Summary
The Centerville Township Board met October 9, 2024, and approved the agenda and September 11, 2024 minutes (5-0 each). Major action centered on adoption of the updated Zoning Ordinance, which passed 5-0 after extensive review of contested sections. The Board also approved a budget amendment for insurance costs, authorized the Planning Commission to begin a Master Plan update, and heard reports from the Treasurer, Clerk, Planning Commission, Fire and Rescue Board, Supervisor, and County Commissioner.
Public Comments
In the first public comment period, no comments were made. During the Zoning Ordinance discussion, Steve Hamilton thanked the Planning Commission for its work on the ordinance. Tim Wilson asked that the statement declaring park models are not recreational vehicles be struck, noting state law defines park models as recreational vehicles. Molly Hyde objected that Section 3.12 limits properties to one camper instead of two, calling the ordinance too restrictive given she already has a camper on her property.
After the ordinance was adopted, Tim Wilson asked whether the park model language had been struck; the Board confirmed yes. Paula Alflen asked about the rationale for prohibiting construction of a pole barn before a house; the Board responded that zoning and county rules prohibit occupancy permits for accessory buildings used as living space.
A letter from attorney Bzdok was noted regarding the Williams and Bay matter, addressing verification of septic waste transport distance (15 or 25 miles) to the Department of Public Works; Bzdok plans to notify Williams and Bay that the Township intends to enforce its ordinance.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board debated park model regulations within the Zoning Ordinance. By a 4-1 roll call vote (Mosher voting no), the Board struck the sentence prohibiting park models from the recreational vehicle definition. A related motion, also passing 4-1 (Mosher voting no), amended Section 3.12 to limit campers to a maximum of 1 in R1 zones and 2 in R2 zones, rather than a blanket limit of one per parcel.
Infrastructure Projects
The Road Commission issued a new local road cost-sharing policy for improvements (asphalt or full construction); details and allocated percentages will follow a supervisors' presentation after the Commission's December budget process, with no cost-share funds anticipated for next year. A speed study will be conducted on Rosinski Road, which Centerville co-owns with Solon Township; Solon has passed a resolution supporting the road fix and study, and Supervisor Schaub will contact Solon's supervisor. Section 3.15 (Towers and Antennas) was referred to the Planning Commission for further work, with Mosher to inform the PC. Section 12.5 (Marinas) comments were acknowledged, with the Board deciding existing meeting minutes suffice as findings.
Other Business
Dave Wurm of Leelanau Sheet Metal presented a ductless mini-split system as an alternative to furnace replacement, offering improved efficiency, humidification, and air conditioning; no vote was taken. The Planning Commission reported two member terms (Lindy Kellogg and Noel Bielaczyc) expiring this year and readiness for the County website cutover. The Fire and Rescue Board reported forming committees to search for a new station location and assess costs, plus a 3-year union contract to be ratified in early 2025. Commissioner Kama Ross reported ongoing county budget meetings, her appointment to the Regional Materials Management committee, and clarified that Overby Road is being considered part of Leland Township.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer reported over $1 million received from taxes in September, including $22,093 in sales tax revenue and $140 for County pre-audits; CDs mature in November and December. Invoices were approved for payment (5-0). Reconciliation was delayed to next month. The biennial audit fee was reported at $6,000, with 426 ballots sent and 130 returned as of the meeting. The Board voted 5-0 to amend the current budget, using unbudgeted funds, to increase line item #851-955 (Insurance & Bonds) from $8,000 to $12,000. Chris Grobbel offered to facilitate the Master Plan update at $75/hour, estimated at $4,000-$5,000 total.
Action Items
Mosher will inform the Planning Commission to take up Section 3.15 (Towers and Antennas) and Section 9.4 (Land Application of Septage Waste as Special Land Use). Mosher will raise questions with attorney Bzdok regarding standard language versus new drafting for Section 3.20 (Commercial WECS), which affects cost. Chris Grobbel, Mosher, and Bzdok will meet to resolve discrepancies between legal comments and Planning Commission submissions on Section 9.4 (Mining and Removal of Topsoil/Gravel Mining Overlay). Bzdok will send Williams and Bay the Township's ordinance information regarding septic waste transport distances and enforcement intent. The Planning Commission will proceed with the Master Plan update, a roughly 9-month process, with Chris Grobbel facilitating.