Public input sought on data center moratorium
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The Ava Board of Aldermen delayed final action Tuesday, June 9, on a proposed data center moratorium, giving residents another opportunity to comment before the ordinance returns to the board.
The proposed data center moratorium is expected to come back before aldermen at the next regular meeting, set for Tuesday, June 23, at 5 p.m. A separate public hearing regarding a possible water and sewer rate increase will be held Tuesday, July 14, at 5 p.m., with the regular Board of Aldermen meeting to begin after the hearing is closed following public comments.
Aldermen heard the first reading of Ordinance No. 1173, which proposes a temporary one-year moratorium on data centers and similar uses within the city limits. A moratorium is a temporary pause, not a permanent ban. In this case, the ordinance would place a one-year hold on the city accepting or approving applications, permits or licenses for data centers, cryptocurrency mining facilities, artificial intelligence computing facilities, server farms and similar uses while city officials review possible local regulations.
The ordinance states the city needs additional time to review those uses and determine whether changes may be needed to city code, zoning regulations, building regulations, utility policies, fire protection standards, nuisance regulations or other local requirements.
The first reading passed on a motion by Alderman Jaclyn “Nikki” Stanifer-Nunn, with a second by Board President Noel Dye. Mayor Kirk Pueppke suspended the second reading and noted that anyone wishing to comment on the ordinance may attend the next regular meeting, when the measure is expected to come before the board for approval.
Aldermen also considered Ordinance No. 1171, which authorizes the establishment, regulation and exemption of a municipal police department shooting range and training facility.
According to the ordinance, the facility would be used primarily for law enforcement training, qualification and instruction, with operation, scheduling and management placed under the control of the police chief, a designee or designated range master. The ordinance also states the range would not be open to the general public for recreational shooting.
Officials noted the local training facility would cut down on time spent traveling to ranges outside the area and would allow for additional training opportunities within the Ava and Douglas County area. The closest training facility currently used is located outside the county.
Ordinance No. 1171 passed on a motion by Stanifer-Nunn, with a second by Dye.
The board also approved Ordinance No. 1172, which vacates an existing utility easement running east and west between two parcels owned by Danny Fish on the Ava Bottling Company property. The ordinance states the easement no longer serves a public purpose and that there are no apparent public utilities within the easement. The request will allow the property owners to consolidate the two lots and use the land for a commercial building expansion.
Ordinance No. 1172 passed on a motion by Stanifer-Nunn, with a second by Dye.
The board also approved Resolution No. 2026.06.09, authorizing an agreement between the City of Ava and the Ava Area Chamber of Commerce for services and expenses related to promoting economic development in Ava and the surrounding area. The agreement runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and provides for the city to pay the chamber $24,000 during the term, in monthly installments of $2,000.
Resolution No. 2026.06.09 passed on a motion by Alderman Billy Stewart, with a second by Stanifer-Nunn.
A separate resolution concerning the fairground lease was tabled after Stewart said he would like to table the item. Dye seconded the motion.
The board also approved Resolution No. 2026.06.11, authorizing the mayor to sign a contract agreement with Rockbound Surveying, LLC and Environmental Works, Inc. for landfill closure requirements requested by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
The landfill resolution includes surveying services for the Ava landfill, including historical research, boundary retracement, topographic survey work, cover verification surveys, legal descriptions and a closure plat. The attached work order lists an estimated cost of $24,500, with an $8,500 deposit.
Resolution No. 2026.06.11 passed on a motion by Dye, with a second by Stanifer-Nunn.
The meeting later went into closed session.
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