Summary
The Centerville Township Board met on February 11, 2026, with Elizabeth Chiles, Katrina Pleva, Jolyn Arens, and Kerry O’Non present; Ron Schaub was absent. The board approved the agenda and January 14, 2026 minutes (with a correction to include resolution numbers), approved the Treasurer’s report, and authorized payment of invoices, including $19,488.66 for attorney Brad Wierda’s January work. All votes carried 4-0.
Public Comments
Alan Campbell, referencing the township’s recent discussion on prayer, suggested a moment of silence be observed, noting this is the practice used by the County. In a later comment, Campbell noted that Chris Grobbel wants to work as an individual contractor, meaning the township would need to hire him under contract.
Infrastructure Projects
Jolyn Arens reported on discussions with Noah Karberg, Director of Grand Traverse County Public Works, regarding the complicated process of septic disposal. Karberg is willing to attend a future board meeting with the County’s attorney to discuss the process; the township would want its attorney, Chris Bzdok, present as well.
Other Business
Commissioner Campbell reported the VFW Hall received a renovation grant from the Grand Traverse Bank of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, with another grant cycle in April; Drain Commissioner Tim O’Non will present at the County meeting the following Tuesday. The County is seeking a temporary Finance Director, and Campbell clarified the former Finance Director was not fired for misappropriation of funds. New Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan proposed a complaint-handling system for STRs similar to Cleveland’s plan; questions remain about anonymous complaints. Attorney Bill Rastetter cited a favorable precedent related to the township’s Northgate case, with arguments scheduled for March 16. Chris Grobbell was asked to temporarily assist with land divisions due to a new law increasing land-use splits. Jen Cram advised the Master Plan does not need updating but recommended reviewing Chapter 2 statistics for a fee. For Cedar Area Fire and Rescue, the budget is tight, an audit (costing $3,700–$18,000) was awarded to Tobin & Co., and board member John DePuy announced he may step down due to health concerns, recommending Kathy Fordyce of Empire Township as his replacement; Greg Julian will contact her.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Pleva reported one CD matured on the 4th; the tax deadline is March 2, with payments running slightly slow but expected to pick up. Invoices were approved with no unusual items except the $19,488.66 attorney payment. No profit and loss/budget amendment report was given.
Action Items
Clerk Chiles is securing election workers for the May election, with training in July. The board will consider inviting Noah Karberg and the County attorney to discuss septic disposal, with township attorney Chris Bzdok present. Chris Grobbell continues assisting with land divisions temporarily. The board will decide on John DePuy’s CAFR board status and his proposed replacement, Kathy Fordyce, at the March meeting, once Greg Julian has contacted her. The next Board of Trustees meeting is March 11, 2026, and the next Planning Commission meeting is March 2, 2026.