Summary
The Solon Township Board met on October 15, 2025, with all board members present. Key actions included approval of the September minutes, the Treasurer’s report and vouchers, the Cedar Area Fire and Rescue 2026-2027 budget, a temporary use agreement with the Cedar Chamber of Commerce for the Polka Fest, cell phone plan changes, a cemetery driveway repair estimate, revisions to the Parks Ordinance, and updates on the Short Term Rental and Food Truck Ordinances from the Planning Commission. The board also reviewed the Landscape Ordinance, cell tower site plan progress, and approved the purchase of new computers.
Public Comments
Karen Smith expressed appreciation that Conflict of Interest was added to the agenda, noting it allows board members to disclose issues with agenda items.
Judy Janosik asked how residents would learn new township phone numbers and requested that board members use microphones at all times; she was told the new numbers would be posted on the website.
Jim Johnson supported the Planning Commission’s proposal to remove the requirement that the health department determine occupancy from the Short Term Rental Ordinance, stating the township cannot require an independent agency to make such determinations.
Mary O’Neill requested that smoking in the parks be addressed in the Parks Ordinance due to fire hazard concerns.
Joan Gauthier reported that the Cedar Chamber of Commerce will not host Light Up Cedar this year, and that the owner of the Polish Art Center might host an event in the Lemcool’s parking lot instead.
Lori Boone said the Greenes and other business owners in Cedar still want to hold an old-style Christmas event for Light Up Cedar.
Kim Smith thanked the board for working with the Chamber of Commerce.
Joy Johnson opposed smoking in the parks and suggested adjusting park hours. She also raised concerns about cemetery roads being closed, noting they are being closed to create additional burial plots.
Christina Deeren, Zoning Administrator, thanked the board for providing her a cell phone.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Parks and Recreation Committee, reported by Kelly Claar, met September 30, 2025. They completed recommendations for the Park Ordinance, obtained a $1,000.00 cost estimate for painting supplies for the Solon Schoolhouse (Joan Gauthier asked about rotted wood repair; Kelly will check), and located items/pictures belonging to the Empire Museum. Shirley Mikowski will contact Diane Taghon regarding storage of those items. Kelly is working with Liana from the county to get parks information posted online, and the committee will begin the 5 Year Parks Plan next year. The next committee meeting is scheduled for October 28, 2025.
Regarding Vlack’s Park, Kelly Claar is obtaining road-closure signage from the Leelanau County Road Commission and has been unable to reach Joe from Deering Tree Service for the Forester Management Plan.
For Beach Park, Kelly Claar consulted Matt Anderson of EGLE, who advised that a fence can be installed without a permit as long as no structure is placed in the water; planting vegetation was also discussed but deemed less secure than fencing. No soil erosion permit is required per the Conservation District.
The board discussed and approved changes to the Parks Ordinance, including reducing the Park Committee to a minimum of three and maximum of five members, changing meetings to quarterly instead of monthly, allowing the committee to apply for grants with board approval, allowing pets in parks (modeled on the Leelanau County Parks Ordinance) instead of prohibiting animals, and removing the Township Supervisor from enforcement duties. Joan Gauthier disagreed with prohibiting smoking or vaping and noted the ordinance lacks language on bikes or scooters. Kelly Claar asked whether a future parks and recreation manager position could be accommodated; the board confirmed the ordinance could be amended. The board discussed whether this should be a Police Power Ordinance; Steve Morgan indicated the Sheriff’s Department will enforce township rules if properly posted. Christina Deeren will make the changes and forward the ordinance to the attorney.
Infrastructure Projects
Cell Tower: Chris Comeaux and Christina Deeren reviewed the site plan from Harmoni Towers and returned it in agreement. Harmoni Towers still needs to obtain a site plan permit and a driveway permit.
Cell Phones: The township’s Verizon bill is nearly $400.00 for six phones, exceeding the original approval for four. Chris Comeaux will contact Verizon about reducing costs or returning a phone. Motion by Shirley Mikowski, seconded by Kelly Claar, to approve a cell phone plan increased from four to a maximum of six phones with cost not to exceed $400.00 per month. Motion carried 5-0.
Cemetery (Weber Excavating): Several cemetery roads were approved for closure to create additional burial lots and need to be filled and seeded. Motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Kelly Claar, to approve Weber Excavating’s estimate of $3,900.00-$4,000.00 to deliver and spread approximately 50 yards of screened black dirt to smooth old cemetery access driveways, with final grading and seeding. Motion carried 5-0. Regarding a prior cemetery accident, Steve Morgan reported the area has been filled in, the fence is intact, and no headstones were damaged, so no further action is needed.
Township Hall Wall Repair: LRM has begun work on the south wall of the township hall and planned to pour the wall soon after the meeting.
Other Business
Committee Reports: The Planning Commission met October 7, 2025, with about 40 guests present. A public hearing was held on the Short Term Rental Ordinance, resulting in changes: increasing rental permits from 40 to 60, requiring rental owners to notify neighbors within 300 feet with contact information, increasing rentals from 1 to 2, setting occupancy at 4 persons per bedroom, and allowing suspension violations to be appealed to the township board. The ordinance is being sent to the attorney. The Draft Food Truck Ordinance was reviewed and is being sent to the attorney, with a public hearing scheduled for the December meeting. Joan Gauthier requested copies of updated ordinances.
Landscape Ordinance: The Leelanau County Planning Commission reviewed the ordinance and sent questions/comments; the board discussed and made changes. Joan Gauthier will send grammatical corrections to Christina Deeren for updating the ordinance.
Cedar Chamber of Commerce/Polka Fest: Cindy Gale reported the Polka Fest Committee cannot plan for 2026 without a signed agreement with the township. The Chamber offered to spend a minimum of $2,000.00 on an agreed-upon township safety project (e.g., traffic-calming measures like flashing stop signs) due to concerns about vehicle speed through town. Discussion included whether tennis court repairs should count in lieu of fees; Shirley Mikowski stated repairs should not be considered in lieu of fees since Polka Fest could not have occurred without them, emphasizing the board’s duty to safeguard township assets. Kelly Claar agreed on safeguarding assets and fair treatment, noting the township determines how gifts are spent. A 2-5 year agreement was discussed. Motion by Shirley Mikowski, seconded by Joan Gauthier, to approve a temporary use agreement allowing the Cedar Chamber of Commerce (dba Cedar Polka Fest) use of the tennis courts from August 24, 2026 to September 3, 2026, in lieu of a $2,000.00 donation to a township project. Motion carried 5-0.
Computers: The board reviewed information on two IT contacts; Shirley Mikowski worked with Noah Creamer of Social Explorations, LLC to order four new computers (for the assessor, treasurer, and clerk, one for elections) for less than $3,000.00, plus a 10-hour service block for $1,600.00.
Gathering Permit: Shirley Mikowski asked whether a gathering permit is required for Holy Rosary’s planned large group event at the flagpole; the board confirmed no permit is currently required.
Announcements: Kelly Claar announced a Leelanau Conservation District presentation featuring JM Fortier on October 19, 2025, and the Conservation District’s Annual Meeting on November 6, 2025, at the Leland Lodge.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer’s report listed the following balances: Huntington Bank Checking $42,060.28 (including $9,000.66 ARPA funds, leaving $32,059.62 available); General Savings totaling $235,879.40; Total Funds Available $267,939.02; Road Improvement Fund $30,638.69; Fire Sinking Fund $160,620.79; Sidewalk Fund $18,912.38; Parks Improvement Fund $20,000.00; Total Other Township Funds Available $230,171.86; Total Current Assets $498,110.88. Non-township funds included Cedar River Marina Project funds totaling $25,503.60 and Parks and Recreation Fund totaling $20,185.48. Vouchers #16099-16139 were submitted for payment; motion by Steve Morgan, seconded by Kelly Claar, to accept the Treasurer’s report and payment of vouchers, carried 5-0.
The Cedar Area Fire and Rescue 2026-2027 budget was discussed, maintaining 5% and 10% increase targets. Workman’s comp costs doubled due to a firefighter injury (employee has since returned to work), and health insurance costs rose significantly due to expanded coverage to nearly all members and families. The township’s fire millage may need to increase next year, having not increased in about six years. Motion by Chris Comeaux, seconded by Kelly Claar, to approve the budget as presented; motion carried 5-0.
The Cedar Chamber of Commerce offered a minimum $2,000.00 donation toward a township safety project in lieu of a lease fee for tennis court use during Polka Fest 2026.