Summary
The Solon Township Board met on September 11, 2025, with all five board members present. The board approved the agenda with additions, approved prior minutes, and addressed numerous unfinished and new business items including park management, a fire department budget shortfall, legal counsel changes, millage rates, and a budget amendment. Public comment was extensive, focusing on conflict of interest disclosure, dog access in parks, and the Cedar Chamber of Commerce's Polka Fest agreement status.
Public Comments
- Judy Janosik asked why conflict of interest is not on the board's agenda, expressing concern that a conflict would not be disclosed if it existed.
- Kim Smith raised concerns about hiring an attorney located outside Traverse City, suggesting a local attorney instead. She also reported volunteering to organize Planning/Zoning files but found none in storage, recommending the board check with former Zoning Administrator Tim Cypher.
- Mary O'Neill suggested that since no park fees are currently set, the Polka Fest could be grandfathered in before fees are established, which would avoid the appearance of special treatment.
- Linda Francomb, a 20-year resident, said the parks are not dog-friendly since dogs are not allowed, and suggested the township spend money on waste stations rather than "No Animals Allowed" signs, proposing a designated dog area.
- Charles Smith and his wife Karen shared a history with the fire department, including once offering to pay for fire truck repairs after the fire chief said no funds were available (the offer was declined as the repair was covered). Mr. Smith, a former paramedic, expressed concern the fire department is "heading to a point of no return" and hoped practices would be reassessed.
- Cindy Koval thanked the board for its service and asked why dogs are not allowed in the park, requesting a portion of the park be considered for dogs.
- Teri DeFilippo commented that dogs are "man's best friend" and that she walks her dog everywhere.
- Karen Smith asked why conflict of interest is not on the agenda and reminded the board about upcoming budget time and employee salaries.
- Christina Deeren/ZA reported the Leelanau County Planning Commission's email had been hacked.
- Judy Janosik thanked the board for the new audio system.
- Jim Johnson also thanked the board for the audio system but noted feedback issues needing adjustment. He noted some residents fear dogs, including around children.
- A written Public Notice was received from EGLE regarding a permit application by Sheila Schaub for work on a pond at 9854 S. Perrins Landing.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Kelly Claar reported the Parks and Recreation Committee met August 26, 2025. Key items included:
- Continued work on the Park Ordinance, which Christina Deeren/ZA is typing before sending to the attorney.
- A volunteer with a construction background offered to paint the Solon Schoolhouse next summer and will provide a materials/supplies estimate; the building may need only power-washing rather than lead-paint remediation, and windows may also be reglazed.
- Kelly wanted to order playground mulch, but Joan Gauthier recommended waiting until next year given the late season.
- No callback yet from Robyn Schmidt at EGLE regarding the bridge, though other contacts were provided.
- Next Parks and Recreation Committee meeting scheduled for September 30, 2025, at 6:00 P.M.
Vlack's Park (Forester Management Plan): Kelly Claar received an updated Timber Harvest Agreement from Deering Tree Service with no changes from the original due to unchanged market conditions. Replanting approximately 300 trees with tubes was estimated at $1,000. Chris Comeaux raised concerns about leftover stumps and post-harvest park appearance. The board voted 4-1 (Morgan-yes, Claar-yes, Comeaux-no, Gauthier-yes, Mikowski-yes) to approve a $1,800 contract with Deering Tree Service for the Forest Management Plan, with the fee waived if the Timber Harvest Agreement (township selling timber to Deering for $21,500) is fully executed.
Beach Park: Joan Gauthier reported that she and her son filled holes on the access road. The board voted 5-0 to approve purchasing one load of 22A gravel from Weber Excavating, not to exceed $800.
Cedar Chamber of Commerce/Polka Fest: Lisa Rossi-Brett reported a successful Polka Fest, including a first-time special needs event. She raised traffic safety concerns near crosswalks and suggested signage/flashers. The Chamber requested a signed agreement for 2026 and suggested grandfathering the Polka Fest into the pending Parks Ordinance, similar to Traverse City's approach. Rick Brett noted tennis court repairs this year could make courts usable again next year. Board members were divided: Steve Morgan and Chris Comeaux supported grandfathering the event without fees, citing its economic and community value; Kelly Claar and Shirley Mikowski opposed, citing fairness to other groups and the township's need to protect park resources; Joan Gauthier supported allowing the event but noted the $3,150 in fees collected had helped fund the Parks Fund. No formal vote was taken. Chris Comeaux will contact Ms. Brett to schedule a meeting with township representatives and the Chamber. The Polka Fest will be placed on the October meeting agenda.
Dogs in Parks: Multiple residents (Linda Francomb, Cindy Koval, Teri DeFilippo) requested dogs be allowed in parks or that a designated dog area be created. Jim Johnson noted some residents fear dogs. No board decision was recorded on this matter.
Infrastructure Projects
Cell Tower: Chris Comeaux reported the matter is now in federal court with Harmoni. There is no argument from Harmoni that the property receiving court approval is non-conforming for the cell tower location. Harmoni will still need to obtain a Special Land Use Permit from the township. The tower will be 199 feet tall with no lights (staying under 199 feet avoids a lighting requirement).
Cell Phones: Chris Comeaux reported township cell phones would be delivered the following day.
Bunting's/Road: Chris Comeaux confirmed Elmer's completed work, with a $6,000 invoice paid by check; the road has been striped.
Cedar River Marina Project: Listed in financial reports as a non-township fund with $10,078.88 in checking and a $15,422.65 CD (renewed at 3.55%), totaling $25,501.53. No discussion beyond financial figures was recorded.
Other Business
- Township Hall/Repairs: Wall Repair and Township Office items remain tabled.
- Interlocal Fire Agreement: The Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Interlocal Fire Department Agreement has been signed by all four townships and is valid for ten years unless altered.
- Fire Department Budget Concerns: Chris Comeaux called a special meeting on August 27, 2025, to discuss budget shortfall risks for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 cycles due to Interlocal Agreement cost increases. The fire department proposed shifting funds from the Ambulance Fund to the Contingency Fund. The board (unspecified body, per Comeaux's report) proposed requesting an additional $30,000 from each township across both budget cycles, on top of existing contributions, and recommended using the Contingency Fund for shortfalls. Rising health insurance costs were cited. The township may need to increase the Fire Millage by 0.25 mills to 2.75. There is currently no support for hiring additional fire staffing; the department anticipates ambulance service revenue will offset fire service costs.
- MTA/Board Policies: Remains tabled.
- Landscape Ordinance: Under review by the Leelanau County Planning Commission; will repeal and replace Section 19.01. A Public Hearing will be held at the November regular board meeting.
- Legal Counsel: Chris Comeaux proposed changing legal counsel, citing best practice to rotate counsel/auditors every three to five years. Discussion noted the proposed firm shares a firm with the fire department's labor counsel but uses different attorneys and specializes in municipal law at $75/hour more. Kelly Claar opposed due to distance and cost concerns and requested time to research other firms; Joan Gauthier supported the change. The board voted 3-2 (Morgan-yes, Claar-no, Comeaux-yes, Gauthier-yes, Mikowski-no) to approve entering an agreement with Kirk, Huth, Lange & Badalamenti, PLC (Clinton Township, MI).
- L-4029/Millage: A question arose about the Fire Millage appearing reduced to 2.4692; Joan Gauthier will contact Leelanau County for clarification. The board voted 5-0 to approve the Allocated Operational Millage of 0.5431 and the voted Fire/Ambulance Millage of 2.4692, to be levied December 1, 2025.
- Property Use Agreement: The board voted 5-0 to approve a Property Use Agreement for ball field use on October 11, 2025, by applicant Rhiannon Kerr for a $1.00 fee.
- Short Term Rental, Food Truck Ordinances (Planning Commission): The Planning Commission discussed the Draft Food Truck Ordinance, agreeing to remove food carts/stands and allow only food trucks. The attorney's revisions to the Short Term Rental Ordinance were accepted except the board kept certified mail as the notice method. A Public Hearing on the Short Term Rental Draft Ordinance is scheduled for the Planning Commission's October 7, 2025 meeting.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report (as of meeting date):