Summary
The Centerville Township Board held its Annual Township Meeting on March 22, 2025, with Ronald Schaub, Elizabeth Chiles, Katrina Pleva, and Jolyn Arens present (Kerry O'Non absent). The Board approved the agenda as amended (4-0) and approved the March 23, 2024 minutes as amended (4-0). Reports covered Cedar Area Fire & Rescue, the Planning Commission, Township Hall improvements, and township roads. The meeting adjourned at 11:06 a.m. (4-0).
Public Comments
No public comments were offered on the agenda item itself, and the formal Public Comments item (#11) had none recorded. However, guest Joyce Hartom raised concerns during the roads discussion about Overby Road, stating that parking near M22 is a dangerous safety hazard and that the road's condition itself is unsafe. She noted the Road Commission says the road is not a through road and that "No Parking" signs cannot be erected there. Hartom also thanked former County Commissioner Kama Ross for investigating the matter and determining that portions of Overby Road fall within Leland's district rather than Centerville's.
Infrastructure Projects
The Leelanau County Road Commission informed the Township that no funds are available in 2025 for road repairs. The Board of Trustees has allotted $50,000 in the budget for road repairs. Brendan Mullane, manager of the Leelanau County Road Commission, will attend the April Board meeting. A prioritization list and PASER rating system have been developed for road work. Separately, Township Hall improvements funded by ARPA funds are complete; work continues on a new heating system for the lower meeting room, with the old system to be refurbished as backup.
Other Business
Chief Doornbos presented the Cedar Area Fire & Rescue Annual Report, discussing the budget (wages/salaries as the largest cost, followed by equipment), grants received, mutual aid participation with Leelanau townships, a new union contract, EMS call statistics, staff training including live burn training, school programs, and community CPR classes. He also received a Professional Emergency Management award. A new station concept was discussed, potentially in partnership with Glen Lake near M72 and Maple City Road, though staffing costs and boundary adjustments remain considerations.
Lindy Kellogg reported the Planning Commission held 18 meetings and 2 training sessions in 2024, added 2 new members, completed a zoning ordinance review (approved in October, including a purpose statement, mineral extraction overlay, and water overlay district), and ended the moratorium in October. The Commission is now reviewing the Master Plan; the township's planner resigned and a new master planner will need to be hired.
Board comments: Pleva noted it has been a good tax year; Schaub reported Township expenses have been paid and the Township is under budget.
Financial Summary
The Board allotted $50,000 for road repairs due to lack of County Road Commission funding in 2025. Taxable value in the Township increased by $10 million, per zoning administrator Tim Cypher's report reviewed by Schaub. Hall improvements were funded through ARPA funds. Schaub reported the Township is under budget for the year.
Action Items
Hire a new master planner following the planner's resignation. Brendan Mullane to attend the April Board meeting to discuss road repair prioritization. Continued monitoring of the Overby Road safety concerns raised by Joyce Hartom, including the jurisdictional question between Centerville and Leland districts.