St. Joseph City Council approves data center pause, delays Benton parking ordinance

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph City Council approved an emergency ordinance that would temporarily pause new data center projects.

The emergency ordinance passed unanimously, 8-0 after the council added language proposed by Council member Gary Wilkinson.

Wilkinson said the ordinance needs to provide a clear timeline and made the motion for a 12-month timeline.

The emergency ordinance comes after the council held a work session on July 13 to review zoning and land use policies for data center development. City officials agreed to seek outside assistance to update the city's zoning code, and to stop accepting new data center applications until the zoning code is updated.

The ordinance will direct the city manager to provide actions to address the unique characteristics, demands, and impacts of data center construction and development.

During public comment, residents voiced concerns about data center development, with many calling for an 18-month moratorium and the creation of a citizens advisory committee.

Council member Russell Moore asked the council to consider creating a citizens advisory committee for data center development.

"I believe that the people should have a say about it; a lot of them have already asked for an advisory committee," Moore said. "They are beneficial to the council when the council makes their final decision."

The council agreed to hold a work session to discuss forming the advisory committee next month.

The council postponed an ordinance to add 55 parking spaces along Southwest Parkway at the request of the St. Joseph School District.

The request states the additional parking is needed to accommodate the increased number of students attending Benton High School as part of the district's redistricting process.

City officials said the ordinance was postponed because it needs to be reviewed by the traffic commission. The council is expected to vote on the ordinance in September.

The council also passed an ordinance to affirm the purchase of security cameras at Felix Street Square. The $59,030.60 project will be funded using state RiverBluff ARPA funds.

The cameras would be purchased from All Systems Go. The city said the installation of the security cameras is designed to deter criminal activity, assist law enforcement in investigations and enhance the overall sense of safety for individuals utilizing the space.

Additionally, the city said adding the security cameras will be an asset to the community by helping create a safer environment for residents, visitors, and event attendees while preserving the square.

The next St. Joseph City Council meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 3, in the Council Chambers at City Hall.