June 22, 2026

Summary

The Council met on June 22, 2026, with one member absent. The meeting focused heavily on updates related to potential technology/data center districts, the ongoing water project, and several ordinances. The Council approved a water project change order and two ordinances, while tabling several other items for future revision.

Key items

• Approval of minutes: The June 8th minutes were approved by motion.

• Mayor’s report — TIA district / data centers: The Mayor reported on a new public information website about the proposed technology district (to be posted online soon pending final approval). He described a visit to Manuka, Illinois, a similar-sized city with a nearby power plant and transmission lines that established districts and attracted a data center. He noted projections of roughly 20–25 jobs per building averaging ~$135,000/year, use of closed-loop cooling (comparable to or less water than a splash pad), dark-sky lighting provisions, and minimal noise at comparable facilities he visited. He emphasized nothing is a “done deal” and that town-hall-style informational meetings are planned. He also mentioned wanting to bring a decibel meter on future visits (including a planned trip to the Omaha Google data center).

• Battery storage inquiry (Silverton Power): The Mayor reported that Silverton Power inquired about buying or leasing about an acre of land near the EverGy substation for a battery energy storage system. Their initial proposal was described as $7,500/quarter (roughly $30,000–$50,000/year with taxes and lease). Council members considered the offer low and viewed it as an opening point for negotiation. Next steps would be for the Mayor and one or two council members to meet with the company for more information.

• Water project update (Aaron Castro): The project is about 52% complete and on schedule. Recent work included over 6,000 ft of line, 21 new valves, and seven fire hydrants. The connection into existing POA lines was completed (minor meter issues), and seven dead-end lines near Holiday/the campground passed testing and are ready to activate, allowing residents to begin connecting.

• Change Order #4 (water project): Two items were discussed:

  • A required 16-inch encasement for an 8-inch bore across a county road (Bullery/2400 area), costing $38,936.70, driven by county permit requirements. A variance request was denied.
  • An optional ~$20,000 addition of a 2-inch fill line at the new fill station.
  • The Council approved the change order for the bore ($38,936.70) by motion. The 2-inch fill line was not approved, since the old POA fill station is being reactivated (KDHE and USDA approved its continued use; POA offered to pay for the ~$1,500 meter install) and the hose on the new station can be extended inexpensively. Concerns were noted that the old station uses a holding tank; the POA reportedly intends to limit its use to themselves.

• Wastewater project update: A notice to proceed has been issued to Double S Dirt Works following USDA written concurrence. No dirt-moving is expected until after July 4th; a construction schedule is pending.

• Water system inventory / spare parts: USDA confirmed the city may use project contingency funds (roughly $20,000–$30,000) to buy spare parts for the water system. A parts list was to be submitted to USDA. The project is tracking well on contingency (about half used, mostly on system expansion).

• Executive session: The Council entered a 15-minute executive session for attorney consultation and returned with no action taken.

• Ordinance 278 (connection to public water line): Tabled. Revisions are needed, including language on PRV valves due to higher-than-usual water pressure. To return next meeting.

• Ordinance 279 (private sewage holding tanks / water tank distance requirements): Passed by motion.

• Ordinance 280 (regulating e-bikes, high-power electric motorcycles, and electric dirt bikes): Passed by motion. Members noted resident concerns about speed and that other cities (e.g., Overland Park) have adopted similar ordinances.

• Resolution 149 (fee schedule): Tabled/deferred for rewrite. There was disagreement over whether the per-unit multiplier after the first 3,000 should be $10 or $15; members recalled discussion of keeping it lower and revisiting later. To be corrected and brought back next meeting.

• Meter hookup assistance/payment plans: Could not be addressed because Mike was not present.

• Planning & zoning consultant work (Shannon): Reported ongoing research into how other cities handle planning and zoning (many separate their P&Z commissions and have them make recommendations to council). A full report is expected next meeting. Discussion noted the P&Z commission members are listed on the website, and questions remain about member terms, staggering, and appointments that need review.

• Noxious weeds: The city is required by the state to address noxious weeds (notably musk thistle). Information was shared on Facebook and signage posted. The city will need to remove weeds on city property and develop code language, with input from the city attorney.

• County roads / 2400 Road condition: Members discussed poor road conditions (potholes, a section eroding into a ditch) and questions over ownership of certain roads (the county claims ownership of one). The Mayor said he would contact the county again to seek a meeting, including about quarry traffic contributing to road damage.

Follow-ups

• Ordinance 278 to return with PRV/pressure language next meeting.
• Resolution 149 (fee schedule) to be rewritten and brought back next meeting.
• Ordinance 261 (tiny homes) was pulled from this agenda; not yet ready.
• Meter hookup assistance/payment plan item deferred (Mike absent).
• Shannon to provide a full planning & zoning consultant report next meeting.
• Mayor to follow up with the county on road ownership and a possible meeting; parts list to be confirmed with USDA.
• Silverton Power battery storage: Mayor and one or two council members to meet with the company for more information.

Note: This is an unofficial summary. The approved minutes are the official record. Several vote outcomes are described as “passed” or “carried” based on voice votes in the transcript; exact vote counts were not stated.