Summary
The Centerville Township Board met on June 10, 2026, with Ronald Schaub, Elizabeth Chiles, Katrina Pleva, and Jolyn Arens present (Kerry O'Non absent). Key actions included approving the amended agenda and May 13, 2026 minutes, accepting the Treasurer's report, authorizing invoice payments, and approving a KCI printing/mailing proposal for tax bill flyers. The Board also discussed a potential data center moratorium, ongoing Northgate mediation, the Brian Rogers property case, and a septage/raw sewage issue in the township. All motions carried 4-0.
Public Comments
Neil Deizdeic urged the Planning Commission to declare a moratorium on data centers until an ordinance can be studied, offering to help draft the language. He also asked that new Fire and Rescue hires commit to several years of service after training, expressing concern about burdening residents. Deb Kuhn, representing "Citizens for Sewage Safety," requested the Township refer to the septage issue as "raw sewage on farmland" rather than "Williams and Bay." Rolf von Walthausen commented in support of Brian Rogers, noting Rogers' environmentally friendly farming approach and recent property cleanup progress.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Not discussed in this meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
Unpermitted roads were built at the Schomberg Road development site (Schomberg Road, a private road); the application was incomplete. The Planning Commission authorized Jenn Cram to use Beckett & Raeder's engineer for this case only, with costs to come from escrow; future situations will require an RFP for an engineer. The Board discussed a possible data center moratorium, referencing Kasson Township's existing moratorium as a model. A septage/sewage issue on farmland was raised, with plans to invite Chris Bzdok to the July 8, 2026 meeting to address it.
Other Business
Commissioner Alan Campbell submitted a written report (read by Schaub) noting Jim Dyer is on indefinite paid administrative leave and Lauren Cypher was appointed interim administrator. Planning Commission Chair Lindy Kellogg resigned; Vice Chair Rolf von Walthausen became Chair through December 2026, and Kellogg agreed to serve as Vice Chair. Cedar Area Fire and Rescue reported high May call volume, unbudgeted cost overruns in three cost centers, and that Tim Stine will explain costs to each participating Board. Brian Rogers requested time to finish his building/farm project after losing his Supreme Court case; the matter was tabled to the July agenda, with Arens to determine required cleanup steps and Rogers to secure financing.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Pleva reported working on summer tax bills for 1,041 parcels; a matured CD will be reinvested, likely with Chase Bank. The Board approved KCI of Grand Rapids to print and mail a county flyer with tax bills. Expenses reported so far include legal fees and Hall upgrades funded through ARPA funds; some budget categories require amendment.
Action Items
Arens, von Walthausen, and Schaub, along with counsel, will represent Centerville at the Northgate mediation on June 22, 2026. Arens will determine cleanup requirements for the Brian Rogers property; Rogers will secure financing; the matter returns to the July agenda. The Board will attempt to have Chris Bzdok attend the July 8, 2026 meeting to address the sewage situation. Schaub will investigate future database costs. The Planning Commission's next meeting is June 22, 2026.