Summary
The Centerville Township Board met 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 amended August 13, 2025 minutes (5-0), authorized payment of bills (5-0), and discussed ongoing issues including the Northgate site plan matter, septic waste disposal, and fire department budget pressures. The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m. by a 5-0 vote.
Public Comments
Deb Kuhn asked that the septic disposal issue appear on every agenda; the Board added it as item #11.3 by consensus. She also reported that Noah Kerberg, Director of Public Works for Grand Traverse County, could not confirm anything in writing about a 25-mile radius rule. Jody Arens paid respects to Charlie Kirk and his family. Dar Doorlag urged the Board to continue pursuing sending septic waste to the Grand Traverse Waste Facility; Jill Wellman voiced support for Doorlag’s position. Rolf von Walthausen noted that septic waste itself is not the problem, but the toxic chemicals within it. Kerry O’Non offered a prayer for Charlie Kirk’s family and for wisdom regarding the Northgate matter. In later public comment, Tim O’Non shared a year-old Crane’s business journal (Grand Rapids) article about Northgate.
Infrastructure Projects
Schaub reviewed recent conversations regarding the septic disposal conflict, following resident requests to route septic waste to the Grand Traverse Waste Facility. No formal decision or vote was recorded; discussion is ongoing and will remain a standing agenda item.
Other Business
Commissioner Alan Campbell reported on County finance department issues, opposition to a 2026 hiring freeze, an upcoming conflict-of-interest policy update, a proposal from Enterprise Car Rentals to manage the County’s car fleet, opioid settlement fund discussions, and a possible child care voucher program (~$600,000 in the relevant budget) that he wants directed to families rather than restricted by current policy. The Planning Commission did not meet in August; Schaub proposed allowing future large site plan reviews (like Northgate’s) to be reviewed piecemeal, and asked the Commission to consult the planner and the MTA. Cedar Area Fire and Rescue reported rising insurance costs and anticipates the 2025-26 budget may fall short, with a possible millage increase in 2026; the current budget will not be changed. The Board approved purchasing a new oath book (proposed by Chiles) instead of a binder. Brian Rogers update: no response from the Court of Appeals. Northgate’s final deposition is scheduled for September 15 at the Township Hall.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by consensus; funds were moved from the money market into the road fund, a CD was renewed, and check-handling procedures for permits were updated so all checks go to Treasurer Pleva. The Board voted 5-0 to pay bills as presented. Legal fees were flagged as a significant budget concern, with anticipated adjustments; most other funds are expected in December and January. The Fire Department anticipates a shortfall in the 2025-26 budget due to rising insurance costs, with a possible millage increase proposed for 2026.
Action Items
- Septic disposal issue to remain a standing agenda item per Board consensus, following Deb Kuhn’s request.
- Planning Commission to consult the township planner and the MTA regarding piecemeal review of large site plans, per Schaub’s suggestion.
- Northgate deposition scheduled for September 15, 2025, at Township Hall.
- Fire Department working on the 2026-27 budget, with a millage vote anticipated in 2026.
- Chiles to complete purchase of new oath book.