Summary
The Centerville Township Board met November 12, 2025, with Ronald Schaub, Elizabeth Chiles, Kerry O'Non, and Jolyn Arens present (Katrina Pleva absent, joining later). The Board approved the agenda and October 15 minutes (4-0 each). A closed session was held to discuss Northgate litigation; upon returning to regular session, Schaub announced the township would not accept Northgate's proposed terms of agreement at this time. The Board also handled routine financial business, heard reports from the Planning Commission and Cedar Area Fire and Rescue (CAFR) Board, and postponed action on the Rogers zoning matter.
Public Comments
Steve Hamilton urged the Board to stay on top of the septage issue. It was noted that Deb Kuhn had filed FOIA requests with EGLE and Williams & Bay, and that the materials received did not include information on testing the septage for contaminants. No formal Board response or action was recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
The Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Board reported that Kasson Township voters rejected a millage to fund a new fire house. Solon Township Supervisor Comeux recommended a major overhaul of the current fire house since a new station is not forthcoming, and will seek renovation bids; the four member townships could jointly fund the upgrade. No vote was taken by the Centerville Board on this matter.
Other Business
The Planning Commission Chair reported that Centerville's planner contacted Northgate about a new proposal, but Northgate declined discussion due to scheduled mediation. The Chair noted the township has been paying attorney fees out-of-pocket since insurance funds are exhausted, and is requesting more information from Tim Cypher regarding applications, permits, and meeting attendance. A Master Plan review is anticipated but not yet formally scheduled.
The Zoning Administrator (Cypher) remains hospitalized; Pleva reported holding checks that cannot be deposited pending required paperwork from him. Arens suggested interviewing other zoning administrators; Schaub agreed to review the township's contract with Cypher Group.
The Rogers zoning violation matter was postponed to the next meeting after the Michigan Supreme Court denied Rogers' final appeal.
The Board discussed compensation policy for trustees attending activities such as mediations. Arens attended the October Northgate mediation as township representative and should be compensated, possibly equivalent to a meeting stipend; further discussion is planned for December.
Next Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer's report noted a $100,000 CD split on October 31, with half moved to checking and half into a new CD at Lake MI Credit Union. Tax bills are expected out by late November/early December. Schaub moved to approve the Treasurer's report, supported by Chiles. Invoices were reviewed and payment authorized, with Pleva moving approval and O'Non supporting.
In the CAFR proposed 2026-27 budget review, Pleva raised concern that there is no line item for an Assistant Chief position, leaving no second-in-command if the Chief is unavailable; Schaub said he would raise this at the next CAFR Board meeting. Pleva also noted the proposed insurance cost figure appeared low given recent increases; Schaub suggested contingency funds could be used if needed rather than reworking the budget.
Action Items
Schaub to review the Cypher Group contract regarding the Zoning Administrator's role and potential need for additional ZA support. Schaub to raise the Assistant Chief staffing and insurance cost concerns at the next CAFR Board meeting. The Rogers zoning enforcement matter, following denial of his Michigan Supreme Court appeal, is to be addressed at the next Board meeting. The Board is to further discuss compensation policy for trustees attending mediations (e.g., Arens' Northgate mediation attendance) in December.