Summary
The Centerville Township Board met May 13, 2026, with Ronald Schaub, Elizabeth Chiles, Katrina Pleva, and Kerry O’Non present (Jolyn Arens absent) and 15 guests. The Board approved the amended agenda, April 8 minutes, Treasurer’s report, and invoices, all by 4-0 votes. Major discussion centered on septage disposal, a 2% planning grant application, zoning fee schedules, an AI-based zoning tool proposal, and a millage increase for Fire Department operations to 2.50 mills at the August election.
Public Comments
Deb Kuhn said Centerville’s ordinance can override state statute on septage disposal and urged the Board and public to get involved. Darlene Doorlag supported Kuhn’s comments and encouraged support for the millage. Later in the meeting, Jasmine Harriston warned that septage spread on farmland can affect all farmers; Schaub said he would ask attorney Bzdok to attend a future meeting to discuss this. Scott Collins noted the State may change its rules. Mark Zemanek said Williams and Bay disposes septage differently than other haulers, that septage can go to the Traverse City treatment plant, and that he supports the independent citizens group’s effort to keep control local rather than with the State.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Under the Supervisor’s report, the Board agreed to upgrade the sign at the park regarding boat washing, per a request from the Lake Association.
Infrastructure Projects
Septage disposal regulation was a recurring topic, with residents urging the Township to adopt local control rather than defer to the State. No formal Board action was taken; Schaub will invite attorney Bzdok to a future meeting to discuss the issue further.
Other Business
Road Commission representative Brendan Mullane reported on new sales-tax-based funding, a millage on the ballot, planned primary road repairs in Maple City, and new equipment/trucks. Commissioner Alan Campbell reported on the county’s millage rate (max 3.20 mills), contingency fund, opioid settlement funds, and a proposed voucher system. The Clerk reported 29 in-person voters and 125 mail-in ballots in the last election. The Planning Commission (Scott Sheehan) discussed zoning ordinance typo corrections, a proposed AI zoning-information tool (developed with Travis Kemp, offered free, contract to be reviewed before a vote next month), and non-conforming structure policy, to be revisited next meeting. Cedar Area Fire and Rescue’s strategic plan was approved 4-0; meetings will alternate sites, next on June 3.
Financial Summary
The Board approved submission of the 2% grant application requesting $15,000 for public survey consultants (3 in favor, 1 abstained); a motion to hold a special meeting on the grant failed for lack of support. Proposed land division fees were discussed ($450 for up to 4 splits, $50 per additional split), with a decision deferred pending further review. Clean-up of the Brian Rogers property was estimated at $5,000–$7,000, to be recovered via a property lien; discussion was tabled. The Fire Department millage will be proposed at 2.50 mills at the August election.
Action Items
Schaub to invite attorney Bzdok to discuss septage disposal. Kellogg and Arens to attend the Northgate Appeal/Mediation on June 22 at 1:00 p.m. Brian Rogers property clean-up decision tabled for next meeting. AI zoning-tool contract to be reviewed and voted on next month. Land division and other zoning fees to be revisited after further research. Non-conforming structure policy to be addressed at a future meeting.