James Schwantes was appointed last week as a trustee on the Centerville Township Board.

Schwantes was one of six men to submit applications for the seat, which has been vacant since the death of long-time trustee Richard Pleva. Other applicants were John Arens, George Wellman, Gordon Hughes, Jerry Kelenske and Bill Walters.

Schwantes will serve the remainder of Pleva’s unexpired term through mid-November, and will also serve as the Township Board’s representative on the Planning Commission.

Schwantes, former chair of the Leelanau County Democratic Party, said he has already filed a nomination petition for the August Primary Election. The deadline to run in the Primary for township offices is May 13.

He and his wife, Judy Reinhardt own Sweeter Song Farm on the northeast corner of Bodus and Schomberg roads.

In other business during the rescheduled monthly meeting, the board received a petition signed by 19 residents living on Schomberg Road south of Bodus Road seeking improvements to their road. The township board is scheduled to meet with representatives of the County Road Commission in the coming month to discuss estimated costs and payment plans.

The board also :

• Adopted its 2008-2009 budget as discussed at the March Annual Meeting of township inhabitants;

• Accepted the low bid of Williams Pumping to provide portable toilets for the township park this summer at a cost of $75 per pump-out.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., May 14.