Summary
The Solon Township Board met on January 8, 2026, with all five board members present. The board approved the agenda and December minutes unanimously, accepted the Treasurer's report and vouchers, and approved a Northwest Education Services agreement for summer tax collection. Extensive public discussion centered on the proposed Master Plan and Future Land Use Maps, with strong disagreement among residents about growth, density, and farmland preservation. The Planning Commission reported approval of a Special Land Use permit for short-term rental duplexes, elected new officers, and welcomed new Zoning Administrators from Beckett & Raeder. The board approved a property use agreement for the Brian Nachazel Memorial Tournament for $1.00.
Public Comments
Tom Jessmore asked about the timeline for board action on the Master Plan.
Corey Flaska strongly criticized the proposed Master Plan, stating it is biased and blocks development. He noted 17,140 acres in the township with only about 250 acres (2%) allocated for future growth over 20 years, meaning roughly five to ten houses per year. He argued the plan lacks new R-1, R-2, B-1, or PUD designations and requires five-acre minimum lots, effectively limiting development to $1-2 million homes, while 55% of township residents earn $50,000-$149,000 and can only afford $400,000-$600,000 homes. He advocated for cluster housing to preserve farmland and criticized the Planning Commission process for only hearing from a vocal 5% of residents.
Melinda Lautner said she believes 95% of residents want agriculture-based businesses (e.g., nurseries, cideries) rather than storage buildings, and supports approving the Future Land Use maps as presented, noting smaller homes are allowed under current rules.
David McCoy raised concerns about the cost of five-acre lots (up to $200,000) plus utilities (up to an additional $100,000), noting this puts homeownership out of reach for people like himself; he said he would prefer smaller lots (quarter acre or less). He also asked whether the "no loitering" provision in the Park Ordinance could be removed, questioning its purpose.
Rebecca Goff clarified that the Brian Nachazel Memorial Tournament does not sell alcohol, only accepts donations, and works with Sheriff Mike Borkovich and Michigan State Police; the event has raised $212,000 for the community over the years.
Corey Flaska (second comment) reiterated frustration that there is currently no avenue for development over ten acres and asked the board to restore a process allowing landowners with over ten acres to apply to the Planning Commission for a PUD and higher density.
Steve Yoder thanked the board for contracting with Beckett & Raeder as Zoning Administrators.
Renee Lemcool defended Lisa Rossi's role with the Polka Fest and acknowledged Corey Flaska's frustration. As a 20-year cherry farmer, she suggested farmers should have the right to split and sell small portions of land (an acre or half-acre) if they have a bad year, though she does not support high-rises or apartments.
An unnamed audience member said the township website is difficult to navigate and requested improvements.
Tim Johnson, who attended Planning Commission meetings, said he felt the Master Plan and Future Land Use maps were well thought out with substantial public input, and warned that opening development could cause land prices to skyrocket and attract out-of-state developers.
Charles Smith said projects could be improved incrementally, one at a time, rather than all at once.
Melinda Lautner (second comment) argued that selling off one-acre lots would harm farmland and make farming more difficult, and asked that the Future Land Use maps be approved as presented.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Parks and Recreation Committee met December 30, 2025. Kim Smith is revising the Parks Ordinance per prior board discussion; Kelly Claar asked about next steps, and Chris Comeaux clarified it is a Police Power Ordinance that will return to the township board for review before going to the township attorney. The committee set a meeting schedule (last Tuesday of the month, except January) and discussed the Solon Schoolhouse project, with a goal of securing funds for volunteer supplies; Joan Gauthier noted historic restoration architect Thom Greene is willing to help find funding. Permits and fees were discussed as a potential issue. The next meeting was rescheduled to January 20, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
Regarding Viack's Park, Kelly Claar reported Deering Tree Service will return in spring for cleanup; the Forester Management Plan item was removed from the agenda.
Regarding Beach Park, Kelly Claar reported an EGLE violation involving the neighboring property owner and said she will need to contact Robynn Schmidt again.
The board approved a Property Use Agreement with Rich Nachazel for use of the ball fields on February 21, 2026, for the Brian Nachazel Memorial Tournament, for a fee of $1.00. Motion by Shirley Mikowski, seconded by Joan Gauthier; motion carried 5-0. Chris Comeaux noted no alcohol is allowed on fire department property.
Infrastructure Projects
Cunningham-Limp was scheduled to assess the Cedar Area Fire & Rescue facility the following week. Tim Stein suggested renovation costs should be shared and that any additional station should be a small satellite station.
Other Business
Township Hall repairs will be discussed at budget time; Joan Gauthier noted the exterior needs work. Corey Flaska stated he will return the deposit the township paid for office plans, minus the cost of the plan drawn up.
The Fire Department reported 2025 was its busiest year with 763 calls, possibly the busiest in the county. Ambulance runs brought in almost $155,000 this year. The board had previously asked the Fire Chief and administrative assistant to reset the budget due to rising costs from the bargaining agreement and inflation; a 2027 budget reset with an additional 4% (14% total increase that year) was discussed, after which the township would return to 10%/5% increases. Joan Gauthier raised concerns about rising computer/cellular/software costs, which Chris Comeaux attributed largely to required software.
Steve Morgan reported the Planning Commission has been working on the Short Term Rental Ordinance, making it less restrictive, and has forwarded it to the new Zoning Administrators for review.
The Leelanau County Planning Commission is reviewing the Food Truck Ordinance.
Renee Lemcool reported the Chamber of Commerce agreed to keep snowflake lights on and turn off tree lights, and discussed scaling back Polka Fest hours, closing earlier on Sunday. Shirley Mikowski noted a separate lease agreement will still be needed beyond the use agreement. Joan Gauthier expressed displeasure that the Leelanau Ticker again interviewed Lisa Rossi about the township board; Chris Comeaux said her comments took things out of context and warned communication could stop if it continues.
MTA/Board Policies and Cemetery items remain tabled.
Joan Gauthier asked whether grammatical errors in the Landscape Ordinance forwarded to Christina Deeren had been corrected.
The Planning Commission met January 6, 2026, with all members present. A Public Hearing was held and approved, with conditions (buffers and screening), for Third Millennium Fine Arts' Special Land Use permit to convert the old Rustic Inn property into two duplexes for short-term rentals. Meeting schedule set for first Tuesday at 6:00 P.M., except August and November (second week due to elections). Officers elected: Steve Yoder (Chair), Samantha VanderVlucht (Vice Chair), Meg Paxton (ZBA Representative). Corey Flaska presented an application to renovate the old bank building and will work with the new Zoning Administrators. New Zoning Administrators Sara Kopriva and Jenn Cramm (Beckett & Raeder) introduced themselves and requested website access to post information.
Master Plan: Steve Morgan reviewed the lengthy history of the Master Plan process dating to 2019 with Tim Cypher, noting one Public Hearing has been held at the Planning Commission level. He would like the new Zoning Administrators to review it. Joan Gauthier asked whether another Public Hearing is required; it was confirmed a Public Hearing will be required at the board level, with the Planning Commission making any changes the board requests. Shirley Mikowski said she believed maps had been moved from the Master Plan to the Zoning Ordinance and will check prior minutes. Kelly Claar asked about the meaning of "objective three" and expressed concern that calling out specific Farmland and Open Space Preservation programs might limit farmer development options, though she called it a good idea overall; she appreciated the timeline template. Chris Comeaux said he would like another Public Hearing for public input and will forward the Master Plan to the new Zoning Administrators, along with a copy of the previous Master Plan.
Board comments: Chris Comeaux said he believes the Master Plan should have been approved five years ago, and since most board members are new, the board wants to hear from the public. Joan Gauthier said she does not want development like Chum's Corners with numerous new homes and condos.