On the agenda: Oberlin September 1, 2026 — Data Center (Sep 1)

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

Minutes of New Russia Township Regular Meeting
HELD

September 1, 2026

Chairman, Scott Justin, called the September 1, 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: Judy Walker, Don Case, Ross Mateer, Brittany
Castillo Morales, Erin Mason, Jay Roman, Steve & Diane Jackson

Motion to Approve August 4, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
Motion was made by Scott Justin to approve the August 4, 2026 Regular Meeting
Minutes, seconded by Michelle Tyner. RCV: Scott Justin—aye; Michelle Tyner—aye;
Cynthia Breda—aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-09-446

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 $33,127.66, seconded
by Michelle Tyner. RCV: Scott Justin—aye; Michelle Tyner—aye; Cynthia Breda—aye.
MOTION CARRIED 2026-09-447

Fiscal Officer reviewed changes to the Lorain County Health Care Plan for the 2027
year. Premiums have four (4) levels instead of the traditional single/family. New levels include: Single, EE+Spouse, EE+Child(ren), Family. With the new levels, the
Township will realize a monthly cost savings with new tiered structure. Handouts
were given for staff review. New enrollment forms will need submitted in the near future. Fiscal Officer inquired if Trustees planned to continue paying 100% of premium.
Motion to Approve Payment of Health Care Premium
Motion was made by Scott Justin to continue paying 100% of health care premium under the Lorain County Plan, seconded by Michelle Tyner. RCV: Scott Justin—aye;
Michelle Tyner—aye; Cynthia Breda—aye.
MOTION CARRIED 2026-09-448

Fiscal Officer discussed handouts received from Anne Heczko from Lorain County Commissioners Office regarding Safety Plan, Metroparks Connectivity Plan and Pull Tab
Challenge.

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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

Minutes of New Russia Township Regular Meeting
HELD

September 1, 2026

PUBLIC CONCERNS AND REQUESTS
Steve Jackson:
-Inquired if there was follow-up regarding zoning issues, where
yard signs are being used in lieu of mailing letters. Chairman Justin stated

letters will be mailed moving forward.

-Requested update on Cobb Ditch. Trustee Tyner stated three (3)
signed easements are still needed. Don Romancak indicated to Trustee Tyner
that if easements are signed by end-of-September then it could go for
Commissioner approval by October and work could possibly start at the
beginning of year. Mr. Romancak also stated temporary easements may be
available instead of permanent easement to get project started. Don’t know at
what point a ditch petition may be contemplated. Mr. Roman asked if he could
build-up property? Trustee Tyner stated all of Russia Road residents have
signed easements and possibly start cleaning that area first.

James Roman:

STAFF REPORTS
Ross Mateer:
-ZBA Meetings held 4th Tuesday of each month
-Variance Hearing in July was approved
-August 2026 ZBA Meeting was cancelled due to LC Fair

-Chairman Justin stated meeting minutes are still needed on website. FO stated
she spoke with Donna Kearns regarding requirement but minutes have not been
submitted. Ross Mateer stated he will inquire with Donna.

Deputy Plemons:

Calls for Service

-July 19th, 44000 block of Russia Rd., reference a breaking and entering complaint
-July 20th, 47000 block of W. Hamilton St., reference a disturbance involving persons on bicycles along
the nearby bike path.
-July 24th, 9000 block of RT. 58, reference a disturbance involving the towing of a vehicle.
-July 26th, 45000 block of Butternut Ridge Rd., reference a female who was in the park, after hours,
and needs assistance finding their way out of the woods. Female was located at Drug Mart and
checked ok.
-July 28th, 9000 block of RT. 58, deputies assisted EMS with a male who was working on a car and the
jack fell, trapping him underneath same.
-July 31st, 45000 block of E. Hamilton St., reference a report of a woman screaming. It was later
determined to be a local business which was using a loud speaker to transmit sounds of
screaming birds to scare away other birds to protect his crops.
-Aug. 3rd, 43000 block of Oberlin Elyria Rd., deputies assisted EMS at a local group home where a
patient had passed away.
-Aug. 4th, the Republic Waste recycle center on Oberlin Elyria Rd., reference someone had disposed of a
AR 15 assault rifle in the trash.
-Aug. 6th, Russia Rd.,/ Oberlin Rd., reference a woman leaning up against a telephone pole. Deputies
located this female and gave her a ride out of the area.
-Aug. 7th, 45000 block of Butternut Ridge Rd., deputies responded to a group home reference a
combative patient, who was later transported to the hospital,-Aug. 11th, 11000 block of Pyle Rd., reference a domestic, with one subject being arrested.

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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

Item 2

Minutes of New Russia Township Regular Meeting

September 1, 2026

HELD

-Reviewed proposal for tennis/basketball court repair. FO and
Chairman stated proposal is above bid threshold and formal bid process will be
needed if project is considered in the future. Chairman Justin stated Oberlin
College recently built tennis courts. Trustee Tyner stated grants may be
available especially if Oberlin School students still use courts for practice.

Justin Mott:

-Reviewed playground mulch pricing…$3,120.00 PC Services, $6,300.00
Mortons, Justin will check to see the actual material being priced.
-Reviewed Artic Sectional Sno-Wing quote from Southeastern Equipment @
$21,590.00
-Would like to put several items on Govdeals to sale; rakes, spreader box.

Trustees approved but request reserve price for next meeting.
-Two (2) holes on Garfield Road bridge need repaired.
Motion to Approve Artic Sectional Sno-Wing Purchase

Motion was made by Michelle Tyner to approve the purchase of an Artic Sectional Snowing from Southeastern Equipment at a cost of $21,590.00, seconded by Scott Justin.
RCV: Michelle Tyner—aye; Scott Justin—aye; Cynthia Breda—aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-09-449
Brittany Castillo Morales—Chronicle Telegram inquired if interested in screen-time
advertising on their website? Trustee stated “no”.

TRUSTEE BUSINESS
Correspondence were reviewed and found in order.
-FO inquired if the Board would like to participate in NOACA and Oberlin Business
Partnership. Trustees stated “no”.
-Chairman Justin stated former employee David Lent submitted a quote to ditch mow
for September/October using the Mantis mower at a cost of $3,900.00.
Trustees stated “no”.
-Trustee Breda stated she is having an informal Data Center Committee meeting,
Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 6:30 pm. Minutes will be taken.
-Trustee Tyner reviewed recent discussions with developer regarding mega site:
-One end-user completed site visit and another end-user site visit is anticipated.
-The County asked NRT to consider creating a JEDD with another municipality
-Annexation threat is close
-Input is needed on how best to move forward
-If annexation occurs it may include a 12 year revenue share with another
municipality.
-There are multiple avenues to annex New Russia Township
-Location is one of the few in the country that could house a true mega site
which would mean one end user. Commissioners would like several end-users
but developer would like one.

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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

Minutes of New Russia Township Regular Meeting
HELD

September 1, 2026

-Trustee Tyner continued….
-A lot of unanswered questions but a decision is needed as to what direction the
Township should go.
-Sewer force line down Russia Road has increased from 4” to 5”, meaning more
development.
-Gravity fed sewer line down Baumhart Road is deep which means more
development.
-Developer agreed to no data centers
-County has not agreed to no data centers but would like to sell surrounding
airport property which would be up for public bid.
-Decide if NRT should try to contain development to north of Russia Road in
order to preserve Township from further annexation.
Bid Opening is tomorrow night @ 6:00 pm for the rewrite of the Land Use Plan.

-Trustee Tyner stated she spoke with a company and it was suggested to do Zoning
Resolution then Land Use Plan due to the many “what ifs”.
Motion to Adjourn
Motion was made by Scott Justin to adjourn meeting at 7:42 pm, seconded by Michelle
Tyner. RCV: Scott Justin—aye; Michelle Tyner—aye; Cynthia Breda—aye.
MOTION CARRIED
2026-09-450

AFFIRMED by Scott Just at September 15, 2026 Regular Meeting

ATTESTED by Lisa Akers at September 15, 2026 Regular Meeting

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