The Cannon Falls Beacon reports…

The Cannon Falls City Council approved the final plat for the data center development as part of its consent agenda during its Oct. 6 meeting. Then at the Oct. 20 meeting, the council approved upgrades for Cannon Falls TV Cable Access’ Cablecast system despite opposition from council member Lisa Zimmerman.

More info on the data center…

Prior to the vote approving the final plat for the data center, two residents spoke during public input. Both asked the council to vote against the final plat approval to put a pause on the project to allow for more studies and a third party to look over everything.

Council member Diane Johnson had just one question before the vote to approve the consent agenda which included the final plat approval.

“Clarification on the final plat approval, if the city administrator or zoning person could clarify that all the conditions that were noted in the preliminary plat have been met in the final plat?” asked Johnson.

“The final plat is in substantial conformance with the preliminary plat, so all of the conditions from the preliminary approval have been met for this final plat application,” replied License and Permit Technician Izzy Carlson.

“In addition, the recommendations from the city engineer related to items for the utility plan have been met as well and we feel that we’re in the position that we are satisfied moving forward with that to align with the development agreement and the approval of the final plat,” added City Administrator Jon Radermacher.

The preliminary plat for the data center was approved back on Oct. 21, 2025. Generally, the preliminary plat sets out conditions that the developer needs to meet in order for the final plat to be approved and if those conditions are met, as Carlson said they were, municipalities rarely vote against it. Denial of a final plat for reasons outside of not meeting the preliminary plat conditions or following the requisite timeline has resulted in legal action in Minnesota.