Summary
The Centerville Township Board met November 12, 2025, with Ronald Schaub, Elizabeth Chiles, Kerry O’Non, and Jolyn Arens present (Katrina Pleva absent, later joining after closed session). The Board approved the agenda and October 15 minutes (4-0 each), held a closed session on Northgate litigation, and voted to reject Northgate's proposed terms at this time. Financial matters, a fire board budget, and personnel/administrative issues involving the Zoning Administrator were also addressed.
Public Comments
Steve Hamilton urged the Board to stay on top of the septage issue. Deb Kuhn reported she had filed FOIA requests with EGLE and Willims & Bay, noting that the materials received did not include testing information on septage contaminants. No Board response was recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Board Report: Kasson Township voters rejected a millage to fund a new fire house. Solon Township Supervisor Comeaux recommended a major overhaul of the current fire house and will seek renovation bids, with the possibility that all four townships could share funding. The Board reviewed the CAFR proposed 2026-27 budget; Pleva raised concerns about the lack of a line item for an Assistant Chief position and inadequate insurance cost estimates. Schaub said he would raise the Assistant Chief issue at the next CAFR Board meeting and noted contingency funds could cover any insurance shortfall. The budget was approved as presented (5,0).
Other Business
Closed session was held to discuss Northgate litigation (roll call vote 4,0 to enter; 4,0 to exit); the Board decided not to accept any Northgate settlement terms at this time. The Planning Commission Chair noted the township has been paying attorney fees out-of-pocket since insurance funds were exhausted, and requested more information from Tim Cypher on applications, permits, and meeting attendance; a Master Plan review is anticipated but not yet scheduled. The Zoning Administrator is hospitalized; his staff is covering duties. Pleva is holding checks pending paperwork from Cypher. Arens suggested considering interviewing other ZAs; Pleva noted the township's existing contract with Cypher Group, and Schaub agreed to review that contract. The Rogers zoning violation matter was postponed to the next meeting after the Michigan Supreme Court denied Rogers' final appeal. The Board will discuss in December compensating Trustee Arens for attending the Northgate mediation, at a rate possibly equivalent to a township meeting. Next Board meeting scheduled for December 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report: a $100,000 CD was split on October 31, with half moved to checking and half to a new CD at Lake MI Credit Union. Tax bills are expected by late November/early December. Schaub moved to approve the Treasurer's Report, supported by Chiles. Invoices were reviewed and authorized for payment (Pleva moved, O'Non supported). The CAFR 2026-27 proposed budget was approved 5-0, with concerns noted about missing Assistant Chief funding and low insurance cost projections; Schaub indicated contingency funds could be used if needed.
Action Items
- Schaub to review Cypher Group's contract regarding the Zoning Administrator.
- Schaub to raise the Assistant Chief funding concern at the next CAFR Board meeting.
- Board to discuss the Rogers zoning violation matter, following denial of his Michigan Supreme Court appeal, at the next meeting.
- Board to further discuss compensation policy for Trustee Arens' Northgate mediation attendance in December.
- Planning Commission awaiting further information from Tim Cypher on applications/permits and meeting attendance.