Summary
The Centerville Township Board met April 9, 2025, with all five members present. The Board approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes, endorsed a Composting Awareness Week proclamation, approved the Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Interlocal Agreement by roll call vote (5-0), and heard reports from the Road Commission and County Commissioner. Discussion continued on the Brian Rodgers property dispute, and the Board approved letting a citizen group use the Township building at no charge to discuss septage issues.
Public Comments
Kathy Dawkins spoke on behalf of CLOUD regarding Composting Awareness Week, explaining composting benefits and requesting Board endorsement of a proclamation, which was later approved by consensus. Dar Doorlag reported increased rubble on the Rodgers property and separately asked whether signage at the township park had been removed; the Board confirmed no signage had been removed. Jolyn Arens questioned the basis for the Rodgers lawsuit, stating that if property taxes are being paid, the owner should be left alone; a brief discussion on property rights followed. Alan Campbell commended the Board for allowing free use of the Township building to the citizen group.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Dar Doorlag asked about signage at the township park; the Board stated no signage had been removed.
Infrastructure Projects
County Road Commission Manager Brendan Mullane presented an Asset Management report, Road Rating document, and the March 2025 Road Commission PowerPoint. He explained that local road improvements require a 50% township match, that the Township has no obligation to improve roads, and that roads rated #1 can be reverted to gravel for safety. He noted the Road Commission lacks sufficient funds to repair or improve local roads and discussed the RC's budget and project list, taking questions from the Board and public.
Other Business
Alan Campbell reported on County Board of Commissioners matters, including approval of a new administrator, health officer updates, confirmation that Williams and Bay have no violations, discussion of a regional waste management approach, and review of 2% grants originally intended to offset lost Tribal property tax revenue. Jen Cram was hired as interim Township planner under a contract dated 4-7-25, allowing land use applications to resume processing. The Board discussed a contract with Kevin Mikowski for maintenance work and reviewed insurance risk control assessment findings (Chiles).
Financial Summary
Delinquent taxes totaled approximately $18,595. Sales tax revenue was received from the state. The Township received $42,000 in unexpected revenue and may have surplus funds for roads due to underspending in other areas; exact figures will be available at the next meeting. The Township's QuickBooks subscription rose to approximately $6,000, prompting discussion of negotiating a lower rate. A new credit card was issued, requiring a new policy. Treasurer Pleva's report and payment of bills were both approved 5-0.
Action Items
Schaub will discuss Brian Rodgers' cleanup proposal with the Township attorney pending the outcome of his appeal on the existing judgment; this remains a recurring point of conflict, with differing views expressed by Doorlag and Arens. The Board must develop a credit card policy and consider renegotiating the QuickBooks contract rate. Next meetings: Planning Commission, May 5, 2025; Fire and Rescue Board, May 1, 2025; Board of Trustees, May 14, 2025. Leland School millage election set for May 6, 2025.