Jordan City Council Explores Infrastructure Priorities for Future Development
By Nathan Peabody and Jan Gilmer
City Council Work Session
Before the Jordan City Council meeting on January 27th, the Council held a work session to discuss the extension of city watermain utilities to the County Road (CR) 59 area (where a new overpass is under construction) and to discuss which future growth areas should be prioritized for infrastructure development.
These items could then be more specifically defined in the upcoming Capital Improvement Plan discussions. The work session was intended to initiate discussions with no specific commitments being made. Measuring the Council’s appetite for these projects helps guide staff in opening discussions with property owners and developers.
Watermain Extension to CR 59 Area
The City recently annexed a parcel of land owned by Scott County located in the SE corner of the new CR 59/169 interchange. This annexed parcel generates a leapfrog access for the City over Sand Creek Township properties and will require consideration for access as it is currently land-locked. The location of the property and the progress of the 169 interchange makes this parcel an immediate growth opportunity. While Jordan already has sewer services running just north of the new interchange, access to city water will be necessary for the area’s development. Scott County has not yet engaged in discussions with the City regarding the potential purchase of the land. Scott County indicated they will consider discussions after the interchange is complete.
Development in this corridor is anticipated to begin later this year or in 2026. The discussion focused on the most feasible routes for the watermain extension. City staff stressed the desirability of connecting the water in this area to water on the northwest side of the city to create a looping effect to provide better water flow. Three primary options were considered, with Routes 1A and 1B following the existing SW interceptor sanitary sewer pipe and assumes use of the majority of sewer easements in place, which would streamline installation and reduce costs. Route 2 would be a new alignment that does not follow the SW interceptor sanitary line and has no existing easements but would instead be aligned alongside an anticipated future roadway. The Route 2 option would allow the watermain to directly serve more developable acres along each side of the watermain making it more efficient and provide more immediate development opportunities. However, this option is more costly due to potential land acquisition, easements and right of way. It would require coordination with property owners and Sand Creek Township to mitigate risk.
Funding for the watermain extension is anticipated to come primarily from developers and existing businesses that would benefit from the new service, minimizing financial impact on the City. The developers typically cover the cost of an 8” pipe, however, the City typically upgrades the pipe to 12” and covers the difference in the cost due to the future benefits the larger pipe would provide.
This project would strengthen the City’s position to support immediate development of the annexed parcel that will benefit from the completion of the CR59/169 interchange. However, installing the watermain ahead of its use does allow inherent deterioration whereas typically a watermain installation is matched to its immediate service life.
Council requested that staff obtain the soil boring findings performed by Scott County and if available, the borings completed by the Candy Store. These findings would be reviewed by the City Engineer before further discussion. Council also requested staff to identify the current County zoning of the annexed parcel.
Future Growth Areas
The City Council reviewed potential expansion opportunities in anticipation of upcoming discussions of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, which is expected to begin within the next two years. A key factor driving this discussion was a property going up for sale located south of the undeveloped land owned by the school district and east of Bridal Creek, where no City infrastructure exists. This discussion highlighted the need for strategic guidance on future orderly annexation of this area within Sand Creek Township.
The City is considering four areas for major utility expansion. A description of these areas provided in the meeting materials is as follows:
“the N Region is generally north of the City limits. The NE Region is generally east of City limits and north of CR 10. The SE Region is generally located east of City limits, northeast of the Union Pacific Rail line and south of Hwy 282. The S Region is generally located south of City limits, east of Aberdeen Ave and southwest of the Union Pacific Rail line.”
City staff presented estimated costs for water and sewer infrastructure and an assessment of developable acreage for each area. They then proposed that calculating cost per acre would be a good way to evaluate the areas for expansion.
In addition to the size and number of developable acres within each area, staff highlighted where significant infrastructure investment would be required.
Extending the trunk watermain in the NE Region would require crossing Highway 169, along with the construction of a new water tower and booster station. The S Region would also require a new water tower. Because these two regions are significantly larger than the others, they will need more trunk watermain piping.
For the trunk sanitary sewer extension, the NE Region would require a Highway 169 crossing, while the S and SE Regions would need wastewater lift stations and forcemain systems to ensure proper flow along County Road 66 to the SW Interceptor sewer. In contrast, the N Region is expected to need only smaller collection pipes to connect to existing trunk facilities.
During discussions, Council Member Penney commented that expansion to the south would primarily support residential growth, while development to the north could accommodate a mix of residential, commercial, and possibly even industrial uses. City staff advised that focusing development in one area would promote faster growth and a stronger return on investment, rather than dispersing resources across multiple locations.
City Council Meeting of January 27, 2025
After the work session. The City Council Meeting was called to order. A summary of meeting highlights is below.
Public Comment
Phil Mitchell, resident and owner of Heavy Line Automotive read a prepared statement strongly urging Council to provide a solution to the concerns with his property zoning change request at the next Council meeting. The issues have gone back and forth for a substantial amount of time, and while he feels he has made an effort to work with City staff and Council, he remains frustrated by the lack of progress and the tone of past discussions. Mr. Mitchell is looking for an open, professional dialogue that brings resolution to the concerns.
The owner of Hot Comics and Zap Arcade expressed his interest in purchasing the new City-owned building, formerly known as the Xcel building. He said he has outgrown his current location and is interested in expanding his business to include some food options. His business is a family-orientated business that serves youth of the community and beyond.
Administration Report
Council reviewed a minor amendment to the Fire Handbook. After discussion, the amendment was modified and approved.
New Construction Extending Corporate Drive
The Council reviewed and discussed the development agreement with TCM Properties drafted by the City attorney. TCM Properties is looking to move forward in expanding Corporate Drive to the north as soon as possible, recognizing it will provide their existing and newly acquired properties an additional access option with the interchange construction. TCM Properties would like to complete this construction prior to the 169/282/CR9 interchange project. Council approved the Development Agreement.
The next Jordan City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 10th at 6:30 pm.