Summary
The Solon Township Board approved the agenda and prior minutes, accepted the treasurer’s report, and adopted Parks Ordinance No. 2026-1 after a lengthy public hearing and public comment period. The board also approved up to $1,000 for park signage, discussed parks improvements and the Cedar River waterway project, and received updates on planning, fire department matters, and township hall maintenance. A major theme throughout the meeting was public concern about a proposed water overlay district and the new parks rules, especially dogs, hunting, and liability.Public comments
Several residents spoke during public comment and the parks ordinance hearing.Dawn Lund urged the board not to be influenced by the Lake Leelanau Lake Association’s push for a water overlay district, arguing it would be overreaching and unnecessary because the existing zoning ordinance already contains strong shoreline protections. Patricia Slaven agreed, saying Perrins Landing residents have managed well for decades and that the overlay would be excessive. Melinda Lautner also asked the Planning Commission to research the overlay carefully and clarify setbacks, questioning whether the idea came from the Lake Leelanau Lake Association.
During the parks ordinance hearing, Carmen requested a dog park and said she could not walk her dogs in the township park, adding that a dog park could help Cedar businesses. Margit Gantt supported allowing dogs in the park and also raised safety concerns about broken boards on the river dock. Ray Pleva estimated dock repairs at about $450–$500 and suggested temporary barriers to prevent injury; the supervisor said it would be addressed. Ron Novak raised multiple concerns about the ordinance, including park boundaries, hunting, motorized vehicles on tennis courts, and the handling of hazards and enforcement. Renee Lemcool supported hunting only at Vlack’s Park and noted Chamber concerns about fee scheduling and event use. Christina Deeren, Tim Johnson, and Kim Smith supported adopting the ordinance as a way to establish clear rules and protect the township. Joy Johnson opposed hunting in Vlack’s Park and said warning signs would be necessary. Joan Gauthier questioned liability and structures such as a bridge between properties, noting legal and EGLE issues. Katrina Torgerson asked whether dog owners could be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs. Shirley Mikowski stated she did not support allowing dogs in parks because of safety and supervision concerns.
At the final public comment period, Tim Johnson again urged removal of the water overlay from the Master Plan. Dawn Lund warned the overlay could lead to more restrictive zoning and cited examples of possible restrictions. Melinda Lautner thanked the board for the parks ordinance and sign approval but said she remained concerned about impacts on Perrins Landing businesses. Ray Pleva discussed efforts to keep Cedar River navigable, including past buoy placement and the need for public support. Bruce Lehman spoke about broader drainage and river-mouth issues and the influence of the Leelanau Conservancy.
Christina Deeren also noted earlier that she donated new blinds for the township hall.
Parks and recreation matters
The board spent significant time on parks and recreation issues. The public hearing focused on Parks Ordinance No. 2026-1, which was ultimately adopted with amendments and will take effect 30 days after publication. The ordinance is intended to regulate use of township parks, establish rules for activities, use, maintenance, and penalties. Debate centered on allowing dogs on leashes, whether hunting should be allowed in Vlack’s Park, motorized vehicle restrictions, and enforcement concerns. The ordinance was approved by roll call vote, 5-0.The board also approved spending up to $1,000 for park signs, including no overnight parking signage after the sheriff issued a warning about an overnight vehicle at Solon Beach Park. Parks updates included:
- Yoga classes began in June and will continue into September.
- Volunteers are painting the schoolhouse, and rock will be donated to manage water runoff from the roof.
- Kelly Claar is drafting a recreational class rental form for board review.
- The Parks and Recreation Committee’s next meeting is set for September 21, 2026.
For Vlack’s Park, Kelly Claar reported rye seed had been planted and is growing. A tree-planting plan is being developed for the third weekend of October, and volunteers may install a fence to limit access to foot traffic. The board also heard that sign wording and park rules would need to be enforced if dogs are allowed.
Infrastructure projects
Infrastructure-related discussion included the Cedar River waterway and dock safety. Ray Pleva reported on efforts to keep Cedar River legally navigable and said he is working with contacts connected to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. He stated the Cedar Waterway project had previously been poised to receive $950,000 in state funding in 2020 before COVID interrupted the opportunity, and he wants to pursue that amount again quickly. He also said a table will be set up at Polka Fest to gather petition signatures in support of keeping Cedar River navigable.At the parks hearing, residents reported broken boards on the dock by the river. The supervisor said it would be taken care of. The board also discussed whether temporary barriers such as saw horses and flags should be used until repairs are made.
The fire department update included the Cedar fire station building assessment and ongoing work on the interlocal agreement among the four townships. The engineering/building assessment firm Cunningham-Limp will attend the next fire board meeting. Kelly Claar also raised concerns about training activities leaving glass and oil on the parking lot, and Chris Comeaux said he would contact the fire chief.
Other Business
The board approved the agenda and July 9 minutes, found no conflicts of interest, and accepted the treasurer’s report and vouchers. Planning Commission updates included approval of Corey Flaska’s special use permit for the old bank building in Cedar with 10 conditions, discussion of PUDs, tabling of the data center moratorium, and an update on State Act 58 allowing 10 parcel splits instead of 4.Township hall work continued after lead was found during scraping/painting; the Youthwork Conservation Corps instead removed stumps and power-washed the hall, and Novak’s Painting will be contacted. The cemetery was reseeded by Brian Weber. Short-term rentals, food truck ordinance, MTA/board policies, and the master plan remained tabled, though the board sought copies of the final master plan draft. The Cedar Chamber of Commerce reported Polka Fest is coming up soon, and the board heard an update on township businesses being advertised on WTCM. The meeting adjourned at 7:51 P.M.
Financial Summary
The treasurer reported the following: - Huntington Bank Checking: $3,482.70 - General Savings accounts/CDs: $418,124.18 total - Total General Funds Available: $421,606.88 - Road Improvement Fund total: $39,431.84 - Fire Sinking Fund total: $194,107.34 - Sidewalk Fund total: $22,538.52 - Parks Improvement Fund: $40,689.44 - Total other Township Funds Available: $296,767.14 - Total Current Assets: $718,374.02Non-township funds were also listed:
- Cedar River: $25,950.69
- Parks and Recreation Fund: $26,603.94
Voucher numbers 16479–16553 were approved for payment. The board also approved up to $1,000 for park signage. The Parks Committee member pay was discussed: they are paid quarterly at $75 per meeting, and May pay was withheld until minutes could be confirmed, to be added to the next quarterly payroll.