Summary
The Centerville Township Board met January 8, 2025, with all five members present (Ronald Schaub, Elizabeth Chiles, Katrina Pleva, Kerry O'Non, Jody Arens). The Board approved prior minutes, the Treasurer's report, three tax-collection resolutions, and payment of bills, all by 5-0 votes. Discussion covered a possible second Cedar Area Fire and Rescue station, ongoing litigation involving Brian Rodgers and Northgate, and the start of the 2025-2026 budget process.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered at the start of the meeting. During the Planning Commission report, Molly Hyde raised concerns about the lack of parking space at the Irwin's Good Harbor Highway property; no board response was recorded. Attorney Bill Rastetter commented on the tribal community's stance regarding Master Plan language. At the end of the meeting, a resident asked about work in a wetland at Good Harbor, noting cleared land and portable cabins/pup tents; Tim Cypher will be asked about it. Dar Doorlag asked that the Zoom setup be fixed since she receives audio but not video. Pleva publicly thanked Nancy Keilty and Peggy Gauthier for putting up Christmas decorations.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Commissioner Alan Campbell reported that the county's Housing Action committee was sent back to the Planning Commission. He noted the Housing Collaborative is tied closely to local zoning, that there is pressure to allow greater housing density, and that Housing North serves as the umbrella organization for the housing group.
Infrastructure Projects
No marina, cell tower, water, or sewer projects were discussed.
Other Business
Clerk Chiles reported a furnace igniter issue resolved by Lemcool with a new heating plan devised by Schaub and David Wurm; mouse traps will be set in the office; Chiles will order three reference books (including the Red Book and zoning/planning texts) for Board officers. The Planning Commission discussed rezoning, STRs, transportation input from Grobbel, and Master Plan language acknowledging the tribal community. Schaub reported CAFR's proposal for a second fire station, financed through a lease from Kasson Township and projected through 2030; the Board agreed to support the plan, and Schaub will relay the recommendation. Schaub and Arens attended Crystal Mountain/BOR training classes; a live Q&A is set for January 30. The Rodgers lawsuit remains under appeal awaiting a judge's decision; the Northgate case is proceeding to a court hearing rather than mediation. Attorney Bzdok did not complete requested work on Williams & Bay and will present it in February. Commissioner Campbell also reported a new County Board Chair, an energy task force motion, and acceptance of the county employees' union contract.
Financial Summary
The Township earned over $4,000 in interest for 2024. Resolutions 2025-01, 2025-02, and 2025-03 were approved (5-0 roll call each) authorizing Northwest Education Services, Leland School, and Glen Lake School to collect 2025 school property taxes, with Leland and Glen Lake set at $2.50 per parcel. The Township remains within budget overall. For the new cost center budget, Schaub proposed $50,000 reserved for roads and $35,000 for legal expenses.
Action Items
Tim Cypher to be asked about wetland clearing/cabins at Good Harbor. Bzdok to prepare Williams & Bay materials for the February meeting. Chiles to locate the policy on paying training participants for Board review. Zoom video issue to be fixed. Mouse traps to be set in the Township office. Schaub to relay the Board's support for the CAFR second station plan.