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Council weighs What to know about Beef Days 2026 Saddleback Estates conversion, addresses June flooding and safety concerns over former Eastwoods property Ella McEntaffer Solon Economist
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Whether Saddleback Estates should transition from a planned area development to a traditional subdivision dominated discussion during the July 1 Solon City Council meeting, as council members weighed the long-term precedent such a decision could set while also addressing localized flooding, public safety concerns and upcoming community events. Developers of Saddleback Estates asked the council for feedback on a proposal to convert the existing planned area development into a subdivision with individually owned lots. The development was originally approved as a condominium-style planned area development, meaning homeowners own their homes but not the land beneath them. City Administrator Cami Rasmussen said developers have approached the city several times over the past few years after finding buyers increasingly prefer owning both the home and the lot. "They're trying to promote this property," Rasmussen said. "Their goal is to fill up these lots, and it gives them an ability to plan and go forward in how they're going to promote and sell these lots and get people moved into Solon." City Engineer Dave Schechinger explained this would require numerous variances because the existing development was designed under planned area development standards instead of normal subdivision requirements. "The complication with this is that it doesn't fit very well with our setbacks," Schechinger said. "Essentially what they want to do is still build the same houses, the same footprints, but sell the property with the lot." Mayor Dan O'Neil questioned whether approving the request would establish a precedent for future developments. "My concerns are with the road width, from a maintenance standpoint. Would it stay a private road? Would it become a public road?" O'Neil said. "You want to change course on it and have nonconforming lots, having the homes not meet the setbacks. To me, what kind of message does that send to any other developer that wants to come do business with Solon?" Council member Greg Morris echoed those concerns. CITY COUNCIL| 2
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vendors and the carnival opening up for the weekend, which will close at 10 p.m. before opening back up Saturday morning. Food vendors, however, will remain open until 11 p.m., and the beer tent won’t close until midnight. In many ways, this year’s Beef Days will be the same as in previous years. One example is the return of Sam’s Amusements to provide the carnival portion of the festival. “We get a lot of positive feedback from the attendees with the rides and the games and concessions that they bring along,” Bruck explained. Additionally, signature Beef Days events like the Hay Bale Toss, the children’s tractor pulls and big wheel race will be returning. For those that can’t be in attendance Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist file photo to watch the Hay Bale Toss in person on Friday, Iowa’s News Now live streams Main Street is typically packed shoulder to shoulder during the annual Solon Beef the event on their YouTube channel and Days Hay Bale Toss Friday evening. Last year, the jam-packed crowd watched on their website, cbs2iowa.com. history being made again as U of I football player Kade Pieper defended his 2024 Despite keeping many things the Championship and survived a final showdown against Wayne Seagren with a 13’ toss same, there is one way in which it will to retain his title in a ‘two-peat.’ Who will win this year? Find out Friday, July 17. The be different: the 5K race and Fun Run action starts at 7 p.m. on Main Street. routes will be changed. This year, because of construction in Cadence Dighton “We support the schools, the city, the the parking lot of Lakeview ElemenSolon Economist parks and rec programs, the Legion tary, both runs will end back at St. news@soloneconomist.com here in town; so, that is why we do it, Mary’s Catholic Church instead. Both is to support the community,” Denise will be held at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Since beginning in 1971, Solon’s Bruck, president of the Beef Days fesThe annual Beef Day’s parade will annual Beef Days festival has raised tival, said. begin at 10 a.m. following the races. about $900,000, all of which was For Beef Days 2026, the event will returned to the community. begin Friday, July 17, at 5 p.m. by food BEEF DAYS | 2
SCSD moves forward with new administration building Public hearing on project Thursday, July 16 Solon Economist A public hearing will be held Thursday, July 16, by the Solon Community School District (SCSD) Board of Education to receive comments regarding plans for the new Central Administration Building. The facility, which will replace the current offices located in the former high school/middle school at 301 South Iowa Street, will be built just south of the Iowa Street entrance to the Solon Intermediate School (SIS) on a pair of vacant lots purchased several years ago by the District, and allowing the offices to be located on the District’s existing campus. Plans call for an approximately 4,100-square foot
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OPN Architects rendering courtesy of Solon Community School District building, which will house the central The Central Administration Buildadministrative offices and a board- ing is the final project associated with room for Board of Education meetings, a $25.5 million General Obligation district committee meetings, and for staff professional development. SCSD | 2
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