Ottawa United's petition proposed an ordinance that would sharply limit any data center in Proximity Park. Organizers needed 658 signatures and turned in 1,031. After the county clerk verified them on August 7, state law gave the City Commission 20 days to adopt the ordinance or place it on the ballot in November.

On August 19, a Hinkle Law Firm attorney hired by the city said the ordinance is administrative, so under Kansas Supreme Court guidance it cannot go to a public vote. Commissioners had her send the findings to the county clerk.

Ottawa United answered on August 24 with a demand letter citing rulings in other Kansas communities, including Emporia, that sent similar questions to the ballot. The group says it has raised money to take the matter to court.

For details, see KOFO's reports on the signatures, the city's finding and the demand letter, and the August 19 commission minutes.