Summary
The Solon Township Board met on August 14, 2025, with all five board members present. Major actions included adopting a 10-year Interlocal Agreement (Resolution 2025-08-14-1) with Centerville, Cleveland, and Kasson Townships for the Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Fire Department, approving a resolution (2025-08-14-2) authorizing Cedar Chamber of Commerce street closures for Polka Fest events, approving a consent judgment with Harmoni/Verizon regarding a cell tower, and reviewing the Treasurer's report and vouchers. The board also discussed Planning Commission updates on the Master Plan/Future Land Use maps, Parks and Recreation Committee updates, township hall repairs (tabled), and several new business items including road commission services, legal counsel, and cemetery damage.
Public Comments
Ted Klumpp raised concerns about a letter from the Leelanau County Road Commission regarding alley parking, questioning why only his end of the alley received a letter when an abandoned trailer had been parked at the other end for six years. He suggested it would be simpler to abandon the alley.
Corey Flaska expressed concern that the Planning Commission was not following the board's direction on planning, stating that Future Land Use map work approved by the board on a 4-1 vote had reverted to conditions from seven years ago. He suggested the board order the Planning Commission to restore those maps. He also stated he believes the five-acre minimum may not be legal and said he would look into it further.
Heather Holden questioned why there was an issue with alley parking, noting neighbors on both ends of the alley have shared mutual access for years.
During the Public Hearing on the Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Interlocal Agreement, several residents asked questions: Mary O'Neill asked about the advantages of a township joining versus leaving the fire agreement; Charles Smith sought clarification on language allowing new townships to join and found it ambiguous; Judy Janosik asked about advantages/disadvantages of Elmwood Township joining; and Kim Smith asked whether homeowner's insurance might decrease if Elmwood joined and whether there would be a charge for existing mutual aid coverage. Supervisor Comeaux responded to each, explaining budget impacts (approximately $300,000/year currently, with potential costs of $1.2 million if a township withdrew), the Mutual Aid Box System, and potential ISO Rating improvements.
In the second public comment period, Lisa Rossi-Brett thanked Comeaux for arranging street cleaning and noted the Polka Fest Committee agreed to pay half the cost; she also asked about porta-john cleaning frequency and noted GFL sponsorship providing trash cans. Rick Brett asked for clarification on road ownership behind Bunting's property (confirmed as a county road). Judy Janosik noted disappointment that newly purchased audio equipment was not being used, as she has difficulty hearing the board. Jeff Kozisek asked who was performing tree work at Vlack's Park (Deering's Tree Service). Karen Smith praised the Planning Commission's work incorporating public comment and asked about plans for painting the Solon Schoolhouse, also urging the board to remember Zoning Administrator Christina Deeren in budget considerations. Kelly Claar expressed interest in improvements to the schoolhouse. Warren Fuller noted that lead paint in the schoolhouse could be encapsulated. Mary O'Neill suggested involving the Historical Society, and Kelly Claar noted she had already been in contact with them.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Parks and Recreation Committee met July 29, 2025, at the Solon Schoolhouse with no public present. Kelly Claar suggested using the Solon Schoolhouse for meetings going forward. The committee worked on the Parks Ordinance and fee schedule. Kelly Claar reported attempting to contact Robyn Schmidt from EGLE regarding the Beach Park and river but had not received a response. The next Parks and Recreation meeting was scheduled for August 26, 2025.
Regarding Vlack's Park, the Forest Management Plan from Deering's Tree Service was received; terms remain unchanged from the original agreement. Work is planned to begin mid-September and conclude by the end of November, requiring a public notice that the park will be closed from September 15, 2025 to November 30, 2025. An updated agreement is to be signed and approved at the September meeting.
Regarding Beach Park, the board discussed complaints involving a neighbor who falsely reported a dog chasing ducks (later found untrue) and who was observed sitting intimidatingly near the oar house. The board discussed options including sending a letter, involving the township attorney, or contacting the Sheriff's Department, but determined it would be up to the Rowing Club to contact the Sheriff's Department directly. Shirley Mikowski asked Kelly Claar to inquire with EGLE about planting tall grass or installing a fence at Beach Park.
Kelly Claar thanked the Cedar Chamber of Commerce for repairing the tennis courts using volunteer labor (30 hours) and donated materials from Concrete Service, at no cost to the township.
Infrastructure Projects
Cell Tower: The board received consent judgment paperwork in litigation involving Harmoni (parent company of Verizon). Under the settlement, the tower will be 199 feet tall (reduced from a potential 249 feet), will have no lights, and Harmoni will pay the township a $5,000 impact fee to cover most legal costs. Equipment will be screened at ground level with landscaping. The board voted 5-0 to approve the consent judgment with terms provided by Harmoni and township federal attorney Michael J. Watza. Trustee Kelly Claar noted public concern about the tower; Supervisor Comeaux explained this is governed by federal law. Trustee Steve Morgan raised concerns about preventing similar situations in the future given that the Planning Commission had followed proper criteria for Special Land Use permits.
Cell Phones: Comeaux reported the cell phone contract would be finalized within the week, with phones included.
Fire Department/Interlocal Agreement: The board adopted Resolution 2025-08-14-1 (5-0 roll call vote) approving a 10-year Interlocal Agreement with Centerville, Cleveland, and Kasson Townships for the Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Fire Department, effective September 15, 2025 through September 15, 2035. Key changes include moving to a one-year budget cycle, adding language to allow additional townships to join, and establishing six-year board member terms.
Roads: Greg Bunting paid $12,105.00 for a road overlay; Comeaux will arrange for Elmer's to reimburse Bunting $6,000 and invoice the township. The Leelanau County Road Commission will clean streets in Cedar at a cost not to exceed $900 (approved by motion). Funding for bridge repairs on Alpine and White Roads has been rescinded; the Grand Traverse Band submitted an appeal and will receive priority when funds become available. The township discussed installing signage in the alley (township to pay) and inquiring about pricing for crosswalk painting in Cedar.
Other Business
The board approved changing the October regular meeting date from Thursday, October 9, 2025 to Wednesday, October 15, 2025 (5-0 vote).
Supervisor Comeaux stated he wants to hire a different attorney for the township; a proposal was received at the meeting and will be placed on the September agenda.
Joan Gauthier reported on cemetery damage from a July 6, 2025 accident; no headstones were broken, but corner fencing was partially broken and removed. Parks maintenance cleaned debris and leveled the ground with a tractor. Joan Gauthier believes the responsible party should pay for repairs; Steve Morgan suggested obtaining repair costs and contacting the responsible party or their insurance.
The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on the Landscape Ordinance with no public comment; the ordinance will be sent to the county. The Short Term Rental Draft Ordinance's Public Hearing was moved from September 3 to October 7, 2025, after attorney review and revisions. The Planning Commission also discussed the Master Plan and Future Land Use maps, agreeing to remove PUDs and revert to prior map configurations while keeping acreage the same and removing most commercial designations, based on public comment indicating residents prefer the township's current character.
Regarding the Whiteford Property Split, Zoning Administrator Christina Deeren reported meeting with builder Don DeMoulpied; two land surveys have been received, and the office is awaiting a 911 address from the county. The land division has been tentatively approved, with the actual split required by December 31, 2025.
Regarding a Zoning Ordinance question, Joan Gauthier asked about allowing accessory buildings (garage/barn) to be built before a house with a time limit for house completion. Christina Deeren explained enforcement difficulties and noted that accessory buildings may precede a house only on agriculturally zoned property used solely for agriculture, or when a garage is attached to the house.
Signage: Patrick Ivory completed all township signs at a total cost of $2,075 (Welcome to Cedar sign $500; Joe Vlack Park sign $550; two Beach Park signs and one Lake Shore sign $475; Maple City entrance sign $550).