Summary
The Solon Township Board met on September 11, 2025, with all board members present. The board approved the agenda, prior minutes, and the Treasurer's report/vouchers. Major actions included approving a Timber Harvest and Forest Management contract for Vlack's Park, approving a gravel purchase for Beach Park, approving the 2025-2026 allocated and voted millages, approving a Property Use Agreement for the ball fields, amending the 2025-2026 budget to cover overages, and a contested 3-2 vote to hire a new legal firm for the township. Extensive discussion occurred regarding the Cedar Chamber of Commerce's Polka Fest and whether it should be grandfathered into the forthcoming Parks Ordinance without fees, with no final decision reached. The fire department's Interlocal Agreement budget shortfalls and possible millage increase were also discussed.
Public Comments
Judy Janosik asked why conflict of interest is not on the board's agenda, expressing concern that a conflict would not be disclosed if it existed. She later thanked the board for the new audio system.
Kim Smith raised concerns about the township considering an attorney located outside of Traverse City, suggesting a local attorney would be more practical. She also reported volunteering to organize Planning/Zoning files but found none in storage, recommending the board contact former Zoning Administrator Tim Cypher about the missing records.
Mary O'Neill suggested that because no set fees currently exist, the Polka Fest could be grandfathered in before fees are established, arguing this would not constitute special treatment.
Linda Francomb, a 20-year Cedar resident, said the parks are not dog-friendly since dogs are not allowed, and suggested the township spend money on waste stations rather than "No Animals Allowed" signs, proposing a designated dog area.
Charles Smith shared a history of township fire department funding issues and his family's past willingness to pay for fire truck repairs. He expressed concern the fire department is "heading to a point of no return" and hoped practices would be reassessed.
Cindy Koval thanked the board for their service and asked why dogs are not allowed in the park, suggesting a portion of the park be designated for dogs.
Teri DeFilippo commented that dogs are "man's best friend" and that she walks her dog everywhere.
Karen Smith asked why conflict of interest is not on the agenda and reminded the board about upcoming budget time and employee salaries.
Christina Deeren/ZA reported that the Leelanau County Planning Commission's email had been hacked.
Jim Johnson thanked the board for the audio system but noted feedback issues needing adjustment. He also noted that while he understands residents' feelings about dogs, some community members fear dogs, particularly around children.
A written Public Notice was received from EGLE regarding a permit application by Sheila Schaub for work on a pond at 9854 S. Perrins Landing.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Parks and Recreation Committee met August 26, 2025. Key updates:
- Work continues on the Park Ordinance; Christina Deeren/ZA is typing the draft, which will then go to the township attorney.
- A volunteer with a construction background offered to paint the Solon Schoolhouse next summer and will provide a materials estimate; Joan Gauthier raised lead paint concerns, but Kelly Claar noted the building has been repainted since lead paint was used and may only need power washing. Proper safety attire/equipment will be used; the volunteer may also reglaze windows.
- Kelly Claar wanted to order playground mulch and get cost estimates from Deering Tree Service, but Joan Gauthier recommended waiting until next year given the late season.
- No callback yet from EGLE's Robyn Schmidt regarding the bridge, though other contacts were provided.
- Next Parks and Recreation Committee meeting: September 30, 2025, 6:00 P.M.
Vlack's Park/Forest Management Plan: Kelly Claar received an updated Timber Harvest Agreement from Deering Tree Service with no changes from the original, as the market is unchanged. Replanting approximately 300 trees with tubes could cost roughly $1,000. Chris Comeaux expressed concern about leftover stumps and post-harvest park appearance. Motion by Shirley Mikowski, seconded by Joan Gauthier, to contract with Deering Tree Service for $1,800 to complete the Forest Management Plan, with the fee waived if the Timber Harvest Agreement (selling timber to Deering Tree Service for $21,500) is fully executed. Voice vote: Morgan-yes, Claar-yes, Comeaux-no, Gauthier-yes, Mikowski-yes. Motion carried 4-1.
Beach Park: Joan Gauthier reported that she and her son filled holes on the road to the beach park and requested a load of gravel. Motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Steve Morgan, to purchase one load of 22A gravel from Weber Excavating, not to exceed $800. Motion carried 5-0.
Polka Fest/Parks Ordinance: Lisa Rossi-Brett reported a successful Polka Fest, including a first-time special needs event, and raised safety concerns about traffic speed near crosswalks, suggesting signage or flashers at stop signs. She noted the Polka Fest Committee lacks a signed agreement with the township for 2026 and asked to be grandfathered into the pending Parks Ordinance similar to Traverse City's approach, given the ordinance's development timeline. Rick Brett believed tennis court repairs made this year would keep the courts usable next year. Board members were divided: Steve Morgan and Chris Comeaux supported grandfathering the event without fees, citing its economic and community value (approximately 10,000 visitors). Kelly Claar opposed, citing fairness to all groups, liability concerns, and the need for consistent rules; she noted the Chamber previously received a discounted introductory fee rate. Joan Gauthier and Shirley Mikowski supported retaining some fee, noting fee revenue ($3,150) helped fund the Parks Fund. No formal vote was taken; Chris Comeaux will contact Ms. Brett to arrange a meeting between township representatives and the Chamber. The topic will return to the October meeting agenda.
New Business - Property Use Agreement: Motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Steve Morgan, to approve a Property Use Agreement for use of the ball fields on October 11, 2025, by applicant Rhiannon Kerr for a $1.00 fee. Motion carried 5-0.
Infrastructure Projects
Cell Tower: Chris Comeaux reported the Harmoni cell tower matter remains in federal court; there is no dispute from Harmoni regarding non-conforming status of the property for tower placement. Harmoni will still need to obtain a Special Land Use Permit from the township. The tower is planned at 199 feet with no lights (staying under 199 feet avoids lighting requirements).
Other Business
Fire Department/Interlocal Agreement: The Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Interlocal Fire Department Agreement has been signed by all four townships and is valid for ten years unless altered. Chris Comeaux reported a special meeting held August 27, 2025, to address budgetary concerns that the township may not meet the 2026-2027 or 2027-2028 fire budgets due to Interlocal Agreement cost increases. The fire department proposed shifting funds from the Ambulance Fund to the Contingency Fund. The board discussed requesting an additional $30,000 from each township for both budget cycles, with a recommendation to use the Contingency Fund for shortfalls. Rising health insurance costs were noted, and the township may need to increase the Fire Millage by 0.25 mills to 2.75. There is currently no support for additional staffing; the fire department anticipates ambulance service revenue will offset fire service costs.
Bunting's Road: Chris Comeaux confirmed Elmer's invoiced $6,000 for road work, which has been paid, and the road has been striped.
Legal Counsel: Chris Comeaux proposed changing legal counsel, citing a general practice of rotating attorneys/auditors every three to five years. Steve Morgan asked about cost differences versus the fire department's counsel; Chris clarified it is the same firm but different counsel specializing in labor and municipal law, at $75/hour more. Kelly Claar opposed using the same firm as the fire department and preferred a local attorney, citing communication and cost concerns. Joan Gauthier supported the change, noting no resume had been received from current counsel for comparison. Motion by Steve Morgan, seconded by Chris Comeaux, to enter into an agreement with Kirk, Huth, Lange & Badalamenti, PLC (Clinton Township, MI). Voice vote: Morgan-yes, Claar-no, Comeaux-yes, Gauthier-yes, Mikowski-no. Motion carried 3-2. Chris Comeaux will contact the firm and David Bieganowski.
Cell Phones: Chris Comeaux reported new cell phones would be delivered the following day.
Landscape Ordinance: The Landscape Ordinance is under review by the Leelanau County Planning Commission; it will repeal and replace Section 19.01. A Public Hearing is scheduled for the November regular board meeting.
Committee Reports: The Planning Commission (reported by Steve Yoder) discussed the Draft Food Truck Ordinance, agreeing to remove food carts/stands and allow only food trucks. The attorney's revisions to the Short Term Rental Ordinance were accepted except that notices will be sent by certified mail; a Public Hearing on this draft ordinance is set for October 7, 2025.