Elizabeth Lopez

The board meeting included an operations update from the project manager, a review and approval of the insurance coverage renewal, and a report on SBDC business readiness programs. Additionally, the board reviewed tenant and lease reports, approved a new tenant, and reviewed and approved financial statements, including the income and expenses and balance sheet. Marketing and media efforts, including website and social media presence, were also discussed.

The council held a special session focused on data center water usage and development. Presentations provided background on the city's utility infrastructure, including pressure zones and treatment plant capacity. Discussions addressed the impact of industrial customers on the water system and specifically how modern closed-loop cooling systems in data centers affect water consumption and wastewater discharge. Experts also shared insights on the economic impact, job creation, and market outlook of large-scale AI data center developments.

The council received a presentation regarding the tax levy and tax rate impacts of a proposed data center project in the city, with a focus on levy limits, the role of net new construction, and the dynamics of tax increment districts. Discussions covered potential revenue options, the impact on property tax rates, and strategies for capital planning and debt management, including how to handle large development projects over time.

The City Council held a special session workshop to discuss the subject of data centers. A representative from Alliant Energy provided a presentation regarding the generation, transmission, and delivery of electricity, as well as the regulatory process for setting rates overseen by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The discussion covered utility operations, the role of the Mid-continent Independent System Operator, the impact of state policies on energy resources, and the importance of reliability and economic growth in utility planning.

The council received a presentation from the Wisconsin Data Center Coalition regarding the economic impact of data center development, specifically focusing on the local supply chain, manufacturing opportunities, and workforce development. The session included discussions on the diverse industries contributing to data center construction, the potential for local companies to participate in these projects, and the overall economic multipliers associated with the industry. Additionally, the presentation addressed common concerns regarding energy rates and the reliability of power infrastructure.