Solon Council Splits On Grant Bid For Nature Preserve Parking Lot

Solon City Council met July 6 and moved forward with a grant application tied to the Stolen Woods Nature Preserve, approved a slate of consent agenda items, and kept the public hearing open on several proposed charter changes. Council members also heard from residents about the city’s Independence Day observance and a proposal to plant more trees. Grant Application For Preserve Land Draws Debate Council considered authorizing Mayor Edward Kraus or his designee to apply for an Ohio Department of Natural Resources Natureworks grant. The funding would go toward acquiring two parcels on Russell Drive near the Stolen Woods Nature Preserve, with the property eventually intended for a parking area connected to the preserve’s trail system. Councilman Jeremy Zelwin raised concerns about unknown costs the city could face once the state becomes involved. “But a parking lot in that could cost more money than I think should be spent on a parking lot for a trail that’s not even a mile long,” Zelwin said. Vice Mayor Nancy Meany, who presided over the meeting in the mayor’s absence, spoke in support of the application. She noted the legislation only authorizes the city to apply for the grant and does not commit any funding. “So I’m comfortable because all of this is tonight. It’s just to see, you know, applying for the grant,” Meany said. Later in the meeting, a council member elaborated on concerns about the acquisition, citing cost as well as a worry that adding a parking lot runs counter to the city’s walkability goals. That council member noted the grant covers only 75 percent of the cost, leaving the city to absorb the remainder along with construction and maintenance expenses down the line. “We have plenty of cars in the city. We have plenty of spaces for cars. We have very limited spaces for people, that’s all,” the council member said. Supporters of the application argued that applying for the grant does not commit the city to spending money, and that cost concerns could be addressed later if the grant is awarded. Planning Commission Consent Agenda Two items came before council after Planning Commission review. The first involved an application from a property owner for 34505 Cannon Road in Ward 4, requesting a 32 square foot accessory structure size variance for a shed. The Planning Commission approved the request contingent on compliance with a Planning Department memo dated May 20 and an Engineering Department memo dated May 21. The applicant was present and agreed to the requirements. The second involved an application from South Main Investors LLC for 6262 Cochran Road in Ward 5, requesting a variance for 16 required parking spaces, a variance to waive curbing installation, and a recommendation on a site plan. The Planning Commission approved the variances and recommended the site plan for approval, contingent on compliance with a Planning Department memo dated June 15 and an Engineering Department memo dated June 17. Sean Shahidpour of Cohn Development and Bryan Adams of DGL Consulting Engineers appeared on behalf of the applicant and agreed to the requirements. Council approved both planning items. Police Vehicles Remain On Third Reading Two ordinances tied to the police fleet stayed on the agenda without a vote. One would authorize the purchase of new Ford Police Interceptors with trade in credit from Montrose Ford as part of the department’s annual fleet replacement program. A companion ordinance would authorize purchasing up fitting equipment for those vehicles from Hall Public Safety Outfitters. Council said it is still waiting on updated information from the police chief before moving either item forward. Other Business Approved Council approved a job creation grant agreement with Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials LLC through the city’s economic development program. Members also accepted a bid from Scodeller Construction for the 2026 annual preventative maintenance program, valued at $146,778.84, and a bid from Phillips Paving LLC for the annual asphalt repair program, valued at $1,622,490. A separate item amended an existing agreement with GPD Group to add $43,000 in bidding and design services for the Harper Road diverging diamond interchange project. Charter Amendments Stay Open For Comment Council continued public hearings on several proposed charter amendments without closing them, meaning residents can still weigh in before the next meeting. The proposals include updates tied to the Master Plan Citizens Committee, creation of a new Director of Economic Development position, and zoning changes affecting the industrial core area and the ward veto process. Zelwin said he plans to introduce an amendment at the next meeting to change language in the Director of Economic Development proposal that would otherwise bar the position from holding a similar role in another city. He said the city currently empl