Jordan City Council Reviews Traffic Study, SCALE Facility Improvements, and Social Districts
By Jan Gilmer
The Jordan City Council held a work session and regular meeting on February 24, 2025, addressing key topics related to city planning, public safety, and community initiatives. Among the major discussions were a traffic study analyzing future infrastructure needs, potential upgrades to the SCALE training facility, a proposal for a Community Service Officer position, and the feasibility of a Social District in Jordan. The council also conducted the second reading of an ordinance related to automobile repair and recognized local achievements.
City Council Work Session
During the work session the Council received information on four agenda items and was asked to provide feedback and guidance, as well as given the opportunity to ask questions.
SW Area Traffic Study
With the SW Interceptor sanitary sewer line installed by the City of Jordan and the ongoing construction of the interchange at 59/169, the undeveloped land in the SW area is recognized as a foreseeable growth area. Recognizing this allows the City and Scott County to work together to forecast projected growth, traffic volumes, and other utility needs for future planning. Strategic management of the growth area can be documented in the Capital Improvement Plan.
The City of Jordan partially funded a Scott County Traffic Study of the SW area in 2023. Using this information, Bolton and Menk presented an analysis of where traffic volumes may require improvements and potential timelines for when these volumes may impact the current traffic network. This review allows the City and County to identify where and when funding may be needed for intersection improvements to support traffic flow. As part of the review, unbuildable land in the area was identified, along with potential land use types and densities.
The intersection of CSAH 66 and Aberdeen Ave. was identified as needing improvement in the near-term model. The intersection is currently controlled with a four-way stop. Potential improvements include installing a signal at the intersection, along with eastbound and westbound turn lanes, or constructing a roundabout.
Looking ahead at future growth and increased traffic volumes, the mid-term model identified intersections needing improvements to support the traffic network, including CSAH 59/169 South ramps, Aberdeen Ave./Beaumont/Sunset, CSAH 66/59, and CSAH 66/Beaumont, where a signal or roundabout was recommended as potential improvements. Additionally, CSAH 66/Aberdeen Ave. would be reviewed to determine if the previously installed roundabout would continue to satisfy traffic needs or if signal control changes would be necessary. This mid-term phase assumes the near-term phase has been completed.
The final model reviewed assumes the first two improvement models have been implemented and identifies additional improvements based on further growth and increased traffic volumes. This model suggests adding southbound and northbound turn lanes on Aberdeen Ave./CSAH 66 if a control signal had been implemented in a previous improvement. If a roundabout had been installed, this model suggests expanding it to 2x2. It also recommends expanding the roundabout at CSAH 59/169 to 2x1.
This discussion did not require Council to approve funding or commit to specific projects at this time. However, the information provides Council with options to consider when planning the Capital Improvement Plan and working with interested developers. Councilman Goebel noted that it took significantly longer to implement the roundabout on CSAH 21 because the necessary information was not available for inclusion in an earlier CIP. Having this study allows the City to anticipate needs and strategically plan for improvements.
SCALE RTF Proforma Analysis
Scott County owns the SCALE facility in Jordan, which multiple member cities and counties use to meet their fire and police training requirements. However, due to a lack of improvements, some members have opted to train elsewhere.
A presentation was given to members outlining potential improvement options to determine what needs to be done to make SCALE a viable facility. Current members—including Belle Plaine, Jordan, Prior Lake, Savage, New Prague, Shakopee, ENM, and SMSC—reviewed the options. The County is asking members to determine what level of improvements they would support.
The City of Shakopee has indicated it is no longer interested in the Scott County SCALE facility and has chosen an alternative location. Carver County is also considering an alternate facility. With input from Jordan firefighters and Police Chief Empy, the location remains ideal for Jordan, so the City supports improvements to the facility, which may require a complete teardown and rebuild. Similar to Prior Lake, the City of Jordan supports the option with the highest level of improvements, with Option #2 providing the best revenue-generating opportunities. The County would fund 50% of the improvements. If current members choose to leave SCALE and later wish to rejoin after improvements are made, a fee schedule will need to be determined for their return.
At this time, only Prior Lake has responded to Scott County’s request for support of the improvements.
CSO Discussion
The Council was presented with a job description for a Community Service Officer (CSO) position for review and comment. The City has not had a CSO position for several years but believes the role would now be highly beneficial for both the community and the police department.
The position would report to the Police Chief or another designee. It is a non-sworn role that would focus primarily on code enforcement, animal control, and abandoned property issues. Additionally, the CSO would assist with traffic control, parking enforcement, police records, and other non-sworn officer duties.
Based on the discussion, City staff will determine the job grading and draft a listing for Council review. Once the Council approves the position, it will be posted for applicants.
SF 1182 – Social District Discussion
Social Districts, approved by the State a few years ago, allow alcoholic beverages to be taken outside of a bar establishment within a designated district, with controls on where beverages can be taken, labeled, and refilled.
Currently, Anoka is the only city with an active Social District. The cities of Shakopee and Stillwater have approved Social Districts but are still finalizing their policies before implementation.
Jordan previously pursued a Social District, but Representative Pratt indicated it would likely not be approved. The existing Social Districts are considered experimental. A specific challenge for Jordan is that businesses likely to participate in a Social District are separated by CSAH 21, making approval across a major highway route unlikely.
The State of Minnesota may potentially approve Social Districts at the state level, which could improve Jordan’s chances of establishing one in the future.
City Council Meeting
Planner’s Report – Second Reading of Ordinance 2025
The Council reviewed and approved the second reading of Ordinance 2025, a resolution amending the Light Industrial (I-1) zoning district to allow major automobile repair as a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).
Council reviewed specific changes made after the first reading. With no additional changes requested, further discussion focused on outdoor storage requirements. The Council determined that the 10% storage allowance was sufficient, and the amendment was passed.
Mayor’s Comments
Mayor Fremming congratulated the Jordan Girls’ Basketball teams, especially the 4th-grade team, which won the championship. He also reminded the Council of the upcoming ribbon-cutting for Sand Creek Social.
Council Comments
Council member Schuh reminded the Council of the upcoming DSA Banquet, where Jordan citizens will be recognized for their community service.
Council member Pho mentioned that the 6th graders will be attending Wolf Ridge.
Council member Monyok reminded everyone about the Cadillac Dinner this coming Saturday.
Council member Whipps highlighted Consent Agenda Item H, a Special Event Permit for a Farmers Market in Jordan. He expressed excitement about the opportunity after strong community support for the event. The application shows the Farmers Market will take place on Sundays from June 1, 2025, to September 14, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the parking lot of 150 El Dorado Drive, Jordan.
The next city council meeting will be held on Monday, March 10 at 6:30 PM.