During the public-comment period on Dec. 23, Hutchinson resident Mary Gonzales pressed the council about a proposed data center near Linden Avenue, asking when the project would be discussed and whether residents had been properly notified.

"I am under the understanding that the data center is not gonna be discussed tonight. Is that correct?" Gonzales asked. City staff replied that the item is scheduled for the council's first January meeting (Jan. 13) and that public comment would be taken at that time.

Dan Jocum, the city's planning director, responded to citizens' concerns about notification and scope. Jocum said a conditional use permit was approved in August and that staff followed notice protocols, including sending notices to property owners within 350 feet, publishing in the McLeod County Chronicle (the city's official newspaper last year) and posting information on the city website.

Jocum also described the project's technical scope: he said it would be a small facility on a lot less than an acre with a building around 7,000 square feet, would use a glycol cooling system (not water-based chillers), and would be required to complete a noise study that meets Minnesota noise guidelines as a condition of approval.

Residents raised health and environmental concerns, saying social media discussion had not reached many in Hutchinson. City officials encouraged concerned residents to submit questions in writing or meet with staff for detailed answers; staff offered follow-up contact information and business cards.

Councilmembers reiterated that conditional-use procedures and public-notice statutes had been followed and urged residents to contact City Hall with questions. The council scheduled public comment on the data center for the Jan. 13 meeting so the public can present concerns directly to staff and council.