Solon City Council kept two park and trail financing ordinances, worth a combined $13.2 million, on first reading Sept. 22. Members said they want more time to settle on a direction. Council also approved four new police SUVs, swore in a fire lieutenant and heard a strong third quarter economic development report. Park and Trail Notes Stay on First Reading Two ordinances would issue new bond anticipation notes. One covers up to $7.2 million for Solon Community Park improvements. The other covers up to $6 million for the Norfolk Southern Headwaters Connector Trail. Both items passed the Finance Committee earlier that evening. Vice Mayor Nancy Meany said the notes are a big decision. Council discussed them in caucus and chose to leave both on first reading. The agenda packet shows the current notes mature Dec. 8. The new notes would replace them and mature within a year. The finance director would set the final amount, rate and buyer. The interest rate cannot exceed 6 percent. Fire Lieutenant Cody Conley Sworn In Mayor Edward Kraus administered the oath of office to Cody Conley as fire lieutenant. Kraus said Conley has 10 years in the fire service, including seven in Solon. Conley had been serving as acting lieutenant. The mayor listed a master's degree in public administration and leadership, a bachelor's degree in fire administration and an associate degree in emergency medical services. Conley also serves on a regional hazardous materials team and in union leadership. Kraus called the promotion another example of hiring from within. He tied it to Fire Chief Shawn Toth's promotion last summer. Assistant Fire Chief Joe Eisenhuth and Lieutenant Michael Seedhouse took their oaths at the Sept. 8 meeting. Toth was out of town. Conley thanked the mayor and the chief. He also thanked his family and fellow firefighters who attended. Planning Commission Items Council approved five consent items together. Each carries conditions from planning and engineering memos dated Sept. 8 and Sept. 10. Kruse Drive (Ward 6): Automotive Realty, LLC received a 2 foot parking space size variance and site plan approval. Woodlands Lane (Ward 1): A homeowner received a 541 square foot accessory pavement area variance. Rollingbrook Trail (Ward 1): A homeowner received a 1,900 square foot accessory building size variance and a 30 foot side yard setback variance. Woodall Road (Ward 5): A homeowner received a 120 square foot accessory building size variance and a 9 foot side yard setback variance. Enterprise Parkway (Ward 6): Solon Commons 16 Building, LLC received a 2.3 foot side yard parking setback variance, a 2 foot parking space size variance and site plan approval. Council then approved two more items on Enterprise Parkway. ARDC, LLC and Enterprise Realty Investments each received a variance to build an accessory structure without a principal structure. The Planning Commission approved both by a 2 to 1 vote. Each carries a two year sunset date. Police Purchases, Donations and Jail Contract Council authorized four Ford Police Interceptors from Montrose Ford for $141,636, including trade in value for three older vehicles. The vehicles are part of the annual fleet replacement program. The emergency designation lets the city meet dealer order deadlines. A second ordinance approves $70,861.70 to Hall Public Safety Upfitters to outfit the SUVs. That covers lights, radios, prisoner compartments and sirens. Crews will move as much equipment as possible from the old vehicles. Council accepted two donations for the K9 Unit. One is $150 from a resident. The other is $750 from Clauses 4 Causes, a family fundraiser Kraus praised for its work supporting police and fire. Council also approved a three year agreement to house University Heights prisoners at the Solon Detention Facility. It brings base annual revenue of $78,800, plus reimbursement for medical and other costs. The current contract ends Sept. 30. Another ordinance renews a Cellebrite software license for the police digital forensics lab. The cost is $69,618.70. A state grant earmarks $59,600 to reimburse software and equipment costs. Recreation, Tax Rate and Finance Approvals Council authorized requests for proposals for concession services at the Community Center, outdoor pool and Community Park. The agenda report says operations have been limited since 2020. Contracting out would save on labor, training, equipment and liability. A separate request seeks bids for fitness equipment maintenance at the Community Center. The most recent contract has ended. Council also accepted the county Budget Commission's property tax rate for the city. It is 3.3 mills for tax year 2026, collected in 2027. That is down half a mill from 3.8 because a voter approved service and safety equipment levy expired. A final ordinance approves payment of certain August invoices through Then and Now certificates. Ohio law requires council approval for amounts of $3,000 or more. Council passed the c