City Council Minutes 07-21-2025 Joint WorkshopMINUTES
MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION
DATA CENTER WORKSHOP MINUTES
Monday, July 21, 2025 — 4:30 p.m.
Monticello Community Center
Present: Lloyd Hilgart, Kip Christianson, Charlotte Gabler, Tracy Hinz, and Lee Martie,
Andrew Tapper, and Teri Lehner
Absent: Rick Kothenbeutel, Melissa Robeck, and Rob Stark
Staff: Rachel Leonard, Angela Schumann, Bob Ferguson, Tyler Bevier, Jim Thares,
Jennifer Schreiber
1. Call to Order
Mayor Lloyd Hilgart called the special meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
2. Data Center Discussion
Angela Schumann, Community Development Director, led discussion on the
development of an ordinance for data centers. She noted that staff were looking for
input and direction on various ordinance components. There will be a Planning
Commission public hearing on the ordinance in August, and it will be brought to City
Council for approval, tentatively in September.
Ms. Schumann presented the proposed City process regarding the development of a
Data Center. The process included:
• Zoning property to Data Center Planned Unit Development (DCPUD)
• Baseline Set of Performance Standards
• Development Stage Review — consists of utility studies, fiscal benefit analysis,
state and federal permitting status, and a power statement
• Final Stage Review — incorporates a review of the Development Stage PUD
documents with possible revisions and a Site Improvement Plan Agreement.
Ms. Schumann noted that data centers will have their own PUD process for review with
specific plan submittals. The City will require adequate information to be able to review
the impact of these developments. Commissioner Lehner commented on the
importance of providing information to the public. In addition, Council Member Hinz
added that understanding what the perimeter of the site will look like will be necessary.
Ms. Schumann noted that the ordinance will include standards that are intended to
show what these sites will generally look like.
City Council and Planning Commission Workshop —July 21, 2025
The following specific performance standards were discussed, and comments provided
were:
1. Setbacks —100' from non-residential, 200' from residential. There was
significant discussion on the setbacks. Ms. Schumann explained that the initial
proposal is to define a development area or box in which all site improvements
would occur, except landscaping and screening. She noted that the setbacks
would be measured from the development area or building box to the property
line. Commissioner Tapper commented that if the City isn't controlling what is
developing on the inside of the development area or box, the setbacks could
change from building to building. Council Member Christianson commended on
potentially having different levels of oversight depending on size & heights of
buildings. Steve Grittman noted that the building development setbacks will be
as recommended to the property line of the site and oversight would also apply
to fencing, landscaping, security which are all outside of the box.
2. Building Height — limit of 65' and building materials. The group was supportive
of the 65' height limit. No issue with suggested materials for principal building or
accessory buildings was noted.
3. Fencing — May include Security. Ms. Schumann stated that it is common to use
barbed wire and chain link on these sites, but staff's recommendation is that it
must be 100% screened. Mayor Hilgart questioned whether the buildings could
be used as fencing. Rachel Leonard commented that these types of companies
typically purchase locations where they can lay down their proprietary plans so
rearranging items to use buildings as fencing may not apply.
4. Noise. Ms. Schumann stated that the ordinance proposes to limit the use of
generators to certain decibel levels and hours of operation. In addition, the
ordinance will require a noise study. The group supported these items.
5. Lighting. The suggested ordinance language proposes to follow the current code
for illumination, with some limitations. There were no comments.
6. Landscaping. Ms. Schumann requested feedback on requiring screening to 100%
opacity for all external equipment and security fencing, and a requirement to
screen rooftop equipment. Council Member Christianson questioned whether
the buildings could be used for screening. Commissioner Tapper added that it
would be beneficial to define screening of items as effectively screened if not
visible from property line. Ms. Schumann noted this could be added to the
ordinance.
City Council and Planning Commission Workshop —July 21, 2025
Mayor Hilgart questioned whether there would be the need for screening if
decorative fencing was used. Ms. Schumann noted that if decorative fencing is
used screening of equipment would still be required if visible.
No issues with rooftop screening.
7. Development Density. Ms. Schumann reviewed ordinance requirements for
development density and phasing. The group had no concerns.
Council Member Christianson questioned when the Site Improvemerpt'Agreement would
be brought forward. Ms. Schumann noted that this agreement would be developed in
the development stage. This agreement will include costs and the level of public and
private investment.
There was no further discussion.
3. Adjournment
By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Recorder: Jennifer Schreiber
J
Attest:
City Administrator
City Council and Planning Commission Workshop —July 21, 2025