Summary
The Centerville Township Board met June 11, 2025, with all five members present (Schaub, Chiles, Pleva, Arens, O'Non). The Board approved the agenda as amended, approved May 14 minutes with corrections, accepted the Treasurer's report, authorized invoice payments, and voted on several administrative matters. Ongoing legal disputes involving Brian Rogers' property and the Northgate/Leelanau Pines expansion continued to dominate discussion, with both matters still in litigation or appeal.
Public Comments
Brian Rogers read a prepared statement regarding his denied site plan, now under appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court, asking the Board to work with him. Schaub responded that this would be addressed later under agenda item 11.1. Deb Kuhn shared a drone photo showing screening of holding tank waste water at the Eitzen farm. Grace Hill said the Eitzen farm issue was not disclosed before she purchased her home and was told to contact the citizens group studying the septage issue in Centerville. In a second public comment period, Rolf von Walthausen noted Rogers had contacted two Planning Commission members; the Board reiterated that Rogers' appeal is with the MI Supreme Court. Dar Doorlag said the mess at Rogers' property is worsening. Tim O'Non suggested the Township needs a liaison to work with people in contentious situations and that Planner Jenn Cram needs better communication with project managers. Deb Kuhn noted Leelanau Pines had no complaints for 50 years under previous ownership. Grace Hill asked if there were positives to the Northgate expansion plan; the response was that some approved projects will proceed.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Pleva reported a leg was removed from the Township Park dock and screws had been driven into it, creating a safety hazard; a post at the dock's end had been planned last year. A repair proposal was submitted; Chiles needs a copy of the contractor's insurance. The Board agreed to accept the proposal for the coming year, and Schaub will check on obtaining the post.
Other Business
The Planning Commission report (Arens) noted Planner Jenn Cram wants to meet with Tim Cypher, Leelanau Pines submitted a new site plan, and a summer survey was discussed. The Board supported Planning Commission revisions to make the complaint process more user-friendly and must still decide on the amount for an escrow account tied to the Northgate appeal. The Cedar Area Fire and Rescue interlocal agreement was approved by Centerville but not Kasson Township; a revised agreement will require resolution approval next month, along with the fire budget. Schaub reported attorney fees related to insurance may require a closed meeting within two weeks. IT support was switched to a new recommended technician. Chiles was approved to purchase a wire rack and get help from Fred with recycling.
Financial Summary
A fire department fund was established. A $100,000 CD was renewed for another month. Tax bills (1,105 total) will be mailed June 30 via KCI at a cost of $1,282.23, approved by the Board. The Charter franchise fee was not paid. Treasurer Katrina Pleva and Deputy Treasurer Tesha Milliron were authorized to obtain CDs from Honor Bank. The Board voted 5-0 to accept the Treasurer's report and 5-0 to pay invoices as presented, including stopping payment on an unreceived check to Attorney Teichner's office and reissuing it. Pleva noted the Northgate litigation will incur significant future attorney fees.
Action Items
Recording Secretary to correct errors in May 14 minutes. Schaub to prepare balance sheets for year-end 2024 and mid-year 2025. Board to decide on escrow account amount for the Northgate appeal. Schaub to check on obtaining a dock safety post. A closed meeting on attorney/insurance fees may be scheduled within two weeks. The Brian Rogers property dispute and Northgate/Leelanau Pines litigation remain unresolved, pending MI Supreme Court and deposition proceedings, respectively.