An overflowing crowd attended what ended up being an anticlimactic Washington City Council meeting Monday evening. The crowd was generated from the Council agenda with an “intent to serve” draft letter with Outrigger Construction, who had investigated Washington’s willingness to support a data center in a presentation to the Council about six weeks ago. Social media posts had painted the council members and Mayor Rhoades as pro-data center. Actual events proved the social media to be misleading and, in some posts, false. Prior to taking up the topic, Mayor Rhoads explained that the mayor’s office and the council have been following procedures that would apply to any developer. The mayor told the crowd that it was important that Washington be seen as a community that follows fair process with all developers. The mayor also said that his, and the council’s, main goal was to do what is best for the citizens of Washington. Following the mayor’s statements, the council took up the draft letter dealing with the city’s willingness to provide utilities to Outriggers’ proposed data center. Citing Outrigger’s failure to provide information and answer the Council’s questions, Councilman Darin Lunsford moved to stop the city’s relations with Outrigger Construction. The Council passed the motion by a unanimous voice vote.
Councilman Alan Brown moved that the Council ask the City Attorney to research and develop standards for the City to adopt regulating data centers. Brown said that the city cannot legally ban data centers but can establish parameters governing their location and construction. That motion also passed unanimously.
In other business, the Council approved a resolution transferring $19,000 between funds in the Parks Department and passed an ordinance raising Animal Control fees due to an increase in veterinarian costs.
After the meeting, the mayor reminded everyone that the city pool will open Memorial Day weekend.
Prior to the council meeting, there was a moment of silence in memory of the late councilman Tom Gress, who passed away April 29.
The Board of Public Works and Safety met following the council meeting. The Board approved a request from Trista Byers of Real Recovery to close NW 1st Street between VanTrees and Walnut for their annual Rock the Block Party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6. After a second meeting with no representatives from the American Legion and the concern over traffic control, the board allowed the Legion’s request for a July 4 parade due to lack of representation.
City offices will be closed May 25 for Memorial Day.
