Summary
The Solon Township Board met on November 13, 2025, with all five board members present. The board approved the agenda and October minutes, accepted the Treasurer's report and vouchers, and heard committee reports from Parks and Recreation and the Planning Commission. Key actions included scheduling Public Hearings for the Draft Landscape Ordinance and Draft Parks Ordinance at the December 11, 2025 meeting, discussing ongoing concerns about the Master Plan and zoning rights, and updates on the Cedar Fire Department building assessment and cell tower litigation settlement.
Public Comments
Mary O'Neill praised the newly completed retaining wall at the Township Hall and suggested holding a contest for people to draw on or sign it to make it more interesting.
Corey Flaska expressed significant concerns about the Master Plan process, stating he believes his land rights have been taken from him. He noted the Planning Commission has worked on the Master Plan for six years and recently approved one paragraph to move it forward. He has obtained legal counsel. He is concerned there is no future growth plan for the township and that the township lacks funding. He also raised concerns about his plans for the old bank building, noting there is no use by right and he would need a Special Use Permit and Public Hearing before the Planning Commission and then the township board, and that he cannot even replace the roof under the current Zoning Ordinance.
Melinda Lautner raised concerns about a rumored new fire barn being built by Kasson Township and possible changes to the four-township fire agreement, including a claim that Cleveland and Kasson Townships each received 25% of the Cedar Fire Department without payment, and a rumor that the Cedar fire barn might be torn down. She also expressed concern about growth and single-home development in Solon Township and stated she does not want the township to become a "dumping ground for affordable housing." In a later comment, she said she wants new housing kept to a 5-acre minimum and housing kept to a minimum, thanked Kelly Claar and Christina Deeren for their work on the Parks Ordinance, discussed the Empire Museum, and noted the Leelanau County Campus is a non-tobacco use area.
Joy Johnson asked about the next Fire Board meeting date; it was confirmed as Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 5:00 P.M. at the fire station.
Renee Lemcool voiced support for the no-smoking provision in the Parks Ordinance, while acknowledging Joan Gauthier's differing view.
Steve Morgan responded to concerns about the Master Plan, stating the Planning Commission has not "slow rolled" anything, that the process has involved substantial public input and debate, and that the Commission slowed down because members were taxed with other responsibilities. He praised Christina Deeren's work on the Master Plan.
Kelly Claar commented that the board accomplished a great deal in its first year without dedicated staff, praising Christina Deeren's work on new ordinances.
Chris Comeaux noted he received a call from Planning Commission Chair Steve Yoder, who owns a short-term rental and acknowledged this was an oversight; Yoder has since removed his short-term rental listing.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Kelly Claar reported the Parks and Recreation Committee met on October 28, 2025, with one guest present. Deering Tree Service has begun logging at Vlack's Park and payment has been sent. The Leelanau County Road Commission delivered Road Close signs for a small fee, and Shirley Mikowski is in the process of ordering "Park Closed" signs. There was no update on the potential neighbor/fence issue at Beach Park. Several people have expressed interest in serving on the Parks Committee when appointments are made in December. The next Parks Committee meeting is scheduled for November 25, 2025, at 6:00 P.M.
Regarding Beach Park, Joan Gauthier reported that GT Maintenance removed the dock, charging $380.00, with the fee increasing to $400.00 next year.
The board discussed and agreed to changes to the Parks Ordinance, including: prohibiting removal of down wood and cutting down trees without township board permission; striking Section 11.D (prohibition on horses); and adding "playground" to Section 10.9. Joan Gauthier voiced disagreement with prohibiting smoking/vaping in parks, or requested designated smoking areas, and questioned enforcement. Steve Morgan stated enforcement would be complaint-driven. Motion by Shirley Mikowski, seconded by Steve Morgan, to hold a Public Hearing on the Draft Parks Ordinance at the December 11, 2025 meeting at 6:30 P.M. Motion carried 5-0. The board thanked the Parks Committee and Christina Deeren for their work on the ordinance.
The Parks Improvement Fund balance was reported at $20,000.00, and the separate Parks and Recreation Fund (non-township) totaled $21,309.48.
Infrastructure Projects
Cell Tower: Chris Comeaux received a copy of the consent judgment entered by the United States District Court. A payment of $5,000.00 from Harmoni is expected to be received electronically by November 15, 2025.
Cell Phones: Chris Comeaux explained the prior month's nearly $400.00 bill included activation fees; phones have now been distributed to all recipients, and monthly charges should return to originally approved levels. Shirley Mikowski will update phone numbers and email addresses on the township website.
Fire Department Building: Chris Comeaux reported on comments made at the last fire board meeting emphasizing unity among the participating townships. He is arranging a building assessment for the Cedar Fire Department building to determine whether it can be remodeled or needs to be rebuilt, noting some parts will not need rebuilding. He indicated the township may need to increase its current millage slightly to cover building upgrades. He stated the township will not invest in another building until its own building needs are addressed. Kasson Township's board approved moving forward with building a new fire barn at their last meeting; Comeaux noted that if the Fire Board does not approve a new building, Solon Township would not be obligated to fund it.
Non-Township Marina Fund: The Cedar River Marina Project fund was reported at $10,083.09, with an associated CD of $15,422.65, for a total Cedar River fund of $25,505.74.
Other Business
Correspondence: Clerk Shirley Mikowski received the Sunlight Award as a vigilant Steward of the Qualified Voter File, noting Solon Township was one of 197 jurisdictions (out of 1,138 with 100+ voters) with no duplicate voters. Chris Comeaux received correspondence regarding a zoning dispute on an RA-S zoned property concerning wood splitting rights; both parties and legal counsel are involved.
Committee Reports: Shirley Mikowski reported the Empire Museum is not closing, having received a large inheritance; private tours are available. Steve Morgan reported the Planning Commission met November 9, 2025, with approximately 40 guests present. Their next meeting was moved to December 9, 2025. The Short Term Rental Ordinance was reviewed by the attorney with changes made to sections 28.05 #8 (reducing sleeping capacity per bedroom from four to two), removal of 28.05 #10, and simplification of 28.19/28.20 by Christina Deeren to clarify the application process and living standards verification. Minor attorney changes were also made to the Food Truck Ordinance, with a Public Hearing planned for the Planning Commission's December meeting.
Township Hall Repairs: The wall repair on the south side of the Township Hall has been completed by LRM and removed from the agenda. The Township Office item remains tabled.
Cedar Chamber of Commerce/Polka Fest: Renee Lemcool, interim Vice President, reported the Chamber will not sponsor Light Up Cedar this year due to budget constraints from tennis court repairs and other expenses, but hopes to resume next year. New lights have been ordered, Chamber members will decorate, and lights will still be turned on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Other non-Chamber-sponsored events may occur.
Landscape Ordinance: Motion by Steve Morgan, seconded by Kelly Claar, to hold a Public Hearing on the Draft Landscape Ordinance at the December 11, 2025 meeting at 6:15 P.M. Motion carried 5-0.
Cemetery: Brian Weber of Weber Excavating advised it was too late in the season to seed the cemetery; this item was tabled until March.
Light Up Cedar Alternative Event: Kathleen Bittner of the Polish Art Center proposed a St. Nicholas Day event on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 4:30–6:30 P.M., possibly at Lemcool's empty lot, featuring treats, ornament-making, a fire pit, and possibly carolers from the Holy Rosary choir. Renee Lemcool noted St. Mary's live nativity may also participate. The board determined this is private property and does not require board approval, though Chris Comeaux asked organizers to notify the Fire Chief if an open fire will be used.
Zoning Ordinance: Joan Gauthier questioned whether Business-1 zoning requires a Special Use Permit. Christina Deeren clarified that both Business-1 and Business-2 require a Special Use Permit, as there is no use by right, and this has been the case for many years.
MTA/Board Policies: Remains tabled.