The Public Shows Fear for the Data Center Idea in Palmyra at the City Council Meeting

By Ella Aguilar

The Palmyra City Council met on Thursday, July 9th, and the council members were greeted by over a dozen people in the council chambers and over twenty watching from home.

Matt Rybinski, a resident of Palmyra, stated his concerns with the city council about the data center proposition that Mayor Rusty Adrain briefly discussed in earlier meetings, and he was not the only one.

Mayor Adrain affirmed that the city council was not trying to keep anything from anyone in the town. He also stated that he had done his own research about the data centers and was optimistic about the improvements they have accomplished over the years.

“The noise is minimal,” Mayor Adrain said. “The water is recycled.”

With discussion from the electrical side, there was concern about the cost. The MPUA, Missouri Public Utility Alliance, with the same concerns, has been working on contracts for the data centers and ensuring that the cost would not go to the people but to the city instead. The mitigation would be in place to protect the people of Palmyra.

Concerns were brought up about bringing a five-megawatt data center, but the city was informed it could handle it, but nothing bigger, and have reserves. Concerns were made about if the town grew. “Little more reserve for the five-megawatt data center with room for new subdivisions, but need room for other stuff as well,” was stated.

Mayor Adrain wanted to be clear with everyone that the data center would only be brought in if “there is a way to benefit and help our community.”

Concerns were brought up about the wildlife in Palmyra, especially since this is the Flower City. The people stated that the wildlife and nature in Palmyra should be a bigger priority than the profits of the town.

The placement option for the data center was stated to be in Warren Head Industrial Park, where the city had already conducted studies and tests, but also to complete any additional tests that would be required.

Concerns were raised about the low-frequency hum that emits from the data center andits placement being close to the high school. Mayor Adrain stated that he spoke to a company previously about this, and was informed that the sound is lower and the newer ones are “improved”. However, comments were made on the ability to trust these companies.

Mayor Adrain made sure to state that “if it hurts the people then we won’t do it,” assuring the people they would only do what benefited them.

The people stated clearly that they wanted to wait to see what happens in other communities first before putting one in the town. The visitors in the meeting were scared of what could happen to their community. Other communities with data centers have stated that their property rates have lowered, as well as the complaints about the low-frequency hum.

A question was brought up about the data center wanting to grow past their limit, and the city stated they would cut them off and cancel their contract. This concern is very prominent with these data centers, as parts of Virginia have told schools not to use as much electricity to power the data centers, and Lake Tahoe residents are dealing with draining of electricity at their homes.

The city ended the visitor comments stating that they would make sure to research everything before they even let the data center into the city.

There have been no updates for the credit card policy and the business licenses, but there should be updates by the next meeting. A newly revised patio agreement was presented to the council members and approved.

The council members also approved the locations for city employees to receive their vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B at Adams County Health Department instead of Marion County Health Department, which does not offer Hepatitis A.

The council members also approved an asphalt overlay bid, with Austen Dornberger informing the council that they would start within the next two or three weeks.

A quote was received for the beginning work on the Hutchinson Trail in the park. The quote was approved, and construction will begin soon.

Two bids were received for Foster Field and were approved. The first was for Jones Bros. Construction for the field and stands, and the second was from Bergman Nursery to complete the irrigation systems. Both of these bids were approved.

The first reading of Bill 1677 was held. This bill will create regulations for electric bicycles and add them to the definitions.

The first reading of Bill 1678 was held. This bill is for the replatting of certain plots. No votes were needed for this reading yet.

City Council Member, 1st Ward, Kelly Walotka stated of wanting to host Town Hall Open Forums for the people. She would want to host one at three different times so everyone could attend, and hopes to do it once every three weeks.

City Council Member, 3rd Ward, Eddie Kamm stated his residents’ concerns about two abandoned properties. Kamm wanted to discuss options for getting the areas taken care of and maintained. The option for the property to be a nuisance was brought up. This would place a tax bill on it and give notice to the owners to clean it up. Kamm also stated that the Tasty Freeze is providing great business, but is creating traffic.

The street department updated that they are almost fully caught up with the damage caused by the heavy rains.

Police Chief Mike Baker is conducting the final parts of training for the Canton officer and should turn him loose today. Captain Carey completed the training for the second one last week. The department received the amount it will receive from the Blue Shield Grant and will be using it to replace three mobile radios. They are also working on getting an additional grant for the portable radios. The new dash cameras have been installed and are in use in all of the police vehicles.

The Water Department received bids for repairs to the ground storage tank on New Street. The interior is rusting and needs to be sandblasted and painted, and there are also necessary upgrades to make it compliant with OSHA. The city council approved this and the lowest bid for ~$180,000.