On the agenda: Monroeville agenda — data center (Aug 3)

Special Council Meeting August 3, 2026
On Monday, August 3, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., Mayor Joseph Galea opened the Special Council meeting with
a word of prayer. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was recited by those present.
The special meeting for the Council of the Village of Monroeville was then called to order.
Present at roll call:
Chris Raftery
Mark Miller
Sue Rogers
Andrew Brown
Jim Ehrman

and

Joseph Galea, Mayor
Eunice Collene, Fiscal Officer

Also attending: Dan Bemis; Holly Weilnau; and Elisa Brown (who arrived later during the meeting).
EXCUSE COUNCIL MEMBER
The mayor asked for Council’s approval to excuse Tammy Schlachter from the meeting, due to Ms.
Schlachter being on vacation. Ms. Sue Rogers made that motion, seconded by Mr. Andrew Brown. Motion
carried with no discussion.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The mayor asked for Council’s approval of the agenda. Mr. Mark Miller made a request to amend the
agenda to include public comment. The mayor confirmed. Mr. Mark Miller made a motion, seconded by
Mr. Jim Ehrman, to approve the agenda. Motion carried with no further discussion. The mayor then asked
Council for a motion to approve the amended agenda. Ms. Sue Rogers made a motion, seconded by Mr.
Andrew Brown, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried with no discussion.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Dan Bemis discussed placing an advisory question concerning data centers on the ballot. He realizes
that this is a tough choice and appreciated Council’s perspective. In his opinion, putting the advisory
question on the ballot would be beneficial. He knows that this situation broadens the discussion for the
Council members, but it also broadens the discussion for Decimal Digital. Mr. Bemis suggested that
Council have someone help review the drawings submitted by Decimal Digital. Upon reviewing the
drawings, it seems the substation could be relocated to a corner of the lot, which would create some
space. Although it still doesn't meet the 1,000-foot setback requirement, it gives Decimal Digital some
flexibility and benefits the community. He said that he mentioned in his previous letter that he was
surprised by their actions. The feedback from Decimal Digital was not unusual, and they might present
different drawings. Mr. Mark Miller said he was curious whether Decimal Digital shared the drawings for
Council's review, and said they might update the drawings later. Mr. Bemis responded that if Council
sets requirements, Decimal Digital would have to adjust their drawings accordingly. Mr. Andrew Brown
stated that the requirements should not overlook what Decimal Digital has done, as he doesn't want
them to feel that Council is biased against them. The requirements should remain consistent. Mr. Miller
agreed, and the mayor agreed, and said the requirements should apply neutrally to data centers. The
mayor then redirected the conversation to the current meeting's agenda, noting that there would be
many discussions about future zoning.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS FOR SECOND READING
ORDINANCE 2026-12 An Ordinance amending section 141.04 of the codified ordinances of the Village of
Monroeville, Ohio regarding fees and compensation for police special services and mutual aid
assignments was presented for second reading. No discussion.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS FOR PASSAGE
The Mayor asked for a motion to suspend the rules for the following legislation. Ms. Sue Rogers made
that motion, seconded by Mr. Andrew Brown. Motion carried with no discussion.
ORDINANCE 2026-15 An Ordinance repealing Ordinance No. 2026-13, and enacting an Ordinance
directing the Huron County Board of Elections to submit a ballot question to the electors of the Village of
Monroeville at the November 3, 2026, general election and declaring an emergency was presented for
passage. Mr. Jim Ehrman made a motion, seconded by Mr. Andrew Brown, to pass Ordinance 2026-15
by title only. The mayor said that, to clarify, during Council's vote on this matter at the meeting on July
28, 2026, there were not enough votes to classify Ordinance 2026-13 as an emergency ordinance. This is
the reason why Council is voting to approve Ordinance 2026-15 tonight. Mr. Andrew Brown asked
whether the wording in Section 2 of the Ordinance indicates that it is an advisory question. The mayor

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Special Council Meeting August 3, 2026
confirmed that it had been changed. Mr. Andrew Brown, Mr. Jim Ehrman, Mr. Mark Miller, and Ms. Sue
Rogers voted yea. Ms. Chris Raftery voted nay. Motion carried with no further discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before them, the Mayor asked Council for a motion to adjourn.
Ms. Sue Rogers made that motion, seconded by Mr. Andrew Brown.
Meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m.
____________________________________
Eunice A. Collene, Fiscal Officer
________________________________________
Joseph Galea, Mayor

The minutes of this meeting were recorded by Fiscal Officer Eunice A. Collene and Administrative
Specialist Heather Alicea. Fiscal Officer Eunice A. Collene examined them for both form and content,
subsequently approving them as transcribed.
THIS IS NOT A RATIFIED OR APPROVED COPY

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