Summary
The Solon Township Board held its regular meeting on December 5, 2024, with all board members present: Supervisor Chris Comeaux, Treasurer Joan Gauthier, Clerk Shirley Mikowski, Trustee Kelly Claar, and Trustee Steve Morgan. Key actions included approving a revised Property Lease Agreement with the Cedar Chamber of Commerce/Cedar Polka Fest for use of the tennis courts, approving several committee and board appointments, appointing Kelly Claar as Deputy Treasurer, and approving a tax collection agreement with Northwest Education Services for the Glen Lake School District. The board also discussed ongoing infrastructure and parks projects, including the Cedar River project, Vlack's Park forestry management, and road repairs near Bunting's.
Public Comments
Lisa Brett, Executive Director of the Cedar Polka Fest, read a prepared statement (attached to the minutes) detailing the Chamber of Commerce's community contributions and investments in Solon Township from 2022-2024, including scholarships, event sponsorships, and infrastructure support such as electrical upgrades to the tennis courts.
Cindy Gale, a Cedar business owner, welcomed the new board members and expressed hope for a strong partnership with the board. She noted that a $1.00 lease fee is not enough compensation for use of township property, but expressed hope that the board's decision on the fee structure would be fair and equitable for everyone.
Later in the meeting, Karen Smith commented that this meeting featured the most lively board interaction she had seen in her six years of attendance. Mary Taylor reported that twenty-four people are enrolled in Tai Chi, and the board congratulated her. Kelly Claar asked about the schedule for board meetings for the upcoming year, which are typically set in February for the following fiscal year. Chris Comeaux apologized for any missteps in his first meeting as supervisor and thanked attendees for their patience; the board commended him for his performance.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Mary Taylor reported that the Parks and Recreation Committee did not meet in November due to member absences. The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. at the Solon Township Hall. Mary noted that different township properties have different uses and should be treated accordingly when establishing fees, and asked that the Parks Committee be notified of any concerns regarding the parks.
The board discussed updating the Parks Ordinance, noting a well-written 2008 version had been located that needs updating. The Parks Committee will work with the Planning Commission on this update.
Regarding Vlack's Park, Kelly Claar raised concerns about a proposed Forester Management Plan from Deering's Tree Service, stating the plan amounted to a timber harvest rather than true forest management. She plans to consult the Conservation District Forester and two other foresters, with an update expected at the next meeting. Joan Gauthier asked about logs placed in the park for jumps; Kelly noted she gave Dale Gauthier a camera to monitor the park, with Dale waiting until after deer season. Kelly also asked about plans for cement pillars proposed by Pat Deering; Shirley Mikowski will follow up with Pat.
The park fence project is on hold until spring.
The board appointed Mary Taylor, Kim Smith, Melinda Lautner, and Kelly Claar to the Parks and Recreation Committee for a one-year term ending 12/31/2025 (motion by Chris Comeaux, seconded by Joan Gauthier; motion carried 5-0). Mary Taylor reminded the board that approved Parks and Recreation Committee policy requires staggered terms for committee members.
Infrastructure Projects
Cedar River Project: Joan Gauthier reported that weeping willows along the Cedar River need trimming; Dale Gauthier obtained an estimate of $1,500.00 from Josh Deering of Deering's Tree Service, who can complete the work this winter. Joan also noted that benches near the river need replacement, to be discussed at budget time. Ray Pleva contacted Chris Comeaux requesting the board's continued support for the Cedar River Project, with public bathrooms by the river as the main priority. Shirley Mikowski will contact Schaub Outdoor to confirm plowing service by the river and township hall.
There was no report on the Cedar River buoys. Joan Gauthier reported the Cedar River Committee continues gathering information on why the river needs to be navigable, having reached out to Anthony Kendall of Michigan State University and others for advice; more work remains.
Bunting's Road: Joan Gauthier reported it will cost the township $30,000.00 to repair the road behind Bunting's, which per Brendan Mullane is not a county road. The county will meet January 8, 2025, and needs to know by December 27, 2024 whether the township will fund the repair. Chris Comeaux will contact the county.
Alley Issue: Joan Gauthier reported ongoing problems with vehicles blocking the alley at the Nelson Street entry (not the Kasson Street entry), sometimes with two to three vehicles at once. Joan had previously contacted Officer Mary Patterson of the Leelanau County Sheriff's Department but received no recent response. Brendan Mullane of the Leelanau County Road Commission confirmed the alley is not certified by the county, giving them no jurisdiction; it is platted as public access, with sign placement and fine authority resting with the township. The Road Commission is willing to install signs if the township covers costs of signs, labor, and language, estimated at $500.00-$1,500.00 depending on sign number and wording. Steve Morgan agreed to contact Mary Patterson.
Sewer System Proposals: Steve Yoder indicated he would forward information to the board regarding a company he has been working with on a sewer system proposal. Chris Comeaux will follow up with Steve Yoder.
Township Hall Repairs: The well/B&Z Well Drilling item was removed from the agenda. Wall repair is awaiting LRM to begin the project. The Township Office project is awaiting start by Leelanau Construction.
Other Business
The board approved the agenda with additions and modifications, including adding Northwest Education Services and moving the Cedar Chamber of Commerce/Polka Fest item, and removing the Well/B&Z Well Drilling item (motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Steve Morgan; carried 5-0).
The November 14, 2024 regular meeting minutes were approved as written (motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Shirley Mikowski; carried 5-0).
Correspondence included a donation request from the Lake Leelanau Lake Association and a Thanksgiving card from Fleis & Vandenbrink.
Steve Morgan reported he cancelled the December Planning Commission meeting due to a shortage of members following Todd Yeoman's resignation and Steve Yoder no longer being on the township board.
Fire Department: Chris Comeaux reported the union contract is nearly finalized, pending one sentence for union ratification; the contract reflects comparisons with neighboring fire departments and will strain the budget but should not require a millage increase. Elmwood Township's supervisor has opened discussions about joining the fire department, noting their budget is similar to Solon's. The department is slightly under budget, and an exploratory committee is examining finances and location options for a second station. The four township supervisors are scheduled to meet December 17, 2024, to discuss the Interlocal Agreement.
The cemetery project is on hold until spring.
Short Term Rentals: Christina Deeren/ZA was unable to attend due to weather; this topic will be discussed at the next Planning Commission meeting.
Appointments: The board approved appointing Steve Yoder and Edie Glynn to the Planning Commission for three-year terms ending 12/31/2027; Rich Nachazel as Sexton for one year; Steve Morgan as board representative to the Planning Commission with a term ending 11/20/2028; and James Claar as Township Hall Custodian for one year. All motions were made by Chris Comeaux and seconded by Joan Gauthier (except the Custodian appointment, seconded by Steve Morgan), and all carried 5-0. Zoning Board of Appeals and Board of Review appointments will be addressed at the January meeting.
The Light Up Cedar Event was listed on the agenda with no further details recorded.
The board approved appointing Trustee Kelly Claar as Deputy Treasurer under Treasurer Joan Gauthier, following confirmation from MTA that this arrangement is not a conflict, and the township attorney did not object (motion by Shirley Mikowski, seconded by Steve Morgan; carried 5-0).
Kelly Claar, Steve Morgan, and Chris Comeaux plan to attend the New Public Official Seminar through MTA this month.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer's Report showed the following balances: Huntington Bank Checking $77,656.11 (including ARPA Funds $9,000.66), Available in Checking Account $68,655.45, Huntington Bank General Savings $33,793.57, General Savings CDs totaling $158,878.99, Total General Savings $192,671.56, Total Funds Available $261,327.01. Additional funds included Road Improvement Fund and CD totaling $15,521.15, Fire Fund savings and CDs totaling $123,236.33, and Sidewalk Fund totaling $19,950.37, bringing Total Other Township Funds Available to $158,707.85 and Total Current Assets to $420,034.86. Non-township funds included the Cedar River Marina Project account and CD totaling $25,211.51, and Parks and Recreation Fund and CD totaling $16,290.14. Vouchers #15735-15758 were submitted for payment. The Treasurer's report and voucher payments were approved (motion by Steve Morgan, seconded by Shirley Mikowski; carried 5-0).