Summary
The Centerville Township Board met March 12, 2025, with all five members present and 21 guests. The board heard a lengthy report from Township attorney Chris Bzdok on the Williams and Bay septic disposal dispute, approved the Treasurer's and Clerk's reports, amended the 2025 budget, and began the 2025-2026 budget process. Several routine motions passed 5-0.
Public Comments
Extensive public comment followed attorney Bzdok's report on Williams and Bay. Catherine Collins asked who to contact if problems are observed (EGLE regulates); Anka Harkness asked if septic waste is treated (unknown, believed screened); Kama Ross asked whether EGLE had been FOIA'ed for every disposal load (the Township has EGLE records but doesn't know ground conditions) and later voiced disappointment with the information provided. Lindy Kellogg asked what laws changed since 2006 and noted information is available on EGLE's website. Rachel Zemanik asked for a definition of "septage," suggested reviewing Michigan law Part 117, and asked about FOIA-ing EGLE. Jill Wellman asked how EGLE ensures compliance and suggested working with other townships. Deb Kuhn noted EGLE contracts with the Benzie-Leelanau Health Department and asked about billing practices. Rolf von Walthausen cited EGLE's 90-page guideline document and asked who enforces it. Bill Rastetter asked if EGLE and the Health Department could be brought to a meeting and asked about adverse environmental impacts; he also asked if the Township could contract with a treatment facility (Bzdok said no under current circumstances). Scott Collins said he would attend a state-level meeting on the issue. Jolyn Arens (board member) said she favors seeking a second legal opinion and forming a citizens' group. Katrina Pleva noted residents generally accept waste disposal if not near them.
At the end of the meeting, Beth Chiles thanked Scott Collins for meeting with state representatives; Anka Harkness thanked the board for an email; Kama Ross supported the Treasurer and urged the board not to miss a resolution deadline for increases.
Infrastructure Projects
Commissioner Alan Campbell reported the Broadband project is 96% complete; the consultant's contract on that project has been terminated.
Other Business
The Planning Commission's planner, Chris Grobbel, resigned; Lindy Kellogg reported the Commission will meet in March without a planner and continue reviewing the Master Plan using Grobbel's list of needed items. Tim Cypher will not take the planner position. Next PC meeting is April 7, 2025. The Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Board reported a good budget and a reduced interlocal agreement under discussion. Brian Rodgers filed another appeal regarding property cleanup. The Circuit Court upheld the ZBA's denial of Northgate's site plan; Lauren Teichner and Brad Werna will meet with the board on this. A closed board meeting with Lauren Teichner is set for March 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Pleva reported tax payments went well with 84 delinquent parcels; over $7,000 was earned in CD interest last year. The board accepted the Treasurer's report (5-0) and authorized payment of bills (5-0), though an invoice from Chris Grobbel for a cancelled meeting raised questions Schaub will check into. ARPA funds and expenses remain under budget. The board approved an amended budget (5-0). A $550 mini laptop for Zoom use was approved (5-0). An insurance risk-control program offers up to $5,000 in township assistance. For 2025-2026 budgeting, taxable value increased by $10 million, and $50,000 was budgeted for roads.
Action Items
Schaub will investigate the Chris Grobbel invoice for a cancelled meeting. Arens proposed pursuing a second legal opinion on the Williams and Bay matter and forming a citizens' group; no board vote was taken on this. Lauren Teichner and Brad Werna will meet with the board on the Northgate site plan denial. A closed board meeting with Teichner is scheduled for March 17. Brendan Mullane of the Road Commission will attend the next meeting. The Annual meeting and budget meeting are set for March 22, 2025. The Williams and Bay septic dispute remains unresolved and continues as a source of public concern and board discussion.