On the agenda: Oberlin August 4, 2026 — data center (Aug 4)

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

Minutes of New Russia Township Regular Meeting
HELD

August 4, 2026

Chairman, Scott Justin, called the August 4, 2026 Regular Meeting to order @ 6:30
pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Trustees: Cynthia Breda, Scott Justin, Michelle Tyner were present, as well as Fiscal
Officer, Lisa Akers. Staff and Public: Edie Taylor, Brittany Castillo Morales, Justin
Mott, Greg Holcomb, Robert Hanmer, Judy Walker, Don Case, Steve & Diane Jackson,
Kim Polen, DeAnna & Nick King, John Piwinski, Ed Greenweld

Motion to Approve July 7, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
Motion was made by Cynthia Breda to approve the July 7, 2026 Regular Meeting
Minutes, seconded by Michelle Tyner. RCV: Cynthia Breda—aye; Michelle Tyner—aye;
Scott Justin—aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-08-434

FISCAL OFFICER’S REPORT
The Financial and Investment Reports were reviewed and found in order.
Motion to Approve Warrants
Motion was made by Scott Justin to approve Warrants totaling $80,558.07, seconded
by Michelle Tyner. RCV: Scott Justin—aye; Michelle Tyner—aye; Cynthia Breda—aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-08-435

Trustee Breda requested additional discussion on the Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan &
Arnoff warrant for attorney services in the amount of $17,186.00. Trustee Tyner stated she had several discussions and meeting(s) with developer regarding mega site, as
well as zoning discussions. Robert Zimmerman will be contacting Chairman Justin and
Trustee Breda in the near future for discussion.
Fiscal Officer reminded Trustees since there will only be one meeting this month, she
will again send a text when bills are paid later this month and warrants need signed.
Payments will be officially approved at the next scheduled meeting following signature.
Motion to Approve Huntington Bank Depository Agreement
Motion was made by Scott Justin to approve the Huntington Bank Depository Agreement from September 7, 2026 to September 6, 2031, seconded by Michelle Tyner.
RCV: Scott Justin—aye; Michelle Tyner—aye; Cynthia Breda—aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-08-436

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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

Minutes of New Russia Township Regular Meeting
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August 4, 2026

Motion to Enter into Executive Session
Motion was made by Scott Justin to enter into Executive Session at 6:33 pm for litigation and personnel discussion with business to follow, seconded by Michelle Tyner.
RCV: Scott Justin—aye; Michelle Tyner—aye; Cynthia Breda—aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-08-437
Motion to Adjourn Executive Session
Motion was made by Scott Justin to adjourn Executive Session at 7:16 pm, seconded
by Michelle Tyner. RCV: Scott Justin—aye; Michelle Tyner—aye; Cynthia Breda—aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-08-438

PUBLIC CONCERNS AND REQUESTS
-Robert Hanmer—City of Oberlin Fire Chief:
-Every five (5) years, Fire
Contract is reviewed, inquired if Trustees had any questions or changes.
Trustees stated no questions or changes. Chief Hanm er stated he
feels contract is serving both the City and Township’s needs very well.
Reported EMS Calls, 47 calls year-to-date, down from 120 a few years ago.
-Greg Holcomb:

-Introduced himself as the City Manager of Oberlin.

-Edie Taylor:
-Complaint regarding trash at Cemetery entrance for over three
(3) weeks, she was tired of seeing it so she picked up herself and brought to
meeting. Stated the Maintenance Staff should be picking-up. Also, road ditches
haven’t been mowed and we should do a better job. Service Supervisor stated
ditch mowing starts tomorrow.
-John Piwinski: -Concerns regarding the Park closing, he has heard rumors.
Chairman Justin stated he was not aware, Trustee Tyner stated the
Park is costly to operate. M r. P iw insk i stated the reason w hy the land
was purchased years ago was for the residents to have something tangible
with proceeds from the Landfill. Also, to help prevent annexation from the City
of Oberlin. He advised Trustees to pay attention to everything going on
around County, ie. annexation, etc. He feels residents are not being taken care
of as they once were. Goal should be to keep generations happy for years to
come. He stated if any Board Member would like history as to why past
Boards did certain things, to contact him anytime for discussion.
-Audience Member: -Idaho is building nuclear reactors to help with data centers.
City of Elyria said it isn’t ready to regulate.
-Kim Polen:
-She attended the City of Elyria Council Meeting regarding
annexation of property near Albrecht Road. She feels 90% of council members
agree with annexation. It means nothing to them, they stated it is an
opportunity for housing. They didn’t seemed bothered or that they cared.
Asked Trustees if there is anyway they could talk to the housing developer?
Kim stated the housing developer’s attorney danced around issue when asked
about ties to the mega site annexation.

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Kim Polen (continued): -Questions asked to Trustee Tyner:
1. Did you meet with the developer? Trustee Tyner stated “yes”.
2. Do you know what type of business, not who but what type of business is being
considered for the mega site? Trustee Tyner stated the magnet company the
Commissioners were in talks with is no longer interested. Jobs Ohio has an
interested party in which it would be a true mega site, the Federal government
may be involved in regards to automobile components. There is a third
interested party but nothing is known at this time.
3. Was there discussion about pollution regarding automotive company? Trustee
Tyner stated “no”.
4. What is generational job definition to them? Trustee Tyner stated data centers are
not included in conversations. One firm has 4,000 jobs but not far enough
along to know any additional details.
5. Has New Russia Township been negotiating with any companies? Trustee Tyner
stated “no”.
6. If sewer comes thru has there been any discussion if the end user would pay not
homeowners? Trustee Tyner stated there has been no discussion on that topic.
7. Any other information you can share? Trustee Tyner stated she is discussing
JEDDs. Fiscal Officer inquired which political subdivisions has been contacted,
the attorney invoices have not indicated any discussion regarding JEDDs.
Trustee Tyner stated she spoke with Marty Gallagher and Dave Moore but no
discussion with cities yet.
Steve Jackson:
-Inquired when the Township stopped sending notices to
neighboring properties regarding variance requests? Mr. Jackson stated only
signs are displayed, what if neighboring property owner doesn’t live in area?
Mr. Jackson feels the Township may be setting itself up in the future. Trustee
Justin stated he would check with Prosecutor.

STAFF REPORTS
Deputy Walker: Calls for Service…...22 calls for service, majority accidents,
warned residents to be alert regarding fraud (several cases have been
reported). Republic Services found an AR15 in recycle bin which was totally
operational, serial number still intact, will try to contact owner. Ten (10)
accidents in the last 30 days, several firework calls.
Justin Mott:
-Keeping staff busy in Lodge and Park
-Raked Park path and volleyball court
-Several funerals
-Finished ditch project on East Hamilton.
Deputy Walker stated he received a harassment complaint from Justin regarding resident Matthew Wyman while completing the East Hamilton ditch project. Resident Matthew Wyman who was in attendance spoke up and stated he only asked simple questions regarding work being done on ditch for his neighbor Lester Allen, he did not
threaten or touch Mr. Mott and doesn’t understand why he called Sheriff. Mr. Wyman
stated he went back into his home once Mr. Mott said he was calling Sheriff. Mr. Wyman also stated he never had a drainage issue until worked was done on neighbor’s
ditch. He feels a catch basin was created in front of his house just so the neighbor’s
ditch could drain. Mr. Wyman said the drain pipe was dug deeper than the existing

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and now water isn’t draining at all. Mr. Wyman asked if we were digging out all
neighbors ditches? Why was one done and not all, if ditch is not draining properly?
He feels NRT doesn’t care about resident’s homes as long as the water doesn’t go over
the road. Mr. Wyman also inquired if there is a policy for calling the Sheriff on residents? Why was the ditch dug below the culvert pipe? Chairman Justin stated there
was not reason to go out and approach Justin Mott while he was working. Chairman
Justin asked Mr. Wyman if he wants pipe removed and ditch cleaned on his property?
Mr. Wyman stated he never had standing water till now. Trustee Tyner inquired what
can we do to resolve this issue? Mr. Wyman stated he wants to keep the pipe he has
and wants his ditch to drain properly, the way it did before. Chairman Justin said NRT
will take the pipe out, clean ditch, put pipe back-in and jet rod. Mr. Wyman agreed.
Brittany Castillo Morales:
-A customer is wanting to reschedule a previous
shelter rental that was scheduled on July 17th and not used due to the
Canadian wildfire smoke. Trustees agreed not to allow reschedule.
-A customer is inquiring if they can use the big tree in the back for a ceremony,
if they book the Pergola? Trustees agree, allowed in the past.
-Four (4) burials in the past month, four (4) upcoming
-Sold various plots and columbarium's.
-Are residents who live within the NRT/South Amherst Village boundary eligible
for the resident rate for the Cemetery?
-Requesting a Special Meeting for Cemetery repairs and operating discussion.
Motion to Approve Resident Rate for Cemetery Sales
Motion was made by Michelle Tyner to approve allowing property owners within the
New Russia Township/South Amherst Village boundaries to benefit from the “Resident
Rate” for all Cemetery Pricing/Sales, seconded by Scott Justin. RCV: Michelle Tyner—
aye; Scott Justin—aye; Cynthia Breda—aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-08-439
Motion to Approve Special Meeting
Motion was made by Scott Justin to approve a Special Meeting on September 1, 2026
at 5:30 pm for Cemetery repairs and operating discussion, seconded by Michelle
Tyner. RCV: Scott Justin—aye; Michelle Tyner—aye; Cynthia Breda—aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-08-440

TRUSTEE BUSINESS
Correspondence were reviewed and found in order.
Trustee Breda:
-Stated she will be attending the 9/17/2026 Data Center
Conference and will be getting a hotel the night before if no objections.
-Awarded the Safety Sign Grant—will get with Justin for sign placement.
-Finished Cemetery Grant that was due on 7/31/2026

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HELD

Trustee Breda (continued): -Data Center Committee has been formed and will
hold first meeting on Wednesday, 8/5/2026.
-John Piwinski stated a resolution is needed to form a committee with
perimeters if sanctioned by New Russia Township. Mr. Piwinski suggests not to
move forward with scheduled meeting until proper steps have been taken to
form committee. Trustee Breda stated she will get with County Prosecutor to
structure committee and will cancel the planned meeting for Wednesday.

-Trustee Breda stated it was discussed she would take over Cyber Security
Training and would like a motion to confirm.
Motion to Approve Cyber Security Training Lead Trustee
Motion was made by Scott Justin to approve Cynthia Breda as the Cyber Security
Training Lead Trustee, seconded by Michelle Tyner. RCV: Scott Justin—aye; Michelle
Tyner—aye; Cynthia Breda—aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-08-441
Trustee Tyner:
Four (4) remaining residents are needed for easement signatures
to clean Cobb Ditch…...Gibson, Burrer Family, Milde and Sirokas.
-Don Romancak is forming a new Storm Water Committee and she decided she
will join.
-Met with Commissioner Dave Moore and Commissioner Marty Gallagher
-Drove by New Albany
-Recently in Loudoun County Virgina, shocked at the number of data centers
in Virginia. The Data Centers were very loud, quite an eye opener.
Motion to Adjourn
Motion was made by Michelle Tyner to adjourn meeting at 8:36 pm, seconded by Scott
Justin. RCV: Michelle Tyner—aye; Scott Justin—aye; Cynthia Breda—aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-08-442

AFFIRMED by Scott Justin at September 1, 2026 Regular Meeting

ATTESTED by Lisa Akers at September 1, 2026 Regular Meeting

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Minutes of New Russia Township Regular Meeting
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