Grant County APC tables question of executive committee; discusses draft approach to data‑center ordinance

At its Jan. 22 special meeting the Grant County Area Planning Commission debated whether to maintain an executive committee and reviewed a draft outline for a data‑center ordinance that staff is preparing as a framework.

On the executive committee, members reviewed the commission’s rules and procedures (citing a 2014 rules document in the packet) and discussed state code requirements for committee size and role. Some members said an executive committee can make time‑sensitive decisions until the full commission reviews them; others warned a small group could make decisions without broad input. One commissioner said, "I personally... try to avoid executive committee meetings because that allows a small membership of our commission to make decisions for this commission." After discussion Mr. Webb moved and Mr. Duckwall seconded to table the matter for future consideration; the motion carried.

Staff presented an outline for a potential data‑center ordinance, described as a framework with placeholders (for example, setback numbers are not final). The secretary said the goal is to "get ahead" of potential interest in Grant County and to have an application ready before requests arrive. Commissioners raised operational concerns—water and power demands, noise, and potential effects on rural property values—and asked staff to include those considerations as the outline is developed.

Why it matters: an executive committee’s formation would change how time‑sensitive matters are handled between full meetings; a data‑center ordinance would set local standards for siting, setbacks and mitigation measures if such facilities pursue permits in Grant County.

What’s next: the executive committee question will be revisited at a future meeting; staff will continue drafting the data‑center ordinance outline for further APC review.