Summary
The Solon Township Board met on February 13, 2025, with Supervisor Chris Comeaux, Clerk Shirley Mikowski, Trustee Kelly Claar, and Trustee Steve Morgan present; Treasurer Joan Gauthier was excused. The board approved the January minutes and treasurer's report, adopted several resolutions including salary increases for township officers, released the Master Plan for public review, adopted poverty exemption guidelines, approved a lease agreement with the Cedar Chamber of Commerce for the Polka Fest, approved a Forest Management Plan for Viack's Park, and scheduled the Annual Meeting, budget workshop, and Fiscal Year 2025-2026 meeting schedule. Significant discussion centered on the draft Short Term Rental Ordinance and the future structure of the Parks Committee.
Public Comments
Lisa Rossi reported on her annual meeting with the Leelanau County Sheriff's Department and the Director of Emergency Management, noting that Polka Fest plans were approved and letters for road closures would be provided by the Sheriff's Department and Fire Chief.
During the second public comment period:
- Laura Richardson stated she knows of about twelve short term rentals that do not use Vrbo or Airbnb and asked how those owners would come forward. She also asked when the Short Term Rental Ordinance would be posted, noting the website is not current. Christina Deeren/ZA recommended attending meetings and checking the website; Shirley Mikowski said the website would be updated soon.
- Scott Rollenhagen asked for clarification on how to get information about the proposed short term rental regulations and how to provide public input, and shared concerns about potential restrictions and the number of permits that may be allotted. Chris Comeaux responded that the goal is not to stop anyone currently operating a short term rental.
- Lisa Rossi noted that some townships give preference to homesteaded homes for short term rentals and argued that a proposed "two people per bedroom" limit does not reflect actual practice, citing an example of a three-bedroom home in Elmwood Township inspected by the health department that allows ten guests.
- Chris Platts asked where to direct questions about the ordinance before the Public Hearing; he was told he could contact Christina Deeren/ZA.
- Lisa Rossi asked whether the board would address allowing food trucks before summer, noting there is currently no ordinance permitting them and citing a lack of eating establishments in the area. This topic will be added to a future agenda.
- Lisa Rossi said the Polka Fest Committee will have a representative give monthly reports to the board; Steve Yoder will report in March since she will be unavailable.
- Denis Garvin raised concerns about short term rental properties being considered commercial use. Christina Deeren/ZA confirmed it is considered a commercial use of a residential property.
- Katie Bertodatto (Golden Swan Management, Michigan Short Term Association) agreed a Fireworks Ordinance should be adopted before the Short Term Rental Ordinance and recommended, among other things, that children be exempt when calculating guests per bedroom.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Kelly Claar reported the Parks and Recreation Committee met January 28, 2025, with two members and several guests present. Mary Taylor formally resigned from the committee via email. Melinda Lautner expressed interest in joining. The committee spent several hours working with Christina Deeren/ZA on the Parks Ordinance. Kelly will update parks information on the township website. The committee has raised $17,043.95 through tai chi classes and pop can recycling. The next meeting is scheduled for February 25, 2025.
Regarding Viack's Park, Kelly Claar obtained a quote from Deering Tree Service for an inclusive 20-year Forest Management Plan for $1,800, which could be waived if paired with a Timber Harvest Agreement (quoted at $21,000). She also obtained a competing quote of $4,700 for a plan without timber harvest, and had not heard back from a third provider. Motion by Chris Comeaux, seconded by Steve Morgan, to approve the Deering Tree Service Forester to draw up a Forest Management Plan for $1,800, funded from the Parks Improvement Fund. Motion carried 4-0.
Extensive discussion took place regarding the Park Ordinance and the future structure of park management. Christina Deeren/ZA advised the board needs to decide whether to keep a volunteer committee or move to a paid commission or employee model, noting the 2008 ordinance allows for a paid commission. Chris Comeaux suggested surveying residents on how to fund parks and buildings and proposed dissolving the Parks Committee immediately. Kelly Claar, who has served five years on the committee, felt five years of volunteer service was enough but did not explicitly take a position on dissolution. Steve Morgan said affordability of an employee needs to go through the budget process. Shirley Mikowski opposed dissolving the committee until a plan is fully worked out. No formal vote was taken; the matter will be addressed at the budget meeting.
The Parks Fence item was tabled, as was the SMART/Objective/Short and Long Term Goals item.
Infrastructure Projects
The Cedar River Project, including Buoys and Navigable Cedar River items, was tabled. The Sewer System Proposals item was also tabled.
Other Business
- Planning Commission (reported by Steve Morgan): approved meeting dates for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and discussed Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
- Township Hall wall repair: Shirley Mikowski reported LRM contractor Colby Thoreson will begin work in spring; the township is responsible for permits.
- Township Office: Corey Flaska of Leelanau Construction conducted a walkthrough with Joan Gauthier and provided plan prints for board review.
- Fire Department: The Fire Chief's contract was negotiated with salary now in line with neighboring departments; the board went into closed session to discuss benefits. A meeting on the Interlocal Agreement with four township supervisors is scheduled for February 26, 2025. Chris Comeaux's term as Solon Township's representative on the Cedar Area Fire & Rescue Fire Board ends March 31, 2025, and reappointment will be addressed at the March meeting.
- Bunting's/Road: Chris Comeaux was unable to find contact information for John from the Solid Waste Council.
- Cemetery and Landscape Ordinance items were tabled.
- Short Term Rentals: The board reviewed a draft ordinance prepared by Christina Deeren/ZA, modeled on neighboring townships. Christina recommended a Fireworks Ordinance be adopted first. Steve Morgan has a vetted Fireworks Ordinance and a supporting Sheriff's Department letter to forward to Shirley Mikowski. Discussion covered the proposed cap of 45 permits (derived from current Airbnb/Vrbo listings), with Christina to research total properties to refine the number. No grandfathering will be allowed since no prior ordinance existed; permits will be first come, first served. The Zoning Administrator will enforce the ordinance, with permit fees to reflect enforcement costs.
- Master Plan: Resolution No. 2025-01-09-01 was repealed and replaced by Resolution No. 2025-02-13-1, correctly authorizing release of the Master Plan for a 63-day public review period (Planning Commission, not the township board, will hold the first Public Hearing). Adopted by roll call vote 4-0.
- Cedar Chamber of Commerce/Polka Fest: Motion by Steve Morgan, seconded by Kelly Claar, approved a Property Lease Agreement for use of Railroad Avenue and the parking area near the Fire Station for the Cedar Polka Fest (August 22-23, 2025) for a fee of $1.00. Motion carried 4-0.
- Poverty Exemption Resolution: Resolution No. 2025-02-13-2 adopted, setting annual poverty exemption income guidelines and asset test policy. Adopted by roll call vote 4-0.
- Annual Meeting: Set for Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 10:00 A.M.
- Budget Meeting: Scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6:00 P.M.
- Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Meeting Schedule: Approved for the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 P.M., with the Annual Meeting set for March 28, 2026. Motion carried 4-0.
- Announcement: Kelly Claar announced a Maple Syrup workshop hosted by the Leelanau Conservation District on February 27, 2025.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Joan Gauthier's report (submitted in absentia) detailed disbursement of tax collection fund revenue for summer (July 1, 2024–January 31, 2025) and winter (December 1, 2024–January 31, 2025) periods. The Fire Fund CD of $64,197.00 is up for renewal; Joan will seek the best available rate.
Key account balances reported:
- Huntington Bank Checking: $55,997.55 (including ARPA Funds of $9,000.66; Available in Checking: $46,996.89)
- Huntington Bank General Savings: $213,812.01
- General Savings CDs (renewed at 3.55%): $106,716.05 and $52,161.94
- Total General Savings: $372,690.00
- Total Funds Available: $419,686.89
- Road Improvement Fund: $10,407.67 plus CD of $5,120.12 (Total: $15,527.79)
- Fire Fund Savings: $11,255.08; Fire Fund CDs (renewed at 4.2% and 3.55%): $64,197.00 and $47,791.43 (Total Fire Sinking: $123,243.51)
- Sidewalk Fund: $11,649.97 plus CD of $8,307.84 (Total: $19,957.81)
- Total Other Township Funds Available: $158,729.11
- Total Current Assets: $578,416.00
- Non-Township Funds: Cedar River Marina Project $10,064.25 plus CD $15,153.68 (Total Cedar River: $25,217.93); Parks and Recreation $7,923.95 plus CD $10,216.19 (Total Parks and Recreation Fund: $18,140.14)