Summary
The Centerville Township Board met on October 14, 2026, with all five members present (Schaub, Chiles, Pleva, O’non, Arens). The Board approved the agenda, Treasurer’s Report, bill payments, and a $1,384 expenditure for printing and mailing winter tax bills, all by 5-0 votes. Planning Commission matters dominated discussion, including expansion of membership, septage disposal, and a zoning dispute involving the Smith family. The Board also began considering a policy on recording devices such as "smart" glasses at meetings.
Public Comments
Deb Kuhn noted that the August minutes contained an error, stating the Board had agreed to hire an Environmental Consultant, not an Engineer. She also asked the Commissioner whether opioid settlement funds could be used for mental health needs; he said this was possible but more discussion was needed before disbursing funds. Resident Dziedzic asked about the status of the portajohn contract at the park; Chiles reported there is no contract with Williams & Bay and the township is free to hire another company. Commissioner Campbell commented that any policy on recording devices must comply with the Open Meetings Act, noting the governing law dates to 1976 but its principles still apply.
Parks and Recreation Matters
A brief discussion addressed the portajohn at the park; Chiles confirmed there is no existing contract with Williams & Bay, so the township may hire a different vendor.
Infrastructure Projects
Planning Commission member Arens reported that engineer Jennifer Graham (Gourdie-Fraser) visited the Schomberg development site and recommended strict adherence to the Zoning Ordinance and requiring a performance guarantee due to drainage concerns requiring coordination between the engineer and landscaper. Noah Karberg will be invited to the next meeting to discuss septage disposal options.
Other Business
The Commissioner’s Report noted the Interim Finance Director resigned; a former comptroller from Mason City agreed to serve as emergency replacement. The Clerk reported focus on election activities, with Permanent List ballots mailed September 29–30 and now being returned. The Planning Commission discussed adding two new members (target date January 1, 2027), proposed by Chiles and supported by O’non, and addressed a zoning dispute involving John and Rachel Smith, whose lot-line request was denied by reviewer Jenn Cram; Pleva suggested the ZA, the Smiths, and O’non meet to clarify the request. A Public Hearing on the revised CAFB Interlocal Agreement is set for November 11 at 6:30 p.m., with a vote on the 2027-28 CAFB budget planned for the November meeting. The Supervisor reported Boards of Review may now hold joint annual meetings with other townships; Ron will investigate further. Under Unfinished Business, the Northgate matter awaits a Court of Appeals decision, and the Rogers clean-up is scheduled for October 28–30 if not completed by Brian beforehand. Dziedzic demonstrated "smart" sunglasses with biometric data collection capabilities; Kerry O’non was asked to draft a policy on recording devices for Board review.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer’s Report was approved (5-0); Pleva opened a new CD at Lake MI Credit Union and retained an account at 4Front Credit Union. Bill payments were approved (5-0), with Chiles noting some double payments due to late September statements. The Board approved a $1,384 KCI estimate for winter tax bill printing and mailing (5-0).
Action Items
Kerry O’non to draft a policy on recording devices (including "smart" glasses) for Board review, to be submitted a few days before the next meeting. Ron to speak with Lauren (attorney) regarding Open Meetings Act compliance for the policy. Ron to investigate joint Board of Review scheduling with other townships. Noah Karberg to be invited to the next Planning Commission meeting regarding septage disposal. ZA, the Smiths, and Tim O’non to meet to resolve the lot-line dispute. Brian must complete the Rogers clean-up by October 28, or removal will proceed October 28–30.