Summary
The Centerville Township Board met July 9, 2025, with all five members present. Key actions included approving the amended agenda and June minutes (5-0 each), authorizing bill payments (5-0), and approving a two-year budget for the Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Board (5-0). Much of the meeting focused on the Interlocal Fire Agreement, financial matters, Planning Commission concerns including a possible Master Plan update, and ongoing Northgate litigation, which will be discussed further in a closed session on July 15, 2025.
Public Comments
Don Baty, a resident, raised questions about fire department cost-sharing equity, noting Centerville and Solon Townships pay more since they own the building and cover major repairs. He proposed reviewing this before the Interlocal Agreement is signed; Schaub agreed to bring it to the Fire Board. Baty also suggested the Township pursue mediation with Northgate rather than relying solely on litigation, and cautioned the Board against letting the insurance company push a settlement. He also described what a proper complaint log for the Planning Commission should contain (date, complainant, description, resolution).
Bill Rastetter argued the Master Plan is overdue for review and should project 20 years ahead; he offered to email an article to the Board and distributed documents on similar federal cases, suggesting Northgate may be misusing federal court and that attorney fees could potentially be reimbursed. He also raised the idea of a citizen-funded nonprofit to help pay litigation costs, though no Board action was taken on this proposal.
Bill Walters reported problems with the Northgate lagoon and asked the Planning Commission to be flexible with farmers during Master Plan and ordinance updates.
Infrastructure Projects
Bill Walters reported problems with the Northgate lagoon during the Planning Commission discussion; no further action or decision was recorded.
Other Business
The Commissioner’s Report noted county discussion of installing license-plate cameras (raising privacy concerns), completion of the County budget workshop schedule, hiring of a county administrator, and a legal opinion on whether that administrator could run for the Cherryland Board. Election equipment received a free five-year inspection certificate; Clerk Chiles will research who performs future inspections. Building repairs (roof work requiring an insured contractor) were discussed, with Fred Peplinski to be asked to do the work; heating/cooling installation is complete except for electrical hookup. Brian Rogers case update: no response yet from the Court of Appeals.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Pleva reported purchase of a $50,000 CD at 5.25%, receipt of May election payment from Leland School, and $7,010 in State revenue sharing (more than expected), which she proposed placing in a new Roads fund. Taxes were mailed June 30, 2025. The balance sheet showed no liabilities at fiscal year-end (March) and $150,000 reserved for Fire Department back-up. The Fire Board’s 2026-27 two-year budget was approved 5-0. The Township’s insurance will cover up to $100,000 in attorney fees for the Northgate case.
Action Items
Schaub will raise fire department cost-sharing equity with the Fire Board. Arens will contact Tim Cypher regarding zoning administrator complaint handling and report back. The Planning Commission will develop a formal complaint log and form. Chiles will research election equipment inspection providers and the insurance company’s location for the Northgate case. Cram will prepare a Master Plan cost estimate/survey (currently on hold per Schaub and O’Non due to $10,000–$20,000 cost, though Baty urged it proceed). A closed session on the Northgate litigation is scheduled for July 15, 2025, with Lindy Kellogg and Jenn Cram invited.