Council hears first readings for cannabis moratorium; data‑center moratorium tabled for committee review

The City of Geneva council added Ordinance 3416 for a first reading on April 27: a six‑month moratorium on acceptance and processing of zoning and occupancy permits for cannabis operations. Council members agreed the cannabis moratorium should be reviewed by committee for zoning and safety considerations; no final action was taken at first reading.

Council also held a first reading on a proposed 12‑month moratorium on data centers, intended to pause processing of applications and provide time to consider potential impacts such as power usage, water demand, noise and air/health concerns. Council member Griffith urged caution, saying a pause would give Council and the planning commission time to "not rush into anything" and to consider health and safety implications. Another member countered that Geneva currently lacks land and infrastructure for major data centers and questioned whether a moratorium was necessary now.

Members debated a specific provision in the draft that would bar elected officials and staff from engaging with proponents during the moratorium. Some council members said the restriction could prevent fact‑finding and suggested striking that section so officials could discuss proposals while the pause remains in effect. After debate, a motion to table the data‑center ordinance until a committee has reviewed it was made, seconded and approved by roll call; the council instructed staff to place the matter with an appropriate committee (planning or safety) for study and drafting. Council agreed to schedule a planning committee meeting for May 11 at 5:00 p.m. to receive public input and review the moratorium language.

No formal moratorium on data centers was enacted at the meeting; the council’s vote sent the proposal back to committee for further drafting and public input.