Quad Community Press reports...

The Lino Lakes City Council continues to have discussions around data centers.

At the council’s most recent work session, Community Development Director Michael Grochala reviewed the city’s current land use regulations and provided an overview of data centers.

“We’re hearing a lot more about them now,” Grochala said. “They’ve been around for years … but we’re seeing a lot more locally within the Twin Cities Metro Area and as a whole nationally.”

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Council Member Julia Nelson clarified that no company has approached the city about building a data center. “I would be for anything that gives us the most power and control over this,” she added. 

Council Member Randy Rennaker, who brought this forward for discussion to the council in July, said he wants to make certain the city is protected and has the control of what type of facilities are built in the city. 

“I have friends and family who live in the city that can’t water their yard on a Monday or a Wednesday,” he added. “Some of these data centers are using exorbitant amounts of water. That’s just not right.” 

Council Member Chris Lyden asked Grochala if it would be possible to ban data centers in the specific zoning districts. 

Grochala said staff have not gone down the path of exploring prohibition, but the city could establish standards. 

There was no formal action taken by the council. It was discussion only.