Summary
The Solon Township Board met on July 10, 2025, with all five board members present. Key actions included approving use of Cedar Park and Victoria Creek for a GTB Fire Rescue/EPA hazardous materials training exercise, accepting the Treasurer's report and vouchers, approving a resolution for street closures for the Cedar Chamber of Commerce's Polka Fest weekend, voting to retain outside legal counsel (Michael J. Watza) alongside the township attorney to address litigation with Verizon over a cell tower dispute, and approving a contract for sign repair and repainting. The board also discussed ongoing issues with the Zoning Administrator's workload, a land division/accessory building dispute, and Fire Department interlocal agreement changes.
Public Comments
Linda Ackley-Eaker read the June 19, 2025 minutes and stated she did not appreciate "cheap shots" made about the previous Zoning Administrator. Later in the meeting, she asked that permit fees be posted on the website and added to applications, questioned whether the township could seek advice from someone other than an attorney to save costs, and noted that historically the Zoning Administrator was an independent contractor paid $20,000.00 a year; she also asked where permit fees go. She was told fees are posted online but vary too much to include on the application itself, and that MTA generally refers such questions back to the township attorney.
Jim Johnson suggested that the township's insurance policy may include errors and omissions coverage that could cover legal costs of the Verizon litigation. Chris Comeaux responded that he had already looked into it.
Joy Johnson asked whether neighbors would have input on the cell tower's camouflaging. Chris Comeaux responded that the tower's metal would be coated to match the surroundings.
Karen Smith expressed disgust that the township was pursuing a cell phone plan with Verizon while being sued by them, and stated she was cancelling her own contract with Verizon. Chris Comeaux responded that Verizon offers the cheapest plan and is difficult to fight as a large company.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Parks and Recreation Committee did not meet this period. Kelly Claar reported she posted the remaining no-overnight-parking signs and brought in a Soil Erosion representative to look at Beach Park, who indicated EGLE would need to be involved regarding a bridge neighbors built on township property; Kelly said she would contact EGLE. An unresolved overnight parking issue at the park was also noted.
Chris Comeaux asked Zoning Administrator Christina Deeren to prepare a draft Parks Ordinance for the next meeting. Ron Novak requested and received board approval to mow the old dump site and be reimbursed for gas (motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Steve Morgan; carried 5-0). Ron Novak also requested permission to use a natural weed killer along sidewalks.
Kelly Claar recommended creating a parks consent calendar to improve communication.
Regarding Vlack's Park, Kelly Claar reported she has been unable to reach Joe from Deering's Tree Service about the Forester Management Plan; she noted there should be public notice when Deering's works on the park.
Lisa Rossi-Brett and Rick Brett raised the Cedar Chamber of Commerce's plan to fix the tennis courts; the board clarified that township board approval is required before repairs on township property due to liability, per the township's insurance representative. The board asked Chamber volunteers to track hours and out-of-pocket expenses. A volunteer group was scheduled to work on the tennis courts the following Sunday.
The board approved hiring Patrick Ivory to repaint/refurbish signage, including the Cedar sign ($500.00), the Joe Vlack Park sign ($550.00), and pricing for signs at the beach park, on Lake Shore, and near Maple City, with total cost not to exceed $2,500.00 (motion by Chris Comeaux, seconded by Joan Gauthier; carried 5-0).
Infrastructure Projects
Cell Tower/Verizon Litigation: Chris Comeaux reported the township is being sued by Verizon after the Planning Commission denied Verizon's request to place a cell tower in Solon Township. Comeaux had requested the tower be 199 feet, camouflaged, with no lights. Steve Morgan objected that this went against the township's wishes and Zoning Ordinance, and criticized Verizon's presentation. Christina Deeren stated the Zoning Ordinance's Special Use provisions are strong enough. The board voted to retain attorney Michael J. Watza of Bloom Sluggett, PC, along with township attorney David Bieganowski, to represent the township in the Verizon matter without further litigation and with limited damages. Motion carried 4-1, with Morgan opposed. Steve Morgan asked whether Verizon might be approached about resolving the matter and covering legal fees incurred to date; Comeaux said he would ask the attorney.
Bunting's/Road: The Leelanau County Road Commission chip sealed the road behind Bunting's at no charge. Elmer's original overlay cost was $12,000.00; the latest proposal came in at $12,105.00, an increase of $105.00. Chris Comeaux will ask Greg Bunting to cover the additional $105.00.
Cell Phones/Verizon Contract: Chris Comeaux is still waiting on a proposal from Verizon for township cell phones.
Cedar River Marina: Listed among non-township funds in the Treasurer's report (Huntington: Cedar River Marina Project $10,074.60; Cedar River CD $15,422.65; Total Cedar River $25,497.25), but no further discussion or decisions were recorded this meeting.
Other Business
- GTB Fire Chief Garrett Fairchild and GTB Natural Resources' Scott Mitchell presented on a hazardous materials spill response training partnership with the EPA, scheduled for September 16-17, 2025, using Cedar Park and Victoria Creek. The board approved use of the park for deploying booms and other techniques on September 17, 2025 (motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Kelly Claar; carried 5-0). Kelly Claar noted several area bridges are on indefinite hold due to lack of federal funding.
- Correspondence included: FEMA updating its flood risk analysis process with a study planned for northern Michigan; Point Broadband leasing its wires to third parties; ongoing litigation with a cell tower company; an L-4029 received from TCAPS; and a taxpayer complaint about increased summer taxes tied to the township's approval to include Northwest Education Services payments (Glen Lake School District) in the summer tax bill.
- Planning Commission (reported by Steve Morgan) discussed the Short Term Rental Draft Ordinance, agreed to remove PUDs from the Future Land Use maps (reverting to prior maps), and approved holding a Public Hearing on the Landscape Ordinance at its August 5, 2025 meeting.
- Fire Department Interlocal Agreement: A Public Hearing is scheduled at the start of the August 14, 2025 regular meeting on the proposed draft agreement, which includes moving to a one-year budget (from two-year), a six-year term, and language adding a fifth and possibly sixth entity; discussions with Elmwood Township joining the department are ongoing. Chris Comeaux reported Kasson Township is moving forward with a second fire station costing approximately $6 million, with a bond vote planned for November; this would double area staffing and budget.
- Davey's tree service cut down a tree by the river at no cost, with permission, as a gesture of thanks to the community.
- A land division/accessory building dispute involving Don DeMoulpied (builder) and property owner issues was discussed; Ms. Deeren had denied a permit as originally proposed and returned the application fee; she proposed changing the lot line, building the house, then doing the land division. Terry Whiteford asked whether an existing barn could be grandfathered in from 40 years prior. Chris Comeaux said the board is not opposed but needs to seek legal counsel, and gave Ms. Deeren and Mr. DeMoulpied two weeks to resolve the issue before consulting an attorney.
- Joan Gauthier raised two Zoning Ordinance complaints: questioning why Solon and Leland are the only townships requiring a soil erosion permit for an addition not near water (Ms. Deeren clarified this is a state law due to wetlands, not township ordinance) and questioning whether an existing outbuilding prevents building a house first (Ms. Deeren explained many garages have been converted to living quarters but remain taxed as garages).
- Zoning Administrator/Contract: Chris Comeaux stated the township cannot afford to give Christina Deeren a pay increase given the recent situation (Verizon litigation). Comeaux asked her to slow down and space out her work. Deeren explained she is bombarded with calls/emails regarding real estate, land divisions, and permits. Steve Morgan suggested posting her available work hours online. Kelly Claar suggested posting frequently asked questions online. Joan Gauthier offered to help with typing. Shirley Mikowski stated she does not think it necessary to respond to calls at all hours. Deeren said she appreciated the dialogue and is not giving up.
- MTA/Board Policies: Kelly Claar is working on required board policies and contacted MTA regarding how to address unruly individuals at board meetings, noting a policy would need to be established.
- Bench/sidewalk hazard: Chris Comeaux noted exposed bolts where a bench was removed in front of Bunting's caused someone to trip; Dale Gauthier was asked to remove them. Comeaux will also call the Leelanau County Road Commission to clean up areas affected by recent heavy rain.