ONTARIO — Ontario isn’t waiting to be approached by developers planning a possible data center.
City Council on Wednesday evening approved a six-month moratorium on any such project.
The six-month moratorium includes consideration, acceptance and/or granting of any applications relating to data centers supporting artificial intelligence within the city of Ontario.
Council President Eddie Gallo said data centers have approached property owners in the past, but there is nothing on the horizon.
“This is something based on recent events that a lot of municipalities are doing,” Gallo said. “It’s somewhat of a preemptive measure.”
Service-Safety Director Michael Morton said after seeing what happened in the neighboring community, there are some legitimate concerns about the effects of data centers.
He said Ohio House Bill 646, now being considered in the state senate, would create a data center study commission. The bill would set regulations for where and how data centers can be built in Ohio.
“I think it would be appropriate to see what they find,” he added. “That’s one of the reasons for this moratorium.”
Sanitary sewer upgrades to continue in 2026
Council also authorized Morton to seek competitive bids and award a contract for the city’s 2026 sanitary sewer improvement program.
Morton said the city’s contract with Mansfield requires this routine project to help reduce inflow and infiltration.
“I think this is the third or fourth year we have done a project like this. We’re required to spend around $300,000 to reduce the amount of inflow into our system,” Morton added. “This is just a continuation of that. The estimated cost for this project is around $280,000.”
He said it is a continuation of Chambers Meadows, where they stopped last year. They will continue Chambers Meadows, Millsboro East Road and Valley Road.
Morton said officials conducted a study of the area, which is why they are focusing on it.
“This area was analyzed as a high priority area,” he said. “The life-expectancy of this work is about 50 years, so it’s similar to putting in brand new pipe—only this is a lot easier, cheaper and less invasive.”
Other legislation approved
Council approved several additional measures, including one that waives the requirement that service-safety director be a resident of the City of Ontario.
Council also authorized Morton, or his designee, to donate unneeded and obsolete unclaimed property from the police evidence room.
Council hears updates on summer jobs, grants and concert series
Mayor Josh Bradley noted summer employment applications are officially open.
The part-time work will tentatively begin after Memorial Day and end around Labor Day. Pay is $15 per hour.
Work will be outdoors including but not limited to mowing, general maintenance and general labor.
Residents can pick up applications at the City Municipal Building at 555 Stumbo Road. The deadline is May 13 at 4 p.m.
He added they are in the process of applying for a Safe Streets for All Grant. The grant program was established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“The program funds local and regional initiatives through grants to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries,” Bradley said.
He added there are two types of grants – planning and implementation.
“We’re applying for the planning, this was recommended from our plan as needed for eligibility for certain capital improvement grants,” he added. “It will give Ontario an edge during the bid process selection.”
Prior to council during caucus, Ontario Recreation Director and OYS Director Kenn Spencer noted the upcoming Concerts in the Park.
The concerts will be throughout the summer at the Band Shell at Marshall Park.
“We offer them mid-week and we don’t compete with anyone when we offer those,” Spencer said. “We have some really good bands, the first one is June 7.”
“It’s a nice time to bring the family out and it’s super kid-friendly,” he said.
Spencer noted they usually have food trucks at the concerts as well. The concerts are free to attend and begin at 6 p.m.
Dates and bands for the concerts include:
- June 9: Canyon Echoes
- June 26: I Told You
- July 7: Conne
- July 21: Oolong Gurus
- August: 11 Soul Town
- August 25: Red Ball Jets