Summary
The Solon Township Board met on August 20, 2026, with all five board members present. Major action of the meeting was the adoption of Parks Ordinance No. 2026-1, following a lengthy public hearing on park rules, dog access, hunting restrictions at Vlack's Park, and related concerns. The board also approved spending up to $1,000 on park signage, accepted the Treasurer's report and vouchers, and heard updates on the Cedar River Waterway navigability project, the Cedar fire department Interlocal Agreement, and continuing concerns from residents about a proposed water overlay district recommended by the Lake Leelanau Lake Association.
Public Comments
Dawn Lund spoke twice, expressing concern that the Lake Leelanau Lake Association is pressuring townships to adopt a water overlay district using model language that could lead to overreaching regulation, noting the Planning Commission recently approved recommending adding the overlay to the Master Plan. She asked the board not to be influenced to adopt it, and later read specific restrictions (e.g., no pavilions or bathrooms) that would result, and noted Elmwood Township changed its stance on the overlay from "implement/adopt" to "consider."
Patricia Slaven, a 40-year resident of Perrins Landing, agreed with Ms. Lund, stating residents pay sufficient taxes, always obtain permits, and that EGLE already provides adequate oversight, calling the overlay "overkill."
Christina Deeren donated new blinds for the township hall and later spoke in support of adopting the Parks Ordinance, arguing it protects the township, and opposed hunting at Vlack's Park and motorized vehicle use on the tennis courts.
Melinda Lautner asked the Planning Commission to research the water overlay carefully, seek clarification on setbacks, confirm whether the proposal originated with the Lake Leelanau Lake Association, and suggested it be pulled from consideration for now. She later thanked the board for adopting the Parks Ordinance and signage but voiced concern about the overlay's potential impact on Garvin's Cottages and the Tiki Bar at Perrins Landing.
Tim Johnson thanked the board for the banner at the township hall and the anonymous schoolhouse painter, and suggested removing the water overlay from the Master Plan.
Ray Pleva described a Mississippi paddle boat event planned for the river, recounted a 2021 issue with grass overtaking the river channel, and explained that a permit request to place buoys was denied by the Leelanau Conservancy due to concerns over increased motorboat traffic.
Bruce Lehman raised concerns about the Lake Leelanau drainage system (from Grand Traverse to the Carp River in Leland), including the river mouth, and noted the Leelanau Conservancy's significant influence over this system.
During the Parks Ordinance public hearing, numerous residents spoke: Carmen requested the park be expanded to include a dog park; Margit Gantt supported allowing dogs and reported broken boards on the river dock and a near-injury among 30 kayakers (Kelly Claar had already received her call about this; Ray Pleva estimated repair costs at $450–$500 and Supervisor Comeaux said it would be addressed). Ron Novak corrected the Vlack's Park address (3265 E. Vlack's Park Rd.), raised concerns about hunting rights, motorized vehicle restrictions for Polka Fest setup, and downed-tree hazards, and questioned whether the ordinance would hold up legally. Renee Lemcool supported hunting restrictions at Vlack's Park and noted Chamber concerns about a forthcoming fee schedule. Kim Smith reported the Parks Committee had extensive internal debate but ultimately supported the ordinance. Joy Johnson opposed hunting at Vlack's Park. Katrina Torgerson asked whether dog owners could be held liable for injuries (Kelly Claar confirmed via the township attorney that this would be a private-party matter). Brayton Farr suggested defining horsepower/speed limits in Section 11. Tim Johnson suggested wording changes to Section 1a.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The board held a public hearing (6:15–7:01 PM) on the proposed Parks Ordinance, drawing extensive public input on dog access, hunting restrictions at Vlack's Park, motorized vehicle restrictions on tennis courts/ball diamonds, dock repairs, and liability/enforcement questions. After discussion, the board moved to adopt Parks Ordinance No. 2026-1 with amendments. A roll call vote passed 5-0 (Morgan-yea, Claar-yea, Comeaux-yea, Gauthier-yea, Mikowski-yea); the ordinance takes effect 30 days after publication.
Steve Morgan asked that the board commit to spending money on proper park signage before finalizing the ordinance. Subsequently, the board approved (5-0) allowing Chris Comeaux and Kelly Claar to spend up to $1,000 for park signage, including "no overnight parking" signs after a vehicle was left overnight at Solon Beach Park for four nights (Sheriff's Department issued a notice to the owner).
The Parks and Recreation Committee reported meeting July 13 and August 17, 2026, with all members present. Yoga classes (running June–September) are being tracked by Mary Taylor, with Kelly Claar to provide a financial breakdown to Joan Gauthier. Volunteers continue painting the schoolhouse and plan to add rock along the drip line due to roof runoff. Kelly Claar is drafting a recreational class rental form. The next Parks Committee meeting is scheduled for September 21, 2026, at 6:30 PM.
For Vlack's Park, Deering Tree Service planted rye seed that is growing; Kelly Claar is working with a District Forester to plan tree planting for the third weekend of October and is arranging volunteers to install a foot-traffic-only fence (concrete may be needed for posts).
Regarding pay, Kelly Claar asked about Parks Committee member compensation; Shirley Mikowski confirmed members are paid $75.00 per meeting quarterly, with a missing May payment to be added to the next quarterly payroll.
Infrastructure Projects
Ray Pleva updated the board on the Cedar River Waterway project, outlining three options, with the primary goal of establishing Cedar River as a legally navigable waterway. He is working with two individuals connected to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The project was previously slated to receive $950,000 in state funding in 2020, which was lost due to COVID; Mr. Pleva intends to reapply for the same amount but noted a short application window. Renee Lemcool relayed that Mike Borkovich confirmed the river's historical navigability and recommended gathering signatures on a petition; a table will be set up at Polka Fest to raise awareness and collect signatures.
Separately, Margit Gantt reported several broken boards on the river dock, posing a hazard after 30 kayakers used the river; Ray Pleva took photos and suggested temporary safety measures (sawhorses and flags), estimating repair costs at $450–$500. Supervisor Comeaux said the repair would be handled.
Other Business
Planning Commission (reported by Steve Morgan): met August 17, 2026, with four members present. Approved a Special Use Permit for Corey Flaska for the old bank building in Cedar with 10 conditions agreed to by Mr. Flaska. PUDs were discussed. A moratorium on data centers was tabled. The board was updated on State Act 58, which now allows 10 parcel splits from parent parcels (up from 4).
Township Hall repairs: The Youth Conservation Corps could not scrape/paint due to lead discovery; they instead removed stumps and power-washed the hall. Shirley Mikowski will contact Novak's Painting.
Fire Department: All four townships approved reopening the Interlocal Agreement; attorney Tim Stein is revising the language. The firm Cunningham-Limp has completed a building assessment for the Cedar fire station and will attend the next fire board meeting (September 2, 2026, 5:00 PM). Kelly Claar raised concerns about glass and oil stains left on the parking lot from vehicle-extrication training; Chris Comeaux will contact Chief Doornbos.
Short Term Rentals and MTA/Board Policies remain tabled.
Food Truck Ordinance: tabled, to be reviewed at the September meeting.
Cedar Chamber of Commerce: Renee Lemcool reported Polka Fest tents arrived earlier than expected, with the event occurring the following week.
Cemetery: Shirley Mikowski reported Brian Weber reseeded the cemetery; if unsuccessful, it will be redone in the fall.
Master Plan: tabled; Steve Morgan asked for a copy of the final draft, which Shirley Mikowski has not received. Chris Comeaux will contact the Zoning Administrator for copies.
Data Center Moratorium remains tabled.
Board comments: Kelly Claar noted radio ads for Cedar businesses on WTCM 580, written by Cedar resident Linda Franco with business input.
Announcements: Polka Fest is next week; the next Planning Commission meeting is September 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer's report reflected the following balances: Huntington Bank Checking $3,482.70; General Savings (2010) $1,361.74; General Savings CD 1007 $250,000.00; General Savings CDs $112,354.30 and $54,408.14; Total General Savings $418,124.18; Total Funds Available $421,606.88. Road Improvement Fund (2049) $612.47 plus CD $38,819.37, totaling $39,431.84. Fire Fund Savings (2023) $595.33 plus CDs $106,195.57 and $87,316.44, totaling Fire Sinking $194,107.34. Sidewalk Fund (2036) $13,873.95 plus $8,664.57, totaling $22,538.52. Parks Improvement Fund $40,689.44. Total Other Township Funds Available: $296,767.14. Total Current Assets: $718,374.02.