Solon City Council Confirms Interim Finance Director, Approves Major Infrastructure Items

The Solon City Council convened on July 21 for regular business, addressing key administrative appointments and infrastructure projects.

New Business

The council unanimously confirmed Sarah Kostura as Interim Director of Finance following the resignation of the previous finance director. Council member Robert Palunis noted this was necessary “so that we have someone in the Finance Department due to the resignation of Mr. Rubino for an interim period until a new Finance Director is confirmed, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by this Council.”

Major Financial Matters

Council left on first reading an ordinance for issuing up to $7.2 million in notes for improving recreational facilities, including the Solon Community Park. The council felt they needed time to “digest everything” and left the ordinance on first reading.

The council also approved an agreement with Cuyahoga County for payment of counsel fees for indigent criminal defendants. Council member Mike Kahn recused himself from this vote.

Planning Commission Items

The council approved a fence height variance for property owners at Outley Park Drive. Planning Commission had approved the application contingent upon compliance with Planning Department requirements, and the applicant agreed to withdraw his request for a front yard setback variance. Council member Macke Bentley noted the fence was needed for “his daughter. She’s a special needs and they have a service pet that they are fond of and need the extra space for them to be safe in that yard.”

Consent Agenda Actions

Several items passed under the consent agenda:

Fire Department Changes: The council reduced the age requirement to become a firefighter from 21 to 18 years old. Council member Jeremy Zelwin explained that “in today’s day and age, there are people in high school that are starting their firefighter paramedic certifications, just like trade school, and the city’s losing out on the potential of hiring very good, qualified firefighters.”

Infrastructure Projects: Council approved a no-cost completion date extension for the Tertiary Media Replacement Project at the Water Reclamation Facility and accepted a proposal from Ohio CAT to replace the diesel generator at the Police Station for $161,539.

Community Recognition: The council authorized Mayor Edward Kraus to enter into a naming rights agreement with Jeremy and Courtney Zelwin for the Central Park area at the Community Park. The agreement is for $50,000 for a 10-year term with the option to extend for an additional 10 years with an additional donation.

Fire Department Support: Council waived ordinance provisions to permit the Fill-the-Boot Fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy and accepted the donation of a decommissioned school bus from the Solon City School District for fire department training.

Public Comments

Residents addressed several community concerns during the public comment period. Topics included disaster preparedness, the proposed bike trail system, and utility infrastructure issues including AT&T’s planned elimination of landlines by 2029.

Upcoming Events

Mayor Kraus announced the city’s Summerfest weekend events, including a Pickleball Tournament on Friday, a 5K run Saturday morning, National Night Out from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Bicentennial Park, followed by a movie in the park, and Sunday’s parade starting at noon.