Jordan Council Meeting Highlights: Mini Met Improvements, Façade Grants, and Industrial Site Proposal
By Jan Gilmer
The Jordan City Council met Monday, May 12 to discuss a full agenda, including a proposed scoreboard replacement at the Mini Met, several Façade Matching Grant requests, and a concept plan for an industrial development on 190th Street. The meeting also included discussion on mental health support for public safety personnel and updates on community events and infrastructure projects.
Mini Met Scoreboard Project Advances
The Jordan Baseball Organization informed the Council that the scoreboard at the Mini Met is in need of significant repair or replacement within the next five years. After evaluating the repair costs, the organization is leaning toward full replacement, with a project estimate of $65,000. The group has already secured donations of labor and materials but requested the City fund the $8,000 structural engineering plan required to proceed.
City staff noted that a $10,000 balance remains from the 2024 baseball tournament fund, and the Council voted unanimously to approve using that money to cover the engineering costs.
Façade Matching Grant Applications Spark Debate
415 Broadway St. S. – Strains of the Earth
Council approved a $10,000 Façade Matching Grant for masonry work and repairs to the front façade of the Strains of the Earth building. This includes tuck-pointing, rebar and cap replacement, and stone repair. Although the property received a previous grant in a prior year, it has not received one in 2025. The motion passed unanimously.
214 1st St. E. – Frankie’s Wunderbar / Bildon Properties LLC
A second grant request for $10,000 from Bildon Properties LLC sought a matching grant to construct and paint a new portico/deck on the rear of Frankie’s Wunderbar. The original deck had deteriorated and been removed, and the new one will offer shade for outdoor patrons.
Councilmember Whipps felt the grant was intended for improvements to the building “façade,” meaning the front-facing exterior. Councilmember Schuh noted the language of the grant was modified recently to indicate an improvement to the ‘exterior’ of the building could qualify.
Councilmembers recognized the backside of the property is in direct view from 1st Street and the City Hall parking lot, and noted that the improvements being made to the property were an asset to the town. City Administrator Tom Nikunen said the City has a history of approving the Façade Matching Grant for the backside of other buildings within the C-2/C-3 zoning districts when the backside is visible to the public.
After discussion, Councilmember Schuh made a motion to approve the $10,000 matching grant, seconded by Councilmember Pho. The motion passed with Whipps opposing.
216 Broadway St. S. – Bildon Properties LLC
A third grant application, also from Bildon Properties LLC, proposed converting a garage into a small community event center with framed walls, new siding, windows, a service door, and matching paint. Councilmember Whipps argued the application should be combined with the previous one as both relate to the same business. Property owner Donovan Tegg clarified that while he intends to combine the parcels eventually, they remain separate lots as of now.
Councilmembers discussed concerns over the potential loss of parking. Tegg assured the Council that one spot might be lost, but two would remain. Administrator Nikunen pointed out the Council has authority to adjust parking requirements within the C-2/C-3 zoning districts. Despite this, concerns over parcel separation and policy intent led to the application being denied in a 3-2 vote.
Industrial Development Concept Presented
Council reviewed a concept plan for Quatmann Farms at 6305 190th Street and provided feedback to the developer. The proposal is for a 27.5-acre refrigerated cold storage facility.
Jordan City Engineer Mike Waltman and City Planner Jeff Matzke provided their assessments of the concept, pointing out where they saw benefits and challenges with the project. Councilmembers raised questions about truck traffic volume, street realignment, right-of-way requirements, and whether the site could tie into existing city infrastructure.
The developer said that they had targeted multiple sites for this client’s development. Jordan’s commitment to the 169/9 interchange was a key factor to selecting the Quatmann site. The developer indicated that they favored the access from 190th to use the land north of 190th Street. However, during discussion the land was identified as park dedication land, which may pose challenges to repurposing the land. Councilmember Whipps pointed out it would take a single person to oppose repurposing the park dedication land to scrap that alignment.
The developer indicated their target completion date to be in Q1-2027. To meet that date, they need to have groundbreaking as early as Q3-2025.
Resolution 05-33-2025 Request to Annex a Portion of Property located at 6305 190th Street
Council unanimously approved Resolution 05-33-2025 to annex a portion of the Quatmann property from St. Lawrence Township into the City of Jordan under the existing Orderly Annexation Agreement.
Police Mental Health Support
Following recent incidents involving police and first responders, Councilmember Schuh asked Chief Brett Empey about mental health support resources within the department. Empey shared that one officer has completed peer-to-peer certification and that more will follow. Councilmember Whipps noted the police and fire departments conduct joint debriefs and praised Minnesota’s broader support systems for emergency personnel.
Consent Agenda
The Council approved a range of items on the concent agenda, including:
Bill payments and council per diems
Public Works updates
Special event permits for the Harley Heaven Motorcycle Ride and Baseball Day Food Truck Festival
Fund reallocations and an updated Credit Card Use Policy
Council and Mayor Updates
Mayor Fremming thanked residents for their patience during construction season and staff for working with MnDOT on traffic signal timing.
Councilmember Whipps thanked staff for organizing Movie in the Park, he requested that staff provide a list of grants approved for downtown buildings with the amount provided in each grant. He would like to see the taxpayer contributions being made to businesses. Whipps also requested a timeline for the Holzer Park lighting installation, which Nikunen said would be installed in fall 2025. Due to weather they were not able to complete the installation in 2024.
Councilmember Monyok recounted a recent roadside emergency in which Jordan Police ensured the safety of his family and others, commending their professionalism.
Councilmember Penney praised Movie in the Park and thanked police for their visible presence.
Councilmember Pho reported enjoying the Cinco de Mayo celebration and recognized first responders for their increased call volume and the seriousness of recent calls.
Councilmember Schuh acknowledged the Hub News article on the “South House,” announced an open seat on the Economic Development Authority (EDA), and reminded residents about the upcoming Brewers game.
The next Jordan City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27th at 6:30 pm. The meeting is shifted from Monday due to the Memorial Day holiday.