Summary
The Centerville Township Board met on May 8, 2024, approving routine items including the April 10 minutes, Treasurer's report, and invoice payments. Key actions included amending the budget for restricted Fire Department funds, discussing the new boat ramp cost overrun, and hearing public concerns about septic waste disposal. The Planning Commission reported progress on the zoning ordinance review, with a public hearing set for June 3, 2024.
Public Comments
Cynthia Fisher raised concerns about septic disposal practices at a nearby farm, stating that waste is only tested for phosphorous and nitrates, not "forever chemicals" and microplastics. Other attendees voiced the same concern. Williams and Bay, the disposal company, stated they are following state guidelines. Attendees expressed a desire for the State to expand the range of substances tested for in hazardous waste. A question was also raised about cherry trees placed around the perimeter of the property. No board action was taken on this matter at the meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
A new boat ramp project, approved and permitted last year, requires an additional $8,200 in budget, with the current shortfall calculated at $7,467 (against an original $2,500 budget line). Hubbell noted there may be a regulatory reason for the work. Pleva will contact Brian Weber for more information; the discussion was tabled until the next meeting.
Manor Green roads: the Road Commission could not repair roads under a 50/50 funding split and indicated repairs might be possible in the fall if residents and the Township fund 100% of the project. Schaub will schedule a meeting with Brendan Mullane to discuss the project.
Commissioner Kama Ross reported continuing work with Point Broadband on internet service; Mosher suggested customers be refunded for outage time.
Other Business
The Planning Commission's zoning ordinance review is complete; a marked-up and clean copy will be posted online ahead of a June 3, 2024 public hearing. The moratorium ends in late June and may need a one-month extension. A special meeting was scheduled for May 21, 2024 (to be cancelled if unnecessary). Mosher raised the need for an online complaint form and confirmed the Township's marijuana business opt-in/opt-out status needs verification. A furnace upgrade ($7,700, potentially ARPA-funded) and a walkway/ramp repair (also ARPA-eligible) were discussed; bids will be obtained for both.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer's report was approved despite ongoing QuickBooks conversion issues. Two maturing CDs (June 15, 2024) will be reinvested. The budget was amended to add a category (101-880, Restricted Funds/Fire Department) for $15,993.00, previously miscategorized as general income. The boat ramp budget shortfall is $7,467.00. A furnace upgrade estimated at $7,700.00 may be paid via ARPA funds.
Action Items
- Pleva to contact Brian Weber regarding the boat ramp project.
- Schaub to schedule a meeting with Brendan Mullane regarding Manor Green roads.
- Board to obtain bids for the furnace upgrade and walkway/ramp repair.
- Mosher to modify Planning Commission bylaws regarding ZA/Planner responsibilities.
- Meeting to be arranged with Tim Cypher, Chris Grobbel, Ron Schaub, and Joe Mosher on Planner/ZA duties.
- Board members to review past minutes to confirm the Township's marijuana business opt-in/opt-out decision.