Summary
The Solon Township Board met on November 13, 2025, with all five board members present. The board approved the agenda and October minutes, accepted the Treasurer's report and vouchers, and reviewed committee reports from Parks and Recreation and the Planning Commission. Key actions included scheduling Public Hearings for the Draft Landscape Ordinance and Draft Parks Ordinance at the December 11, 2025 meeting, discussing ongoing concerns about the Master Plan, and receiving updates on the Cedar Fire Department building assessment, cell tower litigation, and cemetery seeding.
Public Comments
Mary O'Neill praised the newly completed retaining wall at the Township Hall and suggested holding a contest to have people draw on or sign it to make it more interesting.
Corey Flaska expressed strong concerns about the Master Plan's advancement, stating he believes his land rights have been taken from him. He noted the Planning Commission has worked on the Master Plan for six years and recently approved one paragraph to move it forward. He has obtained legal counsel. He is concerned there is no future growth plan for the township and that the township lacks funding. He also raised concerns about needing a Special Use Permit and Public Hearing before the Planning Commission and township board to use the old bank building, and said he cannot even put a new roof on it under the current Zoning Ordinance.
Melinda Lautner raised concerns about a rumored new fire barn being built by Kasson Township and stated she believed Cleveland and Kasson Townships each received 25% of the Cedar Fire Department without payment. She also mentioned rumors about tearing down the Cedar fire barn. She expressed concern about growth and single-home development in Solon Township and stated she does not want the township to become a "dumping ground for affordable housing." In a later public comment, she reiterated wanting new housing kept to a 5-acre minimum and housing kept to a minimum, and thanked Kelly Claar and Christina Deeren for their work on the Parks Ordinance. She also commented on the Empire Museum and expressed interest in bringing items back to the township's schoolhouse, and noted the Leelanau County Campus is entirely non-tobacco.
Joy Johnson asked about the next Fire Board meeting date; it was confirmed for Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. at the fire station.
Renee Lemcool voiced support for the no-smoking provision in the Parks Ordinance, while acknowledging Joan Gauthier's differing opinion.
Steve Morgan responded to concerns about the Master Plan process, stating the Planning Commission has not "slow rolled" anything, that the Master Plan has involved significant public input and debate, and that the PC's pace slowed due to being tasked with other work. He praised Christina Deeren/ZA's efforts.
Kelly Claar commented that the board accomplished a great deal in its first year without dedicated staff, praising Christina Deeren/ZA's work on new ordinances despite part-time capacity.
Chris Comeaux reported that PC Chair Steve Yoder called to apologize for an oversight regarding his own short-term rental, which he has since removed from operation.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Kelly Claar reported the Parks and Recreation Committee met October 28, 2025, with one guest present. Deering Tree Service began logging at Vlack's Park and payment has been sent. The Leelanau County Road Commission delivered Road Close signs for a small fee, and Shirley Mikowski is ordering "Park Closed" signs. There was no update on the Beach Park neighbor/fence issue. Several people have expressed interest in joining the Parks Committee when appointments are made in December. The next Parks Committee meeting is scheduled for November 25, 2025 at 6:00 P.M.
Regarding Beach Park, Joan Gauthier reported GT Maintenance removed the dock, charging $380.00, with the fee increasing to $400.00 next year.
The board discussed and approved changes to the Parks Ordinance, including: prohibiting removal of down wood and cutting trees without township board permission; striking the prohibition on horses (Section 11.D); and adding "playground" to Section 10.9. Joan Gauthier voiced continued disagreement with prohibiting smoking/vaping in parks (or requested designated areas) and asked about enforcement; Steve Morgan indicated enforcement would be complaint-driven. Motion by Shirley Mikowski, seconded by Steve Morgan, to hold a Public Hearing on the Draft Parks Ordinance at the December 11, 2025 meeting at 6:30 P.M. Motion carried 5-0. The board thanked the Parks Committee and Christina Deeren/ZA for their work on the ordinance.
There was also discussion of the Parks Improvement Fund ($20,000.00) and Parks and Recreation Fund ($21,309.48 total, including a $10,398.53 CD) as part of the Treasurer's report.
Infrastructure Projects
Fire Department Building: Chris Comeaux reported making a statement at the last fire board meeting emphasizing unity ("if we are going to stay together, we need to act together"). He is committed to preserving the Cedar Fire Department building and has arranged for a building assessment to determine whether it can be remodeled or needs to be rebuilt. He noted a possible need to slightly increase the current millage to cover building upgrades. He stated the township will not fund another building until its own is addressed. Kasson Township's board approved moving forward with a new fire barn at their last meeting; Comeaux noted Solon does not have to fund a new building if the Fire Board does not approve it.
Cell Tower: Chris Comeaux received a copy of the consent judgment from the U.S. District Court that has been entered. A payment of $5,000.00 from Harmoni is expected electronically by November 15, 2025.
Cemetery: Brian Weber of Weber Excavating advised it is too late in the season to seed the cemetery; this item was tabled until March.
Other Business
Township Hall Wall Repair: LRM completed the wall repair on the south side of the Township Hall; this item was removed from the agenda. The Township Office item remains tabled.
Short Term Rental Ordinance: The Planning Commission reviewed attorney changes, including reducing sleeping capacity from four per bedroom to two, removing Section 28.05 #10, and simplifying Sections 28.19 and 28.20 (Christina Deeren/ZA to clarify the application process, including verification of living standards).
Food Truck Ordinance: The attorney made minor changes; a Public Hearing on the Draft Food Truck Ordinance will be held at the Planning Commission's December meeting.
Landscape Ordinance: Motion by Steve Morgan, seconded by Kelly Claar, to hold a Public Hearing on the Draft Landscape Ordinance at the December 11, 2025 meeting at 6:15 P.M. Motion carried 5-0.
Cell Phones: Chris Comeaux clarified that last month's high bill (~$400.00) included activation fees; monthly charges should return to originally approved amounts. Phones have been distributed to board members. Shirley Mikowski will update the website with new numbers and email addresses.
Cedar Chamber of Commerce/Polka Fest: Renee Lemcool, interim Vice President, reported the Chamber will not sponsor Light Up Cedar this year due to budget allocations toward tennis court repairs and other items, but hopes to resume next year. New lights have been ordered. Chamber members will still decorate the tree and lights will be turned on the Friday after Thanksgiving; other unsponsored events may occur.
Light Up Cedar/St. Nicholas Day Event: Kathleen Bittner of the Polish Art Center proposed a St. Nicholas Day event on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 4:30–6:30 P.M., potentially on Lemcool's empty lot, featuring treats, ornament-making, a fire pit, and possibly carolers from Holy Rosary choir. Renee Lemcool noted St. Mary's may bring a live nativity. The board agreed no board approval is needed since it is private property; Chris Comeaux asked organizers to notify the Fire Chief if an open fire will be used.
Zoning Ordinance: Joan Gauthier questioned whether Business-1 zoning requires a Special Use Permit. Christina Deeren/ZA confirmed both Business-1 and Business-2 require a Special Use Permit, as there is no use by right, and this has been the case for many years.
MTA/Board Policies: Remains tabled.
Master Plan: Christina Deeren/ZA confirmed the Master Plan will return to the Planning Commission agenda in December.
Empire Museum: Shirley Mikowski reported, following conversation with Diane Taghon, that the museum is not closing after receiving a large inheritance that will sustain operations for years. Private tours are available.
Financial Summary
Joan Gauthier renewed a Fire Fund CD for four months at 3%. ARPA funds were used to pay LRM. Reported balances included: Huntington Bank Checking $43,655.76; General Savings (2010) $74,194.94; General Savings CDs totaling $161,704.32 (combined with checking for Total Funds Available: $279,555.02); Road Improvement Fund totaling $30,640.90; Fire Fund Savings and CDs totaling $163,302.98; Sidewalk Fund totaling $18,914.60; Parks Improvement Fund $20,000.00; Total Other Township Funds Available: $232,858.48; Total Current Assets: $512,413.50. Non-Township funds included Cedar River Marina Project funds totaling $25,505.74 and Parks and Recreation Fund totaling $21,309.48.