Salix, IA city leaders discuss data center ordinance, future conversations with Google
Salix, Iowa city leaders are discussing a new ordinance to regulate data centers, following a vote against a 12-month moratorium. Residents continue to express concerns about a proposed Google data center project and land annexation. The City Council also tabled a Memorandum of Understanding related to data centers for further review.
The Salix City Council is actively discussing the creation of a new ordinance to regulate data centers within city limits. This development comes after the council recently voted against implementing a 12-month moratorium on data center development, approximately three weeks prior to the current meeting.
During the council meeting, residents utilized the public comment period to voice their ongoing concerns, particularly regarding the proposed annexation of land for a Google data center project. The meeting was also notable for Mayor Kevin Nelson's decision to ask three individuals to leave, citing newly adopted rules for "decorum."
Council Member Denise Burkhart proposed that the council compile a list of their concerns and desired provisions for the ordinance. This list would then be forwarded to the Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO), which would be tasked with drafting the ordinance. The process is expected to involve community engagement, including town halls, to gather public input on the proposed regulations.
In a separate action, the City Council voted to table a "Memorandum of Understanding" concerning data centers, which was the sole data center-related item on the agenda. Council members requested additional time to review the document, postponing a decision until their October 14th meeting.