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Solon City Council met July 7 to handle a mix of routine business and contentious planning issues, highlighted by the promotion of firefighter Brian DiRocco to battalion chief.
Fire Department Promotion
Mayor Ed Kraus administered the oath of office to DiRocco, who has served 25 years with the department including eight years as shift lieutenant and acting battalion chief. DiRocco previously served as public information and public education officer and led emergency response efforts during a major incident in Oakwood Village.
DiRocco thanked council, Fire Chief Shawn Toth and his family during the ceremony, with his nephew Sean pinning on the new badge.
Planning Commission Actions
Council approved two consent items for property variances on Glenallen Avenue and Miles Road after planning commission recommendations.
The most contentious issue involved Michelle Asher’s request for a 10-foot fence variance at 31140 Miles Road. Asher argued the fence was necessary for privacy from a neighboring house with windows 10 feet high that look directly into her bedroom and bathroom.
Council member Mackie Bentley initially opposed approving both a fence variance and a previously approved shed variance for the same privacy issue, suggesting Asher choose one option. After debate about the legality of conditioning new variances on previous approvals, council ultimately approved the fence variance in three separate votes covering height, opacity and finish requirements.
Naming Rights Policy Dispute
Council advanced legislation rescinding and replacing previous ballpark naming ordinances, moving away from the naming rights policy toward a dedication approach for recognizing William and Mary Russo’s contributions. The change removes time limits on the naming while avoiding payment requirements under the naming rights policy.
Council member Bob Shimits opposed the change, arguing for consistency with the established policy that requires end dates for all naming arrangements.
New Regulations Approved
Council unanimously passed new zoning regulations for vape shops and cannabis dispensaries following planning commission recommendations. The measures establish location restrictions, operating standards and visibility requirements for both business types.
For vape shops, council added language prohibiting display of tobacco products visible from public areas.
Public Comments
Residents raised concerns about cannabis dispensary approvals and questioned who made decisions allowing the businesses in Solon. Law Director Tom Lobe explained the city had opportunities to opt out in 2023-2024 but chose not to, and cannot now retroactively prohibit businesses that received proper zoning permits.
Other residents questioned the three-mile separation requirement between dispensaries and whether additional businesses could locate near city borders.
Other Business
Council approved routine items including engineering contracts, stormwater agreements and maintenance programs.
Council member Jeremy Zelwin proposed future discussion of term limits for elected officials, suggesting dialogue about putting the question before voters.
Mayor Kraus announced the postponed Juneteenth concert will be held July 16 at Bicentennial Park and reminded residents about the Wednesday farmer’s market.
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