Waterville Township passed a 12-month moratorium on data centers – a move that Monclova Township trustees decline to consider. Whitehouse, in the meantime, ends the year with a farewell to council member Steve Connelly. Below is a recap of news from Anthony Wayne-area meetings. Find more Anthony Wayne area news here, where you an also sign up for the newsletter.
Waterville Township OKs 12-Month Data Center Moratorium
Citing concerns about the drain on the electrical grid and water supply, as well as the impact on quality of life, Waterville Township trustees voted unanimously on Dec. 17 to impose a 12-month moratorium on issuing permits for data centers.
“We don’t want to be behind the eight ball, scrambling to come up with conditions,” explained trustee Julie Theroux, who introduced the moratorium language as written by the Columbus law firm hired by trustees.
The year-long moratorium will give trustees a chance to consider the pros and cons and understand possible impacts in order to better prepare conditions if a data center developer applied for a conditional use permit to operate on agriculturally-zoned land.
Assistant County Prosecutor John Borell said the moratorium can be renewed, but advised the trustees that the time frame should be used to study the impact, not just use the time to “kick the can down the road.”
Lisa Haberstock thanked the trustees for the moratorium, and suggested that area communities work together to study the pros and cons of data centers. Resident Brian Gowing, who moved to Neowash Road to be in the middle of farm country, thanked the board for listening to residents. Todd Heller asked trustees to consider removing Bill Burkett from the Zoning Commission, positing that it was a conflict of interest because Burkett works for Regional Growth Partnership. A fourth man, a Providence Township resident who didn’t want to be named, questioned the trustees’ decision to only allow residents to speak.
Borell later explained that, while boards are not required to allow public comment during meetings, if they do allow it, the trustees cannot limit who speaks or the content of the comments.
During the meeting, the board also:
-Swore in trustees Toby Miller and Kyle Hertzfeld, who are each beginning four-year terms. The board also thanked Kim Anderson for her four years of service.
-Heard that a Land Use Plan Update Committee will be meeting in January, using input from resident surveys to guide the future of the township.
-Learned that the owner of the Dutch Road Self Storage is interested in installing a digital billboard facing U.S. 24, but the proposal is for a sign that is much larger than what’s allowed in zoning regulations. Miller said the sign owners offered to let the township to share messages about public safety or other news.
-Appointed Steve Reinbolt to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
-Agreed to extend its contract with Klumm Brothers for garbage pickup from 743 households.
Monclova Township
Dozens of Waterside residents filled the Monclova Township meeting room on Dec. 15 with one goal: to persuade the trustees to impose a moratorium on data centers.
“We have no business on data centers for you,” trustee Barbara Lang advised, later adding that “the board is giving you the courtesy to speak.”
Risa Sindel asked that the trustees honor the wishes of their constituents and not court data centers. Diane Stroshine asked trustees to “be the heroes that your constituents need.”
Lyn Cox said a moratorium would give the trustees time to weigh its options and look at its land use plan, which she said shows the highest priority as preserving agricultural land.
“When a project has the potential to fundamentally change the character of a community, we expect more. We are reviewing potential actions and remedies,” Cox said.
Mike Tyson pointed out that by implementing a conditional use permit process instead of requiring a property to be rezoned, the trustees eliminated the option for citizens to file a referendum against a decision. Instead, that decision will rest with the four members of the Board of Zoning Appeals.
“I don’t like to have my rights taken away,” Tyson said. “Seriously think about how we can have the final say.”
While emotions are running high, Colleen Neidert suggested that trustees focus on collaborating with residents and getting them involved in analyzing the pros and cons of data centers through a subcommittee or working group.
“We wish to place a one-year moratorium on data centers, to give us all a chance to breathe…to learn and discuss,” Neidert said.
Lang said a moratorium would just send a message to the owner of the 200 acres on Black Road that he should just look into annexing into Maumee.
“A moratorium is an invisible wall around our township. It doesn’t protect our township in any way. I don’t think it’s an effective tool,” she said.
During the meeting, the trustees also:
-Thanked Trudy Vicary for her four years of service and welcomed new board member Deborah Stevens-Laux.
-Heard Sgt. Chris Curley from the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office advise on the investigated complaints about an animal operation on U.S. 20A and found that it is licensed and compliant with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
-Discussed the need for signs to be placed on private property and not on the right of way – usually between the utility poles and the roadway – or stapled to the poles. Some residents advised that their anti-data center signs have been taken, and questioned whether they were taken by township crews during monthly sweeps.
-Approved providing $6,030 to cover the cost of a sewer tap for Monclova Community Center.
-Heard zoning administrator Eric Wagner say that Mike’s Hauling provided a quote of $18,500 to tear down an abandoned house and shed, and to remove a septic tank and debris at 8830 Maumee-Western (U.S. 20A). The house was deemed a nuisance by the board earlier this year. The trustees opted to wait and see if any grants are available to cover the cost.
-Listened to road superintendent Doug Holland ask residents to be patient as crews attempt to collect leaves despite ice and snow.
-Agreed to use ProMedica for an employee assistance program.
Whitehouse
Whitehouse Village Council Mayor Rich Bingham thanked Steve Connelly for his three years of service, which included plenty of big changes – implementing term limits, a village-wide community service and even a consideration of allowing chickens.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to serve with you,” Connelly said. “I can’t think of a stronger group to work toward the future as we become a city.”
Connelly opted not to re-run for office. Instead, Joe Bublick will take his place, as he was voted into office along with returning council members Louann Artiaga and Steve Fine.
“Steve stepped in and the village is better because of his service. He is a thoughtful and collaborated colleague,” Bingham said.
During the meeting, council also:
-Appointed Rob Casaletta to the Planning Commission.
-Learned that Whitehouse won in a toy drive competition versus Waterville. A total of over 2,900 toys were collected.
-Listened to an update from Council Member Fine and Administrator Jordan Daugherty on the status of electric aggregation. The village is waiting until rates come down to an appreciable savings over Toledo Edison before locking into a rate.
-Approved the 2026 budget that council President Dave Riggenbach described as having fiscal restraint while still providing existing service levels.
