Scott Leber
Michael G Parker
Brian A Miller
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ERIE COUNTY, OHIO USA
July 8, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Trustee Mr. Miller called the regular meeting of Oxford Township to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Trustee Mr. Miller led those in attendance in recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Trustees Mr. Leber, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Parker, Road Superintendent Dunlap, and Fiscal Officer Pelletier were present at roll call.
MINUTES
Fiscal Officer Pelletier electronically distributed the minutes of the previous regular meeting for review prior to the meeting.
Motion
Trustee Mr. Parker moved to approve the minutes as distributed, and Trustee Mr. Leber seconded. A verbal vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.
GUESTS
Motion
Trustee Mr. Parker moved to address the guests in attendance, and Mr. Leber seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
A large number of residents attended to discuss concerns about a potential data center project. Trustees opened the floor for public comment and approved a motion allowing up to two minutes per speaker, with a maximum of twenty minutes of discussion.
Prepared comments by Trustee Michael G. Parker for July 8, 2026 ,Regular Session Oxford Township Trustees:
Trustees become aware of a potential purchase of property for the purpose of a Data Center in April. The property owner invited trustees to a presentation April 15 on a very preliminary proposal. No action or decisions were requested at the presentation. Trustees left the meeting realizing a lot of money was involved, as well as a lot of headaches. No company has purchased property yet, as a review of the auditor's website shows. The property is located across from the Army Reserve Center and NASA entrance on Mason Rd and abuts the turnpike. It would require a zoning change. As such public hearings will be required and held, if and when the potential developer (AVAIO) submits an application to the zoning inspector. If that happens the process will be followed in accordance with the Oxford Township Zoning Resolution. Representing the other trustees, I voluntarily took the liberty to discuss with the company the need to provide the residents with information on the project before attempting to make a zoning application. The company intends to hold a public meeting, primarily for residents and trustees and county official but still public to all. Township residents will likely receive a flyer from the company in the next few days as an invitation to the public meeting, July 14, 7 pm at Rockin’ Ranch event center. The meeting is strictly to pass on information so that residents, trustees, county officials, and other stakeholders can all have the same knowledge. The meeting is to be held by the company and will not be a meeting held by the Trustees or any other public entity.
I can advise you that Trustees would weigh carefully the physical plans presented and make sure that nothing would be as intrusive or unattractive as the construction at Perkins Avenue and SR 4. We also would carefully weigh residents concerns, adjacent properties, and financial impact.
The Trustees do not endorse any official position at this time. Nothing has been posted on the township website since we do not wish to appear to be promoting any official position, and we did not know if the company would progress with any plans. We do feel that all residents should be able to make an informed opinion that they can relay to the Board as we work for the residents. Any decision, if an application is made, may not please all, but hopefully the majority. This whole process is in the very early stages.
Worthy of note is, I don't believe the Board would even consider approving a data center unless we could be assured of enough income to reduce the township’s share of taxes for taxpayers that is used for operating and fire and EMS expenses. There are also many other factors to be considered, all of which will take time to iron out, if the landowner and developer wish to proceed. The public will be able to see the results of any proposals. None of this is a done deal and no one can say for sure if a project will proceed.
Trustees provided an overview of the preliminary information from the potential developer and emphasized that no application has been submitted, no property has been purchased, and the project remains in an early exploratory stage.
Summary of Guest Questions & Concerns
Meeting transparency and minutes availability: Guests asked who prepares the meeting minutes, when they are approved, and whether minutes exist for the April 15 informational presentation.
Water usage and groundwater impact: Concerns were raised regarding groundwater stress and water consumption.
Air quality, pollution, and health concerns: Questions were raised about asthma, emissions, and potential cancer risks.
Noise levels: Guests questioned the stated noise output.
Parcel identification and size: Trustees confirmed the parcel is approximately 146.9 acres.
Environmental oversight: Guests asked whether independent engineers or scientists would verify the developer’s claims.
Tax abatements: Trustees stated no discussions had occurred and noted confidentiality restrictions under Ohio Revised Code 9.66.
Moratorium on data centers: Trustees stated there is no plan to lift the moratorium early.
Zoning process: Trustees explained the process would involve the Zoning Commission, planned unit development review, and final trustee action.
Community notification: Notices will be posted on the township website and Facebook page.
Township character: Several guests expressed concern about the township’s rural character and recent developments.
Township Residents: Expressed that one family is selling off Oxford at the detriment to all residents.
ZONING INSPECTOR
The Zoning Inspector reported one fence and pool permit on the same Mason Road property.
ROAD SUPERINTENDENT Road Superintendent Dunlap reported:
Tire recycling collected 2.5 dumpsters of tires and one dumpster of scrap steel.
Township 550 truck was serviced at Valley Ford. The issue was diagnosed as a brake switch failure and repaired under warranty.
Paving in Groton Township has begun. Approximately 3,000 tons of material will be used; 1,200 tons were placed over the last two days, with a goal of 1,500 tons the following day.
Salt contract submitted to the county for 300 tons.
Bid of $4,500 from Tech Sealing to seal and stripe the parking lot.
Motion
Trustee Mr. Parker moved to approve sealing and striping for $4,500, and Trustee Mr. Leber seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
TRUSTEES
Trustee Mr. Leber
Reported the cemetery fence grant was submitted for $5000; clarification was provided regarding recycled materials.
Trustee Mr. Miller
It was reported that the Campbell Street drainage project went well.
No update yet on the survey of township property in Kimball.
Quote received for ADA accessibility improvements.
Discussed eligibility for grant funding for ADA-related improvements.
Township pavilion roofing and gutter work are scheduled for August.
Trustee Mr. Parker
No additional trustee-specific items were noted.
FISCAL OFFICER
AT&T billing issue resolved; the final amount paid was $194.34.
COMMUNICATIONS No communications noted.
OLD BUSINESS No old business.
NEW BUSINESS
Tax Budget Resolution of
Oxford Township, Erie County, Ohio
Resolution No. 7.08.2026
Whereas, pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code Section 5705.28 a taxing authority is required to adopt a tax budget for the succeeding fiscal year by July 15th of each year; and
Whereas, a public hearing was held on July 8, 2026, at the offices of Oxford Township, 11104 Ransom Road, Monroeville, OH 44847. Public notice of that hearing was provided in the manner consistent with the prescribed law.
Now, Therefore, be it resolved by the Oxford Township Board of Trustees:
Section 1. The Board hereby adopts the tax budget proposed for Calendar Year 2027. In further conformity with section 5705.30 of the Ohio Revised Code, the budget shall be submitted to the Erie County Auditor no later than July 20, 2026.
Section 2. The Board hereby finds and determines that all formal actions relative to the passage of this legislation were taken in an open meeting of this Board, and that all deliberations of this Board and of its committees, if any, which resulted in formal action, were taken in meetings open to the public, in full compliance with applicable legal requirements, including Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Section3. That this resolution shall take effect from and after the earliest time provided by law.
Tax budget presented for approval.
Motion
Trustee Mr. Miller moved to approve the tax budget resolution, and Trustee Mr. Leber seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The Audit contract with Charles E. Harris needs renewal for five years.
The Medical Mutual insurance renewal for 2027 will increase by 4.48%.
Motion
Trustee Mr. Parker moved to approve the contract renewal, seconded by Trustee Mr. Leber. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion
Trustee Mr. Parker moved to remain with Medical Mutual, seconded by Trustee Mr. Leber. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion
Mr. Leber moved to pay all Oxford Township bills as presented, and Mr. Parker seconded. A verbal vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Motion
Mr. Parker moved to adjourn the meeting, and Mr. Leber seconded. A verbal vote was held, and the motion passed unanimously.
Brian Miller, Trustee – Chairman _________________________
Melissa Pelletier, Fiscal Officer