Solon City Council Marks New Term With Park Expansion Grant, Trail Deal and 2026 Budget

RELATED: Solon Finalizes Headwaters Connector Greenway Agreements RELATED: Starting a Business in Solon Ohio: Local Resources RELATED: Solon Police Blotter: Check Fraud, OVI Crash, Trespass SOLON , Ohio – Solon City Council began a new term Dec. 1 with oaths of office for the mayor and three council members, then moved quickly into business that will shape the city’s parks, legal department and long-term trail network. The agenda included acceptance of a $1.5 million state grant for Solon Community Park expansion , confirmation of contracts for the city’s law leadership and key agreements tied to the Headwaters Connector Greenway – a multi-county rails-to-trails corridor. Council also considered annual appropriations ordinances that will fund Solon’s capital projects and operating expenses in 2026. The actions come as Solon City Council settles into its lineup for the new term. New Term Begins With Oaths of Office Before tackling legislation, officials took care of formalities that reset the city’s elected leadership. Mayor Edward H. Kraus took the oath of office, administered by Judge Richard A. Bell of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. Three members of Solon City Council were sworn in: Ward 6 – Robert P. Shimits Ward 2 – Robert N. Pelunis Ward 4 – Michael Kan , sworn in by Judge Deborah M. Turner of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Council then moved to assign leadership roles and committee seats: Vice mayor: Nancy E. Meany Alternate vice mayor: E. Macke Bentley Committee chairs and members: Finance Committee: Chair: Robert N. Pelunis Members: Brian Laubscher , Michael Kan Safety and Public Properties Committee: Chair: Jeremy Zelwin Members: Michael Kan , Robert N. Pelunis Economic Development Committee: Chair: Robert P. Shimits Members: Nancy E. Meany , Jeremy Zelwin Public Works Committee: Chair: Nancy E. Meany Members: Robert P. Shimits , Brian Laubscher Council also confirmed: E. Macke Bentley as council’s representative to the Planning Commission Nancy E. Meany as council’s representative to the Solon Senior Center Joelle Brake to the Civil Service Commission Donna J. Letourneau as Clerk of Council Shelby Englund as Assistant Clerk of Council Those assignments set the framework for how Solon City Council will operate over the coming term, from planning and zoning reviews to legislative process and senior services. State Grant Backs Major Solon Community Park Expansion One of the highest-impact items on the Dec. 1 agenda was Ordinance 2025-224 , authorizing the mayor to accept and sign a Capital Improvement Community Park, Recreation/Conservation Project Pass-Through Grant Agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The grant stems from House Bill 2 , passed by the 135th Ohio General Assembly, which appropriated $1.5 million to Solon for a project titled “Solon Community Park Expansion.” According to a memo from Public Works Commissioner William J. Drsek to Solon City Council, the funding is structured as a reimbursable grant : Total appropriation: $1,500,000 Amount Solon will receive: $1,470,000 Amount retained by ODNR for administration: $30,000 The project description submitted to ODNR outlines a comprehensive renovation of Solon Community Park : Construction of new pickleball courts A modern performing stage for events New pavilions to support gatherings and rentals Major upgrades to the central “center park” area A redesigned park gateway with new restrooms and improved wayfinding Replacement of the maintenance building Improvements to the park concession facility City officials told ODNR the goal is to create “new and improved recreational experiences in a safe, inclusive, and vibrant community space” that serves residents of all ages. Council approved the ordinance and declared it an emergency , allowing the city to return the signed agreement and begin seeking reimbursements “as soon as possible,” which could speed up the timeline for construction and improvements. Council members also publicly thanked State Sen. Jerry Cirino for securing the funding in the state capital budget. Solon City Council Confirms Law Department Leadership and Compensation Solon City Council also acted on the city’s legal leadership structure, confirming the mayor’s appointments and codifying how those positions will be paid. Three separate ordinances cover the Director of Law , Associate Director of Law and Assistant Director of Law/Prosecutor . Director of Law – Thomas G. Lobe Under Ordinance 2025-225 , council confirmed Thomas G. Lobe as Director of Law. Key compensation terms include: Base compensation beginning Jan. 1, 2026: $92,191.58 annually , paid in equal monthly installments Annual increase of at least 2.5% , up to 4% at the mayor’s discretion Pay is pensionable to the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) Base salary covers typical duties such as: Attending regular Solon City Council meetings Attending staff management meetings Advising the mayor, council and city