On the agenda: Lagrange Minutes — Data Center (Sep 8)

CITY OF LAGRANGE, GEORGIA
WORK SESSION
September 8, 2026
Present: Mayor Jim Arrington; Council Members Steve Pardue, Leon Childs, Ameia Williams,
and Darby Pippin.
Absent: Mark Mitchell
Also Present: City Manager Patrick Bowie, Director Katie Van Schoor, Assistant City Manager
Bill Bulloch, City Clerk Melissa Robertson, Alton West, Mark Kostial, Adam Speas, Natalie Hale,
and City Attorney Jeff Todd.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Jim Arrington.
On a motion by Mr. Pardue, seconded by Ms. Williams, the Council voted unanimously to approve
the minutes of the Council Work Session on August 25, 2026.
Mayor Arrington reviewed the items on the September 8, 2026 agenda. No action was taken.
Ms. Williams spoke regarding the recent shooting involving three young men, two of whom
lost their lives. She expressed her heartfelt sympathy to the families and loved ones of the two
young men and asked for the community’s help in encouraging young people to become
involved in positive programs and activities in an effort to prevent similar incidents from
occurring. Ms. Williams also expressed her appreciation to the LaGrange Police Department
for its proactive efforts and assured the community that the Council is not turning a blind eye
to the violence occurring within the community. Additionally, Ms. Williams stated that she
had received calls from citizens requesting that “No Parking” signs be placed along Mitchell
Avenue and asked staff to look into the request.
Mr. Childs addressed Mr. Bailey with the Anti-Data Center Coalition and Mr. Murphy with
the LaGrange Daily News, noting that the data center currently established in the community
did not go through the same processes and procedures that are now in place. He stated that he
looks forward to the public having an opportunity to provide input and emphasized that the
Council remains transparent in its decision making.
Ms. Pippin expressed her deepest condolences to the families affected by Monday night’s
tragedy.
Mr. Pardue echoed Ms. Pippin’s condolences and noted the importance of continuing to
explore ways to address the problem.
On a motion by Ms. Pippin seconded by Mr. Childs, Council voted unanimously to adjourn to
Executive Session to discuss potential litigation.
There was no further business, and the meeting was adjourned.
Approved: ______________________________

Date: __________________________