The Ames City Council will learn Tuesday just how much power it actually has to control a proposed data center, as city attorneys present a legal breakdown of the limits the city faces.

The discussion is set for the council’s regular meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Ames City Council Chambers.

No public comment

Unlike many council items, this one will not include public comment during the meeting. City officials say that is because a listening session on June 30 already gave residents a chance to speak.

People who still want to share their opinions can email the mayor and council at [email protected].

City officials are also preparing for a big crowd. If the council chambers fill up, the city will send extra attendees to the city auditorium, where they can watch the meeting on a screen.

Project at center of debate

The issue traces back to May, when city staff received a letter from Lightedge, a data center company based in Des Moines. The company said it wants to build a data center on about 11 acres along Aviation Way, just west of property used by Sigler Companies.

Lightedge plans to build the facility in phases over roughly 10 years, adding space as customer demand grows.

The council already heard a staff presentation on the project June 23, along with comments from Lightedge representatives. City staff looked at several issues tied to the project, including how it might affect nearby airport operations, lease details, electricity needs, and whether other properties in Ames could work instead.

Tuesday’s meeting will focus on a memo from the Ames city attorney explaining what limits the city can legally place on data centers. That means the council will not be deciding on the Lightedge project itself but instead learning more about its own authority before making future decisions.

Residents who want more information, including past staff reports and a summary of feedback from the June 30 listening session, can find it at www.CityOfAmes.org/DataCenter.