Council 9-2-26

The Municipality of Murrysville held a public hearing and regular council meeting on September 2, 2026, primarily focused on proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance related to data centers, solar energy facilities, forestry, apiaries, and zoning hearing board membership. The ordinance would regulate data centers and large-scale solar projects as conditional uses in certain zoning districts, imposing requirements such as building height limits, setbacks, landscaping buffers, closed loop cooling systems, and financial security for decommissioning. Public comments raised concerns about water and electrical usage verification, environmental impacts, and community effects. Council members discussed potential ordinance refinements including load ramp-up schedules, water supply restrictions, and compliance with state grid agreements. No data center projects are currently proposed. The council tabled further action on the ordinance to allow for additional review and revisions. Additionally, the council approved minor land development applications for building additions and renewed a five-year partnership agreement with the conservation district for plan review and inspection services. An executive session on legal matters was held with no subsequent action.