City Utilities staff reported on three public data center listening sessions: developers would bear their own infrastructure costs, a new large electric load rate is being drafted, and a large load task force reviews loads of 5 megawatts or more. A city official said he expects to ask the council for a 30-day delay and that zoning language still needs clarifying.
Board to discuss a plan to study environmental concerns and best practices for siting, developing and operating data centers, at the Greene County Commission's request; Kevin Barnes, Director of Greene County Resource Management, to present.
Video: CB 2026-235 (data-center definitions) had a first reading and public hearing; staff said it defines accessory, micro and large-load data centers, adds none to any zoning district and approves no project. Planning and Zoning recommended approval 6-1. A 5-megawatt threshold matches City Utilities' large-load assessment. Speakers included tech industry representatives who said the definitions could sweep in ordinary offices or small fiber facilities, and residents who called the definitions inadequate. CB 2026-236 and -237 (zoning and utility delays) would extend the application delay from November 17, 2026 to February 24, 2027, allowing a January 26 council vote on the full draft; Planning and Zoning recommended 236 by 7-0. Speakers supported an extension on environmental grounds. All three hearings were closed and return to Council on November 16.
Video: The City Manager reported two items coming forward: a legal definition of data centers and an extension of the administrative delay through February 24, 2027, both going to Planning and Zoning on October 15 and Council on October 26. Community input included more than 1,000 surveys, more than 600 public meeting attendees and 153 written submissions. A resident asked for a permanent ban during public comment.