Summary
The Solon Township Board held a special meeting on May 15, 2025, primarily to facilitate open dialogue between the Board and the Cedar Chamber of Commerce regarding the condition of the Cedar tennis courts and the future location of the annual Polka Fest. The agenda was approved 5-0, and after extensive discussion about the courts' safety, funding, and the relationship between the township and the Chamber, the Board agreed to revisit the topic at the June meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 P.M. with a 5-0 vote.
Public Comments
- Lisa Rossi-Brett asked whether there would be dialogue between the Chamber and the township board; she was told there would be.
- Brayton Farr, a Solon Township resident and mortgage lender/real estate agent, recommended that the township consider a low interest loan to fund repairs to the tennis courts, noting the same type of fund could also be applied toward a purchase of the courts.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The bulk of the meeting centered on the Cedar tennis courts and the Polka Fest, historically held there for over four decades (43rd annual event this year).
- Pam Novak (Chamber president and Polka Fest Committee board member) gave background on the Chamber's history and community contributions, noting funds from Polka Fest support various Cedar organizations.
- Joan Gauthier stated the tennis courts are in very bad condition and questioned whether they should be used at all, including for Polka Fest.
- Cindy Gale said the Chamber has maintained the courts and that the township has not made improvements in the past eight years.
- Kelly Claar noted that several years ago Ray Pleva led a crack-sealing effort cost-shared between the township and Chamber; Rick Brett said there are now 40 new cracks from this past winter.
- Chris Comeaux stated he personally will not play on the courts due to safety concerns, that they may need to be decommissioned with nets removed, and that the township will not put money into the courts.
- Kelly Claar referenced a Parks Plan developed by Fleis & Vandenbrink proposing a green event space, and noted Parks Committee research showing other polka festivals are typically held on streets, parking lots, or grassy areas rather than tennis courts.
- Rick Brett asked whether it would be prudent for the Chamber to purchase the tennis courts; Pam Novak said if purchased by the Chamber, the courts would still serve the community.
- Cindy Gale said the courts are barely usable this year, and alternative locations (such as Chamber property) lack sufficient parking; she noted a move to a ballfield location would require a study on drainage/dryness.
- Cindy Gale stated a new location decision would be made after this year's Polka Fest.
- Cindy Gale asked if someone would work with Rick Brett to make the courts safe for use this year; no formal commitment was recorded.
- Shirley Mikowski confirmed both the township and the Chamber each carry a one million dollar liability policy.
- Steve Morgan expressed concern that if the Polka Fest moves elsewhere it may not return, and emphasized the need for better communication.
- Lisa Brett requested a timeline for further discussion; Chris Comeaux confirmed the topic will be placed on the June meeting agenda.
Other Business
Discussion touched on strained communication and trust issues between the township board and the Chamber over the past year, including a prior disagreement about a proposed Polka Fest lease fee increase (recommended by the township attorney) that became public before the former board could discuss it, and criticism some board and Chamber members received in the press. Steve Yoder, a County Commissioner, was noted as having been asked by the Chamber to serve as a liaison; Kelly Claar expressed hope he would act as a neutral mediator. Melinda Lautner recalled the historical mowing arrangement breakdown between the township and Chamber as a source of relationship strain. No formal motions were made on these matters.
Action Items
- Chris Comeaux to place the tennis courts/Polka Fest location discussion on the June Township Board meeting agenda.
- Chris Comeaux stated he will look into how the township can partner with the Chamber going forward.
- Cindy Gale raised the need for someone to work with Rick Brett to make the tennis courts safe for use this year; no individual was formally assigned in the minutes.
- Chamber/Polka Fest Committee to determine a new festival location after this year's event, potentially requiring a drainage study if a ballfield is considered.