Resident raises concerns about data centers coming to Carrollton

Carrollton Village Council heard concerns March 9 from a resident about a proposed data center near Carrollton, including questions about water usage, wastewater and the project’s overall impact on the community.

Dana Aston told council she was speaking as a concerned resident and on behalf of others who have raised questions about reports that data centers may be planned for the area. Aston said she is not opposed to progress but is worried after learning about issues other small communities around the country have faced from large data centers.

“My fear is that this is going to have a real impact on our community,” Aston said.

Aston asked about the amount of water a data center could require and whether the village or nearby communities would be able to handle that demand. She also raised concerns about what happens to water after it is used in cooling processes and whether it could affect groundwater.

Mayor Bill Stoneman said the village is only aware of one proposed project on Cobbler Road and has not heard of any others. Stoneman also said the village will not be supplying water to the project.

“The only thing that they wanted from us was water,” Stoneman said. “We told them no.”

Stoneman said the village’s priority is providing water to village residents and that officials were told water for the project would instead come from Malvern. Village Administrator Chris Kiehl and council members advised Aston that additional questions about the project would be better directed to the Carroll County Commissioners because the site is outside the village limits and outside council’s jurisdiction.

In an unrelated matter, council discussed whether former Village Administrator Mark Wells should receive compensation for unused sick time following his retirement.

Stoneman said Wells believed he would receive a sick leave conversion payout, but the language of his contract did not provide that benefit. Solicitor Clark Battista said Wells’ contract allowed him to accumulate sick leave like other employees, but it did not entitle him to conversion of that leave into compensation upon retirement.

Council discussed whether such a payment could be considered a moral obligation, though Clerk/Treasurer Darla Tipton said an auditor could question the payment because it was not supported by Wells’ contract language.

Members also discussed whether any state retirement rules would affect the matter, and asked for additional information, including the possible dollar amount involved. There was no action taken on the matter because council would like more information before making a decision.

Council also heard from Stoneman about storm damage from Saturday’s severe weather. Kiehl said the roof of the police department was damaged, along with an air conditioning unit, and the village Christmas tree in Public Square was heavily damaged and may need to be removed and replaced. Kiehl said insurance claims have been filed, and companies were expected to provide quotes and temporary repairs.

Kiehl also reported the village’s annual paving bid is being prepared for this year, the three speed monitoring signs have been installed and Pitts Fire Extinguisher completed yearly inspections at village buildings.

Council members said the new speed signs were placed on state Route 332, on Main Street and on 12th Street near Mace Road.

In other business, council:

—AUTHORIZED Battista to prepare an ordinance to clean up parceling issues involving the former Rite Aid property. Stoneman said the property is split into several lots, and the ordinance is needed so the land can be combined into one parcel.

—THANKED village employees, including the street, fire and police departments, for their work during and after Saturday’s storm. Stoneman said crews worked for hours clearing trees, directing traffic and responding to storm-related problems.

—HEARD resident concerns about rough railroad crossings on Third and 12th streets. Kiehl said the railroad is difficult to work with and often charges the village when work is done near the tracks, but officials will contact the company regarding the complaints.

—DISCUSSED the possibility of adding a pickleball court at Fifth Street Park. Kiehl said paving contractors working on streets and alleys would likely not handle that type of project, and council discussed whether a separate contractor and specialized surface would be needed.

—HEARD Carrollton Fire Chief Shane Thomas report efforts are continuing to have a utility pole near the fire station moved because it creates a tight turn for fire trucks leaving the station. Thomas said the pole has been struck multiple times and creates concerns for larger apparatus, including the department’s new ladder truck, which is now expected around the end of May or first week of June. Kiehl said American Electric Power quoted about $7,400 to move the pole, and there could be an additional railroad permit cost.

—PAID the bills in the amount of $71,142.29 in vendors, $72,577.93 in payroll and approved payment of bills without prior certification in the amount of $4,381.99.