St. Marys Council Swears In Eric Mauter, Advances Data Center Moratorium And Spring Street Project

St. Marys City Council opened its latest meeting with the oath of office for Eric Mauter, who will serve as the city’s new Fourth Ward councilman.

Mayor Joe Hurlburt said Mauter was appointed by the Republican Central Committee to fill the remainder of Erin Buchanan’s term after she stepped down because she is moving out of town. Hurlburt said Mauter previously served as an at-large member of St. Marys City Council.

Council also heard from Kim Reier, President of the Veterans Foundation and Museum of St. Marys. Reier provided an update on the museum, including donations, funding and the current Purple Heart campaign. Hurlburt said the museum could also receive around $33,000 through the state budget if funding is approved at the state level.

Teresa Dirksen, Ag and Natural Resources Director with the Lake Restoration Commission, also updated council on the current status of Grand Lake St. Marys. Dirksen discussed treatment trains around the lake and how they have helped improve water quality.

Under legislation, council heard the second reading of an ordinance authorizing an agreement with Clemens Nelson and Associates. Hurlburt said the firm serves as the city’s attorneys on retainer and handles employee relations work for the city.

A resolution imposing a temporary moratorium on the establishment of data centers in St. Marys also moved to a third reading. If approved, the moratorium would be in place for one year. Hurlburt said the pause would give the city time to review data centers and their possible impact on the community.

Council also passed, under suspension of the rules, legislation requesting cooperation from the Ohio Department of Transportation for the Spring Street renovation project. The project includes the reconstruction of streets, sidewalks, utilities, pedestrian facilities, street lights and traffic signals along Spring Street from Main Street to just west of the river bridge.

Hurlburt said the project is expected to cost around $4 million, with ODOT covering about $3.5 million. The work is expected to begin in early 2027.

A Finance Committee meeting was also requested for June 15th at 5:15 PM to discuss supplemental appropriations.