Summary
The Centerville Township Board met on September 10, 2025, with all five members present (Ronald Schaub, Elizabeth Chiles, Katrina Pleva, Jolyn Arens, Kerry O’Non). The Board approved the agenda and the August 13, 2025 minutes as amended (5,0), approved payment of bills (5,0), and heard reports from the Treasurer, Commissioner Alan Campbell, and the Planning Commission representative. Much discussion centered on the ongoing septic disposal conflict and the Northgate site plan matter, with no final decisions made on either.
Public Comments
Deb Kuhn asked that the septic disposal issue be a standing agenda item; the Board added it as item #11.3 by consensus. She also reported that Noah Kerberg, Grand Traverse County’s director of public works, could not find documentation of a 25-mile radius rule for septic waste disposal. Dar Doorlag urged the Board to continue pursuing sending septic waste to the Grand Traverse Waste Facility, a position seconded by Jill Wellman. Rolf von Walthausen commented that septic waste itself is not the problem, but the toxic chemicals within it. Jody Arens offered condolences for Charlie Kirk’s family. Kerry O’Non offered a prayer for the township and for wisdom regarding the Northgate situation. In later public comment, Tim O’Non shared a year-old Crane’s Grand Rapids business journal article about Northgate.
Infrastructure Projects
The septic disposal issue remains unresolved. Schaub reported on recent conversations with key parties involved in the conflict but no decision or vote was taken. Residents continue to advocate for routing septic waste to the Grand Traverse Waste Facility.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Katrina Pleva reported that funds were moved from the money market account into the road fund, and a CD was renewed. Two designated funds exist: one for the fire department and one for roads. Bill handling procedures changed since Tim Cypher is not bonded; checks now go through Pleva. The Board accepted the Treasurer’s report by consensus and approved payment of invoices (5,0). Legal fees were flagged as a significant budget concern, with most other bills expected in December and January. Commissioner Campbell noted roughly $600,000 in the County’s budget related to opioid settlement funds and a proposed child care voucher program, though a policy clause currently disallows direct child care payments. The Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Board anticipates the 2025-26 budget will fall short due to rising insurance costs, with a possible millage increase vote in 2026.
Other Business
Commissioner Campbell reported on County finance department issues, opposition to a 2026 hiring freeze, an upcoming conflict-of-interest policy update, and a proposal from Enterprise Car Rentals to manage the County’s vehicle fleet. Schaub proposed that the Planning Commission develop a policy allowing large site plan reviews (such as Northgate’s) to be reviewed piecemeal, with advice sought from the township planner and the MTA. Chiles located a source for a new oath book, but the Board opted to use a binder instead. There was no response yet from the Court of Appeals on the Brian Rogers matter, and the final Northgate deposition was scheduled for the following Monday.
Action Items
Schaub to continue pursuing resolution of the septic disposal conflict, a recurring point of contention among residents. The Planning Commission is to consult the township planner and the MTA regarding piecemeal site plan review policy for large projects like Northgate. The Board awaits the Court of Appeals response on the Brian Rogers case and the outcome of the final Northgate deposition.