St. Joseph City Council rejects proposed data center community advisory committee  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph City Council voted down a resolution Monday to establish a citizens data center advisory committee.

The resolution failed with three 'yes' votes and six 'no' votes.

The proposed advisory committee would have provided feedback and recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council as data center development is discussed in the city.

Council members Collin Clibon, Russell Moore, and Gary Wilkinson voted in favor of the committee. Mayor Larry Miller and council members Madison Davis, Jason Eslinger, Marty Novak, Randy Schultz, and Andrew Trout opposed the proposal.

Council members opposed to the new committee said that there already committees in place that discuss these kinds of proposals.

Several community members spoke in favor of the advisory committee and asked to be considered for spots on it.

Penny Adams said she wants to listen to others and learn more about how a data center could benefit the community.

She said she doesn't support or oppose data centers at this point but wants to understand both the pros and cons of having one in the city.

Another St. Joseph resident, Connie Muff, said she was frustrated after the council voted down the advisory committee.

"What's the detriment or the downfall? Why not have people who know about data centers come to the table to help protect our community?" Muff said.

Muff is a member of the "No Data Center St. Joseph" Facebook group. She said many people in St. Joseph have strongly opposed data centers for a variety of reasons.

She also said she expects the council's decision to spark frustration among residents.

"If I was some of those council members, I would be worried about recall. It's their job to support us, it's their job to speak for us, it's their job for us to feel supported and to make decisions that benefit us," Muff said.

Muff said many of the residents speaking out against data centers have done their research and are informed about the issue.

She questioned why the council wouldn't bring people with knowledge about data centers together on an advisory committee to help protect the community and provide input as the city considers future development.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 31, at City Hall.