Solon Council Meeting Recap: Hindu Heritage Proclamation, Headwaters Trail, and Community Updates

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At its November 17, 2025 meeting, Solon City Council advanced a major trail initiative, adopted a new cybersecurity policy, adjusted wages and appropriations, and opened the evening with a proclamation recognizing Hindu Heritage Month.

The meeting began with Mayor Edward H. Kraus reading a proclamation declaring October as Hindu Heritage Month in the City of Solon. Although the month had already passed, the Mayor acknowledged scheduling delays and emphasized the importance of recognizing the community’s contributions. He spoke at length about the local Hindu community’s service work, including volunteer efforts at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, clothing drives, and support for people experiencing homelessness or food insecurity, noting that food insecurity exists even in Solon. He also highlighted ongoing traditions such as yoga sessions at Solon High School and annual visits to the Solon Fire Department, describing the community as an integral part of what he calls “Team Solon.”

Representatives of the Hindu community addressed council, thanking the Mayor and members for the proclamation. They pointed out that while the State of Ohio recognizes Hindu Heritage Month, receiving recognition at the city level sends a strong message to families and children that their culture is seen and respected where they live and go to school.

Council then moved into its legislative agenda, with one of the most significant actions involving the Headwaters Connector Greenway project. Council approved Ordinance 2025‑209, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Bainbridge Township Board of Trustees, and Ordinance 2025‑223, authorizing him to sign a statement of willingness to assume financial responsibility for the project. Law Director Tom Lobe explained that the Headwaters Connector Greenway is the second major bike path in the city’s long‑term trail vision, following the Solon–Chagrin Falls trail. The project will convert an abandoned Norfolk Southern railroad line into a multi‑use trail that runs through Solon, connects into Bainbridge, and extends toward Aurora, with the potential to link into a larger corridor in the future.

Lobe noted that the federal rail‑to‑trail process requires the city to formally state its willingness to take on financial and liability responsibilities for the corridor. He told council the city’s insurance counsel had confirmed the project can be covered under existing insurance, and thanked members for allowing the late addition of the legislation in order to meet federal deadlines. Several council members commented on the pace and complexity of the process but agreed it was important to move quickly so the city can secure the right‑of‑way. In his closing remarks later in the meeting, Mayor Kraus thanked council for supporting what he called the “new Headwaters trail” and connected it to the popularity of the Solon–Chagrin Falls trail, saying residents frequently stop him on the trail to express their appreciation.

For a deeper look at the specific trail actions and what the project will mean regionally, see our full coverage of council’s vote: Solon Council Moves Forward on Headwaters Connector Greenway Trail.

Council also adopted a new cybersecurity policy for the city. Ordinance 2025‑210, which had already been reviewed and recommended by both the Safety and Public Properties Committee and the Finance Committee, was passed as an emergency measure. Council members and the Mayor noted that the policy stems from a state House bill requirement and reflects the need to protect city systems and data in an era where cyberthreats are an ongoing concern. Council President Nancy Meany remarked on “what a world we’re in” that such a policy is necessary, while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the community.

In other business, council approved wage schedules and wage increases for city employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements for 2026, through Ordinance 2025‑211. The measure had been vetted by the Finance Committee earlier in the evening. Council also adopted an appropriations amendment, Ordinance 2025‑222, increasing funding for the Workers’ Compensation Fund, accumulated sick leave, and JET income tax needs, ensuring those obligations are properly covered through year‑end.

A series of infrastructure and operations items were handled on the consent agenda. Among them, council authorized an amended LPA agreement with ODOT for the U.S. 422/Harper Road interchange reconfiguration, approved an inspection and maintenance agreement for stormwater best practices with Primrose School of Solon, accepted an easement and payment related to the Solon to Chagrin Falls trail project, closed out the 2024 Annual Materials Testing contract with a final adjustment, awarded a sewer cleaning project between Sedgefield Oval and Longview Drive, and rejected a lone bid for polymer products at the water reclamation facility so the project can be rebid. Council also accepted a bid for ferric chloride purchases for the water reclamation department, renewed a contract with Senior Transportation Connection to continue transportation for seniors and adults with disabilities in 2026, authorized an inter‑fund advance to address short‑term cash timing around notes, and approved payment of several then‑and‑now certificates.

During department and council comments, Fire Chief representatives thanked council and residents for supporting Local 2079’s food drive, reporting that the department was able to fill a medic unit with donations for the food pantry. The police department announced it had received the AAA Community Traffic Safety Gold Award, crediting both enforcement and community participation in educational events for the recognition. Council members congratulated the Hindu community on the proclamation, applauded the police department’s award, and offered condolences in two recent deaths: the tragic passing of a three‑year‑old child in a neighborhood pond, and the death of Ward 4 resident Deborah Katz following an aggressive illness.

Several council members also thanked staff for recent work in neighborhoods, including tree planting in Hunt Club, and provided an update that Route 91 between Linden and Ada will be plowed but not salted until February to allow newly poured concrete to cure, with shale and abrasives used instead. In his remarks, Mayor Kraus thanked voters for renewing his term and returning council members to office, praised residents for approving Issue 33, and recognized a Solon resident’s promotion to managing director at PwC, calling it a point of pride for the community. He closed by inviting residents to the upcoming Winter Festival and wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving, describing Solon’s collaborative work among residents, council, staff, and businesses as something the city can be thankful for.