Solon City and School nearing final agreement on SRNA use and utility costs SOLON — City leaders are close to fi nalizing a long-anticipated update to the SRNA 28E agreement—a shared-use arrangement between the city and Solon Community School District that governs the use and maintenance of athletic facilities and concession areas. At last week’s council meeting, Mayor Dan O’Neil and Council Member Steve Duncan shared the latest progress, highlighting productive discussions with the school committee and the narrowing list of unresolved issues. “This has been a really collaborative effort,” O’Neil said. “We’ve worked through a lot of the gray areas, and we’re now focusing on just a couple of outstanding items.” One key issue involves the electric meter that currently powers the baseball scoreboard, field lights, concession stand, and dugout outlets usage that primarily benefits the school district. To simplify billing and clarify responsibilities, the city and school are considering the installation of a second electric meter. The cost of the new meter is estimated at $6,500, which would be split evenly between the two entities. “This makes it a cleaner process,” Duncan said. “Each party would pay for what they use, which is especially important as the area continues to grow.” The council expressed general support for moving forward with the shared expense, and a motion was introduced to allocate funds for the new meter. Another unresolved issue involves a fee structure originally outlined in a 2006 agreement, in which the school would pay the city 20% of concession sales. That agreement appears to have stopped around 2017, prompting a reevaluation of what is fair moving forward. O’Neil emphasized the need for transparency and long-term sustainability. “There have been a lot of handshake deals over the years that worked well at the time,” O'Neil said. “But as leadership changes on both sides, those informal agreements can get lost. This updated 28E agreement will help keep everything on paper, clear, and enforceable.” Rasmussen is currently reviewing the city’s ongoing expenses at the facility, including utilities and maintenance, to help determine an appropriate and equitable fee structure. The school has been asked to do the same with its revenue and cost breakdown. “The goal is to create an agreement that stands the test of time,” O’Neil said. “One that’s fair, comprehensive, and makes sense for both sides.” Further updates will be shared as the draft agreement is finalized and reviewed.
City welcomes new Public Works Specialist, tree program blossoms with community support, & Rod Sullivan updates
ongoing tree replacement initiative, which has been spearheaded by Public Works Superintendent Kris Richardson. While some newly planted trees have struggled to take root, Rasmussen emphasized that setbacks were expected and are being addressed. “This project has been such a great part of our spring,” she said. “It’s encouraging to see the commuSOLON — The City of Solon officially welcomed its nity and staff working together to improve our parks.” One major boost came from the Solon Area Comnewest team member at last week’s city council meeting. City Administrator Cami Rasmussen introduced munity Foundation, which donated $4,000 toward Brady Robertson as the city’s new Public Works Spe- trees for Randall Park and shelter. One tree has cialist, noting that he began his role Monday, June 16. already been planted, and several more are expected “We’re glad to have him on board,” Rasmussen said. Rasmussen also provided an update on the city's
A look at the June 18 meeting of the Solon City Council
A reminder about local fireworks ordinances
The city’s ordinance coincides with the latest Iowa firework code, signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds stating that local governments can no longer restrict SOLON — As the Fourth of July approaches, Solon or ban the use of fireworks within the stated dates will be gearing up for the celebration with fireworks, and times. but not without code rules from the city and the state “The Solon ordinance was written previously [to the of Iowa. recent Iowa law], so there’s really no change there,” In 2017, Solon adopted city ordinance No. 440, said Mark Moses, Johnson County Sheriff’s Deputy. allowing for residents of the city to launch consumer Citizens of unincorporated areas of Johnson County fireworks legally within city limits. The ordinance fall under the same city and state ordinances, unless applies to the permitted dates and times of July 1-3 an application is filed through the county Board of from 9:00 a.m. -10:00 p.m. and July 4 from 9 a.m.- Supervisors, allowing for special exemptions outside 11:00 p.m. of the permitted time frames set.