April 7 Council recap: 6-month moratorium on data and crypto mining centers is approved

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By Alec Keller

At its April 7 regular meeting, Ada Council approved a temporary moratorium on establishing data centers or cryptocurrency mining centers in the Village. The legislation was introduced as a 12-month moratorium, which was subsequently modified to create a 6-month restriction.

Village Administrator Amanda Sears said she does not favor the moratorium at this time. She noted that from an economic development standpoint, a moratorium would show that Ada is not a welcoming or business-friendly community. 

“It’s indicative that there might be a lot of red tape,” Sears said. “And that I think is not the message that we want to send. The moratorium I think puts a big red X on Ada that I would prefer us not to have.”

Sears offered alternatives. The Village can create zoning regulations to govern data centers from behind the scenes, as well as introduce specifications on what the Village can allow, such as the amount of water a data center can use.

As of right now, the Village has not received any inquiries about the construction of data centers. Sears said it is a slow process and that it takes at least a year before land is purchased.

ADDITIONAL LEGISLATION
In other legislation, the council passed the second of three readings for two ordinances. One outlines streets where parking is prohibited during a snow emergency. The other regulates the use and installation of backflow preventers.

NEW BUSINESS
Council formally approved Michelle Chambers as a public member of the Ada Planning Commission. Council also accepted the donation of a bench from Hardin County Job and Family Services promoting fraud awareness. Council also learned that the village is hiring a contractor to make concrete repairs at the pool for a total cost of $43,000. 

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Council entered executive session to discuss employment terms. Upon reconvening, members approved a revised village organizational chart and authorized the creation of a new part-time administrative assistant position. Council then entered a second executive session to discuss union negotiations with no action to follow.