Summary
The Centerville Township Board met on August 14, 2024, with Ronald Schaub, Elizabeth Chiles, Katrina Pleva, Daniel Hubbell, and Joe Mosher present. Key actions included approving Resolution #2024-7 extending the site plan review moratorium to October 31, 2024 (5-0), approving Bill Rastetter's application to the ZBA (5-0), and approving ADA ramp repairs at the Hall to be funded via ARPA (5-0). The Board also held a closed session on the Williams and Bay zoning compliance matter, with no action taken as legal investigation continues.
Public Comments
Neil Dziedzic spoke twice during the meeting. He stated he had contacted Tim Cypher regarding Section 3.13 violations on June 26 and again on July 3, and had also sent a letter to Ron Schaub, but received no response from Cypher; he called this "very disturbing" and noted some properties have been in violation for years. Schaub apologized for not contacting Dziedzic directly but said he had messaged Cypher. Greg Jackowski reported no response from Cypher regarding people seasonally camping on their own property as a residence without paying appropriate taxes. Mark and Peggy Zemanek also stated they had not received responses from Cypher.
Infrastructure Projects
Hall Ramp Repairs: Brian Smith submitted a proposal to reset/replace nails, replace rotted wood, reinforce joints, power wash and seal the ADA ramp, and replace the front door pad decking; ARPA funds could cover the cost. The Board (Hubbell moved, Mosher supported) approved the bid, 5-0; Pleva will contact Smith.
Dock Repairs: The Board noted boaters must back in farther than expected and there is no post to tie off after launching. Schaub will look into installing a post at the end of the dock.
Other Business
Planning Commission: Held special meetings on July 11 and August 5, 2024; Grobbel provided marked-up and clean copies of the Zoning Ordinance, with the final copy not yet posted. A special PC meeting will be held in September (date TBD); next regular PC meeting is October 7, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. PC bylaws will be updated and posted once minutes are approved. Master Plan review is anticipated to take 6-7 months once the Zoning Ordinance is finalized, pending Board direction. PC member term expiration dates were discussed, with a suggestion to stagger them since a majority expire simultaneously.
Cedar Area Fire and Rescue: Schaub reported the budget is good; union negotiations are ongoing; Kasson Township still wants to build a new Fire Department building. Next meeting September 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
ZBA meeting held August 15, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.; Deb Kuhn is resigning and Bill Rastetter's application was approved 5-0, with Schaub instructing the ZBA to decide whether he serves as member or alternate.
Commissioner Kama Ross reported Point Broadband is expected to be 97% complete by December, reminded the public of Household Hazardous Waste drop-off services, and noted the County is reconfiguring the Financial Director and HR positions, with Richard Lewis's interim position extended to May 2025.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer's Report noted $20,627 in tax revenue received from the State of Michigan for sales tax. September 16, 2024 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) will be the last day to pay taxes at the office. Invoices, including a federal tax payment, were authorized for payment 5-0. Schaub was unable to complete a reconciliation due to technical difficulties. ARPA funds are proposed to cover the Hall ramp repair cost. Commissioner Ross reported County spending is up 26% since 2022.
Action Items
- Pleva to contact Brian Smith regarding the approved ramp repair work.
- Schaub to look into installing a tie-off post at the end of the dock.
- Board to direct the Planning Commission to begin the Master Plan review once the Zoning Ordinance is complete.
- Planning Commission to consider staggering PC member term expiration dates.
- ZBA to decide whether Bill Rastetter serves as a member or alternate.
- Unresolved: Tim Cypher has not responded to multiple constituents (Neil Dziedzic, Greg Jackowski, Mark and Peggy Zemanek) regarding Section 3.13 ordinance violations and property use issues, despite repeated contacts including a letter to Schaub.