Summary
The Centerville Township Board met September 11, 2024, with all five members present (Schaub, Chiles, Pleva, Hubbell, Mosher) and a quorum. The Board approved the agenda, prior minutes, financial reports, and invoices unanimously (5-0 on each vote). Key discussions included septic sludge disposal on farmland, the pending Zoning Ordinance revision, rising attorney fees, and township road maintenance concerns following changes at the Leelanau County Road Commission.
Public Comments
Kerry O’Non thanked the Board and Kama Ross, and asked what the moratorium had accomplished and which roads most needed improvement; the Board addressed these in later reports. Rolf von Walthausen raised concerns about septic sludge being spread on farmland, citing a New York Times article on contamination risks, and urged the Board to expedite resolving the issue; he later recommended the book "The Humanure Handbook" by Joseph Jenkins. Bill Walters noted that previously only gray water was disposed of on farmland, but now contaminated sludge is being spread, and suggested the Township mandate more frequent farmland testing, noting it can set stricter standards than the state. Dan Hubbell recommended the book "Holy Shit" by Gene Logsdon on the topic. In closing public comment, Walters raised concerns about traffic speed on Bodus Road and aquifer contamination (about 300 feet down). Don Baty explained that Williams and Bay now pumps both gray water and tank sludge for farmland disposal, warned septic systems are failing countywide, and urged local governments to take a leadership role on the issue.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board received a copy of a 2005 township resolution (dated 11-06-05) on septic treatment services, found by Attorney Bzdok, related to the Williams and Bay sewage disposal concerns raised in public comment. Separately, the Leelanau County Road Commission has ended its prior policy of covering 50% of maintenance costs for non-county public roads; township roads are now being rated using the PASER system, and the Board briefly discussed future maintenance funding options with no decision made.
Other Business
Planning Commission representative Joe Mosher reported no meeting since the last Board session; a special meeting is set for September 17 to review County Planning Commission and legal feedback, with the October 7 regular meeting to address minutes, website migration, and expiring member terms. Mosher explained the moratorium (approved last December, extended twice) allowed the Commission to fix gaps in the Zoning Ordinance exposed by the Northgate application. The revised ordinance goes to the Board on September 18, with possible approval October 9 or at a special meeting. The Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Board reported Kasson Township is pulling back from a joint fire department concept; Centerville’s department remains on budget, meetings moved to Thursdays, and an audit is underway. Clerk Chiles will continue cleaning the Township Hall, and MTA manuals will be purchased for two new trustees. The Board discussed two competing furnace/duct repair estimates (Lemcool and Leelanau Sheet Metal) and requested a comparative presentation before the ARPA fund deadline of December 31. Commissioner Kama Ross reported no county tax increases from this year’s millages and encouraged public involvement in the county budget process.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Pleva reported a CD matured and was reinvested at 4.8% interest, yielding about $760 in interest last month; $4,800 in franchise fees were received for the second quarter. Reconciliation for July and August showed no problems. Attorney fees have risen to $168 per hour, deemed reasonable by the Board. The Supervisor noted the Township budget is falling slightly behind due to attorney fees and extra Zoning Ordinance work. Invoices were approved for payment 5-0.
Action Items
- Board to review and potentially approve the revised Zoning Ordinance at the October 9 meeting or a special meeting.
- Obtain comparable estimates and a presentation for furnace/duct repair options before the December 31 ARPA fund deadline.
- Continue monitoring and addressing septic sludge disposal on farmland, following resident concerns and the located 2005 resolution.
- Order MTA manuals for two new trustees.
- Ramp construction project remains pending completion.