HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 2026 02-10-26 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE,KENDALL COUNTY,ILLINOIS,
HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
651 PRAIRIE POINTE DRIVE ON
TUESDAY,FEBRUARY 10,2026
Mayor Purcell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
City Clerk Contrino called the roll.
Ward I Koch Present
Transier Present
Ward II Plocher Present
Soling Present
Ward III Funkhouser Present
Marek Present
Ward IV Corneils Present
Hyett Present
Staff in attendance at City Hall: City Administrator Olson,City Clerk Contrino,Chief Jensen,Attorney
Tornatore,Public Works Director Dhuse,Community Development Director Barksdale-Noble,Finance
Director Fredrickson,Parks and Recreation Director Evans, Economic Development Coordinator
Gregory,Economic Development Director Dubajic Kellogg, EEI Engineer Sanderson, and
Superintendent of Recreation Remus.
Staff in attendance electronically: Assistant City Administrator Willrett
Members of the public were able to attend this meeting in person as well as being able to access the
meeting remotely via Zoom which allowed for video, audio,and telephonic participation.
A meeting notice was posted on the City's website on the agenda,minutes, and packets webpage with
instructions regarding remote meeting access and a link was included for the public to participate in the
meeting remotely:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82116241803?pwd=plBJOgpuCcLhFf2X807AnNGP6GCjGt.1.
The Zoom meeting ID was 821 1624 1803.
QUORUM
A quorum was established.
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
Mayor Purcell shared that City Administrator Olson will give a short presentation on data centers.He also
clarified that a vote on the Meyer property,adjacent to the Caledonia subdivision, is not scheduled,as
digital ABC News 7 reported in error. He further explained that it is not on the agenda. •
PRESENTATIONS
Check Presentations
a. Yorkville American Legion Flags of Valor
Parks and Recreation Director Evans presented a check to the Yorkville American Legion Flags of Valor
for$3,000. He shared that the American Legion and the City work together for_the Legion's Memorial
Day celebration and the Flags of Valor flag display in Town Square. Director Evans also stated that the
fish fry will be starting next week. Commander Jeff,of the American Legion,thanked the Parks and
Recreation staff for assisting in numerous events.He presented Director Evans, Superintendent of
Recreation Remus,and Superintendent of Parks Sleezer each with a plaque of appreciation.
b. Knights of Columbus
Parks and Recreation Director Evans presented a check to the Knights of Columbus for$1,500.He shared
that the Knights of Columbus volunteer at many City events throughout the year, including the holiday
celebration race.
Data Center Presentation
City Administrator Olson gave a presentation and status update on data center developments (see
presentation attached).
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council—February 10,2026—Page 2 of 6
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of the Regular City Council—January 13, 2026
2. Minutes of the Regular City Council—January 27, 2026
3. Bill Payments for Approval
$ 530,093.61 (vendors)
$ 201,328.36 (wire payments)
$ 475,127.67 (payroll period ending 01/30/26)
$ 1,206,549.64 (total)
4. Resolution 2026-13 Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement for Reciprocal Building
Inspection Services Between the United City of Yorkville and Kendall County—authorize the
Mayor and City Clerk to execute(PW 2025-107)
Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve the consent agenda. So moved by Alderman Soling;
seconded by Alderman Koch.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-8 Nays-0
Koch-aye,Plocher-aye,Funkhouser-aye, Corneils-aye,
Transier-aye, Soling-aye,Marek-aye,Hyett-aye
REPORTS
MAYOR'S REPORT
Ordinance 2026-09 Approving a Minor Amendment to the Approved
Planned Unit Development for Cl Yorkville,LLC
(CC 2026-04)
Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Approving a Minor Amendment to the
Approved Planned Unit Development for Cl Yorkville,LLC and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute. So moved by Alderman Plocher; seconded by Alderman Soling.
Community Development Director Barksdale-Noble explained that the minor amendment to the
previously approved PUD for Cl Yorkville, LLC is to revise the site and location of electrical substations
and remove one building.Although the minor change to the PUD is typically approved administratively
by staff, she explained that the petitioner has chosen to follow the pull review process under the Unified
Development Ordinance and obtain formal approval from the City Council. Director Barksdale-Noble
stated that the proposed changes include reducing the substation from 800,000 square feet to 400,000
square feet, eliminating Building 7,and reducing the total building size from 2.4 million square feet to 2.1
million square feet.
Russ Whitaker shared that they would be seeking a site development permit imminently,with
construction starting this quarter. They expect power delivery by next year.Alderman Funkhouser asked
whether they would consider reducing building heights if they returned for a further amendment.Mr.
Whitaker explained they would reduce it to one story from two two-story buildings if so.Mayor Purcell
asked when construction begins on buildings,how many jobs are expected during construction.Mr.
Whitaker stated that they will get that material to the Mayor. Alderman Soling asked why they reduced
the substation size. Mr.Whitaker stated they were able to get into the final engineering drawings and dial
things in.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-8 Nays-0
Plocher-aye,Funkhouser-aye, Corneils-aye,Transier-aye,
Soling-aye,Marek-aye,Hyett-aye,Koch-aye
Ordinance 2026-10 Authorizing the Acquisition of Easements for the
Construction of Improvements to the City's
Water System(Rally Homes,LLC)
(CC 2026-05)
Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Easements
for the Construction of Improvements to the City's Water System(Rally Homes,LLC) and authorize the
Mayor and City Clerk to execute. So moved by Alderman Funkhouser; seconded by Alderman Marek.
City Administrator Olson explained that the easement is necessary for the Lake Michigan water project
and will cost$5,000,plus closing costs.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-8 Nays-0
Funkhouser-aye,Corneils-aye,Transier-aye, Soling-aye,
Marek-aye,Hyett-aye,Koch-aye,Plocher-aye
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council—February 10,2026—Page 3 of 6
Ordinance 2026-11 Authorizing and providing for an installment purchase
agreement for the purpose of financing the costs of certain
water system capital projects in and for the United City of
Yorkville,Kendall County,Illinois,and authorizing and
providing for the issuance of a not to exceed$50,000,000
debt certificate, Series 2026,of said city evidencing the
rights to payment under such agreement,prescribing
the details of the agreement and certificate,and
providing security for and means of payment
under the agreement of the certificate.
(CC 2026-06)
Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance authorizing and providing for an installment
purchase agreement for the purpose of financing the costs of certain water system capital projects in and
for the United City of Yorkville,Kendall County, Illinois, and authorizing and providing for the issuance
of a not to exceed$50,000,000 debt certificate, Series 2026, of said city evidencing the rights to payment
under such agreement,prescribing the details of the agreement and certificate, and providing security for
and means of payment under the agreement of the certificate and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute. So moved by Alderman Transier; seconded by Alderman Koch.
Finance Director Fredrickson explained that the ordinance would authorize the City to borrow up to$50
million as interim financing. Two options were presented: borrowing a lesser amount(example provided
of$35 million), spending proceeds as needed,and investing unused funds to offset interest costs,which
would result in estimated carrying costs between$10,000 and$80,000 or more depending on investment
returns and the duration funds remain outstanding; or borrowing the full$50 million through a debt
certificate with Huntington Bank at an interest rate of 3.83%,rather than utilizing the WIFIA loan
program,which is currently at 4.82%. The recommended option would result in estimated annual interest
savings of approximately$500,000,or approximately$2 million through December 30,2029. Finance
Director Fredrickson further noted that minor revisions to the ordinance were emailed earlier that day.
The revisions included removing the bank as paying agent,with the City serving in that capacity, and
refining the optional redemption notice period from 5-60 days to 30-60 days. He stated that the debt
certificate may be redeemed, in whole or in part, without penalty at any time after January 15,2027,
regardless of which financing option is selected.
Mayor Purcell clarified that the motions given were for the staff's preferred option of$50 million. Mayor
Purcell also clarified that this is a bridge and not additional money on what was already borrowed.
Alderman Transier asked whether these funds can be used for items that have already been completed and
for which the WIFIA proceeds have not yet been released.Finance Director Fredrickson said that it is
correct and that he is looking to focus on the DWC watermain transmissions, as they have larger deposits.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-8 Nays-0
Corneils-aye,Transier-aye, Soling-aye,Marek-aye,
Hyett-aye,Koch-aye,Plocher-aye,Funkhouser-aye
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT
Ordinance 2026-12 Authorizing the Grant of Certain Easements for the
Construction of Improvements to the City's Water System
(PW 2026-09)
Alderman Soling entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Authorizing the Grant of Certain
Easements for the Construction of Improvements to the City's Water System and authorize the Mayor and
City Clerk to execute; seconded by Alderman Marek.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-8 Nays-0
Transier-aye, Soling-aye,Marek-aye,Hyett-aye,
Koch-aye,Plocher-aye,Funkhouser-aye, Corneils-aye
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Ordinance 2026-13 Amending the Yorkville City Code
(Permit Fee-Plan Review Fee Schedule)
(EDC 2026-12)
Alderman Koch entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Amending the Yorkville City Code
(Permit Fee-Plan Review Fee Schedule)and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute; seconded by
Alderman Marek.
Alderman Funkhouser questioned how the proposed fees were being justified,noting that fees are
intended to correlate with actual staff review and inspection costs.Using a CyrusOne building example of
approximately 287,000 square feet,he referenced the estimated$1.52 million in total fees and sought
clarification on how that amount aligns with anticipated staffing and consultant expenditures.
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council—February 10,2026—Page 4 of 6
Community Development Director Barksdale-Knoble responded that,based on experience with prior
large projects such as Bright Farms and Costco, inspection demands have been substantial and are
expected to increase significantly for hyperscale facilities. She indicated that projects of this scale may
require up to approximately 300 inspections per building, including daily and weekly on-site presence, as
well as intensive monitoring of construction,traffic,and noise compliance. Community Development
Director Barksdale-Knoble stated that two additional internal positions are being proposed to manage the
increased workload. Consultant services may also be necessary for specialized review areas, including
medium-and high-voltage electrical systems and other technical components for which the City currently
lacks qualified personnel.
City Administrator Olson stated that the consultant rates discussed during preliminary outreach were
significantly higher than standard internal hourly costs.The proposed fee structure includes an increase in
the base building permit fee and the addition of a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing(MEP)inspection
fee for buildings exceeding 200,000 square feet. Community Development Director Barksdale-Knoble
indicated that the fees are intended to recover actual and anticipated costs associated with review,
inspection,and compliance oversight, and are not intended to serve as a revenue-generating mechanism.
Alderman Koch noted that the matter had been reviewed by the Public Works Committee and
recommended for approval.
Alderman Funkhouser emphasized the importance of ensuring the fees are justified and correspond to
actual expenditures.He inquired whether the City would review the fees post-project to confirm
alignment with costs and whether any significant overages would be retained or otherwise addressed. City
Administrator Olson responded that such determinations would be subject to Council direction and noted
that historically, excess building permit revenues have been designated for one-time expenditures rather
than ongoing operational costs.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-8 Nays-0
Soling-aye,Marek-aye,Hyett-aye,Koch-aye,
Plocher-aye,Funkhouser-aye, Corneils-aye,Transier-aye
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT
No report.
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REPORT
No report.
PARK BOARD
St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Parks and Recreation Director Evans shared that the Yorkville St.Patrick's Day Celebration is on
Saturday,March 14,2026.More information can be found on the City's website at
https://www.yorkville.il.us/632/St-Patricks-Day-Celebration.
Margaritas En Mayo
Parks and Recreation Director Evans announced that Margaritas En Mayo will be held on Friday,May 8,
2026. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Yorkville School District 115
(PZC 2025-14&EDC 2025-85)
Ordinance 2026-14 a. Annexing Certain Territory Located Generally North of
River Road,West of Game Farm Road,and East of
Eldamain Road,to the United City of Yorkville
(Yorkville School District 115)
Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Annexing Certain Territory Located
Generally North of River Road, West of Game Farm Road, and East of Eldamain Road,to the United
City of Yorkville(Yorkville School District 115) and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute. So
moved by Alderman Marek; seconded by Alderman Soling.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-8 Nays-0
Marek-aye,Hyett-aye,Koch-aye,Plocher-aye,
Funkhouser-aye,Corneils-aye,Transier-aye, Soling-aye
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council—February 10,2026—Page 5 of 6
Ordinance 2026-15 b. Authorizing the Execution of an Annexation
Agreement and Between the United City of Yorkville
and Yorkville Community Unit School District 115
Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of an Annexation
Agreement By and Between the United City of Yorkville and Yorkville Community Unit School District
115 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute. So moved by Alderman Soling; seconded by
Alderman Marek.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-8 Nays-0
Hyett-aye,Koch-aye,Plocher-aye,Funkhouser-aye,
Corneils-aye,Transier-aye, Soling-aye,Marek-aye
Ordinance 2026-16 c.Approving the Rezoning to the PI Public Institutional
Zoning District of Certain Territory Located Generally
North of River Road,West of Game Farm Road,and East
of Eldamain Road(Yorkville School District 115)
Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to approve an Ordinance Approving the Rezoning to the PI Public
Institutional Zoning District of Certain Territory Located Generally North of River Road,West of Game
Farm Road,and East of Eldamain Road(Yorkville School District 115)and authorize the Mayor and City
Clerk to execute. So moved by Alderman Hyett; seconded by Alderman Koch.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-8 Nays-0
Koch-aye,Plocher-aye,Funkhouser-aye, Corneils-aye,
Transier-aye, Soling-aye,Marek-aye,Hyett-aye
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
No report.
CITY CLERK'S REPORT
No report.
COMMUNITY&LIAISON REPORT
No report.
STAFF REPORT
No report.
MAYOR'S REPORT(cont'd)
Public Works and Parks Department
Facility Update
Public Works Director Dhuse reported that the above-ground fuel tanks were installed this morning. The
building is currently expected to open in July 2026.
Lake Michigan Water
Project Update
(CC 2025-09)
Mayor Purcell shared that the last bid should be opened in the middle of March,by which time the City
will know most of the project costs. Alderman Koch asked whether, once the bids are submitted,they can
be changed,and City Administrator Olson said yes through the standard change order process.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Alderman Marek inquired about monitoring traffic on Boombah Boulevard to address 18-wheelers
traveling through the area. Chief Jensen explained that the complaint was on Caledonia Drive and
Corneils Road. He reported that the police department spent 33.33 hours surveying traffic from January
14th to February 9th.There were 14 traffic stops between Caledonia Drive and Corneils Road, of which
10 were traffic control device violations. Chief Jensen stated that the trucks were from different
businesses,including Canadian ones,and were going to Menards and Bright Farms. One of the drivers
was lost because he used his phone's GPS rather than a GPS designed for truck drivers. Chief Jensen
explained that GPS for truckers costs money and that,often,truckers do not want to pay, so they use a
standard GPS. This results in the absence of appropriate alternate routes.
Chief Jensen also shared that the Yorkville Police Department will be hosting its Polar Plunge on Sunday,
March 1st
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council—February 10,2026—Page 6 of 6
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Leesa Poss stated that her children and grandchildren live in the Caledonia area near the proposed site and
expressed concern about proximity to residential homes and potential impacts to well water. She
questioned whether contaminants could enter private wells and asked why a data center is necessary in
Yorkville. She referenced the Illinois Constitution and stated that data centers differ significantly from
residential neighborhoods.
Diana Cafi stated she is not opposed to economic growth or technology but believes residents deserve full
transparency about potential impacts. She cited research on documented health effects and raised
.-� concerns about air quality standards, diesel generator testing,binding noise requirements,water
consumption,and public health impacts. She suggested requiring mandatory health impact reviews,
legally binding noise limits, annual reporting on water and pollution metrics, and the formation of an
oversight committee. (Diana passed out information during the meeting, which is attached.)
Joe Besco, a resident of the Countryside subdivision, stated he is 100%opposed to data centers.He
expressed concern that the benefits appear primarily financial rather than community-based. He
questioned what is happening to the city's character and said he would contact City officials.He stated he
does not believe the project would be useful to residents.
Anna asked whether the Council had conducted independent research and urged consideration of long-
term health and environmental consequences. She raised concerns regarding air pollution, generator
emissions,light pollution,potential cancer risks, and irreversible environmental impacts. She asked
Council to consider public health over profit and to evaluate cumulative impacts before making a
decision.
Astra Felix stated that she will submit follow-up questions to City staff and the Council. She asked about
the impact on property values, comparisons between farmland and data center land uses,and whether
Council would consider requiring developers to purchase properties within a certain radius if property
values decline. She also raised concerns regarding debt repayment,water rate increases, and whether
residents may bear financial burdens before revenues are realized. She requested that decisions be tabled
until additional information is provided.
John Flisk, owner of Legacy Equestrian Center on Ashe Road, stated he has experienced significant stress
related to the proposal and expressed concern about potential impacts on his business and livestock. He
stated horses are sensitive to environmental changes and indicated the project could affect his operations.
He referenced actions taken in other communities and stated he does not believe the project is appropriate
near residential or agricultural properties.
Jeremiah Teusink, a resident of Corneils Road,asked about building height limits and visibility from
nearby homes.He expressed concerns regarding water and sewer capacity, electrical infrastructure
demands, and whether existing systems can support the development. He asked about noise mitigation
measures, including chiller locations and setback distances, and requested additional presentation
materials outlining both benefits and drawbacks.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Purcell entertained a motion to adjourn the City Council meeting. So moved by Alderman
Plocher; seconded by Alderman Soling.
Motion unanimously approved by a viva voce vote.
Meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
CoLct-AA A.)L0
Cori Contrino,
City Clerk,City of Yorkville,Illinois
United City of Yorkville
Data Center Developments
Informational Presentation and Status Update
February 10, 2026
My Background
•Bart Olson
•City Administrator for Yorkville since 2009
•Top appointed official
•Manages the day-to-day operations of all departments except Police
•Yorkville High School Graduate
•Northern Illinois University, Master of Public Administration
Graduate
•Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce Board member since 2009
Overview
•What we are not covering, but have addressed in prior presentations:
•What is a data center?
•Why are data centers needed?
•Why are data centers choosing to land in Yorkville?
•Potential Benefits of Data Centers
•Project details
•How will Yorkville address expected resident concerns?
•Tonight’s overview:
•Potential Benefits of Data Centers
•Select review of Jan 13th City Council meeting, citizen comments
•Select review of “Yorkville Illinois Say No to Data!” Facebook Group comments to and from residents and me
•List of newly provided articles / studies from various sources, under review by staff
Potential Benefits of Data Centers
Utility billing growth per sector
during this same timeframe:
19% for commercial accounts
39% for residential accounts
EAV TYPE 2015 2015%2019 2019%2024 2024%
% Change,
2015 $ to 2024 $
Farm 2,861,401 0.7%3,259,791 0.6%6,657,408 0.7%132.7%
Residential 320,914,471 76.2%450,745,939 81.4%800,943,630 87.2%149.6%
Commercial 84,529,087 20.1%83,974,878 15.2%93,437,592 10.2%10.5%
Industrial 13,000,039 3.1%15,509,884 2.8%17,240,090 1.9%32.6%
State Railroad 17,329 0.0%89,004 0.0%101,044 0.0%483.1%
Total 421,322,327 553,579,496 918,379,764 118.0%
Value of new permit construction
estimates (not EAV):
Commercial building permits ~$150m
Residential building permits ~$365m
Potential Benefits of Data Centers
Every 1% swing from Commercial to Residential Values:
~$9m in EAV
~$745,000 in all property taxes
~$50 to $100 extra burden on average homeowner, per year
EAV TYPE 2015 2015%2019 2019%2024 2024%
% Change,
2015 $ to 2024 $
Farm 2,861,401 0.7%3,259,791 0.6%6,657,408 0.7%132.7%
Residential 320,914,471 76.2%450,745,939 81.4%800,943,630 87.2%149.6%
Commercial 84,529,087 20.1%83,974,878 15.2%93,437,592 10.2%10.5%
Industrial 13,000,039 3.1%15,509,884 2.8%17,240,090 1.9%32.6%
State Railroad 17,329 0.0%89,004 0.0%101,044 0.0%483.1%
Total 421,322,327 553,579,496 918,379,764 118.0%
Potential Benefits of Data Centers
Every 1% swing from Commercial to Residential Values:
~$9m in EAV
~$745,000 in all property taxes
~$50 to $100 extra burden on average homeowner, per year
•Meta DeKalb, 6 buildings for a total of ~3m square feet is currently worth $531,000,000 EAV
•Project Steel / Prologis is estimating each one of their 18 buildings will be worth around $26m in EAV
•If they build out the entire property over 15 years, they anticipate a total EAV of around $468m (no inflation or property growth assumed)
Potential Benefits of Data Centers
•Project Steel / Prologis is estimating each one of their 18 buildings will be worth around $26m in EAV
•For every one data center building constructed by Project Steel / Prologis:
•The City will have to decide whether to:
•Add ~$115,000 in new property tax revenue (based on 2024 tax rate) OR
•Add ~2.5% of new EAV to the tax rolls, providing a corresponding property tax reduction on the City’s property tax line-item OR
•Somewhere in between!
•The School District will have to decide whether to:
•Add ~$1.4m in new property tax revenue (based on 2024 tax rate) OR
•Add 1.8% of new EAV to the tax rolls, providing a corresponding property tax reduction on the School’s property tax line-item OR
•Somewhere in between!
January 13th City Council meeting, citizen comments
•There were no data center items on the agenda, which is why the City Council did not discuss data centers
•The City Council does not debate or answer questions during citizen comments portions of the meeting agenda –the City Council is listening
•Staff presentations are available online which address:
•Why data centers are landing in Yorkville and how the City Council has to review them
•How the City Council is addressing concerns about noise, visuals of buildings, layout of the development, how much water is being proposed to be used and how the City is managing it, how the City is dealing with the general construction or development issues from the project, infrastructure construction obligations, and no local incentives, job creation estimates, etc.
January 13th City Council meeting, citizen comments
•City staff have received few calls or emails with questions about the data center projects, and have instead engaged with people on Facebook groups
•Comment about “not being able to afford to live here”
•Illinois has one of the highest property tax rates in the nation, as Illinois chooses to fund its school districts primarily with local property taxes instead of other broader funding streams seen in other states
•Complaints about general taxes being too high have been the main feedback of City services surveys in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019
•City has been trying to attract commercial and industrial development for years, which helps to offset the property tax burden of residential development
•Yorkville is the fastest growing community in the state, according to US Census Bureau estimates
January 13th City Council meeting, citizen comments
•Staff presentation on data centers only deals with tax
revenues
•~40 slides in the November 2025 presentation
•8 slides dealt with tax revenue estimates
•2 slides provided job creation figures
•16 slides dealt with City management of expected data center concerns
•Noise
•Water Usage
•Construction Phasing
•Electric supply cost concerns
January 27th City Council meeting, citizen comments
•Data center applications are moving quickly
•Since 2020, the average development application takes the City:
•~140 days on average
•Since 2020, the average data center development application takes the City:
•~181 days on average (and counting for Project Cardinal, Project Steel, Meyer Property)
Facebook Group Comments
•Can you share any proposed budgets on what the City plans on doing
with this money?
•Addressed previously in meetings
•The City Council has a history of not counting on any prospective
development revenue until it is actually received. So, although we do a 5-year
prospective budget, we are not planning to use any data center revenue for any
purpose, currently. If/when those revenues are received by the City in the
future, the sitting City Council will have an opportunity to program use of
those funds. Generally, the City could take in the revenue and pay for existing
or new projects or could reduce the tax burden on residents (or some
combination of the two).
Facebook Group Comments
•What are the cumulative noise levels of all of the data center projects,
operating together?
•This question was posed by a resident at the January 14th PZC meeting and is
under review!
•Staff is discussing a scope of services with our sound engineer to see if this
type of analysis is feasible
Articles / studies read since last month
•Spectrum News 1 TV report about Prescott Balch and his opposition to the Microsoft data center proposed for Caledonia, WI
•Prescott Balch’s website on “Caledonia Data Center Proposal, Concerns and Lessons Learned”
•YouTube Video from “Micro” about “How a Single Data Center Crushes the Local Economy Around It”
•NetworkWorld.com article “Technology is coming so fast data centers are obsolete by the time they launch”
•Facebook post, “Morrow County Oregon data center cancer cluster”
•“The Cloud Next Door: Investigating the Environmental and Socioeconomic Strain of Datacenters on Local Communities”
•“The Unpaid Toll: Quantifying and Addressing the Public Health Impact of Data Centers”
•“Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Assessment of Data Centers in Texas”
Articles / studies read since last month
•Balancing Growth, Community Impact, and the Needs of a Data-Driven Economy
•National League of Cities / American Center for Scientific Evidence webinar “Datacenter Impacts on Municipal Energy, Water, and Air Systems”
•Washington State study on health risks from diesel emissions in the Quincy Area -https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications/documents/2002019.pdf
•Metropolitan Mayors Caucus –two data center task force meetings
•Youtube video “I live next to Amazons largest data center. They’re stealing our water”
•Youtube video “Wasteland –We went to the town Elon Musk is poisoning”
•“A small town in Central Washington is Microsoft’s answer to the data center backlash”
How can you participate?
•Cyrus One, Phase 2 -https://www.yorkville.il.us/923/C1-Yorkville---Phase-2-Data-Center-Campu
•Cyrus One, Phase 1 minor PUD amendment on tonight’s agenda
•Project Cardinal -https://www.yorkville.il.us/906/Project-Cardinal-Data-Center-Campus-Anne
•Project Steel -https://www.yorkville.il.us/905/Project-Steel-Data-Center-Campus-Annex-R
•Meyer Property, Rezoning -https://www.yorkville.il.us/919/Meyer-Rezone
Follow up questions?
•Contact staff with any questions
•Bart Olson, City Administrator –bolson@yorkville.il.us
•Krysti Barksdale-Noble, Community Development Director –
knoble@yorkville.il.us
•Elected officials contact information -https://www.yorkville.il.us/320/City-
Council
FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS
Air Quality & Pollution
• Will you require an independent health impact assessment , not self -reported by
the developer , before approving any data center in Yorkville?
• Will you prohibit diesel generator testing during peak residential hours or when
wind carries exhaust toward homes or schools?
• Will you require cleaner alternatives to diesel backup generators as a condition of
approval?
• Will you require independently verified, continuous air quality monitoring with
public data access and financial penalties for violations?
Noise
• Will you require an independent noise assessment, measured at the property line
of the nearest home, before approving a data center?
• Will you mandate enforceable, legally binding noise limits, not self -reported by
the operator?
• Will you commit to revoking operating permits if noise standards are repeatedly
violated?
Transparency & Public Process
• Will you require multiple public hearings with at least 30 days' notice before any
data center vote?
• Will you make all agreements, tax incentives, and impact studies publicly
available online before any vote is taken?
• Will you create a community oversight committee with resident members who
have access to real-time monitoring data?
• Will you support annual public reporting on emissions, noise, water use, and jobs
-- with consequences for non-compliance?
Economic & Community Protections
• Will you oppose tax abatements for data centers that exceed 10 years?
• Will you require a guaranteed minimum number of permanent, local jobs — not
just construction positions?
• Will you require data centers to fund all necessary upgrades to Yorkville's
electrical grid and water infrastructure?
• Will you commit to renegotiating or canceling agreements if the operator fails to
meet health and employment commitments?
KEY REFERENCES
1. Ren, S. et al. "The Unpaid Toll: Quantifying the Public Health Impact of Al." UC Riverside 1 Caltech,
December 2024. UCR News: news.ucr.edu/articles/2024/12/09/ais-deadly-air-pollution-toll
2. UC Riverside / Next 10. "California Data Center Health Impact Report." November 2025.
news.ucr.edu/articles/2025/11 /21 lcalifornia-data-center-health-impacts-tripled-4-years
3. Federation of American Scientists. "Advance Al with Cleaner Air and Healthier Outcomes." June 2025.
€as.org/publication/advance-ai-with-cleaner-air-and-healthier-outcomes/
4. Tech Policy. Press. "Data Center Boom Risks Health of Already Vulnerable Communities." June 2025.
techpolicy.press
5. Washington State Department of Ecology. "Data Centers and Air Quality." ecology.wa.govlair-
climatelair-qualityldata-centers
6. Tao, Y. & Gao, P. "Global data center expansion and human health: A call for empirical research."
PMC 1 National Institutes of Health, 2025. pmc,ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC122734121
7. Munzei, T. et al. "Cardiovascular effects of environmental noise exposure." European Heart Journal,
2014; 35:829-836.
8. WHO. "Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region." World Health Organization Regional
Office for Europe, 2018.
9. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology. "Noise causes cardiovascular disease:
it's time to act." December 2024 1 PMC 2025.
10. Environmental Disease. "A Narrative Review of Environmental Noise and Cardiovascular Health."
Jan —Mar 2025; 10(1):6-14.
11. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Data Center Energy Use Projections, 2023-2028.
12. Inside Climate News. "Data Centers' Use of Diesel Generators for Backup Power Is Commonplace and Problematic." November 12, 2025. insideclimatenews.org