By Jan Gilmer
The Jordan City Council met on Oct. 27, 2025, to hold the public hearing for delinquent bills, gain a clearer understanding of the County Assessor’s process, receive updates from engineering and planning staff, and hold a work session to consider RFPs for the legal consultant position.
City Council Meeting
Public Hearing
Public hearings were held for delinquent utility assessments, delinquent refuse assessments and delinquent fire call assessments, all of which would be voted on for approval in the finance report. There was no public comment for any of the delinquent assessments.
Public Comment
City Council had requested a visit from the County Assessor after discussing the taxable value on multiple buildings and properties in Jordan, as well as to provide an overall review for new council members. Michael Thompson, Scott County Assessor, gave a presentation on how the county determines tax assessments.
The presentation outlined the basic formula used to determine a property’s taxable value. The assessment of estimated market value (EMV) begins on Jan. 2 of each year. The EMV, along with the property classification, is used as input to the formula. The local property tax rate is then calculated using the property tax revenue needed and total tax capacity for all properties. Finally, any credits, voter-approved school referendum levies and the state general tax for certain properties are added.
The valuation and calculation for the payable property tax is a three-year process, with a sales study recognizing property sales from October of the previous year through September of the current year. The County Board of Equalization reviews valuations in June, followed by the estimated tax notice to residents in November. The first half of property taxes is due May 15 of the following year, and the second half is due Oct. 15.
The County determines the Minnesota Department of Revenue (MDOR) Residential Ratio using six or more sales within the review period. For 2024, Jordan’s MDOR Residential Ratio was 95%. Using eight sales from 2024, Jordan’s “going in” ratio was 96%, with an estimated final ratio of 96% for 2025. The MDOR ratio helps stabilize estimated tax rates. Without it, large swings in valuations can occur, and if a ratio is court-ordered by the state, it becomes a nonnegotiable tax assessment. Scott County has not had a court-ordered valuation adjustment since 2006. The average home value in Jordan increased by 0.4% from 2024 to 2025.
The valuation process also takes into account the market area, including neighborhood, style and era. This helps determine whether a home is entry-level or high-end, a rambler, two-story or split entry, and whether it’s in an older neighborhood or newer development. Current rates and payment impacts are also considered.
Thompson encouraged residents with questions about their property valuations to contact the County Tax Office to speak with an assessor for a thorough explanation of how the valuation was determined.
Although the request for the assessor’s visit stemmed from a discussion of commercial property values in Jordan, no questions were raised during the meeting.
A resident of the Bluffs of Cedar Ridge thanked staff—specifically Scott Haas and the Public Works team—for completing the Pauly Park trail access crosswalk on Arabian Drive.
Administrator’s Report
With the Granicus contract approved at a previous meeting, Administrator Nikunen noted that not all council members were using the software, instead accessing information through the city’s website. Granicus is used to host web meetings and manage agendas. To access the full range of features, including VoteCast, all council members must log in through the Granicus application. Members who had not been using it cited password reset issues. After discussion, all members agreed to log in through Granicus.
A proposal for façade work on the former Xcel building was discussed. The city purchased the building earlier this year with the intent to repurpose it for retail use rather than industrial. By improving the façade, the city believes it will better appeal to potential buyers. EDA funds will be used for the project, with costs expected to be recovered upon the building’s sale.
Councilmember Goebel asked about the expected timeline for the façade work. Nikunen said it would likely begin in spring 2026, and bids would also be requested for interior demolition. Councilmember Whipps expressed concern about investing more funds into the building. The proposal was approved, and staff was instructed to move forward.
Engineer’s Report
Luke Wheeler, Bolton & Menk city engineer, updated the council on the request for a protected left-turn signal at Highway 282 and Highway 21. MnDOT attached multiple requirements, including new mast arms at all four approaches, updated ADA pads and pedestrian push buttons, and potential right-of-way use. While the signal change would reduce left-turn delays by about 10 seconds, it would increase overall wait times due to additional phases. The total estimated cost is $200,000 to $250,000.
Council asked if smaller improvements could be made. Wheeler said MnDOT requires all the listed upgrades. Council expressed concern about adding delay to an already congested intersection. Built in 2009, the intersection is not scheduled for MnDOT modification until 2040–2045 and is not a designated detour route for the Highway 169/282 project.
Staff will continue to lobby MnDOT to advance the timeline and explore grant funding. Councilmember Whipps suggested EDA funds could help, noting safety takes precedence over maintaining an unused balance.
Wheeler also presented a review of parking along Syndicate Street, which will serve as a detour route during the next phase of the 169/282/9 interchange project. The 40-foot-wide street includes an 8-foot parking lane on the west side. Staff reported no issues during the last detour, and the Safety Committee recommended leaving parking as is. Council agreed but will revisit the issue if problems arise during the next phase.
Finance Report
Resolutions 10-69-2025, 10-70-2025 and 10-71-2025—assessments for delinquent utility bills, refuse, and fire calls, respectively—were unanimously approved.
Planner’s Report
City Planner Sahni Moore presented a request for an interim use permit (IUP) for 210 Broadway St. N. The city has renewed IUPs for the property since 2018 with little progress. The gravel lot is currently used by St. John the Baptist Church for parking. Church representatives said fundraising cannot begin until January 2027 due to the Archdiocesan Capital Campaign, but they hope to partner with the city on funding.
Councilmembers expressed frustration over the lack of progress, noting that zoning ordinances were modified to accommodate the church’s plans. The IUP was approved with the condition that the church meet with staff and the Development Review Committee after the first of the year. The motion passed, with Councilmember Schuh opposing.
Moore then introduced a proposed zoning amendment to rezone several properties from R-2 Medium Density Residential Single-Family to R-3 Townhouse and Multifamily Residential, along with a comprehensive plan amendment to adjust density from low to medium. The proposal includes an eight-unit building on 1.06 acres at 551 Creek Lane N. and a four-unit building on an adjacent .51-acre lot. These would not be designated as low-income housing and border other R-3 properties.
The Metropolitan Council indicated no issues with the change. The Planning Commission approved the request 5–2, with two commissioners preferring the four-unit layout. Council approved Resolution 10-73-2025 and Ordinance Amendment 2025-06 to make the changes official.
Moore also presented a zoning amendment allowing wider residential driveway access in all zoning districts. The Planning Commission held a public hearing Oct. 14 and recommended approval, along with revising the ordinance language from “minimum distance between driveways” to “minimum driveway side yard setback.”
Council discussion included concerns about snow storage, cul-de-sac spacing, utility access and stormwater impacts. Compared to 10 nearby cities, Jordan’s driveway width requirements are currently the narrowest. With this being the first reading of Ordinance 2025-07 and Resolution 10-75-2025, the changes were approved.
Consent Agenda
Items A–D included the check register, monthly police report, monthly finance summary, and a donation to the Jordan Police Department’s Officer Mental Health and Wellness Program (Resolution 10-74-2025). The finance report compared 2024 and 2025 sewer, water and storm sewer revenues and expenses, detailed building permits and new home counts since 2021, and included a general fund summary.
Item E, a proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, was moved to the mayor’s comments. Council approved items A–D.
Mayor’s Comments
Mayor Fremming read and signed the proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, thanked Laverne Geis for her donation to the JPD’s mental health and wellness program, and noted the Hubmen football team will compete in section playoffs at Crown College. He also confirmed the IDP property remains zoned I-1 Industrial per the 2006 comprehensive plan.
Work Session
Four legal firms responded to the city’s RFP for legal services. The work session was used to interview the candidates: LeVander, Gillen & Miller, P.A.; Campbell Knutson, P.A.; Hoff Barry, P.A.; and current provider Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A. Mayor Fremming posed a series of questions to each firm.
LeVander, Gillen & Miller, P.A.
Cindy Kirkoff, the proposed primary contact, highlighted her background in municipal and employment law, code enforcement, and planning. She cited annexation agreements, eminent domain, and labor issues as key challenges Jordan may face and emphasized strong client service.
Campbell Knutson, P.A.
Soren Mattick and Jack Brooksbank said the firm’s practice focuses exclusively on municipal law and that they frequently handle litigation for cities statewide. They emphasized long-term relationships and asked the council to define the desired level of collaboration.
Hoff Barry, P.A.
Scott Landsman said 90% of the firm’s work involves municipal law, including eminent domain, labor negotiations, employment mediation, and annexation agreements. The firm prioritizes teamwork and proactive communication and is occasionally engaged by the League of Minnesota Cities.
Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A.
Current city attorneys Joe Langel and Tim Sullivan reviewed the firm’s expertise in code enforcement, employment law, condemnation, and annexation. They noted prior communication delays had been resolved through collaboration with Administrator Nikunen. Nikunen confirmed the firm has been easy to work with.
Council discussed impressions of each firm and directed staff to send them through the Personnel Committee for further consideration.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 10 at 6:30 p.m.