Solon Council Approves Driveway Variance for Wheelchair Access, Honors Eagle Scout and Hears Ward Veto Concerns

Solon City Council approved two variances, honored a local Eagle Scout and heard a long public comment period on the November ballot at its Oct. 5 meeting. All seven council members were present. Eagle Scout Grant Ferencie Honors the City With Hometown Hero Banners Grant Ferencie presented city leaders with a thank you for supporting the project that earned him Eagle Scout rank. He told council he earned the rank about a year ago with Troop 504, which meets out of the Solon VFW. His project was the creation and organization of the Hometown Hero banners that hang along Solon streets. Ferencie said the city gave a generous donation and fully endorsed the effort. He thanked Councilman Macke Bentley and Mayor Edward Kraus for helping him through the process. Mayor Kraus said young people like Ferencie give the community hope. The police chief noted that Ferencie also serves as a Solon Police Explorer. Bentley said Ferencie handled the project from design through installation. Several council members praised the banners, which honor local veterans. One said Ferencie helped organize and run a government club event at the high school that drew 73 attendees. Council Approves Two Planning Commission Variances Council adopted the Sept. 22 minutes and moved to the Planning Commission items. Accessory structure on Woodsdale Lane. Council approved a 24 square foot accessory structure size variance. The Planning Commission had approved it, contingent on an Engineering Department memo dated Sept. 24. The applicant was present and agreed to the requirements. A council member relayed a constituent’s objection, and it was noted for the record. All seven members voted yes. Driveway widening on O’Neil Drive. Council approved a 4 foot driveway width variance and a 1 foot garage apron width variance. The Planning Commission had approved both, with a 4 to 1 vote on the driveway. A contractor spoke for the homeowner, who was out of the country. He said she is adding wheelchair ramps at the deck and garage. Her mother uses a wheelchair van. The driveway is 15 feet wide, and the plan calls for 20 feet. The applicant first asked for 24 feet and scaled back after working with city staff. The contractor said the apron at the road would flare to 24 feet. He also said a home across the street has a 24 foot apron. A council member asked why the wider area at the top of the driveway was not enough. He also asked about letters of support. The contractor had none, saying neighbors and the HOA had voiced no objection. Councilman Macke Bentley made the motion, and Councilman Jeremy Zelwin seconded it. Councilman Brian Laubscher said the practical difficulty standard from Duncan v. Middlefield should be applied consistently. In this case, he said, the difficulty is access for people with disabilities. All seven members voted yes. Park and Trail Note Ordinances Stay on Second Reading Council kept two financing ordinances on second reading after discussing them in caucus. Both carry an emergency clause. Ordinance 2026-149 allows notes of up to $7.2 million. The money would improve recreational facilities, including the Solon Community Park. Ordinance 2026-150 allows notes of up to $6 million. The money would prepare and improve property for park and public uses, including the Norfolk Southern Headwaters Connector Trail. Legal Services for Liberty Ford Redevelopment Stays on First Reading Ordinance 2026-161 would raise the amount authorized for Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP, the city’s special legal counsel on economic development. The work covers the proposed redevelopment of the former Liberty Ford site, other parcels and other initiatives. Council left it on first reading. The transcript did not state a dollar amount. Police Chief Explains Amazon Drone Deliveries The council president said drones dropping off Amazon packages have bothered some neighbors. The police chief said the FAA regulates all airspace, so the activity is legal and permitted. Residents should call 911 or the department at 440 248 1234 if a drone crashes or causes damage. Other drone concerns go to the FAA Flight Standards District Office for Northeast Ohio. The chief said contact details are on the police social media pages. The city will work with its law department and legislators on next steps. October is also Crime Prevention Month. The chief urged residents to lock homes and vehicles, secure valuables and watch for scams. He asked them to report suspicious activity. Residents Press for Curb Repairs on Highland Drive A Highland Drive resident said the road resurfacing looks good overall. He said some damaged curbs were not replaced and called several cracked sections structural, not cosmetic. He estimated about 9 feet of curb still needs work. He asked the city to finish the job while the contractor is on site. City engineering staff had called the remaining issues cosmetic. Mayor Kraus said a staff member would take another look at the street. Issue 10 Would Fund Developme