Summary
The Solon Township Board met on May 8, 2025, with all five board members present. The meeting covered insurance review, treasurer's report, committee updates from the Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Committee, and extended discussion on unfinished business including township hall repairs, park projects, fire department matters, sewer system proposals, short term rental regulations, and a draft Food Truck Ordinance. Several motions were approved unanimously (5-0), including approval of the agenda, prior minutes, treasurer's report, and a memorial bench donation at Beach Park. Significant public comment was heard regarding short term rentals and food trucks, with the board indicating it would take time to develop appropriate ordinances.
Public Comments
Lisa Rossi-Brett raised concerns twice during the meeting. Early in the meeting, she noted the bench in front of Bunting's Cedar Market cannot be repaired and suggested it could possibly be replaced by a Cedar Chamber of Commerce sponsor, though not until fall. Later, she stated the bench is shattered, dangerous, and an eyesore, likely damaged by a Good Samaritan plowing sidewalks since no one was maintaining them; she said the Chamber offered removal weeks ago but received no response, and requested better communication going forward. Chris Comeaux responded that public works maintenance is not the Chamber's responsibility, and noted the township is underfunded relative to its needs. She also commented on Short Term Rental ordinances in other townships requiring a contact person to respond within 30 minutes and neighbor notification, and asked whether businesses could have food trucks on their own property, noting the previous zoning administrator said they could.
Dan Lynch introduced himself as the individual rumored to be building a helicopter pad, clarifying he is not from California, has visited the area for years, purchased 40 acres on Kasson Road, and plans to build three homes for personal residence rather than commercial use.
Katy Bertodatto, a short term rental industry professional with a decade of experience, stated she has not seen short term rentals regulated via a Police Power Ordinance elsewhere and suggested existing ordinances could address issues as with any residential property. She offered to assist the board.
Rachel Zemanek, owner of the Folded Leaf Book Store, advocated for allowing food trucks, stating it would support community growth and address the lack of food options in Cedar.
Renee Spalding, co-owner of Lemcool Heating and Cooling and owner of a large vacant lot in Cedar, expressed interest in placing one or two food trucks on her lot with live music and potentially beer/wine service in the future, contingent on septic capability. She also argued short term rentals should not be regulated via a Police Power Ordinance and objected to placing enforcement responsibility solely on the Zoning Administrator. She requested draft ordinances be made available for public comment before adoption.
Jamie Jewell, representing a client with a short term rental, expressed concern over delays in finalizing an ordinance.
Blake Vidor voiced support for less restrictive ordinances and requested the draft ordinance be made public for comment.
Kimberly Robinson asked why food trucks could not operate under the status quo while an ordinance is developed, paralleling the treatment of short term rentals; Chris Comeaux declined to engage in back-and-forth discussion.
Steve Yoder noted he receives significant public input on both short term rentals and the Master Plan, and recommended regulating food truck noise by decibel level rather than banning live music outright.
Chris Comeaux responded to several commenters that the board intends to take its time crafting appropriate ordinances, potentially up to a year, while continuing to allow existing short term rentals to operate.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Kelly Claar reported the Parks and Recreation Committee met April 25, 2025, reviewing the Draft Food Truck Ordinance and researching park use for special events, ball leagues, and fee schedules. A special meeting was scheduled for May 13, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. to discuss fees; Clerk Shirley Mikowski recommended not labeling it a "special meeting" due to notice and topic restrictions.
Kelly Claar reported that establishing a formal Parks Commission requires a petition signed by at least 8% of registered voters, after which the board must place the question before voters at the next regular election. She will consult the MTA attorney for further clarification.
Certified mulch is needed for the playground; Kelly will send ordering information to Shirley Mikowski.
Regarding Vlack's Park, Kelly Claar met with Joe from Deering's Tree Service to plan a forestry management cutting of red pines, with replanting of white pines and other trees. Work is planned for September, with a possible park closure notice to be published. Some stumps will be left to form a natural barrier at the park entrance; Chris Comeaux expressed concern about this but the consensus was not to delay the work. No soil erosion permit will be required.
The board approved (motion by Kelly Claar, seconded by Joan Gauthier, carried 5-0) a request from the Brzezinski family to donate a memorial bench in honor of Gerri Brzezinski at Solon Township Beach Park, with the family responsible for maintenance.
Dale Gauthier met with Straight Line Fence regarding installing a fence at Beach Park; a price quote is forthcoming.
Joan Gauthier suggested seeking donated benches and picnic tables for Cedar, with donor plaques; Kelly Claar said the Parks Committee will compile a list of needed items.
The Draft Food Truck Ordinance, prepared by Christina Deeren/ZA, was discussed at length. Joan Gauthier generally supported it but objected to the prohibition on live music. Chris Comeaux suggested allowing food trucks at the old recycling site to generate revenue. Kelly Claar objected, stating this would conflict with previously drawn park plans that were never board-approved. Steve Morgan supported trying the concept.
Infrastructure Projects
Steve Yoder reported ongoing work to obtain a sewer system proposal from SludgeHammer, which brought in Performance Engineering, a Charlevoix consulting firm. The firm's primary concern is funding; Steve Yoder requested early notice if costs are high and has provided them with a prior sewer study from Fleis & Vandenbrink. A cost and proposal are pending.
The Planning Commission approved scheduling a Public Hearing on June 3, 2025, for a Harmoni Towers application to place a Verizon cell tower on Gallivan Road.
Regarding Bunting's/Road matters, Chris Comeaux spoke with Greg Bunting and is awaiting a response from Brendan Mullane of the Leelanau County Road Commission on whether the county will support a proposal for the Road Commission to contribute labor and materials instead of cash payment, potentially reducing costs by one-third.
Correspondence noted that Steve Morgan received information indicating the county took over an alley in 1938 without certification; the township attorney confirmed the alley belongs to the county and the township has no authority over it.
Other Business
Paul Olson, the township's insurance representative from Municipal Underwriters of Michigan (insuring the township for 40 years), reported rising insurance costs over the past three years due to catastrophic weather, with hopes costs will level off in early 2026. He reviewed township coverage and recommended the board explore available grants from Municipal Underwriters of Michigan.
The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on the Draft Master Plan on April 15, 2025; the majority of public comment opposed proposed changes to the Future Land Use Maps, and further discussion was tabled. At the May 6, 2025 meeting, the Planning Commission approved scheduling a Public Hearing for June 3, 2025, on a Zelinski rezoning application (Agricultural Conservation to Business 2) on Allgaier Road. Due to resident opposition to high-density development, the Commission decided to eliminate PUDs from the Future Land Use Maps and Zoning Ordinance. Changes to the Landscape Ordinance by Christina Deeren/ZA were also discussed. Joan Gauthier noted the township needs a microphone system for hearings; Chris Comeaux will look into this.
Regarding Township Hall repairs, Shirley Mikowski is working with Colby Thoreson of LRM on wall repair and is obtaining a permit from the Leelanau Conservation District. Chris Comeaux met with Corey Flaska of Leelanau Construction regarding the township office project; Flaska is open to reallocating the existing deposit to a different project if the board does not proceed.
Fire Department updates: Kasson Township is moving forward with building a second fire station, with Solon Township not financially responsible for construction, though the department must determine funding and staffing (estimated three years to completion). Discussions continue with Elmwood Township regarding joining the fire department. Regarding the Interlocal Agreement, Kasson Township's attorney raised language concerns, which were reviewed by fire department attorney David Bieganowski, who determined the language is acceptable. Chris Comeaux will forward Kasson Township's concerns to the board.