Summary
The Solon Township Board met on August 15, 2024, with Clerk Shirley Mikowski calling the meeting to order in the absence of Supervisor Jim Lautner; Steve Yoder was appointed to chair the meeting. The board addressed a large public turnout largely concerned with proposed density changes in the draft Master Plan, approved distribution of the draft Master Plan to outside agencies for a 63-day comment period, adopted a resolution requesting a speed study on Rosinski Road, approved removal of the dock at Perrins Landing, approved a food truck for a one-day Horse Rescue Event fundraiser, and changed the December board meeting date. Several infrastructure and parks matters remain unresolved and were carried forward, including the alley closure question, well repairs at the Township Hall, and the Cedar River navigability project.
Public Comments
Jean Popa submitted a written letter (attached) opposing the proposed rezoning of her area on E. Popa Rd. to ¼-acre density, describing the road as family-friendly and expressing concern that residents were not adequately informed of the proposal. She noted that she and neighbors had been told the change was about a year out but wanted opposition on record.
Heather and Ryan Schut, residents of Popa Road, stated they support affordable housing generally but oppose the ¼-acre density change for their area, saying they only learned of the proposal two weeks prior and felt the township was "trying to push this through quietly."
Larry Petroskey, a property owner along South Cedar Road and trustee of a 100-year family property, strongly opposed the ¼-acre density on the Future Land Use maps.
Tom Christensen, a former Planning Commission member, supported the Commission's work and advocated for keeping density at 2-5 acre parcels rather than ¼ acre. He also raised a concern that Blarney Castle on M-72 may not be in compliance with the Sign Ordinance.
Mary O'Neill, a longtime attendee of Planning Commission meetings, encouraged residents to attend those meetings for better understanding of the process. She suggested (as a proposal, not a board decision) that the township use $15,000-$20,000 of ARPA Funds to hire a professional consultant to assist the Planning Commission.
Debra Bunek submitted written comments (attached), though the specific content is not detailed in the minutes beyond being referenced.
Corey Flaska, a local developer with property on Popa Road and M-72, said he has participated in the density discussion process for five years. He opposed ¼-acre density on Popa Road (a family road) but supported it along M-72, which he said is already equipped to handle additional traffic. He clarified the ¼-acre density on the Future Land Use map pertains to Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), which require a minimum of 10 acres and a rigorous approval process.
During the second public comment period: Rick Brett noted a parked car had been in the alley five years ago. Corey Flaska stated he believes the alley in question belongs to the Leelanau County Road Commission and that closing it would require circuit court action. Larry Petroskey asked whether the Future Land Use maps on the township website are current; he was told they are not. Barb Brooks asked who petitioned the township to change the density; Steve Yoder responded that no one petitioned - it arose from Planning Commission discussion. Lisa Rossi announced the Cedar Chamber of Commerce will reimburse the township for use of two porta-johns and two trash cans near the tennis courts during the Polka Fest event. Barb Brooks pressed further on how the density discussion originated; Steve Yoder said public comment is not the venue for questions and answers and offered to discuss after the meeting.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Master Plan update includes proposed ¼-acre density in certain areas (including near Popa Road and South Cedar Road), which several residents linked to addressing a shortage of affordable housing in Leelanau County. Multiple residents voiced opposition to the density change in their specific areas, while developer Corey Flaska supported higher density along M-72 rather than Popa Road. Mary O'Neill proposed hiring a professional consultant using ARPA funds to assist the Planning Commission, though no board action was taken on this suggestion. No board decisions were made on the density proposal itself; comments will be forwarded to the Planning Commission for further discussion.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Solon Beach Park Fence: Joan Gauthier reported a complaint from a non-resident about newly installed fence sections; the fence was installed in response to noise complaints. Dale Gauthier reported the park is ready for Apple Fence Company to install additional fencing; Shirley Mikowski will contact the company.
Viack's Park: No replacement has been found for David Bradshaw to head the project. Pat Deering will investigate harvesting red pines and report back at the next meeting. Michael Ulrich contacted the committee regarding a forest management plan.
Ballfield Lights/Scoreboard: Rick Brett (Cedar Chamber of Commerce) reported all bulbs have been replaced, but some issues remain.
Park Ordinance: Joan Gauthier searched for the Parks Ordinance approved in 2008 but could not locate it.
Perrins Landing: The board agreed the dock should be removed due to liability concerns after Rick and Lisa Brett inspected it. Motion by Steve Yoder, seconded by Joan Gauthier, to hire someone to remove the dock. Motion carried 4-0. Joan Gauthier will contact Grand Traverse Maintenance regarding removal.
Infrastructure Projects
Cedar River Project: No report on buoys. Regarding navigability, Joan Gauthier and her husband toured the river with Rick and Lisa Brett and observed significant changes (wider, weed-choked) compared to 50 years ago. Joan contacted the Leelanau Historical Society for historical photos to help certify the river's navigability.
Bunting's/Road: Joan Gauthier followed up with Brendan Mullane of the Leelanau County Road Commission after providing contact information for Bill Bailey (Bunting's manager); no response received yet.
Rosinski Road Resolution: The board adopted Resolution No. 2024-08-15 requesting the Leelanau County Road Commission conduct a speed study on Rosinski Road (Solon and Centerville Townships) to determine if the current 55 MPH limit should be reduced, and to forward findings to Michigan State Police and the Leelanau County Sheriff's Department. Motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Shirley Mikowski. Roll call vote: Yoder-yea, Deering-yea, Gauthier-yea, Mikowski-yea (4-0). Resolution adopted.
Sewer System Proposals: Steve Yoder reported the contacted company's team is currently working on an island project and will follow up with the township upon their return.
Township Hall Well: Shirley Mikowski reported that B&Z Well Drilling (John Zientek) will send someone to address ongoing sand in toilets and air in lines.
Township Hall Wall Repair: Pat Deering instructed LRM Concrete and Excavation Services to delay the project until after Polka Fest; the project remains scheduled.
Other Business
Alley/Matt Hill: Resident Matt Hill asked the board to decide whether to open or formally close an alley between two properties he owns, citing a car parked without a license plate since May and use of part of the alley as a driveway. Fire Chief Doornbos confirmed the alley is not needed for emergency access. Shirley Mikowski will consult the township attorney on the closure process. No decision was made; the matter remains open, and a later commenter suggested the alley may belong to the Road Commission, requiring circuit court action to close.
Committee Reports: The Planning Commission is developing ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) language requiring a minimum five-acre parcel, 15-foot setback, 1,000 sq ft maximum, with no short-term rental or commercial use allowed. The Landscape Ordinance is being downsized to about 1/4 of its original proposed scope. Zoning Administrator Christina Deeren confirmed no additional signage is allowed beyond what is grandfathered for agriculturally zoned properties.
Township Office: Paperwork remains incomplete; Steve Yoder will review it. Work on the offices likely will not begin until winter. Joan Gauthier's brother donated two red rolling carts to the township.
Fire Department: No update on the Interlocal Agreement. Chris Comeaux reported Kasson Township continues progress on a new fire station (documents received from Environmental Architects, Chief Doornbos received $31,500 in grant funding for turnout gear allowing all full-time employees a second set), Williams and Bay will report on holding tanks next month, and the draft audit was approved with auditors attending next month's meeting.
Master Plan: The board is at step 7 of 21 in the MSU Extension Land Use Series process. Motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Pat Deering, to authorize the Planning Commission secretary to distribute the draft Master Plan to surrounding governments and agencies for a 63-day comment period. Motion carried 4-0.
December Meeting Date Change: Motion by Joan Gauthier, seconded by Shirley Mikowski, to move the December meeting from December 12 to December 5, 2024. Motion carried 4-0.