Summary
The Solon Township Board met on December 11, 2025, addressing two public hearings (Landscape Ordinance and Parks Ordinance), several appointments, a Zoning Administrator transition, and multiple financial and infrastructure matters. The board adopted Article XIX: Landscape Standards with grammatical corrections. After extensive public comment, the board agreed the Parks Ordinance was not ready for adoption due to unresolved concerns about fee schedules, hunting, motorized vehicles, and hours of operation. The board accepted the resignation of Zoning Administrator Christina Deeren and approved a new planning/zoning services agreement with Beckett & Raeder, Inc. 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.
Public Comments
Landscape Ordinance Hearing: Joan Gauthier noted grammatical errors needing correction before adoption.
Parks Ordinance Hearing:
- Renee Lemcool (new Cedar Chamber of Commerce president) raised concerns about unpublished permit fees, unclear rules on metal objects (e.g., bats, water bottles), enforcement of intoxication rules during Polka Fest, and the ban on motorized vehicles on tennis courts, which she said would prevent necessary Polka Fest setup/teardown equipment (forklifts, scissor lifts, golf carts). She argued tennis court damage was caused by frost, not vehicles, and felt the ordinance seemed designed to stop the Polka Fest. She also questioned the proposed ban on hunting on township property.
- Lisa Rossi asked why no fee schedule was included or available for review, questioning why the board would consider the ordinance without complete information.
- Melinda Lautner explained the fee schedule was intentionally left out because it changes annually, and said experts advised against motorized vehicles on tennis courts due to damage. She supports hunting only in Vlack's Park.
- Sarah Lautner asked that park hours (currently proposed 6:00 A.M.–10:00 P.M.) be extended to 11:00 P.M. as in the past, and requested allowances for motorized vehicles for ball field maintenance.
- Mike Sheffer criticized the township for not restoring the Vlack's Park pond, alleged funds were being funneled to Cedar Park, and suggested charging a bond instead of fees for events. He felt the township was becoming too commercial.
- Jim Greene (owner of Cedar Tavern) expressed concern that the ordinance would add costs to the Polka Fest and hurt local businesses.
- Steve Morgan (board) responded that stipulations could be added to allow motorized vehicles for maintenance and event setup, and acknowledged the fee schedule needs work.
- Kelly Claar (board) explained the permit/fee process is meant to manage liability and protect township resources, noted the Vlack's Park pond is gone and not feasible to restore, and said hunting is not appropriate in Vlack's Park due to surrounding homes. She cited a parks report showing strong public support for focusing resources on Cedar Community Park.
- Joan Gauthier (board) disagreed with proposed bans on smoking (citing no statewide outdoor smoking ban) and metal objects, and noted ambiguity about bikes/e-bikes in the ordinance.
- Rich Nachazel asked about permit requirements for his tournament and open fires; told he would need a Property Use Agreement and fire department approval for fires.
- Jim Greene reiterated concern about adopting the ordinance without a finalized fee structure.
- Mike Sheffer asked about permit requirements for personal/family use of ball fields.
- Chris Comeaux (board) agreed metal object restrictions should be removed, supported both the Nachazel Tournament and Polka Fest, agreed park hours should extend to 11:00 P.M., supported designated smoking areas, and said bike/vehicle definitions need clarification.
- Lisa Rossi asked about using motorized vehicles for watering flower pots near the tennis courts.
- Renee Lemcool suggested adding language allowing motorized vehicles for maintenance purposes only.
- Melinda Lautner reiterated the ordinance targets unlawful behavior, and suggested restricting mountain bikes to Vlack's Park.
- Sarah Lautner raised concerns about inconsistent enforcement if some groups get special allowances for later hours, and suggested specifying what types of bikes are allowed.
- Charlie Smith opposed spending tax money to accommodate the Polka Fest, calling it a revenue-generating event, and cited property damage caused by bikes/motorcycles.
- Rudy Neumann asked who would enforce the ordinance and expressed concern about added costs to taxpayers for enforcement staff.
General Public Comment:
- Melinda Lautner, Christina Deeren, and Karen Smith each voiced support for appointing Kim Smith to the Planning Commission.
- Lisa Rossi reported receiving many calls about how the Parks Ordinance would affect the Polka Fest and Nachazel event, and suggested (as a resident proposal, not a board decision) grandfathering those two events into the ordinance while charging new events going forward.
- Jim Johnson commented on the Drain Commissioner's authority and warned the township should expect further drain assessment bills.
- Steve Yoder said he did not expect future annual maintenance fees for the Drainage District, though the Josh Lane district may be assessed around $24,000.00.
- Melinda Lautner said Drainage Districts are a "nightmare" for the county and disagreed that events could be grandfathered into the Parks Ordinance, stating it should be about fairness.
- Judy Janosik questioned spending on unused microphone equipment and raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving Kelly Claar on a prior vote, stating she disagreed with the board's conclusion that no conflict existed.
- Karen Smith read a statement expressing distress over Christina Deeren's resignation, praising her qualifications and honesty.
Parks and Recreation Matters
A public hearing was held on the proposed Parks Ordinance; after lengthy public comment covering permit fees, hunting restrictions, motorized vehicle bans, hours of operation, smoking rules, and bike definitions, the board agreed the ordinance was not ready for adoption. No vote was taken to adopt it.
The Parks and Recreation Committee met November 25, 2025, and reported: discussion of permits and fees with guest input; a plan 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; the Five-Year Parks Plan (written by Fleis&Vandenbrink) needs updating next year to remain grant-eligible; Deering Tree Service is nearly finished with harvest work at Vlack's Park and will return in spring; Kelly Claar is working with a nonprofit to obtain trees for a fall planting requiring about twenty volunteers and a maintenance plan. The next committee meeting is scheduled for December 30, 2025.
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's leaf clearing caused drainage onto township park property; per Christina Deeren, drainage must stay 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
Fire Department Facility: The board discussed a proposed new fire building in Kasson Township that was voted down by residents. Chris Comeaux reported the township should focus on maintaining the current building. A proposal was received from Cunningham-Limp for a not-to-exceed $8,000.00 facility evaluation, with the fee waived if selected as Construction Manager. Motion by Shirley Mikowski, seconded by Joan Gauthier, to accept the Cunningham-Limp contract for planning services and evaluation of the Cedar Area Fire & Rescue Facility, not to exceed $8,000.00, pending Centerville Township approval. Motion carried 5-0. It was noted insurance costs rose 20% due to increased staffing (three to eight families), offset by Advanced Life Support revenue. The department had over 700 calls this year, its busiest ever. Elmwood Township decided not to join the department.
Drain Commissioner/Drainage Districts: The township received an invoice for a $1,350.00 maintenance assessment fee for the Lake Bluffs Drainage District. Kelly Claar confirmed such assessments are common; Drain Engineer Brian Cenci will send documentation. The Timberlee district assessment is estimated at $24,000.00. Historical reference: the township was assessed $77,400.00 for the Lake Bluffs Drainage District per January 12, 2023 minutes, and future maintenance fees are expected. The board indicated the current invoice needs to be paid.
Cell Tower: This item was removed from the agenda and not discussed.
Other Business
- Motion to approve the agenda with additions (St. Nicholas, Zoning Rights on R-5 Property, Glen Lake and Northwest Education Service Agreements, Drain Commissioner) and removal of Cell Tower; carried 5-0.
- Motion to approve November 13, 2025 meeting minutes as written; carried 5-0.