Summary
The Solon Township Board held a special meeting on May 15, 2025, primarily to facilitate open dialogue between the township board and the Cedar Chamber of Commerce regarding the future of the Polka Fest and the condition of the tennis courts where it is traditionally held. No formal decisions were made regarding funding or relocation, but both parties agreed to continue the discussion at the June meeting. The agenda was approved 5-0, and the meeting was adjourned 5-0 at 8:20 P.M.
Public Comments
Lisa Rossi-Brett asked whether there would be dialogue between the Chamber and the township board; it was confirmed there would be.
Brayton Farr, a Solon Township resident, mortgage lender, and real estate agent, recommended that the township consider a low interest loan to fund repairs to the tennis courts, suggesting this fund could also be applied toward a potential purchase of the courts.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The bulk of the meeting focused on the condition of the tennis courts used for the annual Polka Fest and broader parks planning issues:
- Pam Novak, Chamber president and Polka Fest Committee board member, gave background on the Chamber's history and the Polka Fest, noting this would be the 43rd annual event. She described the Chamber's long-standing role in the community and how Polka Fest proceeds support Cedar organizations.
- Joan Gauthier stated the tennis courts are in very poor condition and questioned whether they should be used at all, even for the Polka Fest.
- Cindy Gale said the Chamber has maintained the courts and that the township has not made improvements in about eight years.
- Kelly Claar noted that several years ago, Ray Pleva led an effort to have cracks sealed, with costs shared between the township and the Chamber.
- Rick Brett said there are 40 new cracks from this past winter.
- Cindy Gale said the courts are barely usable this year and suggested the Chamber property could be an alternative, though parking is limited and no other suitable space exists in Cedar.
- Chris Comeaux stated he considers the courts unsafe to play tennis on and suggested they may need to be decommissioned, with the nets removed. He said the township will not invest money into the courts and questioned whether they are safe enough to host the Polka Fest.
- Kelly Claar referenced a Parks Plan developed by Fleis & Vandenbrink that proposed a green event space instead.
- Rick Brett asked whether it would be prudent for the Chamber to purchase the tennis courts; Pam Novak said if purchased, it would remain available for community use.
- Kelly Claar said the Parks Committee researched other polka festivals and found similar events are typically held on closed streets, parking lots, or grassy areas rather than tennis courts.
- Chris Comeaux commented that the township has outgrown its infrastructure.
- Kelly Claar noted the township has the smallest geographical area yet offers a full range of parks for the township and surrounding communities.
- Discussion touched on funding options: Joan Gauthier noted the Chamber, as a 501(c) organization, could pursue grant funding. Steve Yoder suggested grants could help the township if communication between the two groups improved.
- Cindy Gale asked if someone would work with Rick Brett to make the tennis courts safe for use this year.
- Steve Morgan expressed concern that if the Polka Fest moved elsewhere, it might not return, and emphasized the event belongs in the community.
- Cindy Gale said the Chamber is open to alternative locations but noted relocating for 3-5 years would be difficult unless a ballfield could be used; a dryness study would be needed. A new location decision would be made after this year's Polka Fest.
- Lisa Brett requested a timeline for further discussion, and Chris Comeaux said the topic would be placed on the June meeting agenda.
Other Business
Discussion touched on liability coverage for the Polka Fest: Melinda Lautner raised the question, and Clerk Shirley Mikowski confirmed both the township and the Chamber each provide a one million dollar liability policy.
Melinda Lautner also recalled that the relationship between the township and Chamber deteriorated after the Chamber stopped handling mowing duties, and noted that last year the previous township board was not given the opportunity to discuss a Polka Fest lease fee increase (recommended by the township attorney) before the matter was leaked to the press, which she felt unfairly blamed the board. She stated that trust needs to be rebuilt going forward.
Kelly Claar stated she felt attacked by the press the previous year, and Cindy Gale shared a similar experience regarding complaints she received for hanging Christmas lights.
Steve Yoder asked what the township board's vision was for the Chamber and the Polka Fest; Chris Comeaux asked that any questions or concerns be communicated to him directly.
Kelly Claar noted that Steve Yoder, as a County Commissioner, had been asked by the Chamber to serve as a liaison, and expressed hope he would act as a mediator rather than take sides.
Action Items
- Chris Comeaux to place the Polka Fest location/tennis courts discussion on the June meeting agenda.
- Cindy Gale asked that someone work with Rick Brett to assess making the tennis courts safe for use this year (no assignment confirmed in the minutes).
- The Chamber is to determine a potential new location for the Polka Fest after this year's event, with consideration of ballfields pending a dryness study.
- Ongoing tension noted between the township board and the Chamber regarding past communication breakdowns, press involvement, and the previously proposed Polka Fest lease fee increase; both parties indicated a need to rebuild trust and improve communication going forward.