Summary
The Centerville Township Board met May 13, 2026, with Ronald Schaub, Elizabeth Chiles, Katrina Pleva, and Kerry O’Non present (Jolyn Arens absent). The Board approved the amended agenda, April 8 minutes, treasurer’s report, and invoice payments, all 4-0. Major discussion centered on septage disposal regulation, a 2% planning grant application, zoning fee schedules, an AI zoning-assistance program, and a fire department millage increase.
Public Comments
Deb Kuhn said Centerville’s ordinance can override state statute on septage disposal and urged the Board and public to get involved. Darlene Doorlag supported Kuhn’s comments and encouraged public support for the millage. Later in the meeting, Jasmine Harriston warned that septage spread on farmland can impact all farmers; Schaub said he will ask attorney Bzdok to attend a future meeting to discuss this. Scott Collins noted the State may change its rules. Mark Zemanek said Williams and Bay disposes septage differently than other haulers, that septage can go to the Traverse City treatment plant, and that he supports the independent citizens group, arguing control should rest with the Township rather than the State.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board agreed to upgrade signage at the park regarding boat washing, per a request from the Lake Association reported by the Supervisor.
Infrastructure Projects
Septage disposal regulation was a recurring concern, with residents urging local ordinance control over state rules. No formal Board action was taken; Schaub will invite attorney Bzdok to a future meeting to discuss it further.
Other Business
- Road Commission (Brendan Mullane): explained new sales-tax funding structure for a neighborhood road fund from corporate sales tax and marijuana tax; noted a road millage on the ballot with buying power at 65%; Maple City primary roads to be repaired this summer; discussed new equipment/trucks, 2027 emission laws, and building expansion.
- Commissioner Alan Campbell reported on a possible 3.20 mill maximum levy, contingency fund growth, opioid fund use, a proposed Medicaid supplement voucher system, delayed administrator evaluation, and a new ethics policy in progress.
- Clerk’s report: 29 people voted in person; 125 mail-in ballots cast; guidance given on proper ballot marking.
- Planning Commission (Scott Sheehan): reviewing zoning ordinance typos (attorney to be consulted), monitoring a Good Harbor camping violation and a car-density complaint on Honke Road, and preparing an upcoming site plan review.
- AI zoning-assistance program proposed by Sheehan and Travis Kemp, offered free; Board wants to see a contract before approving; on next month’s agenda.
- Cedar Area Fire and Rescue: strategic plan approved 4-0 (Pleva/O’Non); meeting sites will alternate; fire station rebuild and satellite station to be discussed next meeting.
- Northgate Appeal/Mediation set for June 22, 1:00 p.m.; Kellogg and Arens to attend.
- Brian Rogers property: cleanup estimated at $5,000–$7,000, reimbursable via lien; discussion tabled to next meeting.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Pleva reported receipt of a revenue sharing check (use to be determined) and preparation for the next tax cycle; report accepted 4-0. Invoices approved 4-0, with note that taxes were not withheld for election workers. P&L/budget review postponed to next meeting. Sheehan proposed a land division fee of $450 for up to four splits, $50 per additional split; Board wants more cost information before deciding. The Township applied for a 2% grant, requesting $15,000 for consultants for a public survey; a motion to hold a special meeting on the grant failed for lack of support, but a motion to submit the application carried 3 in favor, 1 abstained. The Board agreed to increase the Fire Department Operations millage to 2.50 mills at the August election.
Action Items
- Schaub to invite attorney Bzdok to discuss septage disposal regulation.
- Kellogg and Arens to attend Northgate Appeal/Mediation, June 22, 1:00 p.m.
- Board to review AI zoning program contract at next meeting before approval.
- Board to gather further information on land division/property line adjustment fees before deciding.
- Board to set policy on non-conforming structures (e.g., grandfathering rebuilt structures).
- Brian Rogers property cleanup decision tabled for next meeting.
- 2% grant application to be submitted by end of month, signed by Supervisor or Clerk, delivered by hand.
- Next Planning Commission meeting June 1, 2026, 6:30 p.m.; next Fire and Rescue meeting June 3, 2026, 5:00 p.m.; next Board meeting June 10, 2026, 6:30 p.m.