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.
“If we do it, what’s going to prevent us from having to do it with the next person?” Morris said.
Council member Tim Gordon also questioned whether nearby property owners supported the proposal.
“I’d like to hear from people that live out there,” Gordon said.”I’d be curious to see what they say about lot size, neighbors, stuff like that.”
Developers said they understood the council’s concerns and emphasized they were seeking feedback before beginning the lengthy legal process necessary to pursue the conversion.
Council members took no formal action.
Earlier in the meeting, resident Jamie Miller addressed the council regarding the former Eastwoods building on Windsor Drive, where she said someone has been living for several months under unsafe conditions.
“My concern is safety,” Miller said. “That building is attached to three other businesses… I think it’s really important that we keep the safety.”
Miller cited concerns about fire hazards, emergency exits, and what she described as escalating behavior from the occupant.
City Attorney Kevin Olson said the city has already begun enforcement action.
“We did issue a notice of violation to the owner of the property saying that he had 20 days to get whoever that person is out of there,” Olson said.
Olson explained that even if someone is occupying a building without authorization, Iowa law requires the property owner to complete the formal eviction process before the individual can be removed.
“If the person doesn’t leave by their own volition, you may have to go through a forcible entry and detainer action,” Olson said. “At the end of the process, they get a court order and the sheriff shows up.”
Council members also received a report from Schechinger following heavy rainfall in June that caused localized flooding in several neighborhoods.
Schechinger said more than seven inches of rain fell over the course of a week, including approximately 2.8 inches during one storm event after the ground had already become saturated.
“The five-year rain event is supposed to pass through the storm sewer system,” Schechinger said. “Beyond that, it’s supposed to run overland in swales.”
He explained that saturated soil significantly increased runoff because little rainfall could infiltrate into the ground before entering the drainage system.
City staff inspected storm sewers, intakes and drainage areas following the storms and documented flooding in residential areas. Schechinger said the investigation found drainage infrastructure functioning as designed in many locations, although the volume of water exceeded what portions of the system were intended to handle.
Council members also approved an event application and street closure for the American Legion Legacy Run, which will stop in Solon on Aug. 24.
The nationwide motorcycle ride, expected to bring between 250 and 500 riders to the city, raises money for veterans and children’s charities.
“We raise anywhere from $800,000 to $1.2 million a year for veterans and children’s foundations,” American Legion Riders representative Michael Walker said. “We’ve been doing this for 20 years now.”
Walker said riders will stop in Solon for lunch before continuing east through Iowa.
The council also heard a presentation from Greater Iowa City Economic Development’s Evan Doyle, who shared demographic and economic data collected on Solon to assist with future planning and business recruitment.
“The data can be used for a lot of different things,” Doyle said. “You can use it internally. You can use it to market the city and kind of the services and the pros of the city.”
In other business, the council approved amendments to the conditional zoning agreement, developer’s agreement and preliminary plat for Trail Ridge Estates Part 4.
The Solon Public Library reported nearly 700 participants have taken part in the summer reading program and more than 1,500 prizes have been distributed. Library Director Megan Richardson also announced a CPR and AED education program scheduled for July 8 and recognized library employee Sherr for 25 years of service.
Public Works Superintendent Dave Richards reported work continues on the city’s water tower rehabilitation project, with interior painting expected to wrap up next week before the tower returns to service following a curing period.