SOLON – The Solon City Council welcomed a new finance director and addressed multiple fence variance requests during Monday’s meeting, with council members taking differing stances on safety versus property owner rights.
Government
August 5 – Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Tinita Tillman as the new Director of Finance. Tillman comes to Solon from Maple Heights, where three council members attended the meeting to express their support for her work.
The city also scheduled a public hearing for August 18 regarding a rezoning request from Omni Senior Living to simplify zoning designations at Bainbridge Road.
Public Safety
August 5 – Two fence variance requests highlighted ongoing debates about safety versus privacy. Robert and Laura Balachin of Bainbridge Road requested a 25% fence aggregate opening variance for their property, which was denied 4-3. Council members Jeremy Zelwin, Bob Schimitz, and Macke Bentley voted against the proposal, citing police safety concerns.
“I’ve never voted for two sides to have enclosed fences,” Zelwin said, expressing willingness to approve one solid fence side but not multiple sides.
A second applicant also on Bainbridge Road, who purchased the former Evans Printing building, said potential tenants requested privacy screening from neighboring auto repair businesses. That request was approved.
The Police Chief voiced concerns about multiple fence variances creating precedent and reducing visibility for emergency responders.
Development
August 5 – The Planning Commission approved several items including tree clearing variances for Parkland Boulevard and site plan approval for Permatex ITW Inc. These items were reviewed at the Planning Commission meeting before coming to council.
A property owner on Bainbridge Road raised concerns about longstanding drainage problems, referencing the area’s history as the “Solon Swamp.” The resident said he unknowingly purchased swampland in the 1970s and continues to deal with water drainage issues affecting multiple properties. He mentioned existing easements for sanitary and storm sewers that dissect the properties, calling the area “one of the dangerous places in Solon.”
Another resident raised concerns about parking on hills and curves, requesting the city address what he called a safety hazard for children in residential areas. The resident noted that a previous accident in the area prompted his safety concerns.
Parks and Recreation
August 5 – Council member Jeremy Zelwin expressed serious concerns about extensive vandalism at the new Sebastian Batterias Memorial Playground, revealing that security gates had to be removed within three months of the playground’s opening due to damage and vandalism.
The playground, which cost significant city investment plus private funding from the Batterias family, has suffered graffiti damage and vandalism to fencing and equipment. Zelwin called the situation “absolutely disgusting” and “shameful,” particularly given the memorial nature of the playground dedicated to a deceased child.
“If we want to have nice things, we have to be able to take care of nice things,” Zelwin said, noting the city is investing over $10 million total in community park improvements including the upcoming phase two construction.
Zelwin appealed to residents to report vandalism even when it involves other people’s children, saying adults have a responsibility to confront destructive behavior. He indicated the city may need to consider security cameras, playground attendants, or other monitoring measures.
The playground vandalism comes as the city is spending an additional $7.2 million on phase two of the community park project.
Finance
August 5 – The council left two major bond ordinances in reading status. Ordinance 2025-141 would authorize up to $7.2 million in notes for community park improvements, while Ordinance 2025-151 would authorize up to $6 million for the Norfolk Southern Headwaters Connector Trail project.
Council member Jeremy Zelwin questioned the administration about debt limits, noting the combined $13.2 million represents a significant financial commitment for the city.
Upcoming Meetings
Public Works meeting scheduled for August 6 at 5 p.m., Planning Commission for August 12 at 7:30 p.m., and Safety & Public Properties for August 13 at 6 p.m. The September 1 council meeting was cancelled due to Labor Day.
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