Aaron Alt

The meeting primarily focused on public participation regarding a potential data center project. Developers from Iron Ridge Development explicitly stated they are not pursuing a data center project in Archbold, despite land purchases by related entities. Public speakers voiced significant concerns about the environmental impact (water usage, pollution), infrastructure strain, health risks, and the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) by officials, specifically Councilman Dominique. Council members responded by assuring the public that they are actively reviewing and updating zoning codes, denying current plans for a data center, and noting that the Village receives water from the Tiffin River, not local aquifers. The key action taken was to table the discussion and potential action regarding preparing draft moratorium legislation for data centers and advanced manufacturing to allow time for in-depth study of impacts.

The agenda for the council meeting includes the approval or amendment of the minutes from the prior meeting on February 2nd, 2026, and the approval of bills and payroll totaling $364,407.27, along with the January 2026 Financials. Department reports scheduled for review include Police, Fire & EMS, and Fleet reports for January 2026. A key new business item is a discussion and potential action regarding providing direction to the Village Administrator to draft moratorium legislation concerning Data Centers and Advanced Manufacturing to study their impact on public health, safety, welfare, and municipal resources and infrastructure.

The key discussion centered on concerns raised by German Township Trustees and a local farmer regarding rumors of a developer potentially acquiring farmland for a data center. Council and Village Administration confirmed that no official information or applications regarding such a development have been received. The discussion highlighted the need for transparent communication and the review of zoning codes by both the Village and the Township to address potential future industrial rezoning needs. Key legislative action included the approval of Resolution 2026-09, which transfers funds from the General Fund to the Paramedic Fund, Police Fund, and Cemetery Fund. Additionally, the council approved a list of bills and payroll totaling $412,564.55 and reviewed various committee and department reports.

The meeting included the swearing in of three Council Members. Key actions involved the nomination and election of a Council President, passing Ordinance 2026-01 concerning the appointment of officers and board members, and passing Resolution 2026-02 authorizing the sale of personal property via internet auction. Furthermore, Resolution 2026-03 was passed authorizing a bid acceptance for the St Rt. 2 Waterline Replacement Contract 1-2026. A public hearing was conducted regarding a rezoning request for 100 acres at the Northeast corner of North Defiance Street and East Lutz Road, which was subsequently approved via Ordinance 2026-04. Employee recognition was given to an individual for passing a wastewater operator license test. Council also reviewed various committee, board, and department reports, and presented a plaque to a departing Council member for 26 years of service.

The special session was convened to address a request for a certificate of estimated property tax revenue/millage. The Council suspended the rule requiring three readings for general resolutions and subsequently passed Resolution 2026-05, which declared it necessary to levy a tax in excess of the ten mill limitation and declared an emergency related to renewing the current levy to maintain the General Fund revenue at the existing level. The subsequent regular session included the swearing-in ceremony for two new Police Officers, Jacy Wagner and Jeff Lehman. The Council also passed resolutions concerning the renewal of a 3.3 mill levy (Resolution 2026-06) and the acceptance of proposals for a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado for the Street Department (Resolution 2026-07) and a 2026 Vermeer chipper for the Street Department (Resolution 2026-08), all declared as emergencies. Department reports were reviewed, and an update was provided on the Casey's development, noting ongoing easement work with Ohio Gas.