New council members Tim Gordon, Matt Macke, and Greg Morris joined Mayor Dan O’Neil and returning council members John Farlinger and Andrew Kramer for the meeting.
General Council business:
Council members approved the consent agenda, which included approval of meeting minutes from Dec. 17, 2025, the list of bills, treasurer’s report and transfers, building permits, board and commission appointments, and approval for the 9th Annual Lake MacBride Fat Tire Classic.
Officials from the Solon Fire Department reported increased fire-rescue activity over the past year, marking an all-time high in annual calls.
“We had for the calendar year 640 total calls, which is about 70 more than last year,” Morris (who is also a Solon Firefighter) said. “When I started in 1981, 80 calls was a big year. So, we are busy morning, noon, and night.”
Public Works Superintendent staff also shared updates on water and wastewater operations and management within the city.
“For those that don’t know, I run the water and wastewater plants in town,” said Public Works Superintendent Dave Richards. “Currently, we’re working on upgrading the modems for the communication between all facilities. We’ve got some big projects coming up as soon as the weather breaks.”
Richards said the various upgrades are aimed at improving overall system reliability and communication between city infrastructure, noting that staff expect a busy construction and maintenance season once winter conditions ease. He added that day-to-day operations will continue alongside preparations for the larger water projects planned for later this year.
Library report and January events:
Library Director Liz King highlighted various upcoming programs at the Solon Public Library, including family events, partnerships with Parks and Recreation, classes, and trivia nights.
“We had a great turnout on New Year’s Eve, 185 people,” added King on the recent library holiday event. “Thanks to the Public Works [Department] for helping us hang the balloons.”
King also encouraged residents to participate in the upcoming monthly events such as the cookbook club on Saturday Jan. 17, trivia night on Friday Jan. 23, and the winter reading challenge.
“Our winter library challenge continues through the month of January,” King said. “So, you still have a chance to earn secret codes, turn in slips, get small prizes, and a chance to win the grand prize.”
Council recognizes King for five years of Library leadership:
The council recognized King at the meeting for five years of service as the Solon library director, praising her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and her role in expanding a variety of library services and programming.
“You were willing to move to Iowa in the heart of COVID,” Mayor Dan O’Neil said. “You’re always very organized, always very dependable, always very detail oriented, and you are very passionate and energetic with everything that you do.”
Library Board of Trustees President Sandy Lawrence echoed O’Neil’s remarks, adding: “The library has become a really important part of a strong Solon community. We’re delighted you’re here and keep up the great work.”
Human trafficking prevention proclamation:
Mayor O’Neil announced a proclamation designating January as Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month in Solon.
“Human trafficking is a hidden and underreported crime,” Mayor O’Neil said while reading the proclamation. “The city of Solon joins Chains Interrupted in its commitment to community education, survivors services, legislative advocacy, professional training and collaboration with law enforcement to prevent human trafficking and support survivors, including a partnership with the Linn County Attorney’s Office.”
Representatives from Chains Interrupted also addressed the council, emphasizing prevention education and community awareness.
Chains Interrupted is a Cedar Rapids–based nonprofit that works to prevent human trafficking through community education, youth outreach, and partnerships with schools and law enforcement, while also advocating for survivor support and awareness across Iowa.
“I want to give a shout out to the Solon School District, to board members of the school district and specifically to Assistant Superintendent Josh Lyons for getting us into the school district with our prevention education information,” said Chains Interrupted Outreach Program Coordinator Nikki Stallman.
Contact Chains Interrupted at 319-364-0222 and the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Law enforcement contract and service trends:
Johnson County Sheriff Brad Kunkel appeared before the council to provide an update on law enforcement services and discuss Solon’s contract with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
“For as long as I can remember, the city has contracted with the sheriff’s office for that protection,” Kunkel said. “The question is really just how much protection do you want and what’s the cost?”
Kunkel explained that Solon’s five-year contract provides budget stability while ensuring required police coverage.
“If you were to do this on your own, you would spend a significant amount of money,” he said. “You’re never going to actually start paying the true cost of what it takes to provide police services.”
Council members asked questions about training, school safety, and animal control, with Kunkel noting that public safety demands tend to increase as the community grows.
Macbride Pointe water connection report:
City Engineer Dave Schechinger presented a detailed report on a request to connect Macbride Pointe to the city’s water system.
“Connecting Macbride Pointe reduces water waste caused by flushing requirements,”
Schechinger said. “We’re not pulling more water; we’re just changing the point of withdrawal.”
Schechinger explained that according to current projections the connection would also accelerate the timeline for adding a new city well by roughly a year and a half but would also improve water turnover and reduce wasted water.
Council members clarified questions about well lifespan, aquifer use, and population growth assumptions, but no formal action has been taken yet.