CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited

Trustee Mr. Leber was present. Trustee Mr. Miller was present. Trustee Mr. Parker was absent. Fiscal Officer Pelletier was present. Road Superintendent Andy Dunlap was present.

Minutes were sent electronically for review.　

Motion 　

Residents gathered to discuss the ongoing moratorium on data centers and the township’s future stance. Residents asked whether the township planned to revisit the moratorium in 2027 and whether it could consider a long-term or permanent prohibition.　

The discussion addressed concerns about transparency and confusion stemming from an article published shortly after a prior meeting. Residents expressed frustration with misinformation and delayed mailed notices, and trustees acknowledged that poor communication had contributed to public distrust.　

Residents asked about zoning options, including distance requirements from schools, noise limits, size restrictions, and whether broader zoning protections could be implemented instead of relying solely on planned unit developments. Trustees discussed the difficulty of banning data centers outright and the need to balance future progress with community protection. 　

Trustees reiterated several times during the discussion that the moratorium will be renewed upon its expiration and that the township acted early, before any proposals were formally submitted. 　

Zoning Inspector Andy Dunlap reported that one new house permit is expected to be submitted. No additional zoning activity was reported.

Road Superintendent Andy Dunlap reported that Schaefer Road, Peru Center Road, and Kelly Road have been paved with a scratch course and a 1.5-inch overlay. Higby Road, from Ransom Road to the S curves, is next on the schedule, with paving expected to begin the following day.　

A five-thousand-dollar cemetery grant was awarded to straighten and repair headstones, and Aries Berries will complete the work in 2027.　

Shelter house roof work has begun. Contractors discovered damaged plywood and replaced it. Two layers of shingles were removed, and metal roofing with channel supports will be installed.　

A large tree fell onto Thomas Road and was removed.　

Hermes Parker Siding began work on township structures, and additional plywood repairs were required. Paint was located and provided to the contractor.　

Trustee Leber participated in an extensive discussion with residents about the moratorium zoning protections and long-term planning. He addressed concerns about transparency, delays in mailed notices, and misinformation circulating publicly. He emphasized the township’s commitment to promptly notifying residents of future developments and to maintaining strong zoning protections.

Trustee Miller discussed the long-term implications of data center development, including electrical grid limitations, transformer shortages, water-use concerns, and the risk that companies may fail to meet promised standards. He noted that Erie County leadership is not supportive of large-scale data center development at this time. He emphasized the need to continue monitoring and to renew the moratorium. Trustee Miller also stressed the need to wait for operational examples before making long-term decisions.

Fiscal Officer Pelletier reported that supplemental appropriations required a new budget account line for a medical reimbursement for a Trustee’s family. 　

The township received a twenty-five-thousand-dollar county grant toward the ADA building upgrade. The total project quote is sixty-nine thousand. Funds have been properly allocated to proceed when ready.　

No communications noted

Trustees discussed ongoing zoning considerations, moratorium renewal, and long-term planning for industrial development. The board provided updates on ADA accessibility improvements, pavilion improvements, cemetery projects, and grant-funded work.

General discussion covered zoning considerations, moratorium renewal, resident concerns, public meeting scheduling, and coordination with county officials.　

Trustees would like to approve the estimate for ADA upgrades to the township building.　

A resident would like a bench installed at the playground. Andy Dunlap suggested applying for the Recycled Material Grant in 2027 for this project.　

Motion

Motion

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Mr. Leber moved to adjourn the meeting, and Trustee Mr. Miller seconded. All in favor. Motion carries.

Brian Miller, Trustee – Chairman _________________________

Melissa Pelletier, Fiscal Officer