Summary
The Centerville Township Board met August 12, 2026, with all members present except Elizabeth Chiles. Discussion centered on septic waste disposal practices by Williams and Bay, ongoing site plan issues at the Schomberg Road development, budget and compensation schedule updates, and unfinished cleanup/reimbursement matters. Several motions carried 4-0, and one fee-related motion failed for lack of support.
Public Comments
Attorney Chris Bzdok addressed septic waste concerns, explaining that Grand Traverse treatment plant's debt-related exemption from state regulation allows Williams and Bay to legally continue disposing septic waste on farmland. Residents and Board members discussed options including urging neighbors to use other haulers, pursuing an agreement with the treatment plant, documenting complaints with the health department, contacting the Leelanau Conservancy, and hiring an environmental lawyer; Bzdok agreed to research legal counsel options. No further public comment was made on this item.
Later in the meeting, Tim O'Non raised concerns about an unmarked surveillance camera on the fire building; Schaub explained it was installed for the trash area and said he would check into signage. Neil Deizdeic asked about ordinance section 11.4 regarding non-performance; Schaub said he would follow up with Scott Sheehan. O'Non also noted Sheehan appears to be expediting paperwork, though some work requires a licensed surveyor.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board discussed septic waste disposal on farmland by Williams and Bay. Pleva moved to send a letter to the Grand Traverse treatment plant requesting an agreement to prevent future farmland disposal; supported by O'Non. Motion carried 4-0. The Board also discussed pursuing other townships as partners, contacting local/state representatives, and expanding waste testing beyond phosphorous and nitrates.
Other Business
Planning Commission (Jody Arens) reported ongoing problems with the Schomberg Road development, including twice-failed engineering evaluations, severe rain runoff, and failed retention ponds built by Gosling Czubak. Arens moved to begin hiring Gourdie Fraser engineering firm to review the site; supported by O'Non. Motion carried 4-0. A fee schedule review was tabled until the next Planning meeting; a motion to compensate Scott Sheehan $85/hour for property boundary adjustments failed for lack of support. Cedar Area Fire and Rescue's next meeting was changed to September 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., to include a budget public hearing. Supervisor reported toilet repairs completed and lighting issues to be addressed by Mike Bunek. Northgate reimbursement of $10,000–$15,000 is still pending appeal. Brian Rogers received a cleanup notice from Lauren Teichner; Rogers agreed to do some work, with Arens to arrange excavation dates and a bill.
Financial Summary
Pleva submitted the Treasurer's report. A state public safety check was directed to County Law Enforcement (P1419); motion carried 4-0. Bills were approved as presented. Schaub reviewed and amended the Fire Operating budget, accounting for legal fees tied to the Rogers property; lawyer fees were noted as lower than expected. The Board approved the amended compensation schedule (4-0) and additional budget changes (4-0).
Action Items
- Bzdok to research environmental lawyers regarding septic waste disposal.
- Township to send letter to Grand Traverse treatment plant.
- Board to begin hiring process for Gourdie Fraser engineering firm for Schomberg Road site review.
- O'Non to discuss fee schedule with Sheehan and Schaub before August 24 meeting.
- Schaub to speak with Scott Sheehan regarding engineering and ordinance section 11.4.
- Arens to contact excavating company for Brian Rogers cleanup date and itemized bill.
- Schaub to check into camera signage at fire building.
- Mike Bunek to be contacted regarding outside lighting.