Shane Howard

The commission held an election of officers and conducted a public hearing regarding an ordinance to amend the Planning and Zoning Code. The discussion focused on establishing a formal definition for data centers and designating the I-2 heavy industrial district as the permissible location for such facilities. Additionally, the Engineering Department provided a statement regarding the review process for Best Management Practices and stormwater design plans.

The Board of Zoning Appeals reviewed an appeal for a use variance regarding a short-term rental property, which was ultimately denied due to a lack of demonstrated hardship and non-compliance with dwelling requirements. Additionally, the Board approved a variance request for the installation of four additional wall signs for a commercial property to align with national branding standards.

The board discussed and approved a variance request for the Alliance Arid Club located at 421 South Arch Ave., allowing for an addition to a non-conforming structure and a side yard setback variance. Additionally, the board approved a variance for Sheetz Inc. at 236 West State St. for the installation of four additional wall signs as part of a complete facility rebuild project, noting the site's unique positioning on four streets and consistency with local signage standards.

The primary discussion revolved around an ordinance referred by the City Council concerning a zoning change to create a specific category for data centers. The Commission determined that scheduling a public hearing would require setting it for April 15th, 2026, as the fastest option available, given the need for 30 days' notice before the hearing and another 30 days before returning the matter to the council. This measure is intended to address potential legal exposure related to current code interpretations.

The agenda for this meeting of the Alliance City Council includes receiving the Mayor's Report and memoranda detailing collected receipts for December 2025 and January 2026, along with the January 2026 Statement of Cash Position. Key legislative actions scheduled for discussion and potential passage involve third readings for resolutions authorizing the sale of obsolete city property and ordinances related to installing a "Children at Play" sign, accepting NOPEC grant funds, amending zoning codes, making appropriations and fund transfers for 2026 expenses, and ratifying contracts with several employee associations (AAFEA, WPCEA, AWWWWSEA). Administrative and standing committee reports will also be presented.