SOLON — Solon Senior Dining is a weekly opportunity for people to gather and enjoy fellowship while sharing a meal. Throughout the month special events such as celebrating the month’s birthdays, live entertainment, or celebrating special occasions such as Dairy Month (May) or the State Fair are held. The last Wednesday of the month, however, is reserved for an appearance by a city representative and a report on the city’s happenings.

This past Wednesday, City Administrator Cami Rasmussen presented the monthly update with a focus on the end of construction projects around town, namely wrapping up this year’s curb and gutter program. The first, on Iowa Street between fourth and fifth streets, did both sides and included an asphalt overlay. Also, Main Street was done from the Hwy. 1 intersection alongside RJ’Z Express. “It was very rough, lots of potholes,” Rasmussen said noting it too received new asphalt paving. “It’s pretty much complete but we’ve got some landscaping to do.”

The curbs, she explained, channels storm water rather than having it pooling on the roadway, which helps lead to potholes, and helps to prevent flooding. “We’re guiding all that water to go in the proper flow. Ultimately a lot of stormwater ends up at our sewer treatment plant, which can overburden the plant. So we need the ability to help guide that water.” For at least the past decade the City has taken on two-to-three blocks of curb and gutter work each year with an emphasis in the older parts of Solon (south of Main Street). Once those areas are complete we’ll move on to the north side,” she added.

For those curious about a large hole on Main Street near the Bluebird Café last week, Rasmussen said a hydrant had been leaking for quite some time, and the City had been trying to get a contractor in to fix it.

“Today was the day,” she said, for the digging with the actual repair work slated for the following day (Thursday,  August 29). While the pipe repair was estimated to take only an hour or so, patching the hole may take some time. Rasmussen said gravel would be placed but would need to settle for “a few weeks” before it is paved over.

SCSD continues to make progress on their projects
Rasmussen also reported on the Solon Community School District’s bond referendum-funded construction projects, which to date includes renovation of the former truck shop on the north end of town along Hwy. 1 to the district’s transportation facility with the dirt lot paved and canopies erected for school bus parking, and expansion of the Solon Intermediate School. The turf in Spartan Stadium was replaced this summer and was the setting for a 33-7 season opening win over Assumption Catholic (Davenport) this past Friday (see the sports pages for a complete game summary and photos).

The end is in sight for repairs to the Solon Hardware Store

Rasmussen said she had OK’d the plans for what is anticipated to be the final phase of repairs to the Solon Hardware Store, which had its roof torn off in the March 31, 2023, tornado. Repairing the roof led to the discovery of additional issues, which has necessitated owner Tom Trump having to hire a structural engineer to formulate a plan  for approval by the City’s building inspector. His original engineer resigned forcing Trump to find another, which was complicated by a reluctance on the part of many engineers to work with such an old, yet very common, structure.

“It’s been a long process,” said Rasmussen, but we’re close, real close to the end.”