Summary
The Solon Township Board met on October 10, 2024, with all five board members present. The Board approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes, accepted the Treasurer's Report, and approved payment of vouchers. Key actions included approving a two-year lease agreement with the Northern Michigan Rowing Club, approving the Parks and Recreation Committee Policy with minor edits, approving a revised Permit Fee Schedule with a new Lot Line Adjustment Fee, and adopting a resolution authorizing a road closure for the Light Up Cedar event. Several ongoing matters were discussed including Township Hall repairs, fire department planning, Cedar River navigability, and concerns raised about activity at Vlack's Park.
Public Comments
During the initial Public Comment period (Item 5), there were no comments.
During the second Public Comment period (Item 11), several concerns were raised:
- Dale Gauthier reported he was told someone is building a cabin in Vlack's Park and stated he plans to check into it.
- Kelly Claar reported that she and her family visited Vlack's Park a couple weeks prior and found evidence of several campfires, concerning trash left at the site, and someone building tiny bridges along the creek. She noted some spots appeared at risk of washing out and clogging the creek. Kelly said she is anxious to see how things progress with the Forester Management Plan. Kelly also congratulated Dale and Joan Gauthier on their upcoming 50th wedding anniversary.
- Chris Comeaux, who lives near Vlack's Park, shared concerns that he does not want a situation develop at Vlack's Park similar to what Traverse City has experienced with homeless individuals living in the pines. He stated that an ordinance is needed to prevent this from happening at Vlack's Park.
- Christina Deeren/ZA responded that Traverse City does have such an ordinance, but noted it is not being enforced.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Mary Taylor reported on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Committee, which met September 24, 2024:
- The committee is obtaining prices for Way Finding signs and checking with Matt Biolette on whether Braille is required.
- Mary asked Pat Deering for clarification on the Forester Management Plan for Vlack's Park; Pat responded that the forester has drawn up plans for both harvesting and full management, expected to be ready the following week.
- The committee will not participate in Light Up Cedar this year due to member travel over Thanksgiving.
- The committee is working on writing a Park Ordinance.
- The committee is exploring alternative fundraising methods instead of raising taxes.
- All requirements for the Seed Grant have been completed; Mary met via Zoom with a Rotary Club representative. Paperwork is still needed to document how funds were spent, including volunteer hours.
- Mary raised a question about the location of the remaining metal bleachers, noting the peewee bleachers never received new metal bleachers. Joan Gauthier asked why no metal bleachers were installed on the bottom row.
- The next committee meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2024 at 6:00 P.M.
Under Unfinished Business (Parks):
- Fence: Shirley Mikowski will continue attempting to contact Apple Fence Company to install additional fencing.
- Vlack's Park: Pat Deering will forward information to Mary Taylor regarding cement pillars for the park.
- NMRC/Lease Agreement: The Northern Michigan Rowing Club requested a two-year lease extension (instead of one year) for guaranteed use of the park. NMRC will power wash and paint the picnic pavilions at Solon Beach Park, providing tools and labor, with the Township paying for paint. NMRC will pay $100.00/month (May-October) and $50.00/month (November-April). Motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Shirley Mikowski, to approve a two-year lease (May 1, 2025-October 31, 2025 and May 1, 2026-October 31, 2026) at these rates. Motion carried 5-0. A second motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Shirley Mikowski, to permit NMRC to extend their fence six feet at Solon Beach Park also carried 5-0.
- Tree/Solon Beach Park: A neighbor's tree came down but was tangled in electrical wires; Cherryland Electric trimmed the tree and addressed the wires after notification by Randy Herman.
- Parks and Recreation Committee Policy: Mary Taylor requested feedback on the Committee's Policy, Guidelines and Descriptions document. Joan Gauthier noted two minor corrections needed (word changes from "noticed" to "noted" and "shall" to "may" in specific sections). Motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Shirley Mikowski, to approve the policy with these changes. Motion carried 5-0.
- All wooden bleacher boards and bolts have been picked up and the area raked clean.
Park Ordinance: Christina Deeren/ZA reached out to Tim Cypher about the ordinance but had not heard back from him.
Infrastructure Projects
Township Hall/Repairs:
- Well/B&Z Well Drilling: Shirley Mikowski reported continuing air-in-the-lines problems and will follow up with B&Z Well Drilling.
- Wall Repair: Christina Deeren/ZA reported the required permits have been obtained; they may be waiting on a county building permit.
- Township Office: Shirley Mikowski delivered the contract and down payment to Corey Flaska of Leelanau Construction. Steve Yoder noted it may take time to obtain all necessary permits.
Cedar River Project:
- Buoys: No report given.
- Navigable Cedar River: Joan Gauthier reported an informal meeting was held and the group is gathering facts on why the Cedar River needs to be navigable.
Perrins Landing: Joan and Dale Gauthier met with Grand Traverse Maintenance, which removed the dock from Perrins Landing and Solon Beach Park. A complaint was received from Mr. Buckler, a 40-year dock user, who was disappointed the dock was removed; a section of the dock that had been taken out for repair was never returned.
Sewer System Proposals: Steve Yoder reported he has not heard back from the company and will email them to confirm they have not forgotten about the township.
Rosinski Road: Joan Gauthier noted the board had previously decided not to spend the money required to repair Rosinski Road; she has not heard back from Eric Miller. The item was removed from the agenda.
Other Business
- Correspondence: Notices were received for the Benzie County Master Plan Update - 2024 and the Long Lake Township Activity Center Subplan.
- Planning Commission: The September meeting was cancelled; no report given.
- Fire Department/Interlocal Agreement: Jim Lautner said work on the Interlocal Agreement will begin early next year. Chris Comeaux reported two committees (cost and location) have been formed; a new station is not believed to be warranted at this time; information should be ready by the beginning of the year. A meeting with the union is scheduled for the following week, with the contract nearing ratification. Solon Township is reported as the busiest township for the fire department. Williams and Bay completed a full tank inspection with no leaks found.
- Cemetery: Shirley Mikowski will contact Zack Baker and Brian Weber.
- Bunting's/Road: Joan Gauthier corresponded with Gail Myer (successor to Trudy Galla) regarding concerns about the Bunting's recycling site; the Interim County Administrator has been made aware and is looking into the matter. Bill Bailey, Manager of Bunting's, stated that if the county does not address the alleyway behind the store as originally promised, Bunting's may discontinue the recycling site.
- Alley: Joan Gauthier worked with Officer Mary Patterson of the Leelanau County Sheriff's Department to have VIN numbers checked on two vehicles blocking the alley; both vehicles were removed after owners were contacted. Two trucks are now blocking the alley entry on Nelson Street. Dale Gauthier cleared branches around the sign at the Kasson Street entry; the county will need to replace the sign at the Nelson Street entry. Joan will follow up with Mary Patterson again.
- Permit Fee Schedule: Christina Deeren/ZA revised the schedule, adding a $150.00 Lot Line Adjustment Fee; the board agreed not to charge a fee for replacement signs. Motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Steve Yoder, to approve the revised schedule. Motion carried 5-0.
- Polka Fest Committee/Meeting: Item kept on the agenda with no further action.
- Light Up Cedar/Road Closure: Motion by Shirley Mikowski, seconded by Joan Gauthier, to adopt Resolution No. 2024-10-10 authorizing the Cedar Chamber of Commerce to close East Sullivan Street from South Kasson Street to the Old Train Depot on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., with support from the Leelanau County Sheriff's Department and Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Chief. Roll call vote: Deering-yea, Yoder-yea, Lautner-yea, Gauthier-yea, Mikowski-yea (5 yeas, 0 nays). Resolution duly adopted.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer's Report included the following figures:
- Huntington Bank Checking: $17,581.09 (includes ARPA Funds of $9,000.66; Available in Checking: $8,580.43)
- Huntington Bank General Savings: $33,777.61
- Huntington Bank General Savings CD (renewed @ 4.3%): $104,469.95
- Huntington Bank General Savings CD (@4.3%): $100,000.00
- Total General Savings: $238,247.56
- Total Funds Available: $246,827.99
- Huntington Bank Road Improvement Fund (2049): $10,398.39
- Huntington Bank Road Improvement Fund CD (@4.3%): $5,117.54
- Total Road Improvement Fund: $15,515.93