By Jan Gilmer
The Jordan City Council met on November 11, 2025, to review recommendations for legal counsel, consider the purchase of property, discuss utility franchise fees, act on a façade grant application, review updates to the utilities budget, and evaluate a subscription to the CodeRed Alert System.
Public Comment
No public comments were offered.
Administrator’s Report
Legal Counsel Contract
Following interviews with four candidate firms during the October 27 work session, the Personnel Committee completed its review and background checks. Given the number of ongoing and upcoming sensitive legal matters, the committee recommended a four-year contract with the current legal counsel, Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A. The firm has represented the City for the past four years. The committee also recommended annual performance reviews.
Council accepted the recommendation and approved entering into a new four-year contract with Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A., effective January 1, 2026.
Façade Matching Grant – 200 Broadway St. S.
Council reviewed a Façade Matching Grant application for tuck-point work on two sides of the corner building at 200 Broadway St. S. The EDA previously recommended approval.
The property owner attended the meeting and asked about the different colored brick on the side of the building. They were advised that a mural had once been painted there but was removed by the previous owner.
Council questioned the grant request being exactly half of the maximum available. It was noted that the tuck-pointing needs are substantial, and the applicant intends to complete as much work as possible with the $20,000 grant. Council approved the grant request.
Potential Water Tower Site – 21180 Delmar Avenue
Administrator Nikunen reported that the property owner at 21180 Delmar Avenue approached the City about selling the 31.28-acre parcel to the city. Engineering review confirmed the site would be suitable for a future water tower requiring 3–5 acres of the parcel. The Development Review Committee directed staff to negotiate a purchase agreement.
The parcel currently has two lease agreements: one for farming and one for a rental home. The City intends to continue these leases until the area is serviced with water and sewer—likely five or more years out. Staff also noted that future zoning could include a mix of commercial, park, and residential uses. Another option mentioned was preparing part of the farmland for land application of wastewater solids to reduce expenses.
The City negotiated a purchase price of $750,000, to be funded from the water reserve balance. After discussion, Council approved the property purchase.
Questions From Council
Councilmember Schuh asked whether rental income on city-owned properties is being adjusted. Nikunen said the city-owned downtown apartment rent increases every two years, and the Historical Society operates under a 15-year contract with scheduled increases.
Schuh also asked whether Council would consider reducing its size from seven to five members. Staff will add this item to a future agenda for discussion.
Finance Report
Finance Director Morey Schaefer outlined goals for the utilities budget, noting that the City aims to finish each year with enough cash to cover next year’s bond payments as well as 4–5 months of operating expenses. He believes the proposed 2026 budget meets this target.
Water and Sewer Fees
Schaefer presented a comparison of water fees with eight neighboring communities—Le Sueur, New Prague, St. Peter, Montgomery, Belle Plaine, Elko New Market, and Lonsdale—based on usage of 4,000 gallons per month. Using Jordan’s proposed 2026 rates against the other cities’ 2025 rates, Jordan ranked as the second lowest.
Sewer fees will rise slightly to prepare for the upcoming wastewater treatment facility replacement.
The combined monthly utility bill for 4,000 gallons—including water and sewer usage and availability, storm sewer, and street lighting—is projected to increase by about 4.53%, or $4.17 per month in 2026.
Councilmember Whipps asked whether businesses pay higher water rates. Nikunen said the City previously did not apply escalating conservation rates to all businesses, but that changed a few years ago. Businesses now pay based on REUs (residential equivalent units), making their rates consistent with residential users.
Utility Franchise Fees
Council previously asked staff to explore franchise fees as a tool to reduce bonding. Many cities collect fees from gas and electric utilities—either a flat rate or percentage of a bill—to fund specific capital projects such as street improvements.
The city of Montgomery recently adopted a percentage-based fee expected to generate about $300,000 annually. Using similar assumptions, Jordan estimates it could collect approximately $600,000. These funds could reduce bonding needs and lower the debt levy.
Benefits include:
Higher-use properties paying proportionally more under a percentage model.
Tax-exempt properties contributing to capital funds.
Concerns included:
Adding a new financial burden for residents.
Ensuring clear communication on the purpose of the fee.
Councilmember Whipps suggested dedicating the revenue to a specific purpose rather than for general use. Councilmember Goebel expressed concern about adding another cost for residents. Councilmember Penney requested additional analysis showing whether franchise fees would be offset by lower taxes.
Council agreed there was no urgency and asked staff to return with more information.
Police Report
The City currently uses the CodeRed Alert System through Scott County’s contract, which expires at year-end. The County will not renew the contract but will continue sending alerts through FEMA. Jordan is the primary city utilizing CodeRed, with about 800 residents enrolled.
Chief Empey contacted Crisis24 for a direct contract. A three-year agreement would cost:
Year 1: $3,583.96
Year 2: $3,500.66
Year 3: $3,675.69
While not budgeted for 2025, the cost can be covered across multiple departments, with future budgeting planned. Staff believes the system could expand to include school notifications, hydrant flushing, detours, ordinance changes, and more. Users can opt in to specific alert categories.
Councilmember Pho asked staff to explore an alert system offered by Granicus, which already provides the City’s legislative software.
Council approved the Crisis24 CodeRed contract.
Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda included:
Bills and council per diems
Partial payment for the Broadway Plaza project
Monthly Public Works report
Acceptance of a donation to the Jordan Police Department’s Volunteer Reserve Officer Program (Resolution 11-77-2025)
Second reading and approval of Ordinance 2025-06 rezoning 551 Creek Lane N and an adjacent parcel from R-2 to R-3
An amendment updating maximum residential driveway widths and changing “minimum distance between driveways” to “minimum driveway side yard setback”
Councilmember Whipps moved to approve the Consent Agenda; Councilmember Penney seconded. The motion passed.
Mayor’s Comments
In coordination with 3rd grade teacher Laura Theis, Mayor Fremming and Administrator Nikunen met with the third-grade class to discuss city government and elections. The students provided input on potential improvements for Jordan, including restaurants, shopping options, and park amenities. Two students will receive breakfast with the fire chief.
The Mayor also noted his participation in Veterans Day events and thanked veterans for their service.
Council Comments
Councilmember Pho recognized the U.S. Marine Corps birthday.
Councilmember Schuh congratulated staff on the City’s bond rating upgrade.
The next meeting of the Jordan City Council is Monday, November 24 at 6:30 p.m.
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