On the agenda: Oberlin October 6, 2026 — Data Center (Oct 6)

4781

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Minutes of New Russia Township Regular Meeting

HELD

October 6, 2026

Chairman, Scott Justin, called the October 6, 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: Justin Mott, Jim Griner, Deputy Plemons, Penny Brandau, Charlie
McKinley III, Dawn Essex, Jina Jordan, Maureen Egan, Julianna Dispenza, Judy Walker, Don
Case, Brittany Castillo Morales, Kim Polen, Rich Polen, Richard Polen, Rick & Pat Justin, Erin
Mason, Wayne Wright, Geoff Kudlo, Steve & Diane Jackson, Ross Mateer, Tara Henes, Rob
Henes, Bill Doane
Motion to Approve September 15, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
Motion was made by Cynthia Breda to approve the September 15, 2026 Regular Meeting
Minutes, seconded by Michelle Tyner. RCV: Cynthia Breda – aye; Michelle Tyner – aye; Scott
Justin – aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-10-461

FISCAL OFFICER’S REPORT
The Financial and Investment Reports were reviewed and found in order.
Motion to Approve HVAC Annual Maintenance Agreement
Motion was made by Cynthia Breda to approve the HVAC Annual Maintenance Agreement from
Gundlach at a cost of $4,817.00, seconded by Michelle Tyner. RCV: Cynthia Breda – aye;
Michelle Tyner – aye; Scott Justin – aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-10-462
Motion to Approve Warrants
Motion was made by Michelle Tyner to approve Warrants totaling $39,941.33, seconded by
Cynthia Breda. RCV: Michelle Tyner – aye; Cynthia Breda – aye; Scott Justin – aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-10-463

-Trustee Tyner suggested looking into using “off-road” diesel (red die) to help offset cost of
rising fuel prices. Justin Mott will check with Sunrise for further guidance.

4782

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Minutes of New Russia Township Regular Meeting

HELD

October 6, 2026

Motion to Approve Resolution Accepting Amounts and Rates as Determined by the
Budget Commission
Motion was made by Michelle Tyner to approve the Resolution Accepting Amounts and Rates as
Determined by the Budget Commission and Authorizing the Necessary Tax Levies and Certifying
Them to the County Auditor (Schedule B Reviewed), seconded by Scott Justin. RCV: Michelle
Tyner – aye; Scott Justin – aye; Cynthia Breda – aye. MOTION CARRIED
2026-10-464

-Fiscal Officer requested approval of purchase order #143-2026 to Tomlin Equipment for septic
system motor. Justin Mott explained that the motor stopped working and the back-up motor
is in need of attention. Tracy Weller who services septic system suggested we purchase a new
motor to prevent future issues. Therefore, order was placed due to urgency of repair.
Motion to Approve Retroactive Purchase Order
Motion was made by Scott Justin to approve retroactive Purchase Order #143-2026 to Tomlin
Equipment in the amount of $3,290.00, seconded by Cynthia Breda. RCV: Scott Justin – aye;
Cynthia Breda – aye; Michelle Tyner – aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-10-465

PUBLIC CONCERNS AND REQUESTS
Penny Brandau, Black River Audubon Society: -Requesting permission from the Trustees
relocate 12 bluebird boxes in the Park. Currently, there are 12 single sites and they
would like to pair boxes, meaning 6 double sites. Trustee agreed to allow the Black

River Audubon Society to relocate bluebird boxes in the Park.

Kim Polen:
-Lorain County Commissioners announced today at their Meeting that 350
acres at the Airport are for sale. Not sure how they are arriving at 350 acres, but if you
would like to watch the Commissioner’s Meeting it is discussed around the 24 minute
mark. Also, please keep on your radar the Amherst Township to City of Elyria annexation
lawsuit.
Dick Polen:
-He thought there is a law in Ohio that when land is taken by eminent
domain then sold, it should go back to the original landowner rather than selling.
Erin Mason:
file?

-Inquired how the sale of the Airport land will tie into current lawsuit on

Dick Polen:

-County still needs to mow the 30 acres near his property. Chairman

Justin stated he is still working on it, no response to date.

4783

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Minutes of New Russia Township Regular Meeting

HELD

October 6, 2026

STAFF REPORTS
Charlie McKinley:

-No complaints

Ross Mateer:
-Held regular meeting two (2) weeks ago. Requesting if each Board
Member can have individual email addresses instead of one general? Also, requested if
ZBA can have their own laptop, separate from ZBC? ZBA would like to use ChatGPT to
possibly summarize meetings for minute purposes. Trustee Breda thinks requests

should be considered.

Jim Griner:
Deputy Plemons:

-Data Center topics are being discussed.
Calls for Service

-Aug, 28th, 44000 block of Oberlin Elyria Rd., deputies assisted the fire department at a
commercial fire alarm.
-Aug. 29th, 48000 block of RT. 511, deputies assisted EMS on a medical call.
-Aug. 29th, E. Hamilton St./ Parsons Rd., for a 2-car motor vehicle accident.
-Aug. 30th, 10000 block of Quarry Rd., reference a fraud complaint.
-Aug. 30th, 12000 block of Quarry Rd., deputies assisted the fire department for a possible
structure fire which turned out to be an open burning complaint.
-Aug.31st, 48000 block of Russia Rd., deputies sent to a location along a ditch line to dispatch
an injured deer.
-Sept. 2nd, 45000 block of Parsons Rd. reference a dispute over property lines and discarded
items in the woods.
-Sept. 2nd, Oberlin Rd/ Butternut Ridge Rd., reference a suspicious male in a van picking up
trash. This male or his vehicle was not located.
-Sept. 3rd, 47000 block of Pyle Rd., reference a complaint of persons unknown shooting
machine guns. Deputies spoke with a homeowner and his son who were firing semiautomatic guns into a safe back stop.
-Sept. 4th, 45000 block of Butternut Ridge Rd., reference a fraud complaint.
-Sept. 9th, 13000 block of Hale Rd., reference a welfare check.
-Sept. 10th, 12000 block of Oberlin Rd., reference a welfare check.
-Sept. 12th, 13000 block of Hale Rd., deputies responded to a complaint of suspicious noises
outside a residence in the early morning hours. Deputies checked the property for the
elderly homeowner.
Justin Mott:
-Seal Master gave demonstration on road patch, tested patch on Butternut
Ridge Road is holding up and would like to purchase several buckets for use on various
areas. 50 lbs bucket which is water activated is $43.54 per bucket or a pallet which
includes 36 buckets would be $1,567.44. Trustees agreed to purchase 5 buckets @

$43.54 per bucket.

4784

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Minutes of New Russia Township Regular Meeting

HELD

October 6, 2026

-Jason Keltner is not returning as a Snow Plow Driver. William Burgdorf which covers
second shift has agreed to stay over 4 additional hours of 3rd shift to help cover. Mr.
Burgdorf requested “On-Call Pay” for both 2nd and 3rd shifts in their entirety.
-Milks Mower Service in Amherst has a used Edger with one (1) hour on meter for
$3,000.00 vs $3,900.00 for a new model.
-RLCWA is fixing a water leak in front of Administrative Building and should have
complete by week’s end.
Motion to Approve Snow Plow Driver “On-Call Pay”
Motion was made by Scott Justin to approve Snow Plow Driver “On-Call Pay” to William
Burgdorf for both 2nd and 3rd shift, for a total of 16 hours per day during winter season at
$3.00/hour, seconded by Michelle Tyner. RCV: Scott Justin – aye; Michelle Tyner – aye;
Cynthia Breda – aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-10-466
Brittany Castillo Morales:
-River rock will be delivered this week. Would Trustees like
to purchase any additional before price increases? Trustees stated not at this time,

Chairman Justin stated only need enough for test spot.

-Trustee Tyner inquired if rental contract has been updated to include “No Bingo”.
Fiscal Officer stated she will update for next meeting approval.
TRUSTEE BUSINESS
Correspondence were reviewed and found in order.
Motion to Approve 2027 Aquatic Maintenance
Motion was made by Scott Justin to approve the 2027 Seasonal Water Management from April
thru October at a cost of $762.00 per month ($5,334.00 total) and the Winter Fountain Storage
Agreement at a cost of $1,000.00 (Winter 2027 Removal – Spring 2028 Reinstall) with The Lake
Doctors, seconded by Cynthia Breda. RCV: Scott Justin – aye; Cynthia Breda – aye; Michelle
Tyner – aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-10-467

4785

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Minutes of New Russia Township Regular Meeting

HELD

October 6, 2026

-Reviewed Zoning Proposals for the Enterprise Zone

-Trustee Tyner stated two (2) Proposals were received from OHM and Plan It
Consulting LLC. Plan 4 Land did not respond to revised request.
-OHM has a large-scale development background and would like to form a Steering
Committee to gather information, price $39,500.00
-Plan It Consulting LLC has worked with Bratenahl, Granger Township, Strongsville,
would be a single representative, price $14,500.00

Trustee Breda stated we need a company with experience in what the Township is dealing with.
Trustee Tyner stated an Overlay District may be possible which would mean no immediate
change to Zoning. Resident Pat Justin stated references should be check first before hiring.
Trustee Tyner stated the Developer asked to define “clean”. Trustee Tyner stated NRT needs
to define what is not wanted, instead of Industrial Park, maybe an Advanced Technology
Overlay District with protection in place. She feels the first step is to make everyone feel
protected. OHM is suggesting a Steering Committee. Trustee Tyner stated a Zoning Board of
Commission Representative is needed to meet with Consultant, Trustee, Benesch Law Firm and
the Developer. This Zoning Representative needs to understand what is happening and report
to the Commission. This will be a difficult task to organize and it will be helpful to have a
Zoning Rep to work in conjunction. Trustee Breda asked if a Zoning Board of Appeals Member
should be included? Trustee Tyner stated maybe down the road, once the code is written.
Trustee Tyner would like the Zoning Board of Commission to appoint a representative for this
endeavor. Fiscal Officer asked Trustee Tyner if she has had any discussion with a municipality
for purpose of a JEDD? Trustee Tyner stated “no”, only discussed with Developer and not a
certain municipality. Trustee Tyner stated, sewers are an issue. ZBC Member Geoff Kudlo
asked for a target date for the ZBC to appoint a representative. Trustee Tyner stated the
sooner the better. Trustee Tyner stated there is still an End User interested in property and a
2nd End User is still active but no site visit has been scheduled that she is aware. ZBC
Representative will need to be willing to meeting every 3rd week with Consultant, Developer,
Attorney(s) and Trustee. Trustee Breda stated she doesn’t like to spend money but would
rather go with a company that has dealt with same issues and feels OHM will give us the best
protection.
Motion to Hire Consultant for Zoning Resolution Modifications
Motion was made by Cynthia Breda to hire OHM Consultants for the Zoning Resolution
modifications at a cost not-to-exceed $39,500.00, seconded by Scott Justin. RCV: Cynthia
Breda – aye; Scott Justin – aye; Michelle Tyner – aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-10-468

4786

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Minutes of New Russia Township Regular Meeting

HELD

October 6, 2026

-Trustee Breda gave update on Data Center Committee, various topics being discussed,
homework is given, inquiring what other townships have done. Attended Ohio Commissioners
Meeting on Data Centers, she feels this meeting was pushed by Data Centers, used New Albany
as an example, everyone there seemed “on-board”. No one there could give argument on what
they call “misinformation” spread by opponents of Data Centers. She feels everyone there was
pushing for Data Centers to be located in rural areas. Also, she emailed Barb Tamas from Co
Prosecutor’s Office for what is needed to conduct a traffic study on Parsons Road, Barb stated a
resolution to the County Engineer’s Office. Update on Sign Grant, waiting for ODOT to deliver
signs. Update on Cyber Security Training, staff can complete on their own or have Eric from
OTARMA give presentation.
-Trustee Tyner stated two (2) signatures for Cobb Ditch cleaning are still needed and both are
willing to sign, Don Romancak will contact residents to follow-up.
-Kim Polen asked when will the Data Center Moratorium expire? Trustee Tyner stated she will
update at next meeting.
-Trustee Tyner stated Barb Tamas from the Co Prosecutor’s Office stated changes are needed,
the ZBC needs to react and protect the Township. Definitions are needed on data centers, end
users, etc.
-Kim Polen stated the ZBC works for the Board of Trustees and the Trustees should set
deadlines to get changes made, things need to start happening soon. The ZBC should be giving
Trustees more updates, she feels like nothing is being done. Trustee Tyner agreed that NRT
needs a stronger stance on Zoning.
-New owner of hotel on Oberlin-Elyria Road introduced himself. He is an attorney from North
Olmsted, he stated the Township has power and can say what is wanted and not wanted and
hold Developers accountable. Would be interested in helping in future if needed.
Motion to Adjourn
Motion was made by Scott Justin to adjourn meeting at 7:43 pm, seconded by Michelle Tyner.
RCV: Scott Justin – aye; Michelle Tyner – aye; Cynthia Breda – aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-10-469
AFFIRMED by Scott Justin at October 20, 2026 Regular Meeting
ATTESTED by Lisa Akers at October 20, 2026 Regular Meeting