Commissioners schedule public hearing, work sessions for proposed data center PUD and set limits on meeting logistics

Henry County commissioners voted to hold a public hearing the week of Jan. 19 on a proposed data center planned-unit development (PUD), direct at least two preparatory work sessions for commissioners, and limit the hearing to two hours. The actions follow a planning commission decision with an effective date of Nov. 20 that started the county's 90-day review window.

Speaker 6, who introduced the item, said the county must act within the 90-day period from the planning commission's certification date (Nov. 20) or the planning commission's decision becomes effective on its own. To provide time for public participation and for commissioners to review the PUD with counsel, Speaker 6 proposed two commissioner work sessions and a public hearing the week of Jan. 19, with an evening start. "I want to be above reproach and trying to make it easy for people to come and have a venue where that's handicap accessible," Speaker 6 said when describing public participation and ADA concerns.

Commissioners and staff discussed venue options (Knightstown gymnasium/auditorium or the high school), livestream and audio limitations for off-site streaming, and the tradeoffs between capacity and audio quality. County staff explained portable camera/microphone setups can stream from alternate locations but may not guarantee the same audio quality as the courthouse-installed system. Commissioners asked staff to confirm technology and school scheduling before finalizing the hearing location.

On motions: Speaker 6 moved to hold the public hearing the week of Jan. 19 in Knightstown (pending venue scheduling and livestream capability) and Speaker 3 seconded; the motion passed 3-0. The board also voted to advertise a two-hour time limit for the meeting (motion carried 3-0) and approved a motion to hold at least two public work sessions prior to the hearing so commissioners can review the PUD with counsel (motion carried 3-0). The work sessions will be open for public observation but not open for public comment, as a legal means for commissioners to discuss details without taking votes.

Next steps: Commissioner Susan (Speaker 6) agreed to coordinate work-session dates and communicate scheduling and notification details. Staff will check technology options for streaming and coordinate with Knightstown School to secure an evening slot and ADA access in the chosen venue.