Summary
The Centerville Township Board met on September 9, 2026, with all five members present (Ronald Schaub, Elizabeth Chiles, Katrina Pleva, Jolyn Arens, Kerry O'Non). Key actions included approving the treasurer's report, closing a credit union account, authorizing invoice payments, adopting an amended fee schedule (4-1 vote), and continued discussion of the Schomberg Estates zoning violation case and the Brian Rogers property clean-up scheduled for October 28-30.
Public Comments
No public comments were made at the start of the meeting. During the later public comment period, Jolyn Arens reported on Traverse Department of Public Works information she gathered, suggesting the Township could invite the DPW manager to a meeting to help stop entities like Williams and Bay from dumping waste on farm property; residents were advised to contact the Health Department for ordinance violations, and Deb Kuhn agreed to contact experts at Notre Dame. Brian Rogers stated he is voluntarily moving toward compliance and will provide progress photos; this will be revisited on the October agenda. Neil Dziedzic provided the specific ordinances violated by Schomberg Estates. Catherine and Chris Collins commented on septic waste issues and noted they are following a related state bill initiated by John Damoose. Kerry O'Non separately asked about soil testing on land where waste is dumped.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Not discussed in this meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
The Planning Commission report (Jolyn Arens) detailed ongoing issues with the Schomberg Estates development, where a road was built without proper permitting. Owner/developer Kate Stassen apologized for environmental damage to neighboring farms caused by road construction and agreed to seek consultation on erosion-control plantings. The Board discussed consultations with Jenn Cram (Becket & Raeder) and Gourdie Fraser regarding costs, and requested someone from Gourdie Fraser inspect the property before the next Planning Commission meeting on September 28, 2026, where a Becket & Raeder engineer will also attend. Septic waste dumping on farm property (Williams and Bay) was also raised as an infrastructure/public works concern.
Other Business
The Commissioner's report was skipped as Alan Campbell was absent. Clerk Chiles reported preparing for the November election, including distributing about 400 new mail-in ballot envelopes and possibly deputizing help. Cedar Area Fire and Rescue: Schaub distributed handouts on an Interlocal Agreement amendment (due in October) and a 2027-2028 budget proposal; next meeting October 7, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Supervisor report noted an ongoing toilet repair issue and a suggestion to replace outside sodium lighting with LED (~$200), with Pleva offering to arrange the work. Northgate litigation remains pending before the Appeals Court with no date set.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Pleva reported being busy with tax collection; a CD was set to mature September 13, 2026, and the Board voted to close the 4Front Credit Union account ending in 5221. Invoices were approved for payment, including attorney fees paid to Smith and Johnson, Brad Wierda (monthly), Teichner Law (Lauren Teichner), and Troposphere (Chris Bzdok), with Northgate litigation billed by itemized time. Budget amendments included funds allotted for the Brian Rogers property clean-up, increased revenue for public safety use, increased professional training funds, and a Zoning Administrator wage set at $16,000. The Township reported it will not need to use savings to pay bills.
Action Items
- Schaub to send budget changes to Chiles and a clean copy of the fee schedule to Board members.
- Gourdie Fraser representative to inspect Schomberg Estates property before September 28, 2026 Planning Commission meeting.
- Brian Rogers clean-up scheduled October 28-30, 2026; Scott Sheehan to attend; Schaub to send court order copy to Board members.
- Brian Rogers to provide progress photos; update on October agenda.
- Deb Kuhn to contact Notre Dame experts regarding waste/septic issues.
- Board considering inviting Traverse DPW manager to a future meeting.