PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP – Before unanimously passing a 12-month moratorium on the construction of data centers, Providence Township trustees had little discussion – but several residents shared their thoughts prior to the April 15 vote.
“One of the big concerns for us on the east side of the township is the potential for data centers,” said Schadel Road resident Jeff Rice, noting that Shawnee Township near Lima just approved an 18-month moratorium on data centers and large energy projects.
“If you’re passing a moratorium, can we – during that time – look at how to finalize permanent ways to keep them out of our area?” asked Sara Smith, asking the trustees if they were looking at data centers as a way to generate income, or were opposed. “I think we should be proactive and look at what others are doing. This is a song and dance by people waving shiny dollars at our local government. You guys represent us.”
The trustees used the Waterville Township language in creating a 12-month moratorium, and will follow the suggestions coming out of their neighboring township’s data center committee when it comes to upgrading its zoning regulations to address concerns.
During the meeting, the trustees also:
-Heard trustee Steve Kendall say that the 911 Regional Council of Governments (RCOG) is asking for an additional .8-mills, placing a 5-year levy on the ballot to fund public communications. The current levy ends on December 31, and the RCOG does not have a contingency plan if the levy fails or if voters approve abolishing property taxes.
The township’s proportional share for 911 dispatching in 2027 was just approved at .2055 percent, based on 3,995 incidents over a four-year period. That’s an increase from .1989 percent in 2026 – for a total cost to the township of $31,556. Kendall also noted that the RCOG committee is looking at next generation 911 communications that is linked statewide and includes videos so first responders can see a crash or fire before arriving on scene.
-Discussed issues with sinkholes and drainage tiles along Neapolis-Waterville Road. Superintendent Kevin Keifer is working with the county to see about getting the ditch cleared to prevent backflow.
-Heard residents Jeff Rice and Sara Smith ask that the county not eliminate the sirens for weather alerts, as not everyone keeps their phone on – including those who don’t have cell phones.
–Listened to Rice ask that trustees consider giving AE Electric an opportunity to repair issues with fuel tank hookups that are now being passed on to another electrical contractor.
-Discussed the county’s plan to clear ditches in the township, starting with large logjams and then doing sediment removal and clearing downstream first.
-Agreed that, when repaving Manore Road, the county should replace the first four feet of the four concrete driveways along that section with four feet of asphalt. Homeowners are not supposed to use concrete in the right of way.
-Heard that the new fire truck was arriving on April 19.
-Learned from Fire Chief Rick Triggs that the ambulance damaged in a February accident will need to be rebuilt on a new chassis, and that Stryker is requiring that the power cot and loading system for the ambulance be replaced, at an estimated $20,000 each. This will be covered by the insurance company of the driver that hit the ambulance.
