Summary
The Solon Township Board held its regular meeting on December 11, 2025. Key actions included adoption of the Landscape Ordinance (Article XIX: Landscape Standards) following a public hearing, and the decision that the Parks Ordinance was not ready for adoption after extensive public comment. The board accepted the resignation of Zoning Administrator Christina Deeren and approved a service agreement with Beckett & Raeder, Inc. for planning and zoning services. Several appointments were made to the Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Committee, and the board approved a contract for evaluation of the Cedar Area Fire & Rescue facility. The Treasurer's report and vouchers were accepted, and agreements with Glen Lake Community Schools and Northwest Education Services for summer tax collection were approved.
Public Comments
During the Landscape Ordinance public hearing, Joan Gauthier noted grammatical errors to be corrected before adoption.
During the Parks Ordinance public hearing, numerous residents spoke:
- Renee Lemcool (new president of the Cedar Chamber of Commerce) raised concerns about unpublicized permit fees, ambiguity on metal objects (e.g., bats, water bottles), enforcement of intoxication rules during Polka Fest, and the ban on motorized apparatus on tennis courts, which she said would prevent necessary equipment use for the Polka Fest setup/teardown. She argued tennis court damage was caused by frost, not motorized vehicles, and felt the ordinance targeted the Polka Fest. She also questioned the prohibition on hunting on township properties.
- Lisa Rossi asked why no fee schedule was included or available for review, questioning why the ordinance was being considered without complete information. She later asked whether motorized vehicles could be used for watering flower pots near the tennis courts.
- Melinda Lautner explained the fee schedule was intentionally excluded because it may change yearly. She supported hunting only in Vlack's Park and stated the ordinance targets unlawful behavior, not law-abiding groups. She also raised concerns about mountain bikes, suggesting they only be allowed at Vlack's Park.
- Sarah Lautner (softball league) requested extended hours of operation (past 10:00 P.M., citing past practice of 11:00 P.M.) and raised concerns about the motorized vehicle ban affecting ball field maintenance. She also worried about inconsistent enforcement if some groups received special allowances.
- Mike Sheffer criticized the township for what he perceived as a shift toward commercialization, expressed frustration that Vlack's Park pond was not restored, and suggested a bond system instead of fees for community fundraising events. He also asked whether a permit would be required for personal family use of the ball fields.
- Jim Greene (owner of Cedar Tavern) expressed concern that added costs from the ordinance could push out the Polka Fest, which benefits local businesses. He also worried about adopting the ordinance without a finalized fee structure.
- Joan Gauthier (board member) objected to the no-smoking provision, suggesting designated smoking areas, and to the prohibition on metal objects. She also noted ambiguity regarding bikes and e-bikes.
- Rich Nachazel asked about permit requirements for the upcoming Nachazel Tournament and whether open fires (in barrels) would be allowed; it was noted fire department approval would be required.
- Charlie Smith opposed using tax money to accommodate the Polka Fest, a revenue-generating event, and expressed concerns about property damage from bikes/motorcycles.
- Rudy Neumann asked who would enforce the ordinance and how violations would be identified, expressing concern about added costs to taxpayers for enforcement.
Board responses: Steve Morgan noted stipulations could allow motorized vehicles for ball field maintenance and Polka Fest setup/teardown, and that a fee schedule would be developed. Kelly Claar explained the permit/fee process was intended for organized events and emphasized the township's liability and responsibility for maintaining resources; she noted hunting was not appropriate at Vlack's Park due to surrounding houses, and that other communities host festivals in streets/parking lots rather than on tennis courts. Chris Comeaux agreed metal objects should be removed from the ordinance, supported extending park hours to 11:00 P.M., supported designated smoking areas, and said the definitions for bikes and motorized vehicles need clarification. The board ultimately agreed the Parks Ordinance was not ready for adoption.
In a separate public comment period, Melinda Lautner, Christina Deeren (ZA), and Karen Smith each voiced support for appointing Kim Smith to the Planning Commission.
Later public comment (Item 12): Lisa Rossi reported receiving calls about how the Parks Ordinance would affect the Polka Fest and Nachazel event, and suggested (as a resident proposal) grandfathering these two events into the ordinance while charging new events going forward. Jim Johnson commented on the Drain Commissioner's authority and warned the township may receive further drain assessment bills. Steve Yoder stated he did not believe future annual maintenance fees were likely, though the Josh Lane drainage district could be assessed around $24,000.00. Melinda Lautner said Drainage Districts are problematic for the county and stated she did not believe events could be grandfathered into the Parks Ordinance, emphasizing fairness. Judy Janosik raised concerns about money spent on unused microphone equipment and questioned whether Kelly Claar's earlier decision not to recuse herself from a vote constituted a conflict of interest, citing her own research that conflicts of interest are not limited to financial gain. Karen Smith read a statement expressing regret over Christina Deeren's departure, calling her highly qualified and honest.
Parks and Recreation Matters
A public hearing was held on the proposed Parks Ordinance; after extensive public and board discussion (detailed above), the board agreed the ordinance was not ready for adoption. Issues to be addressed include: development of a fee schedule, clarification on motorized vehicle use for maintenance and event setup/teardown, definitions for bikes/e-bikes, hours of operation, smoking policy, and hunting restrictions.
The Parks and Recreation Committee met November 25, 2025, and reported: discussion of permits and fees; plans to draft a formal loan agreement with the Empire Museum for items on loan, to be forwarded to Chris Comeaux and then the township attorney for review; the Five-Year Parks Plan (written by Fleis & Vandenbrink) needs updating next year to remain grant-eligible; Deering Tree Service is nearly finished with tree harvesting and will return in spring, with fall being the best planting time; Kelly Claar is working with a non-profit to obtain trees, requiring about twenty volunteers and a maintenance plan. The next committee meeting is scheduled for December 30, 2025, at 6:00 P.M.
Joan Gauthier reported speaking with restoration architect Thom Greene about possible financing for schoolhouse restoration and will forward information to Kelly Claar.
Dale Gauthier reported a neighbor near the park cleared leaves from a ditch, causing water to drain onto township property; per Christina Deeren (ZA), water drainage must remain on the property owner's land.
The board approved appointing Sarah Lautner, Kelly Claar, Kim Smith, Melinda Lautner, and Christina Deeren to the Parks and Recreation Committee for a one-year term ending 12/31/2026 (motion by Chris Comeaux, seconded by Joan Gauthier, carried 5-0).
Infrastructure Projects
Cell Tower: This item was removed from the agenda.
Cedar River Marina Project: Listed in Treasurer's report as a non-township fund with a balance of $10,085.16 (checking) and $15,422.65 (CD), totaling $25,507.81; no discussion beyond financial reporting.
Drain Commissioner/Drainage Districts: The township received an invoice for a maintenance assessment fee of $1,350.00 for the Lake Bluffs Drainage District. Kelly Claar contacted the Drain Commissioner and learned maintenance assessments for such districts are common. Drain Engineer Brian Cenci will send a document explaining the assessments. The Timbertree assessment is estimated at $24,000.00. Historical minutes (January 12, 2023) showed the township was previously assessed $77,400.00 for the Lake Bluffs Drainage District, and future maintenance fees are expected; the board noted the current invoice needs to be paid.
Other Business
Township Office and Cemetery items remained tabled. MTA/Board Policies remained tabled.
Fire Department: Chris Comeaux reported a proposed new building in Kasson Township was voted down by residents; focus will instead be on maintaining the current building. A proposal from Cunningham-Limp for building evaluation was forwarded to Centerville Township, with a not-to-exceed fee of $8,000.00 (waived if selected as Construction Manager). The department reported a healthy budget and staff, a 20% insurance increase (from insuring three to eight families, offset by Advanced Life Support revenue), and its busiest year ever with over 700 calls. Elmwood decided not to join the department. The board approved the Cunningham-Limp contract not to exceed $8,000.00, contingent on Centerville Township approval (motion by Shirley Mikowski, seconded by Joan Gauthier, carried 5-0).