Summary
The Solon Township Board met September 10, 2026, with Supervisor Chris Comeaux presiding and all board members present. Key actions included approving the Treasurer's report and vouchers #16554-16581, approving up to $500.00 for trees at Vlack's Park, approving the design and development of a new fire station with Cunningham-Limp, approving the 2026 tax millage (L-4029), scheduling a Public Hearing for the Gibson property rezoning request, and approving continued tennis court use for the Cedar Polka Fest.
Public Comments
Dawn Lund read a letter from Barb and Jerry Kleinfeld (Paradise Cove) opposing a Waterfront Overlay District, citing concerns over future restrictions on property rights, docks, marina modernization, and shoreline infrastructure. Lund also referenced a letter from Chris Painchaud rescinding his prior support for the Overlay District, noting the model ordinance language could put over half of lakefront properties in violation and that Leland Township faced similar backlash, leading the Lake Leelanau Lake Association to pause advocacy. Renee Lemcool noted the agenda and minutes were not posted on the website; Clerk Shirley Mikowski said they were posted Monday and was unsure of the discrepancy. Regarding the Gibson rezoning, Tim Johnson, Jim Johnson, Renee Lemcool, and Todd Yeomans offered mixed perspectives on precedent-setting, farming rights, and zoning fairness; no board action resulted from these comments beyond the scheduled hearing.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Kelly Claar reported the Parks and Recreation Committee will meet September 21, 2026, to discuss hall rental and park fee schedules. The fence posts at Vlack's Park await concrete curing; tree planting is planned for October 18, 2026, with 4-H assistance, approved for up to $500.00 (motion by Kelly Claar, seconded by Joan Gauthier, carried 5-0). The deteriorated dock at the river was discussed; the board agreed it should be removed and replaced, with the Parks Committee to research costs. A fee schedule for park/tennis court use is being developed for the October board meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
No marina, cell tower, water, or sewer projects were discussed, aside from financial references to the Cedar River Marina Project fund.
Other Business
The Planning Commission is amending PUD language and discussing Accessory Dwelling Units; no moratorium on Data Centers was recommended, as they are only permitted in B-2 zoning. The Food Truck Ordinance was discussed extensively, with Joan Gauthier raising concerns about zoning consistency, bathroom facilities, trash removal, and music end-times; no formal vote was taken. The Gibson property rezoning (2881 Aspen Drive, RA-5 to Agriculture-Conservation) was discussed at length; a Public Hearing was approved for October 8, 2026, at 6:15 P.M. (motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Chris Comeaux, carried 5-0). Township Hall painting was postponed pending inspection by Novak's Painting.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Joan Gauthier reported Total Current Assets of $725,359.58, including General Savings of $418,125.36, Road Improvement Fund of $39,431.84, Fire Sinking Fund of $194,107.34, Sidewalk Fund of $22,541.47, and Parks Improvement Fund of $40,689.44. Non-Township funds included $25,950.69 for Cedar River and $27,183.94 for Parks and Recreation. The board approved the Allocated Operational Millage of 0.53330 and Fire/Ambulance Millage of 3.000, to be levied December 1, 2026 (motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Shirley Mikowski, carried 5-0). The Cedar Chamber of Commerce will pay $1.00 for tennis court use plus a $2,000.00 donation to a township project, consistent with prior year terms.
Action Items
- Parks Committee to finalize a fee schedule for park/hall use by the October board meeting.
- Parks Committee to research costs for replacing the deteriorated river dock.
- Bob Novak to inspect Township Hall for wood repairs before painting.
- Sara Schroeder/ZA to compile a list of allowed uses under RA-5 and Agriculture-Conservation zoning for the Gibson property before the October 8, 2026 Public Hearing.
- Sara Schroeder/ZA to follow up with the Leelanau County Planning Commission on Food Truck Ordinance comments.
- Sara Schroeder/ZA to publish notice for the Gibson property Public Hearing (2026-03 Aspen Dr. Rezoning).