Summary
The Centerville Township Board met February 12, 2025, with all five members present (Schaub, Chiles, Pleva, O’Non, Arens). The board approved the agenda, prior minutes, and several financial and administrative items, including a per diem increase for trustees and the 2025-2026 meeting schedule. Commissioner Campbell gave an early report on the Housing Action Committee and broadband project concerns before leaving. Ongoing unfinished business items (Brian Rogers property, Williams and Bay matter) were updated but not resolved.
Public Comments
Kama Ross spoke about the township’s septage issue, expressing concern about runoff and ponding from snowmelt and possible contaminants, and hoped the township would soon regulate the process. No board response or action was recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
Commissioner Campbell reported ongoing issues with the broadband project, citing problems handling related expenditures and noting that the person hired to oversee the project appears to be absent. No further action was taken at this meeting.
Other Business
- Commissioner Campbell noted the Housing Action Committee does not appear to be meeting and said he sent a letter to other commissioners about the committee’s future.
- The Annual Meeting of the Electors and Budget meeting was set for March 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (Chiles moved, O’Non supported).
- The 2025-2026 meeting schedule was approved with the October meeting moved to the third Monday (Arens moved, Chiles supported; motion carried 5-0).
- Planning Commission’s February meeting was rescheduled to February 18; next regular meeting March 3, 2025.
- CAFR: Kasson Township is proceeding on a new building; the Interlocal Agreement update will be handled by township Supervisors. The board opted to keep CAFR’s two-year budget plan rather than switch to one year; Schaub will relay this decision.
- Supervisor’s Report: The Continuing Education Policy (as amended Oct. 13, 2021) was reviewed and kept, with a correction that Board of Review members take courses every other year, not annually. The Reimbursement Policy (adopted Aug. 14, 2019) will be reviewed by the Supervisor and Clerk for clarity.
- Brian Rogers matter: Zoning Administrator Tim Cypher hired a professional to review next steps; the Sheriff will oversee the process.
- Williams and Bay matter: Attorney Chris Bzdok will attend the March meeting to update the board.
Financial Summary
- Treasurer Pleva reported CDs at Huntington Bank currently earning 4.08% interest; Centerville does not yet have an account there. She will be in the office 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on February 28 for tax collection.
- The Treasurer’s Report was approved (Schaub moved, Chiles supported).
- Invoices were approved for payment (Pleva moved, O’Non supported; motion carried 5-0).
- The Profit & Loss review revealed a budget error: Internet Services was listed as $17,000 but should read $1,700.
- The 2025-2026 line-item budget process began using a 3% increase; the assessor will confirm if a higher increase is allowable.
- Trustees’ per diem was increased from $125 to $150 (Schaub moved, Pleva supported; motion passed 5-0).
Action Items
- Schaub to relay the board’s decision on the two-year CAFR budget plan.
- Supervisor and Clerk to review the Reimbursement Policy for clarity and report back if changes are needed.
- Attorney Chris Bzdok to attend the March meeting regarding the Williams and Bay matter.
- Zoning Administrator Tim Cypher’s hired professional to continue reviewing next steps on the Brian Rogers property, with Sheriff oversight.
- Assessor to advise whether the 2025-2026 budget increase can exceed 3%.