Why isn’t the city pursuing a data center moratorium, residents ask

Residents of Monticello, Minnesota are calling for a temporary moratorium on data center development during the March 9 City Council meeting. Resident Jenna Vandenboom pressed the city officials, asking why Monticello is drafting data center regulations instead of adopting a moratorium while state lawmakers debate new rules. Vandenboom suggested the city could adopt a two-year moratorium to monitor legislative developments and continue studying the issue. City Administrator Rachel Leonard said staff believes the city should move forward with an ordinance now rather than wait for potential state legislation, which could take time and leave Monticello without local rules in place if a developer submits a proposal. Leonard argued that without an ordinance, the city could have fewer tools to evaluate or deny a data center project. The goal of the proposed Data Center Planned Unit Development ordinance is to ensure the city can carefully review any future proposal. However, Vandenboom responded that many residents feel their concerns are not being reflected in the draft ordinance, and they are asking for stronger restrictions. The Community Development Director noted that the final decision on whether to pursue a moratorium rests with the Monticello City Council.