Summary
The Centerville Township Board met on December 17, 2024, with all five members (Schaub, Arens, Chiles, Pleva, O'Non) present, along with three Planning Commission members. The Board held a closed session to discuss a confidential written communication from Township attorney Chris Bzdok, approved the November 13, 2024 minutes with noted typo corrections, accepted the Treasurer's report, authorized invoice payments, appointed Jody Arens as Board representative to the Planning Commission, reappointed two Planning Commission members, and appointed two new members to the Board of Review.
Public Comments
Catherine Collins raised concerns about septic waste being disposed of on farm land adjacent to her property, which is surrounded on four sides by the Eitzen property. She stated the waste may be strained but not treated, said she has filed a complaint with the Health Department, and encouraged the Township to keep the public informed. No Board response or action was recorded on this matter.
Other Business
Jody Arens was nominated by Schaub, supported by O'Non, and appointed as Board representative to the Planning Commission for a 3-year term ending 11-20-27 (motion carried 5,0). Lindy Kellogg and Noel Bielaczyc were reappointed to the Planning Commission for 3-year terms ending 12-31-27. The Planning Commission's next meeting is January 6, 2025; the Commission will focus on ongoing litigation and drafting the Master Plan, with new members to undergo training. The Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Board is drafting an interlocal agreement; Pleva or Chiles will replace Schaub solely for that work. The Fire Board's next regular meeting is January 2, 2025. Regarding unfinished business, the Williams and Bay matter was discussed in closed session. The Northgate matter involved a December 2 hearing, a pending appeal on a second application, and a federal lawsuit; mediation is being expedited with a conference scheduled for January 7, 2025, and Lauren Teichner serving as legal representative. In the Brian Rogers case, all briefs have been filed in the Court of Appeals, and the Board is awaiting scheduling of oral arguments. Trustee and Supervisor training is scheduled for December 19, 2024, at Crystal Mountain. The Commissioner's Report was omitted from the agenda as unavailable.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Pleva reported securing a 7-month, 7%-interest CD for $7,000, and rolling over another expiring CD; property taxes are coming in. The Board voted 5,0 to accept the Treasurer's report and 5,0 to pay invoices. During P&L review, an $8,000 journal entry was flagged for further examination.
Action Items
Pleva or Chiles to take over Schaub's role on the Fire Board interlocal agreement work. Mediation conference for the Northgate matter scheduled for January 7, 2025, with a mediator to be selected. The $8,000 P&L journal entry requires review. Ray Kuhn and Patricia Conklin appointed to the Board of Review for two-year terms expiring 12-31-26 (motion carried 5,0). Trustee/Supervisor training at Crystal Mountain on December 19, 2024. Next Board meeting set for January 8, 2025, possibly preceded by a closed session.