Jordan City Council Meeting Draws Overflow Crowd, Tackles Key Development and Policy Issues
By Nathan Peabody
The Jordan City Council met on July 14, drawing approximately 50 to 60 attendees, filling the room to capacity for a meeting packed with updates, public comments, and major development decisions.
Legislative Update from Rep. Ben Bakeberg
State Representative Ben Bakeberg was invited to provide a legislative update. He began by referencing the six pillars he campaigned on:
Fighting fraud
Making things more affordable
Keeping communities safe
Raising education standards
Using taxes locally
Investing in the future through bonding
Bakeberg noted that his legislative work is guided by these principles. He highlighted the clean water bonding bill as a forward-looking investment in both Jordan and Minnesota’s future. He expressed concern about state spending, pointing out that a $17 billion surplus has turned into a projected $6 billion deficit for the upcoming budget cycle.
To combat rising costs, Bakeberg said he has worked to prevent tax increases and push back against proposals that would shift financial burdens from the state to local governments. He also mentioned two Jordan-specific priorities—a fiber optics bill and a social district proposal—that were not passed this session but remain on his agenda.
Although he supported the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, Bakeberg voiced disagreement with the 0.88% payroll tax used to fund it.
He concluded his update with remarks about the recent assassination attempt on Congresswoman Melissa Hortman, thanking the Jordan Police Department for their presence at his home during that time. He emphasized the importance of civil discourse, saying, “The media makes it look like the extremes on both sides are getting more extreme,” but added that he is always open to conversation with concerned constituents.
Public Comment
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
The owner of Ballard-Sunder commented on proposed changes to the EDA’s façade matching grant program. He requested that the grant cap be increased to accelerate project timelines and suggested a separate grant be created for parking lot improvements.
190th Street Development
Numerous residents spoke both in favor of and against the proposed 190th Street industrial development. Concerns raised included:
Noise, light, and potential contaminants
Inadequate neighborhood notifications
Increased traffic and road capacity
Impact on Jordan’s small-town character
Traffic circle safety at Creek Lane and 2nd Street
Potential impact on neighboring septic systems
Property tax implications
Emergency response planning in case of ammonia leaks
In support of the project, a representative from the Threshers Festival noted that ammonia is commonly used in agriculture and is not a major pollutant. He estimated the facility could generate $2 million in property taxes—equivalent to the taxes paid by over 300 homes.
A local business owner, who also lives in Jordan, spoke about how the lack of industrial space had previously deterred her from locating her business in town. She referenced the middle school lot as an example of how lighting can be managed to minimize neighborhood disruption.
Reports and Council Action
Administrator’s Report
City Engineer RFP: Staff recommended soliciting proposals for the City Engineer contract. A motion made by Councilmember Schuh to renew Bolton & Menk’s contract for another four years was approved.
City Attorney RFP: A motion made by Councilmember Whipps, seconded by Councilmember Penney, to issue an RFP for the City Attorney position was approved.
Predevelopment Agreement – 190th Street: This agreement outlines cost responsibilities between the city and the developer, Inland Development Partners, LLC. The motion made by Councilmember Whipps, seconded by Schuh, passed.
Assessment Agreements:
Acorn Acres LLC: This agreement allows the city to extend water and sewer lines through the property at the owner's expense. A motion to approve the agreement was made by Councilmember Goeble was approved.
Les Quatmann: An agreement with the same terms to all ow the city to extend water and sewer lines for a separate property was presented. A motion to approve the agreement was made by Councilmember Whipps and was approved.
Planner’s Report
City staff presented a detailed plan for the 27.5-acre industrial site on 190th Street. The proposed cold storage warehouse for Michael Foods, while resembling a distribution center, would store locally produced potato and egg products.
Following earlier council feedback, the developer adjusted the site plan to move truck docks to the east side of the building and add berms for visual screening.
Council members inquired about shifting the entrance road to the east side. Staff advised that such a shift would conflict with the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan and place traffic directly across from a neighborhood entrance. A turn lane is planned on 190th Street to accommodate traffic.
According to police, only four traffic incidents have occurred on 190th Street in the last six years, with no reported injuries.
Staff also confirmed that road infrastructure near the new interchange was designed to handle significant truck traffic. The developer expects most trucks to head south on U.S. 169. Mayor Fremming noted the facility would become Jordan’s largest taxpayer.
Councilmember Schuh emphasized, “The small-town feel is the people.”
Key Votes on the Development
Preliminary Plat: Approved (motion by Schuh, second by Pho). Councilmember Penney opposed.
Conditional Use Permit: Passed unanimously after Mayor Fremming requested doubled tree screening, lighting adjustments, and restricted overnight truck parking. Councilmember Whipps also asked that truck arrivals be restricted during non-business hours.
Variance: The council considered a request for a variance for the building height on this project. The proposed maximum building height would be 55 ft., which is 10 ft. higher than the maximum height of 45 ft. in the city code. A motion to approve the variance was made by Councilmember Pho. The motion passed with Councilmember Monyok opposed.
Additional Items
Façade Grant Clarification: Language of the EDA Façade Grant was updated to put a $10,000 per property cap over two years and discourage phasing projects. A motion to approve the proposed modifications was made by Councilmember Goebel and approved.
Drive Aisle Variance and Lot Combination: The property owner at 313 1st Street E requested a 0.5-foot variance from the city’s required 24-foot-wide two-way drive aisle for 90-degree parking stalls. The variance would allow the creation of additional parking spaces by reducing the drive aisle width to 23.5 feet. The narrow lot width and existing site constraints create practical difficulties that prevent full compliance with city code. City staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval, citing improved off-street parking availability and minimal impact on traffic safety or neighborhood character. The council approved the variance in a voice vote.
Native Plantings in Boulevards: Ordinance 2025-04 was introduced, which allows managed natural landscapes on city-owned boulevards with an administrative permit. The ordinance establishes specific setback and clearance requirements to maintain public safety, accessibility, and utility access, and it prohibits noxious weeds, thorny plants, and certain ground coverings. The proposed change would align city code with updated Minnesota statutes and encourages environmentally friendly landscaping while maintaining orderly public spaces. The Planning Commission reviewed and recommended approval. A motion to approve the ordinance was made by Councilmember Goeble was approved with Councilmembers Whipps and Schuh opposing it.
Consent Agenda: A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Councilmember Whipps and approved unanimously.
Council Member & Mayor Comments
Mayor Fremming recognized retiring officer Helseth and thanked the public for attending.
Councilmember Whipps announced the upcoming Fire Department Open House on Sunday.
Councilmember Monyok reminded residents about the “Five Best Days of Summer” event.
Councilmember Penney recognized Scott Haas for his work supporting veterans employed by the city.
Councilmember Schuh thanked city staff and police and gave special thanks to attendees of the recent "Movie in the Park" event.
The next City Council meeting is Monday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m.