Incoming public hearing on data center moratorium

Hearing during Tuesday, Nov. 17 Brown County Commissioner meeting

NEW ULM – Brown County's Board of Commissioners set a public hearing date of Nov. 17 at 9:02 a.m. to establish an interim ordinance that would put a moratorium on permitting, expanding, or establishing data centers in Brown County's unincorporated areas.

The moratorium would place a one-year block of any data centers looking to be established in Brown County.

Commissioner Anton Berg said the meeting is not about whether people are in favor of data centers or not, but rather to establish documented plans for navigating any potential approaches regarding data centers in Brown County.

Brown County Administrator Sam Hasen said that because of the recent progressions in data centers, there are not many state statutes that address navigation of data center development.

"I think this is a good idea to put the brakes on for a minute and catch your breath and get ourselves lined up the way we should be," Hansen said.

The board draft ordinance reads: "data centers are an emerging land use with significant impacts related to energy, demand, water consumption, noise, heat generation, stormwater management, and land use compatibility."

Public hearing and documented plans would allow the board to better understand data center impacts specific to Brown County.

In other news, Design Home Center of New Ulm was awarded the bid to the Springfield Shop cold storage addition project. The bid, which was $168,365.64, will be funded by the Highway Department's building funds, Highway Department reserves, and advancements from the Building fund level request.

One of the buildings of the shop, built in 1954, sustained roof damage two years ago. The highway committee recommended putting the insurance money received toward constructing a 50' x 72' with 16' sidewall addition to the shop rather than attempt to continue putting repairs into the damaged building of the shop. The one damaged building of the shop will be demolished.

The new building will have double doors so snow plow wings can be parked inside the building for storage.

Springfield's Zoning Commission granted a variance that allowed for the building to encroach on the setback requirements set by the city.

A limited use permit for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the snowmobile trail was also granted during Tuesday's meeting.

Trails will be located within the right of way of Trunk Highway 4, 14, 15, and 68.

Snowmobile clubs are responsible for the maintenance of trails.

Brown County Commissioners meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 27.