Summary
The Solon Township Board met on September 12, 2024, with all board members present. The board approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes, accepted the Treasurer's report, and took action on several land use, election, and resolution matters. Key actions included approving a reduced land use permit fee for expired 2024 permits, purchasing a new tabulator, adopting the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan resolution, adopting a resolution supporting Heartwood Ciders' liquor license application, and accepting a Planning Commission resignation. Committee reports covered Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation, Fire Department, and various infrastructure and property matters including Cedar River Project, Rosinski Road, and the Cedar alley.
Public Comments
Melvin Black raised concerns during the initial public comment period about a lot line adjustment fee of $500.00 charged by the township for his Cedar Run Road property, noting that neighboring townships charge significantly less. He later followed up during the second public comment period, stating he had researched what neighboring townships charge for land divisions and asked the board to reconsider its fees, hoping the matter would be placed on next month's agenda.
Christina Deeren, the Zoning Administrator, announced she was appointed to the joint airport authority and attended its first meeting. She apologized to the Parks Committee for missing their meeting despite having said she would attend, and expressed interest in working with them on a new Parks Ordinance.
Karen Smith asked whether there were plans to paint the Solon Schoolhouse. Supervisor Jim Lautner responded that the neighborhood would be painting it in the fall.
Mary O'Neill asked why the neighborhood, rather than the township, was responsible for painting the schoolhouse. Jim Lautner explained that the neighborhood has historically done this.
Steve Yoder asked attendees to keep Rich Zywicki, owner of the Hardware Store, in their prayers following a serious accident.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Mary Taylor reported that the Parks and Recreation Committee met on August 27, 2024. The committee has been developing a Committee Policy, Guidelines and Descriptions document and requested board review, input, and approval. The October committee meeting was moved to October 15, 2024, at 6:00 P.M.
The committee decided to return twelve black willow seedlings to the donor since there were no plans to plant them. The design for a sign to be placed at the Community Park was completed; the committee still needs to obtain cost estimates for the sign and posts before seeking approval. Mary Taylor requested placing an ad in the Leelanau Enterprise for a beginner Tai Chi class and will send details to Clerk Shirley Mikowski.
Trustee Pat Deering suggested using 2' x 3' octagon cement pillars instead of posts to close off Vlack's Park, reasoning that pillars could be moved for maintenance work rather than requiring posts to be dug out. Mary Taylor agreed to bring this suggestion to the next Parks Committee meeting. The next Parks Committee meeting was scheduled for September 24, 2024, at 6:00 P.M.
Regarding old bleacher boards, Joan Gauthier reported that George Rosinski (who painted the cemetery building free of charge) requested some boards; the board agreed he could select boards first, followed by Steve Yoder and Shirley Mikowski, who also had people requesting boards.
Shirley Mikowski reported she attempted to contact Apple Fence Company about installing additional fencing but received no response; she will try again.
Regarding Vlack's Park, Pat Deering will forward information about the cement pillars to Mary Taylor and gather information on harvesting red pines. The Ballfield Lights/Scoreboard item was removed from the agenda.
Mary Taylor reported that Fleis & Vandenbrink provided master plan concept documents and cost estimates for Solon Township Parks following planning sessions with residents, organizations, the Parks Committee, and their landscape architect. The board accepted these documents, completing the grant requirement through Rotary Charities of Traverse City.
Regarding the Park Ordinance, Joan Gauthier noted George Rosinski was seeking the original Parks Ordinance approved in 2008. Mary Taylor said the committee is reviewing other townships' ordinances and starting work on a new Parks Ordinance draft.
Infrastructure Projects
Cedar River Project/Marina: There was no report on the buoys. Regarding the Navigable Cedar River, Ray Pleva asked Joan Gauthier for a list of supervisors' names with parcels on Lake Leelanau so he could arrange a meeting with them.
Well/Water: Shirley Mikowski reported that John Zientek of B&Z Well Drilling checked sand found in toilets and air in the lines but found no problem. However, plumber Mike Bunek indicated there is still an air-in-lines issue. Shirley will follow up with B&Z Well Drilling.
Sewer System: Steve Yoder reported he has not yet heard back from the company regarding sewer system proposals.
Roads: Regarding Bunting's/Road, Joan Gauthier reported extensive difficulty reaching Brendan Mullane, Manager of the Leelanau County Road Commission, about maintenance of the alleyway behind Bunting's Cedar Market related to the recycling site. She learned that Suttons Bay School had previously cancelled hosting a recycling site due to similar maintenance cost issues, and the recycling site is now located at the Road Commission in Suttons Bay under a different funding arrangement. Joan expressed concern that Solon Township could lose its recycling site in Cedar if the county does not address the alleyway issue. She plans to reach out to Gail Myer, who took over the relevant role from Trudy Galla.
Regarding Rosinski Road, Joan Gauthier obtained a preliminary cost estimate of $62,900.00 from Brendan Mullane to repair the rougher section from S. Vineyard to County Road 643, noting the estimate is subject to bid costs. The board agreed there are other roads in worse condition in the township.
Regarding the Cedar alley, Joan Gauthier learned from Brendan Mullane that the alley is decertified with the county (no county maintenance). Vacating the alley would require a property owner petition through probate court to amend the plat, giving adjoining owners an extra 10 feet each; alternatively, the township could abandon it, requiring a driveway permit through the Road Commission if used as a driveway. Joan also contacted the Leelanau County Sheriff's Department non-emergency line about an abandoned white car with no license plate in the alley; the Sheriff's Department will send someone to investigate.
Perrins Landing: Joan Gauthier contacted Chris from GT Maintenance about removing the dock at Perrins Landing; he confirmed he could do the work. Joan followed up via email regarding removal of docks at both Perrins Landing and Solon Beach Park.
Other Business
Township Hall/Office Repairs: Shirley Mikowski requested and received board permission to hire family members to move files from the storage room to the front upstairs area, which will be converted to office space; all items must be moved before remodeling begins. Regarding wall repair, Pat Deering confirmed with Christina Deeren that a permit will be issued at no fee since it is a township project. Steve Yoder reported that Corey Flaska of Leelanau Construction signed and initialed the township office contract; the contract still requires Jim Lautner's signature, and a down payment check of $8,750.00 will be issued.
Fire Department: No update was provided on the Interlocal Agreement. Chris Comeaux reported that an auditor was impressed with fire department management and recommended laying out capital outlay in the budget. Union negotiations are progressing, with a contract expected for review next month. A conflict was noted regarding Kasson Township's plan to build a new fire station, which the other three townships do not support due to anticipated increases in staffing, operational costs, and millage rates for all townships. Joan Gauthier noted she was impressed by a letter from Rick Royston on this topic and stated the board needs to carefully consider the financial impact, as all townships will pay more.
Cemetery: There was nothing to report.
Master Plan: Christina Deeren has everything ready for the Master Plan to be sent out; this item was removed from the agenda.
Planning Commission: Steve Yoder reported that Heartwood Ciders decided to downsize their building from 5,000 to 2,500 square feet and will not include a kitchen. The commission continues working on ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) language and has downsized the Landscape Ordinance to six pages.
Todd Yeomans submitted a resignation letter from the Planning Commission, effective immediately; the board voted to accept the resignation (motion carried 5-0).
The board adopted Resolution No. 2024-09-12 supporting Heartwood Ciders' application for a new on-premises tasting room permit at 13775 S. Lautner Rd., recommending approval to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (roll call vote: 5 yeas, 0 nays).
Financial Summary
Treasurer Joan Gauthier presented the Treasurer's Report, noting she deducted payment to B&Z Well Drilling for a new pressure tank from ARPA Funds. Key balances reported:
- Huntington Bank Checking: $25,795.39 (including ARPA Funds of $9,000.66; available checking balance: $16,794.73)
- Total General Savings: $338,214.67 (including two CDs at 4.3%)
- Total Funds Available: $355,009.40
- Total Road Improvement Fund: $15,513.37
- Total Fire Sinking Fund: $122,226.57