At the Sept. 2 Moore Township Board of Supervisors meeting, township Solicitor David Backenstoe informed the board of the importance of developing an ordinance to address artificial intelligence data centers that are popping up all over the United States.

Backenstoe talked about the usage of an AI data center, whether it would be “by right, special exception or conditional use.” He noted size of the structure needs to be considered, buffer requirements, noise issues and water and power use issues. He noted it is a complicated, challenging endeavor to develop ordinances to address data centers, so he recommended the board approve that a draft ordinance be started.

The supervisors approved Backenstoe to begin the draft ordinance process.

Municipalities across the country are preparing for data centers by adopting zoning ordinances, assessing the significant water consumption and energy needs of a potential AI data center. They are planning long-term strategies to manage the effects of a data center on their infrastructure and communities.

Data centers are large facilities that house IT equipment and are designed for continuous operation. The data center provides a reliable and robust facility for storing and processing vast amounts of digital information.

A data center has high initial costs, excessive power needs to run the center and uses significant amounts of water for cooling systems. All these potential issues may stimulate local opposition to a data center in the township.

Backenstoe plans to work on a draft ordinance that may take time to address all the issues and expects the board may have to hold town hall meetings like they did to address warehouse development challenges in the township to inform and seek input from township residents.

It was noted one AI data center proposed in Wyoming will consume significantly more power than all of Wyoming’s households combined.

The fire and ambulance report from Jason Harhart, Klecknersville Rangers Volunteer Fire Company fire recorder, stated there were 84 ambulance calls during August, which included one as a standby at a fire.

Harhart noted there were 75 fire calls during August that included three fires, eight responses to motor vehicle accidents and four calls for downed trees.

Moore Township Police Chief Gary West reported there were 335 total incidents for the month of August, including eight verbal and written warnings given and three arrests, including one dog violation, one driving under the influence and one trespassing. There were 33 traffic citations issued.

In her Community Days report, Lois Kerbacher noted the committee needs additional volunteers. She thanked all who helped run the Community Days event and all who attended. This prompted supervisor Chair Daniel Piorkowski to remark the volunteer team “did a great job” with the 2025 Community Days.

Kerbacher noted there is a mystery bingo to support Community Days at Klecknersville fire company Oct. 19.

Resolutions 2025-17 and 2025-18 were approved by the supervisors. Resolution 2025-17 addresses solar energy fees, and 2025-18 allows the administration to pursue Local Share Account grant funding for radios for the police department. All resolutions can be reviewed by contacting the township office.

Township Manager Stephen Nowroski said trick-or-treat night in the township is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31.

Nowroski received supervisor permission to hire two employees for the public works department to replace two who resigned from the department.

The Moore Township Land and Environmental Protection Board and township administration requested and received supervisor permission to hire a full-time open space coordinator. The role was described as a complex position that involves every aspect of acquiring, maintaining and monitoring preserved open spaces. It was explained the new position will only address open spaces and not be involved with farmland preservation. The addition of the employee is expected to be budget neutral for the township.

The next Moore Township Board of Supervisors meeting is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at the township municipal building, 2491 Community Drive. It is an in-person-only meeting. Visit mooretownship.org to review the meeting’s agenda.