Summary
The Solon Township Board met August 20, 2026, with all five members present. The Board adopted the Parks Ordinance No. 2026-1 with amendments following a lengthy public hearing, approved up to $1,000.00 for park signage, and approved the Treasurer's report and vouchers #16479-16553. The Planning Commission's recommendation on a water overlay district drew significant public opposition.
Public Comments
Several residents spoke against a proposed water overlay district tied to Lake Leelanau Lake Association model language. Dawn Lund said the current Zoning Ordinance already exceeds EGLE shoreline protection standards and asked not to be influenced to adopt an overlay; she later detailed restrictions (no pavilions or bathrooms) and noted Elmwood Township downgraded its stance from "implement/adopt" to "consider." Patricia Slaven, a 40-year Perrins Landing resident, agreed, calling the overlay "over kill." Melinda Lautner asked the Planning Commission to research the proposal, clarify setbacks, confirm its origin, and possibly table it. Tim Johnson also urged removing the overlay from the Master Plan; Lautner voiced concern over impacts to Garvin's Cottages and the Tiki Bar. Christina Deeren donated new blinds for the township hall. During the Parks Ordinance hearing, Carmen requested a dog park be added; Margit Gantt supported allowing dogs and reported broken dock boards and a near-injury among 30 kayakers, leading Ray Pleva to estimate $450–$500 in repair costs. Ron Novak questioned hunting rights at Vlack's Park and motorized vehicle restrictions during Polka Fest setup; Kelly Claar clarified the old dump property is not a park. Shirley Mikowski opposed allowing dogs in parks, citing safety for children. Katrina Torgerson asked about owner liability for dog injuries; Kelly noted this becomes a private-party matter per the township attorney.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Parks Ordinance No. 2026-1 was adopted 5-0 by roll call (Morgan-yea, Claar-yea, Comeaux-yea, Gauthier-yea, Mikowski-yea), effective 30 days after publication, after years of amendments. The Parks and Recreation Committee reported yoga classes running June through September, volunteer painting of the schoolhouse, and plans for a recreational rental draft form; next meeting set for September 21, 2026. At Vlack's Park, rye seed planted by Deering Tree Service is growing; Kelly Claar is coordinating tree planting for the third weekend of October with a District Forester and plans a foot-traffic-only fence. The Board approved spending up to $1,000.00 for park signage, including no-overnight-parking signs after a vehicle was found parked at Solon Beach Park for four nights.
Infrastructure Projects
Ray Pleva updated the Board on the Cedar River Waterway, seeking to restore navigable status. The project previously had $950,000.00 in state funding in 2020 that was lost due to COVID; Pleva hopes to reapply within a short window and is working with contacts at the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Renee Lemcool reported Mike Borkovich confirmed the river's historic navigability and recommended a public petition, which will be circulated at Polka Fest. Pleva also described past difficulties obtaining a permit for channel buoys, denied due to Leelanau Conservancy opposition to increased motor traffic. Bruce Lehman raised concerns about the Lake Leelanau drainage system and the Conservancy's authority over it.
Other Business
The Planning Commission approved a Special Use Permit for Corey Flaska's old bank building project with 10 conditions; a Data Center moratorium was tabled; State Act 58 now allows 10 parcel splits instead of 4. Fire Department: all four townships approved opening the Interlocal Agreement; Cunningham-Limp completed a building assessment for the Cedar fire station, to be discussed at the September 2 fire board meeting. Short Term Rentals, Food Truck Ordinance, MTA/Board Policies, Master Plan, and Data Center Moratorium items remain tabled. Cemetery reseeding by Brian Weber will be redone in fall if unsuccessful.
Financial Summary
Total Current Assets: $718,374.02, including Total Funds Available $421,606.88, Road Improvement Fund $39,431.84, Fire Sinking Fund $194,107.34, Sidewalk Fund $22,538.52, and Parks Improvement Fund $40,689.44. Non-Township funds include Cedar River Marina Project totaling $25,950.69 and Parks and Recreation Fund $26,603.94. Vouchers #16479-16553 were approved 5-0. Board approved up to $1,000.00 for park signage. Parks Committee members are paid $75.00 per meeting quarterly.
Action Items
- Shirley Mikowski to contact Novak's Painting regarding township hall painting.
- Chris Comeaux and Kelly Claar authorized to spend up to $1,000.00 on park signage.
- Kelly Claar to work with District Forester on tree-planting plan for Vlack's Park, targeting third weekend of October.
- Kelly Claar to complete draft recreational class/hall rental form for board review.
- Chris Comeaux to contact Chief Doornbos regarding fire department training damage to parking lot.
- Chris Comeaux to call the Zoning Administrator to obtain copies of the final Master Plan draft for the Board.
- Board to review the Food Truck Ordinance at the September meeting.
- Planning Commission asked by residents (Lautner) to further research/clarify the water overlay proposal, including its origin and setback requirements, before further action.
- Petition regarding Cedar River navigability to be circulated at Polka Fest.