Solon council approves MOU and financial‑willingness statement to advance Headwaters Connector Greenway

The Solon City Council voted unanimously to move forward on the Headwaters Connector Greenway by approving two related ordinances: Ordinance 2025209 authorizing a memorandum of understanding with Bainbridge Township, and Ordinance 2025223, a statement of willingness for the city to assume financial responsibility for the project. Both measures were passed under suspension and recorded as final passage by roll call.

The law director explained the actions are part of acquiring an abandoned Norfolk Southern railroad corridor and described how the project will connect through Bainbridge toward Aurora. He told council this is a mandatory form required as part of a rails-to-trails type process and that staff confirmed existing city insurance would cover the project without additional coverage. Council members discussed an internal timeline and referenced a target of completion for required materials by mid-December; one member said the administration is "on track" to meet the timeline.

Councilors made and seconded motions to approve both ordinances under suspension. Members indicated they had discussed the items in caucus and were comfortable moving forward; the law director and administration said they were prepared to complete required paperwork and noted some federal and state processes involved with purchasing a railroad corridor. Councilors also discussed the possibility of holding a special meeting if additional administrative steps become necessary. The ordinances do not by themselves obligate spending beyond the procedural statements and MOU; they enable the next steps in property acquisition and project planning.