Summary
The Solon Township Board met on November 14, 2024, with all five board members present. The board approved the agenda with additions, approved October minutes, accepted the Treasurer's Report, and approved vouchers. Key actions included approving a temporary Donut Food Truck permit for the Light Up Cedar Event, appointing Edith Glynn to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission, and agreeing to advertise for several open township positions. The board also discussed short term rental regulations, park maintenance and ordinance development, and various ongoing infrastructure and facility projects.
Public Comments
Jon Zelinski owns a ten-acre parcel on Allgaier Road and previously sought rezoning to Business-2. He explained that although the Future Land Use map had proposed Business-2 for the area two years prior, it was later changed because the township lacked an updated Landscape Ordinance. He noted he will need to reapply before the Planning Commission once the ordinance is updated, and hopes his request will reach the township board soon. He submitted a written timeline documenting the history of this rezoning matter dating back to March 2022, which is attached to the minutes.
Mary O'Neill spoke about short term rentals, stating that a primary reason for regulation should be to limit properties being purchased by non-year-round residents, which she said negatively affects local businesses and schools. She acknowledged short term rentals do provide cleaning and maintenance jobs but noted that 50% of homes in Solon Township are owned by non-year-round residents.
Jess Wagner, a property manager and board member of the Michigan Short Term Rental Association (local chapter of Rent Responsibly), offered her organization's support in helping to write and enforce rental regulations.
Kim Smith thanked Christina Deeren (ZA) for her work enforcing the Zoning Ordinance and thanked Steve Yoder for suggesting a Police Power Ordinance. She recommended appointing an alternate to the Planning Commission and thanked outgoing board members Jim Lautner, Steve Yoder, and Pat Deering for their years of service.
Several board members (Joan Gauthier, Shirley Mikowski, Steve Yoder) also offered closing remarks thanking outgoing members for their service.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Mary Taylor reported on the October 15, 2024 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting (three members present):
- The committee is awaiting confirmation on whether Way finding signs require Braille; they will check with Matt Biolette.
- Unauthorized tree cutting and jump construction was discovered in Vlack's Park. Christina Deeren (ZA) investigated. Mary Taylor will install a trail camera, and the Sheriff's Department may become involved.
- Pat Deering sent photos to LRM regarding cement pillars for Vlack's Park; no response received yet.
- The committee is developing a maintenance program for the ball fields and recommended hiring a part-time facilitator to oversee the parks.
- The committee is drafting a Park Ordinance, with assistance from Christina Deeren (ZA).
- The November committee meeting, originally moved to December 3, 2024, will need to be rescheduled due to a conflict with the Planning Commission meeting that day.
- Per the approved Parks and Recreation Committee Policy, committee member terms will be staggered; new appointments will occur in December.
- A Forester Management Plan for Vlack's Park was distributed to the board by Pat Deering via email prior to the meeting; it includes both harvesting and management options. Steve Yoder reviewed it and found it very detailed.
Additional park updates under Unfinished Business:
- Shirley Mikowski will continue attempting to contact Apple Fence Company to install additional fencing.
- Joan Gauthier reported NMRC did a great job power washing and painting the pavilions at Solon Beach Park.
- Steve Yoder discussed bleacher installation with Jason Beebe; bottom bleacher steps and back field bleachers will be installed next spring. Sarah Lautner is storing remaining bleachers at the AB building for winter.
- Christina Deeren (ZA) received a draft ordinance from Tim Cypher, but it only pertains to Solon Beach Park, not a comprehensive Park Ordinance.
Infrastructure Projects
Cedar River Project: No report was given on buoys. Joan Gauthier reported the group is still meeting and gathering facts regarding why the Cedar River needs to be navigable.
Sewer System Proposals: Steve Yoder called the company but was told all engineers were out of town; he will forward information to the board when received.
Well Repair: John Zientek of B&Z Well Drilling identified and repaired an air-in-the-lines problem, tracing it to old wiring from a previous pressure tank.
Other Business
- Donut Food Truck: Kelly Claar requested permission for a Donut Food Truck at the Light Up Cedar Event. The board discussed that such use is currently prohibited without an ordinance, but agreed to allow it as a one-time exception. Motion by Steve Yoder, seconded by Joan Gauthier, to approve the Donut Food Truck for November 29, 2024, Noon–10:00 P.M., for this event only. Motion carried 5-0.
- Planning Commission Vacancy: Todd Yeomans resigned, leaving a vacancy through 12/31/2024. Motion by Jim Lautner, seconded by Steve Yoder, to appoint Edith Glynn to complete the term. Motion carried 5-0.
- Advertising for Positions: The board agreed to advertise in the Leelanau Enterprise for openings on the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Review, Parks and Recreation Committee, Sexton, and Township Hall Custodian.
- Short Term Rentals: Board members reported receiving calls from concerned landowners. Joan Gauthier noted short term rentals pay school allocation taxes and should be allowed with regulation. Shirley Mikowski recommended keeping short term rentals with a regulatory ordinance. Steve Yoder suggested a police power ordinance. Christina Deeren will work with the township attorney to draft an ordinance. The board agreed no action will be taken against existing short term rentals at this time, pending a new ordinance.
- Fire Department: Chris Comeaux reported informal discussions about Elmwood Township joining the fire department; a tentative union agreement has been reached with a new offer pending (mediation possible if rejected); October was the busiest month on record; Station Location and Financial Review Committees are in progress; retirement plan changes are being explored. The Interlocal Agreement will be addressed early next year per Jim Lautner.
- Cemetery: Shirley Mikowski will contact Zack Baker and Brian Weber.
- Bunting's/Road: Joan Gauthier has not heard back from Gail Myer (who now holds Trudy Galla's former position) and will follow up.
- Alley Issue: Joan Gauthier reported ongoing vehicle blocking issues at the Nelson Street alley entry. She has been unable to reach Officer Mary Patterson of the Leelanau County Sheriff's Department. She will contact the Road Commission about signage/enforcement and about the previously requested speed study for Rosinski Road.
- Polka Fest Committee: Joan Gauthier recommended meeting with the Cedar Chamber of Commerce Polka Fest Committee after new board members take office.
- Township Hall Repairs: Pat Deering reported LRM is awaiting permits from Leelanau County for wall repairs; Steve Yoder noted permits may delay office work until late winter or spring. The board agreed to proceed with cleaning, repairs, and painting of the storage space above the township hall entry.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Joan Gauthier reported renewing several CDs at 3.55%. Key account balances included:
- Huntington Bank Checking: $77,656.11 (including ARPA Funds of $9,000.66; available checking: $68,655.45)
- Huntington Bank General Savings: $33,793.57
- General Savings CDs (at 3.55%): $106,716.05 and $52,161.94; Total General Savings: $192,671.56
- Total Funds Available: $261,327.01
- Road Improvement Fund: $10,401.03 plus CD of $5,120.12; Total: $15,521.15
- Fire Fund Savings: $11,247.90; Fire Fund CDs (4.2% and 3.55%): $64,197.00 and $47,791.43; Total Fire Sinking: $123,236.33
- Sidewalk Fund: $11,642.53 plus CD of $8,307.84; Total: $19,950.37
- Total Other Township Funds Available: $158,707.85
- Total Current Assets: $420,034.86
- Non-Township Funds: Cedar River Marina Project $10,057.83 plus CD of $15,153.68 (Total Cedar River: $25,211.51); Parks and Recreation $6,073.95 plus CD of $10,216.19 (Total: $16,290.14)
Voucher #s 15641–15679 were submitted for payment. Motion by Steve Yoder, seconded by Pat Deering, to accept the Treasurer's Report and pay vouchers as presented. Motion carried 5-0.
Action Items
- Christina Deeren (ZA) to work with the township attorney to draft a short term rental ordinance for board review; no action to be taken against existing rentals in the meantime.
- Mary Taylor to install a trail camera at Vlack's Park to monitor unauthorized tree cutting; possible Sheriff's Department involvement.
- Parks and Recreation Committee to continue drafting a Park Ordinance with assistance from Christina Deeren (ZA).
- Parks and Recreation Committee to reschedule its December meeting due to conflict with the Planning Commission.