Solon Council Approves Crisis Program, Staff Policy Updates at May Meeting

Solon City Council met May 18, approving a wave of new legislation ranging from employee benefits updates to a crisis response partnership, while council members and a resident sparked a meaningful discussion about community recognition of heritage months. Planning Commission Consent Items Three planning commission items came before council for approval, all passing unanimously. Windy Hill Lane Garage Variance Edgar Marquina of 37125 Windy Hill Lane received council approval for a 16-foot side yard setback variance to construct a detached garage. The Planning Commission had approved the variance contingent upon requirements in Planning Department and Engineering Department memos dated May 5 and May 7. Marquina was present at the council meeting and agreed to the conditions. Councilman Bentley thanked Marquina for working with the city's engineering and planning departments to resolve drainage concerns, noting the cooperative effort ensured water would not flow onto neighboring properties. Aurora Road Lot Consolidation for Cleveland Metroparks The Board of Park Commissioners of the Cleveland Metropolitan Park District received approval for a lot consolidation involving two vacant parcels on Aurora Road, permanent parcel numbers 951-19-015 and 951-19-018. The Planning Commission approved the consolidation contingent upon Planning and Engineering Department requirements. City Planner Heather Heckman represented the applicant and agreed to the conditions. The Planning Commission also directed that legislation be prepared for a right-of-way dedication, which council separately approved as a consent item accepting a 30-foot right-of-way from the Metroparks district. Councilman Bentley noted the city had been working toward this consolidation for some time. He also recognized Jake Devine, a member of Scout Troop 821 who was present in the audience, for leading the project as his Eagle Scout service initiative. Pioneer Memorial Church Concrete Pad Variances Pioneer Memorial Church at 35100 Solon Road received approval for two 50-foot side yard setback variances, each for a 10-foot by 10-foot concrete pad on separate parcels. The Planning Commission approved both variances contingent upon Planning and Engineering Department requirements. Representatives Pat Owens and Don Shook were present on behalf of the church and agreed to the conditions. Police Fleet Purchase Held on Third Reading Two ordinances authorizing the purchase of four 2026 Ford Police Interceptors from Montrose Ford and upfitting equipment from Hall Public Safety Upfitters remained on third reading. Council noted that some trade-in vehicles were damaged in a recent hailstorm, and Chief Perkins was still working to assess the financial impact before the purchases move forward. City Joins Crisis Response Program Council unanimously passed legislation authorizing the mayor to execute a Memorandum of Understanding expressing Solon's interest in joining the First Crisis Assistance and Local Linkage Program. The measure passed under suspension of the rules as an emergency ordinance. Employee Benefits and Classifications Updated Council approved three ordinances affecting city employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements. One amends vacation time provisions, another updates sick leave policy, and a third reclassifies Service Department Manager positions within the city's compensation structure. All three passed unanimously under emergency. Consent Agenda Covers Infrastructure, Arts and Finance The consent agenda included 16 ordinances approved in a single vote. Greenman-Pedersen Inc. was approved for on-site supplemental construction inspection services at a cost of $750,000. A change order for Mammoth Sports Construction covers repaving of the north parking lot at Portz Parkway, with no change to the existing contract total of $13,154,797.33 and a 12-day time extension pushing substantial completion to Oct. 14. Council renewed the lease for the Solon Center for the Arts dance studio at Solon Square Shopping Center. Councilman Palunis noted the city analyzed the cost of relocating the dance studio to other facilities and determined the current lease arrangement is financially sound, with the program breaking even or better each year. A separate ordinance approved a $14,948.93 contract with Johnson Controls to replace the HVAC unit at the dance studio. Additional consent items included stormwater maintenance agreements with Brennan Industries and Discount Tire, a pump rebuild at the Northeast Pump Station, continued rental of automated rubbish and recycling trucks for up to $200,000, engineering design services for roof repairs at City Hall's Council Chambers and Community Room, renewal of a security guard services contract with Knights Protective Services, submission of the 2027 alternative tax budget to the Cuyahoga County Budget Commission, adoption of the city's 2026 annual appropriations budget, and approval of then-and-n