By Joseph Schultz
Dorr Planning Commission Chairman and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) member Dan Beute submitted his resignation from all township offices, effective immediately. Bob Wagner read the letter at the start of Tuesday’s Planning Meeting. Beute had served on the Planning Commission since 2015 and on the ZBA since 2020.
In his letter, Beute wrote that a recent health scare caused him to re-evaluate the time he was spending with his family, his job, and the township. The health scare was brought on by stress, and Beute decided he needed to step away from his township roles for the sake of his health.
The Dorr Planning Commission has been under intense pressure from the “torches and pitchforks” crowd regarding a possible data center in Dorr. Microsoft purchased land in the township in 2024 with the stated purpose of building a data center, though a site plan has not yet been presented.
During the public hearing portion of the planning meeting, members of the community expressed concerns about the data center, including potential health impacts, water usage, and noise. They also alleged that employees of Professional Code Inspections (PCI) had a conflict of interest regarding their work for the township and Microsoft. PCI was criticized for being a for-profit company, and employee Lori Castello was called out for being too “welcoming” to Microsoft.
Castello explained that PCI is a for-profit company of private contractors that serves only townships, cities, and villages; they do not work for private companies. She noted that business owners come to PCI with plans for their property, and PCI determines what needs to be done for those plans to comply with township ordinances. Castello explained that she must remain professional in her dealings, which members of the public interpreted as being “too welcoming.”
Conflict of interest allegations were also leveled at the Planning Commissioners. Jody Schaendorf was singled out because he owns the asphalt company Black Gold Transport. It was alleged that Schaendorf might seek to obtain paving contracts from Microsoft should a data center be built.
Schaendorf dismissed the allegations, stating that his business would be one of many required to bid on the paving projects, with no guarantee that his firm would be selected. “Should I join Dan Beute?” Schaendorf asked the hostile crowd rhetorically. In a heated exchange, Schaendorf stated that he was “trying to do what is right for the community.”
Neither side convinced the other.
Wagner described Beute as “top-notch” and expressed regret that he could not continue. Larry Dolegowski echoed Wagner’s sentiment, noting that Beute did a “heck of a good job.”
The township board will now accept nominations to fill the vacancy on the Planning Commission. The board’s next meeting is Thursday night.
Building Expansion Approved
The Planning Commission reviewed a site plan submitted by Hulst Heating and Cooling. Hulst plans to build a two-story metal building addition and expand the parking lot. The commission approved the plan, with the condition that a 20-foot fire lane be maintained and that the building be keyed for the Leighton Township Fire Department.
Editor’s Note: This story courtesy of TownBroadcast
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
