Solon Appoints New Fire Chief, Advances Winery Vote to Ballot

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Fire Department Leadership

New Fire Chief Takes Oath Shawn Toth was officially appointed as Solon’s new fire chief during Monday’s city council meeting. The 21-year department veteran was sworn in after unanimous council approval, with Mayor Edward Kraus highlighting Toth’s extensive training background and role in improving the department’s ISO ratings from class four to class two. Toth developed multiple training programs including active shooter policies and rapid intervention crew procedures. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fire science and completed the competitive Ohio Fire Executive Program.

Planning and Zoning

Winery Proposal Advances to November Ballot Council voted 7-0 to place a proposed winery zoning district on the November ballot for 37500 Aurora Road. The W-1 zoning would allow Michelangelo’s family to develop a winery, restaurant and event space on 20 acres. The measure requires approval from both Ward 1 voters and citywide voters to pass. Supporters cited economic benefits and amenities for residents, while opponents raised concerns about traffic, noise and commercial development in a residential area.

Planning Commission Approvals

• Zircoa Inc. site plan approved for 31501 Solon Road contingent on engineering requirements
• Robert and Betty Evans received 25% fence aggregate opening variance at 6765 Solon Boulevard on 5-1 vote despite police chief safety concerns

Municipal Operations

Finance Director Departing Finance Director Matt Rubino announced his departure to Dublin after seven years of service. Council members praised his modernization of city financial systems, implementation of early budget processes, and fiscal discipline that enabled major infrastructure projects.

Personnel Changes Approved Council approved adding two new positions in the finance department while removing a proposed law department position for further review.

Infrastructure Projects

Multiple Contract Approvals Council approved final contract adjustments for:

• Fox Hill Storm and Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project ($914,625)
• 2023 Annual Catch Basin Repair Program ($202,906)
• 2025 Sewer Grouting Program with United Survey ($350,225)
• Liberty Road multipurpose path design services ($76,750)

Equipment Authorizations

• Revised fire truck purchase approval for $1,072,580 2026 rescue pumper
• Authorization to sell 2003 75-foot ladder truck via internet auction
• Vehicle and equipment disposal for service department

Public Safety

USDA Wildlife Services Agreement Council approved a cooperative agreement with USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services for deer management programs.

Pending Issues

Marijuana Dispensary Regulations Law Director Thomas Lobe explained that while the city could have opted out of allowing marijuana dispensaries in 2023-2024, applications were already approved by fall 2024. He stated that retroactively banning existing approved dispensaries would be legally difficult under Ohio Supreme Court precedent, though the city can still opt out of future dispensaries. New regulations for both dispensaries and vape shops will receive public hearings at the June 24 planning commission meeting.

Legislative Concerns Councilman Jeremy Zelwin warned about House Bill 335, which could cost Solon $5.5 million in city funding and $8.9 million in school district funding if enacted. He urged residents to contact state representatives including Finance Committee Chair Jerry Cirino.

Upcoming Events

• June 19: City Hall closed for Juneteenth holiday
• June 20: Fourth annual Juneteenth concert at Bicentennial Park
• June 23: Pride Day at Rec Center, 1-5 p.m.
• June 24: Planning Commission public hearings on dispensary and vape shop regulations