Summary
The Centerville Township Board met July 8, 2026, with all five members present. The Board approved the agenda and prior minutes, authorized invoice payments, discussed cell phone/data center policy, addressed non-conforming land use rules, and took two roll-call votes (5-0 each) on Cedar Area Fire and Rescue matters, including amending the Interlocal Agreement and pursuing a new fire station. Unfinished business included the Northgate mediation and the Brian Rogers property clean-up.
Public Comments
Deb Kuhn thanked the Board for quickly processing her special land use application. Later in the meeting, Tim O’Non described a drone flying low over his property, prompting discussion of drone laws (drones must maintain 500 feet of airspace; property owners cannot destroy a drone). Neil Dziedzic thanked the Board for beginning discussions on data centers, urging Centerville to set an example for other townships given its groundwater resources; he noted such regulation must occur at the township level since the County can only support, not act.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Arens reported that Sugar Loaf park plans will add pressure to the existing septic system and lagoon, raising water quality concerns previously voiced at Planning Commission meetings.
Infrastructure Projects
The Planning Commission (reported by Arens) is prioritizing Northgate issues, septic concerns, the master plan, and data center ordinance language. Schaub moved to have Scott Sheehan add an ordinance search program to the township website at no charge; supported by Arens, carried 5-0. The Board also agreed non-conforming structures may be repaired or replaced if the same footprint is maintained (Schaub moved, Arens supported, carried 5-0).
For Cedar Area Fire and Rescue: Schaub moved to amend the Interlocal Agreement so all four townships share equally in all fire department expenses, including new buildings and maintenance; supported by O’Non. Roll call: Schaub, Chiles, Pleva, O’Non, Arens all voted YES; motion carried 5-0. Schaub then moved to proceed with a new fire station at the current location plus a substation in Kasson or Cleveland Township; supported by Arens. Roll call again passed 5-0.
Financial Summary
Summer tax bills were mailed; a new CD was opened. The MetroAct delinquent tax check exceeded $12,000, more than usual. Some employee checks were delayed to the next cycle. Schaub moved to pay invoices as noted; supported by Arens; carried 5-0. The P&L report was unavailable. Chiles reported QuickBooks now charges a per-check fee; switching to a cloud platform could save about $1,000/year. Pleva will call for cost details before further action.
Other Business
Commissioner Alan Campbell reported on the Administrator situation (Jim Dyer), rising healthcare costs affecting the budget, exploring leased vehicles, and a successful Kids Fishing Day. Chris Bzdok will address sewage applications on farmland at the August 12, 2026 meeting.
Action Items
- Pleva to call about QuickBooks cloud pricing before further review.
- Schaub to prepare a cleaner compensation/fee schedule for the next meeting.
- Northgate must restart its application process, submitting in parts per Planning Commission preference.
- AJ Excavating to be contacted for a new clean-up estimate on the Brian Rogers property; an attorney letter documenting the property’s dangerous condition is needed; Township has one year from the court order to act.
- Next Planning Commission meeting: July 27, 2026; next Fire and Rescue meeting: August 1, 2026; next Board meeting: August 12, 2026, with Bzdok presenting first.