Summary
The Centerville Township Board met on October 15, 2025, with Ronald Schaub, Elizabeth Chiles, Katrina Pleva, Jody Arens, and Kerry Clifford present (votes recorded as 5,0 throughout, with "O'Non" cited in motions). Key actions included approving the amended agenda, approving September minutes, accepting the Treasurer's report, authorizing bill payments, and deciding to hold a prayer before the Pledge of Allegiance rather than as part of the meeting itself.
Public Comments
Peggy Zemanek spoke in favor of holding a prayer at meetings and suggested it occur before the Pledge of Allegiance. A resident's request, attributed to Deb Kubik, asked that updates on the Township's septic/sewage disposal problem be placed on every meeting agenda; Schaub responded that the topic was discussed previously but had no new activity this month, so it was not added. Later in the meeting, Zemanek expressed satisfaction with the Board's decision on prayer, and Alan Campbell (Commissioner) added that the two largest taxpayers in the Township are campgrounds.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Commissioner Alan Campbell reported that the County is planning to renovate the gazebo at Settlers Park.
Infrastructure Projects
A resident raised concern about an ongoing septic/sewage disposal problem in the Township. Schaub noted there was no new activity to report this month, so no update was placed on the agenda; no timeline was given for further review.
Other Business
Clerk Chiles reported that Dominion, the Township's voting equipment supplier, has been acquired by another company that remains committed to voting security. The Planning Commission discussed slowing the Northgate site plan review by approving elements piecemeal; Kellogg advised the review must be considered as a whole, citing 17 elements in the Northgate application. Doug Matthias, a vineyard owner, asked about developing his property for weddings/events and was instructed to complete forms online and contact Tim Cypher. The Board decided prayer will occur before the Pledge of Allegiance, and is not considered part of the official meeting.
Financial Summary
A CD matures in November and another in December; funds will be reinvested, including one option Pleva found offering 4.7% interest over 7 months. The Treasurer's report was accepted (5,0). Invoices were authorized for payment (5,0). Winter tax bill printing cost $1,344.77, which the Board agreed to pay. The 2026-2027 Fire Budget was distributed to the Board; officials noted the district may need to dip into contingency funds, with limited flexibility. Discussion of the two-year fire budget approved last year was tabled until next month.
Action Items
Schaub will bring last year's fire budget and this year's year-to-date expenses to the next meeting. Arens will follow up on the Tim Cypher complaint issue at the November 5 Planning Commission meeting. Jenn Cram continues attempting to contact Northgate regarding its site plan. Schaub, Kellogg, and Arens will attend Northgate mediation; O'Non expressed concern that Schaub and Arens might agree to terms she opposes. Attorney Lauren Teichner is drafting a motion for dismissal; the Board must decide whether to meet with Verda and Teichner beforehand.