2025-07.29-tc-show cause hearing-minutes.pdf

Town Council of Centreville Show Cause Hearing July 29, 2025 7:00 p.m.

M I N U T E S

The July 29, 2025, Show Cause Hearing was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Ashley H. Kaiser at the Liberty Building located at 107 North Liberty Street, 2nd floor meeting room. The following members and staff were present:

Ashley H. Kaiser, President; Jeffrey D. Kiel, Vice President; Jim A. Beauchamp, Daniel B. Worth, and Sandra L.

Huffer, Members; Carolyn Brinkley, Town Manager; Sharon VanEmburgh, Town Attorney; and Gaye Adams, Town Clerk Purpose of Hearing President Kaiser stated that the purpose of the hearing was to provide the owner, agent, or any interested parties of the property located at 2647 Centreville Road an opportunity to show cause why the structure—deemed a dangerous building by the Building Inspector—should not be repaired, vacated, or demolished.

Public Notice Town Clerk Gaye Adams confirmed that notice of the hearing was published in the Bay Times and Record Observer on July 18 and July 25, 2025, in accordance with public notification requirements.

Testimony and Discussion

• Mr. Geschwilm, the property owner, appeared before the Council and stated he was in the process of obtaining

four demolition bids, one of which had been received electronically. He expressed intent to construct a new metal structure and install fencing on the property. Mr. Geschwilm acknowledged that the existing mill structure must be demolished.

• President Kaiser reiterated that the purpose of the hearing was to determine whether the Town should proceed with

demolition of the dangerous building. She emphasized that bid proposals should have been submitted prior to the hearing.

• To proceed with the findings of fact, President Kaiser requested the Building Inspector’s report.

• Mr. Hal Davis, Building Inspector with the Middle Department Inspection Agency (MDIA), testified that the

structure at 2647 Centreville Road is in a severely deteriorated and hazardous condition and must be demolished.

• Public comments were received from Mary Margaret Goodwin, Frederick Beu, and David Kaufman.

• Mr. Geschwilm requested additional time to submit demolition bids by Friday.

• Council Member Beauchamp indicated that the Council would take Mr. Geschwilm’s request into consideration

during deliberations.

Council Deliberation

• President Kaiser confirmed that there were no legal objections or jurisdictional issues regarding the hearing. She

stated that the Council would review all testimony and public comments before making findings of fact to determine whether the structure is dangerous. Based on those findings, the Council may issue an order for demolition.

• Council Member Worth moved to adjourn the Show Cause Hearing. The motion was seconded by Vice President

Kiel and passed unanimously. The hearing adjourned at 7:21 p.m.

Following the hearing, the Council engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the prolonged efforts to resolve the matter with Mr. Geschwilm. The Council strongly encouraged Mr. Geschwilm to begin clearing personal items from the mill structure.

The Council will initiate the process of obtaining demolition bids and will also consider any bids submitted by Mr.

Geschwilm. President Kaiser emphasized that while cost is a factor, public safety remains the Council’s top priority.

The Council will vote on the Order of Findings of Fact at the upcoming Town Council meeting on August 7, 2025.

With no further public comments or discussion, Council Member Worth moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Vice President Kiel and passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Gaye Adams Town Clerk 2025-07.29-TC-Show Cause Hearing Draft-Minutes 1 | Pag e