunen and City Planner Luke Wilson responded that the pickleball court had been removed from the current park plans. Nikunen offered to share updated park plans directly with Willems.
Other speakers focused on the benefits of native plantings in boulevards, including residents Mitch McGuire and Jim Stoddart, who both voiced support for native prairie gardens, citing environmental benefits and neighborhood aesthetics.
Matt and Jessica Gens of 210 Varner Street presented images and testimony in support of their boulevard prairie garden, originally planted in 2020. They emphasized that their plantings are well-maintained and set back from both curb and sidewalk. Jessica Gens urged the Council to allow such gardens with permitting and highlighted the environmental advantage of reduced chemical runoff into the storm sewer.
Council Revisits Native Planting Ordinance
City Planner Sahni Moore reviewed recent changes to state law, which now allow native prairie landscaping in private front yards but do not extend to city-owned boulevards. Moore noted that the City previously amended its ordinance to prohibit native plantings in boulevards, citing concerns such as visibility issues for drivers, debris in storm sewers, and the misuse of native garden allowances to avoid lawn maintenance.
Councilmember Goebel motioned to refer the request to the Planning Commission to explore a compromise, including the possibility of specific setback requirements. Councilmember Pho seconded.
Councilmember Whipps wanted confirmation that the homeowner with the existing native prairie garden addressed Council previously. The homeowner interjected that they brought it to Council via Public Comment after receiving a citation from the City. At the time, Council chose not to pursue a change to the ordinance. The homeowner addressed the safety concerns outlined in the citation by removing some of the native prairie plantings and recognizing a setback to the curb and sidewalk for the remaining garden.
Councilmember Whipps asked what was the fee amount the City of Jordan charges for an ordinance change. Administrator Nikunen indicated the fee is $400.00. Whipps stated that the fee for the ordinance change does not reflect the amount the City invests into a request for a change.
Councilmember Schuh requested Staff research whether any other cities allow Native Prairie Landscapes on public property, such as the boulevard. Administrator Nikunen indicated the only city he can think of is the City of Minneapolis, but he has not researched this information previously.
Council voted to approve the motion send the request to the Planning Commission for review and consideration. Councilmembers Whipps and Schuh opposed the motion.
Council Supports Retaining Police Staffing Levels
The Council also considered a recommendation from Police Chief Empey to retain the city’s current staffing level of 11 licensed officers, after learning that the Southwest Metro Educational Cooperative (ISD #288) is not planning to renew the SRO contract at the River Valley Special Education Center (RVSE) for the 2025-2026 school year.
ISD #288 currently pays for 75% of the SRO’s salary and benefits. Chief Empey emphasized that with rising development and increased serious crime in the community, it would not be prudent to reduce police staffing.
Jordan currently pays for 9.6 of its 11 officer positions. Without the SRO contract renewal, that share would rise to 10.35, while Jordan Public Schools (ISD #717) would continue funding 0.65 of the SRO position located in their district.
Mayor Fremming asked if, later in the school year, River Valley Special Education Center decides they need the SRO in place, whether they can simply add the position back. Chief Empey indicated the City of Jordan cannot force them to employ an SRO, and the City cannot deny services to them. However, the Chief has implemented a “tracker” on calls to RVSE to reflect the number of responses the City of Jordan is making to that location. Previously, the Chief used this type of information to demonstrate the benefit and need for having an SRO onsite.
Councilmember Penney asked who gets to decide if an SRO is added to the site. Chief Empey indicated he would have a discussion with the superintendent.
Councilmember Schuh asked if the City of Jordan could charge ISD #288 for the calls the police department responds to. Chief Empey indicated that an ordinance would be needed to allow the City to charge for police service responses. If such an ordinance were enacted, the City could set a limit on the number of responses allowed, with fees assessed for any calls beyond that number. Staff will research whether charging for service calls is permissible and will inform the Council of its findings.
Councilmember Goebel motioned to authorize the Jordan Police Department to retain the 11 licensed police officer positions, Councilmember Pho seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
Consent Agenda and Mayor’s Comments
The Council approved a consent agenda that included:
Partial payment for the 190th Street project
Special Event Permit Applications for the Heimatfest Car Cruise/Street Dance, Jordan Heimatfest, and St. John’s Fall Festival
Gambling and temporary liquor licenses for local organizations
Monthly bills, per diem payments, and the May Public Works Report
Councilmember Reports
Mayor Fremming Mayor Fremming shared that he, along with Councilmembers Schuh and Pho and Administrator Nikunen, attended the 169/282 bridge ceremony. He also inquired about the missing pedestrian crosswalk signs on Highway 21. Nikunen responded that new signs had been ordered and would be installed soon.
Fremming also raised concerns about left-turn traffic delays at the Highway 282/21 intersection. While the intersection includes a turn lane, Nikunen stated there was insufficient space to install a dedicated left-turn signal.
Councilmember Pho attended the grand opening of the Hubman Card Shop, noting it has become a popular gathering place for local teens.
Councilmember Goebel suggested reviewing signal timing or adding a left-turn arrow at the 282/21 intersection. Staff will evaluate options.
Councilmember Whipps inquired about progress on the "avian house" property. Administrator Nikunen reported that the owner is applying for a façade grant to address sidewalk encroachment and exterior maintenance. Whipps also expressed concern about the size of EDA grants being awarded to businesses and questioned whether they align with the relative property value and tax contributions.
The next City Council meeting will be held Monday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m.