Summary
The Solon Township Board met on March 12, 2026, with all five board members present (Supervisor Chris Comeaux, Treasurer Joan Gauthier, Clerk Shirley Mikowski, Trustee Kelly Claar, and Trustee Steve Morgan). The board approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes with corrections, approved the Treasurer's report and payment of vouchers, and approved the appointment of Kathy Fordyce as the new member-at-large for the Cedar Area Fire & Rescue Board. Significant discussion centered on a draft Parks Ordinance, the Cedar Fire Station report, and ongoing zoning/planning matters including Short Term Rental and Food Truck ordinances and the Master Plan revision.
Public Comments
Corey Flaska expressed frustration about renovating the old bank building in Cedar, stating that the Zoning Administrator (Sara Kopriva) informed him that the rear setback rules make 25 feet of the building non-conformable and non-buildable, requiring a Zoning Board of Appeals process. He noted 10 other buildings in Cedar are similarly non-conforming. Chris Comeaux asked Mr. Flaska to provide all relevant information so he could follow up with Ms. Kopriva, and clarified that older buildings must still comply with current zoning ordinance. Kelly Claar noted she had prior Zoning Board of Appeals training and questioned whether she should get updated training.
In a second public comment period, Mary O'Neill raised concerns that allowing smoking in parks poses a fire hazard and requested that funds be budgeted to fix the kitchen in the township hall. Wendy Christiani thanked the board for hiring a professional Planner and Zoning Administrator, noting the value of their experience compared to the previous ZA. David McCoy asked whether grants are available to help fund the fire department building project; Chris Comeaux responded that there is currently no federal or state grant funding available for this type of government building or project. Mr. McCoy also suggested adding doggie-bag/trash stations to parks, supported prohibiting smoking to protect bystanders such as children in bleachers, and suggested that since a curfew already exists, a no-loitering rule may not be necessary.
No correspondence or written comments were reported as submitted.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Kelly Claar reported the Parks and Recreation Committee did not meet this month. She had contacted Robyn Schmidt of EGLE, who will send forms for a site visit request at Beach Park prior to installing a fence, and advised that the DNR should be called if anyone crosses the creek with an ATV or golf cart at that location. Regarding Community Park, Ms. Schmidt believes the low-lying area has historic fill. Kelly also shared erosion concerns at Vlack's Park; Ms. Schmidt indicated a strategic plan should have been implemented when the dam failed, and Kelly hopes someone will contact Tim Cypher to check for any township records. The next Parks Committee meeting may occur March 24 or April 1, 2026, at 6:30 P.M.
Regarding Vlack's Park, Kelly Claar visited and photographed the site, noting it is open and needs a gate to keep vehicles out. Deering Tree Service plans to chip tree tops, repair ruts, and seed banks, with completion expected by late April or early May. Kelly noted no jack pines are present (a fire risk species), red pines do not burn easily, and all hazard trees have been removed.
Extensive discussion was held on the draft Parks Ordinance (prepared/corrected by Kim Smith from a version by former ZA Christina Deeren):
- Smoking/vaping ban: Joan Gauthier wants smoking allowed in a designated area in each park; Kelly Claar noted state requirements for designated smoking areas are difficult to meet, and the Parks Committee has received complaints about smoking and marijuana-related liability concerns. Steve Morgan and Chris Comeaux supported the no-smoking policy to protect others, referencing wildfire risk (comparing to an incident in Traverse City pines).
- Glass/metal restrictions in swimming areas, ballfields, dugouts were discussed for clarification.
- Pets in parks: Joan raised concerns about enforcement of pet waste cleanup; Kelly will check with township insurance representative Paul Olson about allowing pets, with leash requirements and prohibition from tennis courts/playgrounds if allowed.
- No loitering provision: Joan questioned it; Kelly explained it helps the Sheriff's Department enforce against people lingering; Chris felt it should not be included since parks are meant for loitering.
- Motorized apparatus restrictions: Chris recommended adding a provision allowing the township board to approve special use agreements for motorized apparatus use (e.g., Polka Fest).
- Horses prohibited on public property: Joan questioned the singling out of horses; Kelly explained horses cause more damage than mountain bikes, hence exclusion from Vlack's Park and Community Park.
- Parking section: Joan identified grammatical errors needing correction.
- Assumption of Risk/Liability section: Discussion of whether a new park permit system is needed; Kelly noted the Parks Committee will address this, and the township currently uses a lease agreement.
- Enforcement section: needs to be reworded and shortened.
- Separate Court Action section: Kelly clarified a deputy can issue a ticket, but a township board member must sign off.
- Definitions section: Steve Morgan questioned classification of bikes as motorized vehicles and suggested addressing skateboards/roller blades separately.
Chris Comeaux requested that Sara Kopriva (ZA) review the ordinance following Best Management Practices. No formal vote was taken on the ordinance at this meeting.
The Parks Improvement Fund balance was reported at $20,000.00, and the Parks and Recreation Fund (non-township funds) totaled $23,474.48.
Infrastructure Projects
The Treasurer's report listed a Cedar River Marina Project fund balance of $10,091.38 plus a related CD of $15,422.65, for a total Cedar River fund of $25,514.03, categorized under non-township funds. No further discussion, decisions, or votes regarding the marina project were recorded in this meeting.
Other Business
Committee reports noted the Planning Commission met March 3, 2026, with five members present (including alternate Kim Smith); Samantha VanderVlucht was absent. The ZA is working on zoning permits and the Short Term Rental Ordinance, which she believes should be a standalone Police Power Ordinance. The Commission worked on rewriting Article 22 (PUD) language and approved Section 16.04 zoning amendments, with a Public Hearing on Section 16.04 planned after Article 22 approval. The Planning Commission would like funds budgeted for monitoring/policing Short Term Rentals, to be discussed at a future budget meeting. Joan Gauthier asked whether the Short Term Rental Ordinance had been sent to the county; it had not. Steve Morgan followed up on whether Leelanau County Planning Commission had returned comments on the Food Truck Ordinance; Shirley Mikowski had not seen them, and Steve Yoder will check into it.
Township Hall/Repairs: Shirley Mikowski had not yet followed up with Corey Flaska regarding returning a deposit paid for office construction plans, less the cost of the plan drawn up.
Fire Department: Long-time member-at-large John DePuy announced retirement effective March 31, 2026; he recommended Kathy Fordyce as his replacement. The Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Board recommended her appointment for a six-year term starting April 1, 2026, and requested action from all four township boards. Chris Comeaux reported all four township supervisors and the member-at-large sit on the board, final budget numbers will be complete next month, and funds had to be pulled from the Contingency Fund partly due to the Bargaining Agreement and increased insurance premiums, with 75% of members and families now on the insurance plan.
Station Report: Cunningham-Limp prepared a report on updating the Cedar Fire Station; a representative will attend next month's meeting to explain findings. Joan Gauthier noted the cost of repairing ("band-aid" fix) the current building is nearly as much as new construction. Chris Comeaux said these are preliminary numbers and delaying action will increase future costs. Kelly Claar expressed concern about impacts to parks property if the building is expanded. Steve Morgan asked whether this capital improvement will be addressed in the budget process; Shirley Mikowski confirmed it will be discussed even without finalized costs. Joan Gauthier asked about selling the old ambulance; Chris confirmed it will be sold, with proceeds returned to department funds per the Interlocal Agreement, contingent on reaching a certain funding threshold before distribution to townships. The new ambulance was noted as well-equipped, with credit given to Lieutenant Mikowski for specifying it.
Cedar Chamber of Commerce: No representative was present to report.
MTA/Board Policies and Cemetery items remain tabled.
Master Plan: Steve Morgan thanked Joan Gauthier for her work revising the Master Plan. The Planning Commission wants to review it again before a Public Hearing, and ZA Sara Kopriva is reviewing the current draft, which is posted on the township website.
No new business items were introduced.
Financial Summary
Joan Gauthier reported a transposition error in the Road Fund CD, corrected from $20,699.52 to $20,669.52, resulting in the account being $30.00 over. She will add $30,000.00 to the Fire Fund and transfer funds from General Savings to a CD.
Key account balances reported:
- Huntington Bank Checking: $44,401.52
- Huntington Bank General Savings (2010): $459,258.79