During the meeting, public input highlighted the community’s unease about the proposed data center. A resident expressed doubts about the transparency of the project, citing the complexity and vast amount of information yet to be fully disclosed. They stressed the importance of clear communication and community involvement, urging the commission to postpone any decisions for at least 90 days. The resident articulated the need for citizens to have a say in the city’s development trajectory, warning of potential unchecked expansions along Highway 52 without proper oversight.

Another speaker, Nora Felton, raised specific concerns regarding the data center’s water usage and the implications for the local aquifer. She questioned the efficiency of water treatment processes and the adequacy of the Environmental Impact Statement, many sections of which were marked “to be determined.” Felton cautioned against allowing the project to proceed without comprehensive design details, fearing it could set a precedent for future developments lacking in specificity and public accountability.

The commission then focused on the conditional use permit for the planned unit development (PUD), a continuation from a previous meeting. The PUD aimed to establish stricter guidelines on setbacks, landscaping, architectural design, and building height. Modifications included a requirement for 25% of trees to be planted before site development and adjustments related to rooftop solar exemptions. Discussion also touched on the feasibility of rooftop solar installations, with revised language allowing for potential solar use pending mutual agreement between the city and developer.

Commission members engaged in a dialogue about the need to address public concerns while recognizing the progress made in negotiations with the developer. There was acknowledgment of the pushback from residents as a vital factor in securing better community benefits than those initially proposed. The commission remained committed to balancing development with community interests, navigating the complexities of public concerns, regulatory requirements, and the desire for economic growth.

In addition to the data center discussions, the meeting covered several variances related to a phased development project, which involved deferring final architectural and engineering plans until the site plan review stage and extending the one-year commencement requirement. These variances were justified by the phased nature of the project. The commission emphasized that variances are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with the current requests deemed appropriate given the project’s specific circumstances.

Attention then turned to a preliminary plat for creating two developable lots and an outlot dedicated to the city for a water storage tank. The plat met city requirements, and the project aimed to enhance the city’s water infrastructure. A clarification was made regarding the conditions for using an emergency well, which would require prior approval from the Department of Natural Resources. It was also confirmed that exceeding the 43-million-gallon annual water allocation could lead to disconnection from city water services.

The introduction of a new water storage tower was another focal point, designed to serve the entire city’s distribution system and enhance service to the industrial park. Improved fire protection capabilities were highlighted, as the existing system’s reliance on booster pumps posed risks during high-demand situations. The new water main’s redundancy was noted as a significant advantage for the industrial area.

Financial aspects of the development agreement were also discussed. The city would contribute $5 million towards the water tower, with a capital improvement charge related to sewer services also noted. Developers would pay a park dedication fee in lieu of land, totaling approximately $494,000. Clarifications were sought on cooling water allocations, with a maximum annual allocation set at 43 million gallons and flexibility in cooling strategies to optimize usage.