Record: 6-15
COMMISSION MINUTES
The Nodaway County Commission met in regular session Tuesday, May 26.
In attendance were Presiding Commissioner Bill Walker, North District Commissioner Chris Burns, South District Commissioner Scott Walk, and Melinda Patton, county clerk, morning; and Angie Cordell, deputy clerk, afternoon.
Business before the governing board included:
• Requisitions and approvals: Liquor licenses for Lake Tavern 75; Athwal, LLC dba City Star #3; Tuck Point, LLC; GIPH Restaurants, LLC dba Pizza Hut; Canteen of Maryville, Inc. dba American Legion James Edward Gray Post. Invoice to Tyler Technologies for annual licensing and software subscription. Sheriff to Haug Communications for equipment; to 911 Custom for equipment.
• The commission reviewed the following information: Vehicle Sales Tax and Motor Fuel Tax reports; Various emails from citizens on proposed data center project.
• The commission reviewed an email from Madison Woodward, Transportation Planner, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), NW District stating Nodaway County’s credit balance is $777,505.71 after transfer to Atchison County.
• Inspected progress on the upstairs conference room project at the Administration Center.
• Attended the Legislative Coffee hosted by the Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce.
• Returned calls to two county residents inquiring about the informational meeting regarding the proposed data center. This meeting is to be held on June 3, 20226 at the Mozingo Lake Visitor’s Center from 6-8.
• The Commission, along with Brian Engle, road and bridge supervisor inspected Bridge #164 and a tube on Road #175 both in Hopkins Township; Road #203 and a tube issue on Road #176 in Independence Township; Bridge #251 for stream bank stabilization in Union Township.
The Nodaway County Commission met on Thursday, May 28.
In attendance were Presiding Commissioner Bill Walker, North District Commissioner Chris Burns, South District Commissioner Scott Walk, and Lorraine O’Donnell, part-time clerk.
Business before the governing board included:
• Requisitions and approvals: Invoice to Gray Oil, Advanced Auto Parts and ProServe. Liquor licenses for KKMG Business Services 2 LLC dba 420 Cigarettes Beer & Spirits; Elks Lodge #760. Road and Bridge to Allen Ready Concrete for bridge concrete.
• The commission reviewed the following information: Email from citizen on proposed data center; Advertisement from Bob Lakowski on Tank Shell Culverts
• Public Comment – Josh McKim, Nodaway County Economic Development (NCED) discussed enrollment concerns at Northwest Missouri State University tied to the proposed data center. Mike Hardy questioned the commissions specific roll and decision making in relation to the proposed data center. Walker stated a county’s main roll would be to control taxes. Burns explained to those present what research had been completed to date while Walk discussed that the land purchased was sold by private land owners to a private business. Water consumption will rely on water provided by the City of Maryville. Susie Strauch stated she opposes the proposed data center and feels it will ruin the local environment. S. Strauch asked if the county had a moratorium in place yet. The commissioners responded that they have consulted an attorney and do not have an answer as to the legality of this at this time. Jennifer Gillespie also opposes the proposed project and questioned how big it will be and will it grow over time. The commission assured the group they are doing what they can legally. Carter Strauch stated he appreciated the efforts the commissioners are putting in and understood the legality of the proposed project. Chris Wallace stated a meeting with Governor Kehoe will include a short course on what AI data centers provide and what they need to operate. Wallace will share an email with the commission. The commission reiterated that Scale Microgrids is the developer of the project, not the end owner/operator. It is believed that they will sell the proposed data center, but there has been no information shared on who will purchase. George Null questioned the commission on tax abatements. No abatements have been requested nor granted at this time.
• Responded to an email from a local resident with questions about where to take clean fill items.
• The commission, along with Brian Engle, road and bridge supervisor, made State of Emergency inspections on Route F, North of Road #616 for a line down, a tube issue on Road #626 in Polk Township; an abandoned trailer on Road #257 in Jackson Township; tube issues on Roads #188, #197 and #198 all in Independence Township.
• The commissioners contacted Jeff Meyer, Jackson Township Trustee regarding concerns with an abandoned trailer on Road #257.
• Took a call from a resident regarding a plugged tube on 220th Street in Polk Township. The commission will inspect and make recommendations.
• The commissioners went into closed session at 2:30 p.m. per 610.021(3) RSMo and back to open session at 3:11 p.m. Also present, Robin Clark, deputy clerk for payroll.