Brodie Bohlen

The council reviewed reports from the Fire, Library, Public Works, and City Engineer departments. Public hearings were held regarding the vacation of an alleyway and the adoption of the City's Code of Ordinances. The council approved a plat of survey request for property at 410 S Dubuque Street and the site plan for the Solon Schools Indoor Turf Facility. Additionally, the council scheduled a future public hearing for the Urban Renewal Plan Amendment and conducted the first reading of ordinances concerning the alley vacation and code adoption.

The City Council meeting included a discussion regarding the Jordan Creek Church project's request for infrastructure, specifically for city water and sewer connection via the Gallery Acres West water main, with considerations regarding annexation requirements and development policies. The Council also approved several resolutions setting dates for future public hearings, including an Urban Renewal Plan amendment, an update to the Code of Ordinances, the FY27 budget property tax levy, and an alley vacation. Additionally, a final plat for the Prairie 2020 Subdivision within the 2-Mile Fringe Area was approved.

The meeting agenda included standard opening procedures, such as the Pledge of Allegiance and Civility Pledge, followed by the approval of the agenda and reports from various departments including Fire, Sheriff's Office, Public Works, Library, and City Engineer. Key new business items involved a public hearing and discussion regarding an alley vacate request (Ruzicka/Stastny), a public hearing concerning the adoption of the City of Solon Code of Ordinances, discussion on a Plat of Survey request, and action on Resolution No. 26-09 regarding the Solon Schools Indoor Turf Facility site plan. The Council also addressed Resolution No. 26-10 to set a date for a public hearing on an Urban Renewal Plan Amendment, and conducted first readings for ordinances related to the alley vacate and the adoption of the Code of Ordinances. Committee updates covered upcoming community updates for the New WWTP and review of the Downtown Expansion RFP.

Key discussions included citizen comments regarding support for economic development and water issues, with reference to an upcoming meeting with the State Geologist. The council approved the agenda and several consent items, including the approval of previous meeting minutes, list of bills, treasurer's reports, building permits, liquor license renewals for RJ'Z Express and Blue Bird Café, and the reappointment of a Library Board of Trustees member. Department reports covered Fire Department activity, Public Works progress on the water tower and 1st Street projects, and updates on the new City Hall construction. The Library reported on an upcoming departure of the current Librarian and various February events. City Engineer updates concerned site plan reviews and progress on the new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) design. New Business featured the approval of a one-year site plan extension for the Solon Community Housing Corporation senior housing development, and a resolution directing staff to negotiate a water service agreement with MacBride Pointe subdivision owners. The council approved Option Two for the new WWTP layout. Other business included updates on the 28E agreement with the school and applications for Planning and Zoning. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss litigation strategy, followed by a work session discussing the purchase of a new dragger for recreational fields.

The special meeting focused primarily on budget discussions for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27). Key discussions included recap of discussions with Northland Securities regarding necessary decisions for the new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), noting that current facilities will not meet Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulations by 2028, necessitating a new plant due to growth and lack of expansion room. The Council also reviewed revenues, expenditures, and capital equipment prioritization. Specific equipment discussions involved the procurement options (buying vs. leasing) for dragging equipment, the need for a smaller mower, and the priority of replacing a frequently malfunctioning street sweeper over repairing a chipper. Council also addressed the high cost associated with training new employees to obtain Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs).