Summary
The Centerville Township Board met April 8, 2026, with a quorum of four members present (Elizabeth Chiles absent). Key actions included approving prior minutes, authorizing bill payments, updating bank account signors, and reviewing a major fire station renovation assessment. The Board also discussed the Northgate legal matter and an upcoming increase in the fire operations millage.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either public comment period on the agenda.
Other Business
Bob Peplinski of Cunningham-Limp presented an assessment of the fire station, outlining four options: doing nothing; light renovation (about $1 million, addressing only some high-priority needs); heavy renovation ($4.5–5 million); or demolition and new construction ($5–6 million). He noted the current bay floor does not meet standards and described decontamination zone best practices. A new station could be built at the current site, and the project could be phased.
Fire Chief Doornbos gave the annual report, noting 2025 was the busiest year on record with a 30% increase in calls, a standard 10-minute response time, and reviewed staffing, training, and outreach.
The Planning Commission reported an approved cottage addition via the ZBA, discussion of citizen-driven committees, a swampy-area camper issue on 651, and grant opportunities. The Northgate court decision is expected in 2–6 months; Schaub suggested the Township propose an allowable resolution. The Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Board discussed a possible merger with Cleveland Township and Kasson, and agreed to rotate meeting locations, moving the next meeting to Monday, May 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in Cleveland Township.
The next regular Planning Commission meeting is Monday, May 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The next Board meeting is Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., with Brendan Mullane from the Road Commission expected to attend.
Financial Summary
The Board voted 4-0 to remove Tesha A. Milliron as signor and add Lauryn M. Pleva as a new signor on Centerville Township accounts at 4Front Credit Union and Lake Michigan Credit Union, effective 4-8-26 (moved by Pleva, supported by Schaub). The Treasurer’s report was accepted 4-0 (moved by Schaub, supported by O’Non). Invoices were reviewed and approved for payment 4-0 (moved by Pleva, supported by O’Non). Schaub distributed the year-end profit and loss report; Pleva relayed auditor feedback that savings account funds are already accounted for and questioned how to properly reflect withdrawals in the budget without double-counting. The fire department operations millage will increase to 2.50 mills at the August election; Lauren Teichner is reviewing the millage language.
Action Items
Schaub will call the auditor for clarification on accounting for savings account withdrawals. Arens will contact Scott Sheehan regarding the fee schedule, which needs updating and inclusion in the township ordinance; the Planning Commission is to review the fee schedule and bring a recommendation to the Board at its next meeting. The Northgate matter remains unresolved pending a court decision expected within 2–6 months, with Schaub proposing the Township consider offering a compromise resolution.