Summary
The Solon Township Board met on October 15, 2025, with all five board members present. Key actions included approval of the Cedar Area Fire and Rescue 2026-2027 budget, approval of a temporary use agreement with the Cedar Chamber of Commerce for the Polka Fest, revisions to the draft Parks Ordinance, approval of a cemetery driveway repair estimate, expansion of the township cell phone plan, and review of the Harmoni Towers cell tower site plan. The Planning Commission's work on the Short Term Rental Ordinance and Food Truck Ordinance was also reported, with both being forwarded to the township attorney.
Public Comments
During the first public comment period, Karen Smith expressed appreciation that Conflict of Interest was added to the agenda, noting it allows board members to disclose issues with agenda items.
During the second public comment period:
- Judy Janosik asked how residents would learn new phone numbers (the Clerk noted they will be posted on the website) and requested board members use microphones at all times.
- Jim Johnson supported the Planning Commission's proposal to remove the requirement that the health department determine occupancy from the Short Term Rental Ordinance, arguing the township cannot compel an independent agency to make such determinations.
- Mary O'Neill requested that smoking in the parks be addressed in the Parks Ordinance due to fire hazard concerns.
- Joan Gauthier reported that the Cedar Chamber of Commerce will not host Light Up Cedar this year, and that the owner of the Polish Art Center might host an event in the Lemcool's parking lot instead.
- Lori Boone stated that the Greenes had spoken with local business owners who still want to hold an old-style Christmas event for Light Up Cedar.
- Kim Smith thanked the board for working with the Chamber of Commerce.
- Joy Johnson opposed smoking in the parks and suggested adjusting park hours. She also raised concerns about cemetery roads being closed.
- Christina Deeren (ZA) thanked the board for providing a cell phone.
No written correspondence was reported (Item 7, Correspondence, was noted as "none").
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Parks and Recreation Committee met September 30, 2025, with one guest present. Key updates included:
- Completion of recommendations for the Park Ordinance.
- A cost estimate of $1,000.00 for supplies to paint the Solon Schoolhouse; Joan Gauthier asked about rotted wood repair, which Kelly Claar will check into.
- A list of items and pictures belonging to the Empire Museum was found; Clerk Shirley Mikowski will contact Diane Taghon to determine storage location since the museum is closed.
- Kelly Claar has been working with Liana from the county to post parks information on the township website.
- Work on the 5 Year Parks Plan will begin next year.
- Next Parks Committee meeting scheduled for October 28, 2025 at 6:00 P.M.
Regarding Vlack's Park, Kelly Claar is obtaining road-closure signage from the Leelanau County Road Commission and attempting to contact Joe from Deering Tree Service (no response yet) regarding the Forester Management Plan.
Regarding Beach Park, Kelly Claar consulted with Matt Anderson of EGLE, who advised that a fence can be installed without a structure in the water, and that plantings could be vulnerable to being cut down; the fence was deemed the best solution. No soil erosion permit will be needed per the Conservation District.
The board discussed and approved changes to the Parks Ordinance, including:
- Reducing the Park Committee to a minimum of three and maximum of five members (from five), meeting quarterly instead of monthly, with ability to apply for grants with board approval.
- Allowing pets in parks (using Leelanau County's ordinance as a guideline) instead of prohibiting animals except for disabled assistance animals; all animals must be leashed/restrained.
- Removing the Township Supervisor from ordinance enforcement duties.
Joan Gauthier will forward grammatical corrections to Christina Deeren (ZA); she disagreed with a proposed no-smoking/no-vaping provision. She also noted no definitions existed for bikes or scooters. Kelly Claar asked whether a future parks and recreation manager could be accommodated under the ordinance; it was confirmed the ordinance could be amended. Steve Morgan indicated the ordinance should be a Police Power Ordinance, noting the Sheriff's Department will enforce township rules if well posted. Ms. Deeren will finalize changes and forward the ordinance to the attorney.
Public commenters Mary O'Neill and Joy Johnson both raised concerns about smoking in the parks as a fire hazard/health issue.
Infrastructure Projects
Cell Tower: Chris Comeaux and Christina Deeren (ZA) reviewed and approved the site plan from Harmoni Towers and returned it. Harmoni Towers still needs to obtain a site plan permit and a driveway permit.
Cell Phones: The township's Verizon bill reached almost $400.00 for six phones, exceeding the previously approved amount. Chris Comeaux will contact Verizon about reducing costs and possibly returning a phone. Motion by Shirley Mikowski, seconded by Kelly Claar, to approve a cell phone plan increase from four to a maximum of six phones with cost not to exceed $400.00 per month. Motion carried 5-0.
Cemetery: Motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Kelly Claar, to approve an estimate of $3,900.00–$4,000.00 from Weber Excavating to deliver and spread approximately 50 yards of screened black dirt to smooth old cemetery access driveways, with final grading and seeding. Motion carried 5-0. Regarding a prior accident, Steve Morgan reported the area has been filled in, the fence is intact, and no headstones were damaged, so no further township action is needed.
Township Hall Wall Repair: LRM has begun work on the south-side wall and plans to pour the wall.
Non-Township Funds: The Treasurer's report noted a Cedar River Marina Project fund balance ($10,080.95) and related CD ($15,422.65), totaling $25,503.60, though no specific marina project discussion was recorded in this meeting.
Other Business
- Agenda/Minutes: The agenda was approved with additions (Fire Department Budget under Unfinished Business; Gathering Permit under New Business), motion carried 5-0. September 11, 2025 minutes were approved as written, motion carried 5-0.
- Planning Commission Report: Met October 7, 2025, with about 40 guests present. Held a Public Hearing on the Short Term Rental Ordinance, resulting in changes: increasing rental permits from 40 to 60, requiring owner notification of neighbors within 300 feet with contact information, occupancy of 4 persons per bedroom, and allowing suspension violations to be appealed to the township board. The ordinance was sent to the attorney. The Draft Food Truck Ordinance was reviewed and sent to the attorney, with a Public Hearing scheduled for the December Planning Commission meeting.
- Landscape Ordinance: Reviewed by the Leelanau County Planning Commission, which returned questions/comments; the board discussed and made changes. Joan Gauthier will send corrections to Christina Deeren (ZA) for updates.
- MTA/Board Policies: Tabled.
- Township Office: Tabled.
- Computers: The board reviewed IT information from Shirley Mikowski; four new computers (for the assessor, treasurer, and two for the clerk, one for elections) were ordered through Noah Creamer of Social Explorations, LLC for under $3,000.00, plus a 10-hour service block for $1,600.00.
- Gathering Permit: Shirley Mikowski asked whether a gathering permit is required for an upcoming large group event by Holy Rosary at the flagpole; the board confirmed none is currently required.
- Announcements: Kelly Claar announced a Leelanau Conservation District presentation by market gardener JM Fortier on October 19, 2025, and the Conservation District's Annual Meeting on November 6, 2025 at the Leland Lodge.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer's report included the following figures:
- Huntington Bank Checking: $42,060.28 (including ARPA Funds of $9,000.66; available checking balance $32,059.62)
- Total General Savings: $235,879.40 (including two CDs and a general savings account)
- Total Funds Available: $267,939.02
- Road Improvement Fund: $30,638.69
- Fire Sinking Fund: $160,620.79
- Sidewalk Fund: $18,912.38
- Parks Improvement Fund: $20,000.00
- Total Other Township Funds Available: $230,171.86
- Total Current Assets: $498,110.88
- Non-Township Funds: Cedar River Marina Project fund totaling $25,503.60; Parks and Recreation Fund totaling $20,185.48
Vouchers #16099-16139 were submitted for payment. Motion by Steve Morgan, seconded by Kelly Claar, to accept the Treasurer's report and approve payment of vouchers as presented. Motion carried 5-0.