Summary
The Centerville Township Board met December 10, 2025, with all five members present. Key actions included approving the November 12, 2025 minutes, accepting the Treasurer's report, hiring Scott Sheehan as part-time Zoning Administrator at $16,000/year starting January 1, 2026, adopting a new prayer policy and compensation schedule, and appointing Mary Beeker to the Planning Commission. The Board also authorized a $4,000 township contribution toward an $8,000 Fire Department cost analysis, split with Solon Township.
Public Comments
Dorinda Lafevre cited rules regarding invocation, which Chiles read aloud; she stated she would prefer a moment of silence instead of prayer. Later in the meeting, Tim O'Non commented on the Brian Rogers situation during the second public comment period. No written letters were noted as submitted.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Commissioner Alan Campbell reported that the County rejected an offer to acquire an acre of land next to Old Settler's Park. The County also discussed using the barn at Myles Kimmerly Park for events, including allowing alcoholic beverages; current ordinance does not permit alcohol service there. No Board action was taken on these county-level matters.
Other Business
Commissioner Campbell reported the County will begin meetings with a moment of silence, has hired an auditor, is leasing a fleet of cars, and is discussing use of opiate settlement funds; Campbell requested a report before further opiate-related funding. The Annual Meeting was set for March 21, 2026. The December Planning Commission meeting was canceled; the Master Plan (reviewed August 2025) was deemed sufficient and further review is on hold pending litigation. Regarding unfinished business, the Brian Rogers property appeal was denied, potentially costing up to $10,000 for cleanup, which Rogers would owe the Township or face a lien; attorney Lauren Teichner suggested addressing it in spring, and Arens has contacted AJ Excavating. The Northgate matter remains in the deposition stage with no new developments. Michelle Irwin Curl's appointment to the ZBA was tabled after Schaub was unable to reach her.
Financial Summary
A CD matured and was moved to a money market account pending reinvestment. The insurance company was billed $100,000 directly for attorney fees; the Board approved paying bills as presented (5-0). As of November 30, $100,000 had been spent in legal fees. Schaub presented a preliminary 2026 budget outline showing a millage increase to 2.50, projected to bring in $418,000, intended to cover Fire Department needs for two years. A line-item budget will be reviewed next month.
Action Items
Schaub to draft a job description for the new Zoning Administrator position. Schaub to raise ownership of the Fire Department parking lot at the next Fire Board meeting. Arens has contacted AJ Excavating regarding cleanup work on the Rogers property, with work planned for spring per attorney Teichner's advice. Schaub to attempt again to reach Michelle Irwin Curl regarding her ZBA appointment. ACH and credit card policy to be discussed next month.