At the October 14 Harmony City Council meeting, several residents spoke out with questions and comments about the proposed data center in Harmony. Dennis DeKeyrel said that he felt there had been a good turnout at the town hall meeting on October 7, but a lot of people still have questions that need to be addressed with council transparency. Julie Little said that the council should not move forward without listening to the community first and that the data center could be a great opportunity for Harmony.
The consent agenda was approved and included the minutes of the September 9 meeting, the claims and September checks, the investment report, cash balances, and the budget year-to-date as well as the 2026 MMUA Safety Management fee. Two personnel committee recommendations were also approved for Deputy Clerk Lisa Morken and Corey Whalen to each be moved up a pay grade.
A public hearing was opened to discuss the proposed annexation of property for the data center. President and CEO of MiEnergy, Brian Krambeer was present to answer questions as was MiEnergy VP of Member Services Kent Whitcomb and Dairyland representative, Chris Giesen. Krambeer commended the city on the recent town hall meeting and noted that lots of feedback and comments were received. He stated that MiEnergy is a non-profit electric cooperative that is owned by its members, which includes the city of Harmony. The city then sells the energy to its residents. More users equals more revenue to the city which can then help maintain lower sewer rates, water rates, etc. In response to concerns about noise levels, Giesen said that the city has the right to set a decibel limit in the zoning ordinance and that noise was taken into account when the location for the proposed data center was chosen. Councilor Jesse Grabau encouraged residents to reach out to the members of Planning & Zoning with questions and concerns, noting that the annexation can always be reversed if something changes. Ordinance 151.01 designating the annexation of the property into Harmony city limits was approved.
Bill Spitzer presented the council with data about Rolling Hills Transit. Spitzer will have a short public survey available by the end of the week and asked the council to help with encouraging input. He also asked that the city consider local match funding to assist with the costs for running the service, noting that the cost for a new van or bus has doubled in the past few years.
The Truth-in-Taxation hearing will be held at the regular council meeting on December 9.
A three-year proposal was received from Smith Schafer Auditing Services with an initial fee of $43,000 and a 5% increase each year after that. The council passed a motion approving the three-year proposal.
Several proposals were reviewed for perimeter fence revisions at the wastewater treatment plant to allow for better access. The fence revision was approved.
The EDA has submitted grant applications to install solar lights at the Welcome to Harmony signs. Harmony Kids Learning Center owner Umbelina Cremer shared an update on the center with the EDA, noting that it is currently full with 80 children enrolled and more on the waiting list.
Erica Thilges from the Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce reported that Fall for Harmony went very well and Haunted Harmony is coming up on October 25. The Chamber is accepting applications for the Membership and Event Coordinator position.
Harmony library director, Cara McCoy updated the council on the library. The security cameras have been installed and a seat is open on the library board.
Councilor Keith McIntosh gave the Arts Board report. The board will be donating outdoor easels for the Fillmore Central preschool. It will host two free showings of the newly released documentary Spirit of the Driftless at the Jem Theatre on November 1. The public is asked for input on a mural for Harmony.
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