Summary
The Centerville Township Board met on November 13, 2024, with all five members present (Schaub, Chiles, Pleva, Hubbell, Mosher). The Board approved the agenda and October 9 minutes as amended, authorized invoice payments, and accepted a furnace replacement bid from Leelanau Sheet Metal dated 9-23-24. Extensive public concern was raised over the ongoing Williams and Bay septic waste issue, with no new updates from attorney Chris Bzdok. Northgate has filed suit against the Township in Federal District Court and an appeal in County Circuit Court.
Public Comments
Rolf von Walthausen spoke twice, first about his election campaign experience and community outreach, and again urging the Board to take aggressive action against Williams and Bay's continued illegal spreading of septic waste on farmland, stating this is a pollution issue, not a right-to-farm issue. Tim O'Non asked for more action on road maintenance. Commissioner Kama Ross urged stronger action on Williams and Bay, saying violations should carry consequences. Greg Jackowski echoed calls for the Township to step up activity on the issue. Lindy Kellogg said the matter has taken too long, noting Williams and Bay were ordered to cease and desist or pay a daily fine, and that farmers are being taken advantage of. Unnamed attendees also complained about the Zoning Administrator's lack of transparency and his absence from Board meetings.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Commissioner Ross reported that Glen Lake School has forested property currently being considered for affordable housing. Ross stated she is not in favor of the proposal; Mosher and members of the public also weighed in during discussion.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Commissioner Ross, who serves on the Parks and Rec committee, reported the final draft of the county's 5-year master plan is ready, highlighting Myles Kimmerley Park, Old Settlers Park, and Veronica Valley.
Infrastructure Projects
Schaub met with Brendan Mullane and other supervisors regarding roads, and was advised townships should have enough funds to cover an entire project in case the Road Commission cannot fund it. Schaub wants clarification on road financing; no new information was available on Rosinski Road. The County Board interviewed two candidates, Mel Black and Tim Lodge, for Road Commission positions.
Other Business
The Zoning Ordinance took effect November 1, 2024, ending the moratorium. The Planning Commission will review issues including gravel mining, septage application, commercial WECS, conditional rezoning, and STRs as a group before bringing changes to the Board. Site plan reviews are expected from Amoritas and the Irwin/Curl general store. Mosher's PC term ends November 20; a new Board Representative is needed. Cedar Area Fire and Rescue is financially sound and nearing completion of its union contract. Training for new officials is scheduled for December, costing $150 per person.
Financial Summary
The audit cost $6,000 and was reviewed favorably by Schaub. Leelanau Sheet Metal requires a $4,000 deposit for the furnace bid. Chiles will investigate use of ARPA funds for the furnace project. Mosher suggested purchasing a laptop for elections use only, with other office equipment also considered.
Action Items
Kacin will make corrections to the October 9 minutes and submit them to the Clerk. Chiles will look into duplicate ledger entries involving Brian Smith and will research ARPA fund usage for the furnace. The Planning Commission will present term endings and updates at the December 11 meeting. The Board awaits certification of election results before swearing in new trustees; Schaub, Pleva, and Chiles were sworn in at this meeting. The Williams and Bay septic waste issue remains unresolved, with repeated public pressure for stronger Township action and no update from attorney Chris Bzdok.