Elkader City Council Approves Ordinance Prohibiting Data Centers

Elkader City Council Proceedings  

The Elkader City Council met on Monday, August 10, 2026 in regular session at 6:30 p.m. at the  Elkader City Hall with Mayor Josh R. Pope presiding. Roll call: Present: Bob Garms, Roger  Buchholz, Tony Hauber, Randy Henning and Curtis Ruhser.  

Henning moved to approve the consent agenda; Hauber seconded the motion.  Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Hauber, Buchholz, Henning, Ruhser  

Nays: none  

Consent agenda  

a. Minutes from the July 27, 2026 regular meeting  

b. Bills (July 24-August 6, 2026)  

c. Financial report (Treasurer’s report, budget by function, revenue and receipts by fund)  Public comments: No public comments were received.  

Old Business  

Public Hearing to amend the Zoning Code by adding Section 165.08(16) (prohibiting data centers in  all zoning classifications) and amending Section 165.07 (2) (R-1 Residential) and Section 165.07  (6) (C1 Highway Commercial) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Elkader, Iowa Mayor Pope  opened the public hearing at 6:31 p.m. No comments were received during or before the public  hearing. He closed the public hearing. Garms moved to approve the First Reading - Ordinance  2026-03 - adding Section 165.08(16) (prohibiting data centers in all zoning classifications) and  amending Section 165.07 (2) (R-1 Residential) and Section 165.07 (6) (C1 Highway Commercial)  of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Elkader, Iowa. Henning seconded the motion. Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Hauber, Buchholz, Henning, Ruhser  

Nays: none  

Garms moved to waive the second and third readings of Ordinance 2026-03 and finally approve it. Buchholz seconded the motion.  

Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Hauber, Buchholz, Henning, Ruhser  

Nays: none  

Public Hearing - consider an amendment to the Zoning Code (changing zoning of the Eastside  Cemetery in order to rezone Lot 1 of the Stahr Addition) The Mayor opened the public hearing at  6:32 p.m. The petitioner was in attendance and explained that they wanted to build a house close to  the shop they are building. Councilmember Hauber asked about the necessity of rezoning and  building a house in the commercial area. The Mayor closed the public hearing at 6:36 p.m. Garms  moved to approve First Reading–Ordinance 2026-07–An ordinance amending Chapter 165 of the  Municipal Code of the City of Elkader, Iowa (2022) by rezoning certain property. Buchholz  seconded the motion. 

Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Hauber, Buchholz, Henning, Ruhser  

Nays: none  

Garms moved to waive the second and third readings of Ordinance 2026-07 and finally approve it. Buchholz seconded the motion.  

Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Hauber, Buchholz, Henning, Ruhser  

Nays: none  

New business  

First Reading – Ordinance 2026-06 – An ordinance amending Section 26 (Cemetery Board) of the  Code of Ordinances of the City of Elkader Hauber moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance  2026-06 that clarifies internment of the deceased can only be in legal cemeteries and spreading of  ashes is forbidden on public property. Ruhser seconded the motion.  

Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Hauber, Buchholz, Henning, Ruhser  

Nays: none 

Garms moved to waive the second and third readings of Ordinance 2026-06 and finally approve it.  Hauber seconded the motion.  

Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Hauber, Buchholz, Henning, Ruhser  

Nays: none  

Discuss easement behind 112 N. Main Street The owner replaced the patio that is on their property  and wanted to expand the patio onto the City property. They are currently working with the owners  of the movie theater to see what regulations they have to follow for the emergency exit stairs that are  in this same space. The owners are planning for a year or two from now. Council indicated anything  in that area would need to be resistant to flood waters. A question was asked about needing a railing.  Any easement document will have language regarding liability. There is no public access to this spot.  The owner was encouraged to work with the neighbor and make a cohesive plan as a block and bring  it back to the City Council. It was suggested they work with Main Street Elkader as a project may be  eligible as a Challenge grant.  

Administrative staff update Staff updated the Council on several issues and projects.  

Questions/concerns/reports from members of the City Council It was suggested that since the  Library Foundation provided an annual report to the City Council that the Friends of the Library  also provide a report. Staff will let the Library Board of Trustees know about the request. A  reminder was voiced that blowing grass clippings into the roadway is prohibited by City Code.  

Adjournment Henning moved to adjourn. Ruhser seconded the motion.  

Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Hauber, Buchholz, Henning, Rusher  

Nays: none  

Mayor Pope declared the meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m. 

The Elkader City Council amended the Zoning Code to prohibit Data Centers in all zoning classifications. The Council held a public hearing on the issue last night. They held the first reading and then waved the next two readings and approved the change to prohibit Data Centers.