Town of Cedar Lake Park Board
Meeting Minutes

Call to Order

Mr. Rodriguez called the Park Board Public Meeting to order on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., with its members attending on-site. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.

Roll Call

Members Present

• Paul Rodriguez, President
• David Jostes, Vice-President
• Gayle Brannon, Member
• Greg Marquardt, Member

A quorum was attained.

Also Present

• Mindi Ray, Parks & Recreation Superintendent
• Greg Wiesemann, Recreation Coordinator
• Sharon D’Apice, Administrative Assistant

Absent

• Julie Rivera, Town Council Liaison
• Benjamin Eldridge, Town Manager
• David Austgen, Town Attorney

Election of Officers

1. President

Mr. Rodriguez stated the first order of business was the election of the Park Board President. Mr. Marquardt made a motion to elect Mr. Rodriguez as President; Ms. Brannon seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

2. Vice-President

Mr. Rodriguez called for the election of the Vice-President. Ms. Brannon made a motion to elect Mr. Jostes as Vice-President; Mr. Marquardt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

Consent Agenda

1. Minutes

December 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes

2. Claims

• Parks & Rec General Fund: $8,944.50
• Park Impact Fee Fund: $0.00
• Parks & Rec Non-Reverting Fund: $246.00
• Clubhouse Non-Reverting Fund: $4,906.52
• Total Expenditures: $14,091.02

Mr. Marquardt made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda; Mr. Jostes seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

Old Business

1. Founders Creek Trail

Mrs. Ray updated the board that the Town Manager is currently working with the property owner to extend the current easement through one of the parcels. Discussion ensued.

Mr. Jostes made a motion to defer the Founders Creek Trail to the February 2026 meeting; Mr. Marquardt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

New Business

1. Sub-Committee Appointments

Mr. Rodriguez noted that last year the board was organized into two sub-committees: (1) Programs and Events, and (2) Planning and Infrastructure. He stated that the current sub-committee appointments would remain the same.

Mr. Jostes made a motion to accept that the sub-committee appointments will stay the same; Mr. Marquardt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

2. Instructor Agreement – Craft Class Instructor

Mr. Wiesemann stated this will be a craft workshop for ages 10 and older, held in February, March, and April, with two classes per day, twice monthly at the Clubhouse. Mrs. Ray stated this is a park program with a hired instructor to host and provide services. Mr. Jostes expressed concern about the cost per class; Mr. Rodriguez stated he would not want the rate to exceed $30. The resident rate would be $25 with the Parks Department paying a $5 subsidy (for a total of $30 to the instructor); the non-resident rate would remain $30. Discussion ensued.

3. Upcycle Agreement – Annual Rain Barrel Program

Mr. Rodriguez stated this is the annual Rain Barrel Program. Mr. Wiesemann noted that the town has offered this program for many years. Mrs. Ray stated that this year it is not being run as a fundraiser; it is simply an opportunity for residents to purchase a rain barrel or composter, with products delivered to Town Grounds for easy pick-up.

Ms. Brannon made a motion to approve the Upcycle Agreement; Mr. Jostes seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

4. Apparel & Merchandise Agreement

Mrs. Ray stated she is exploring revenue-share opportunities such as establishing memorial programs, and that this agreement would create park merchandise ("park swag") through which the department would receive 10% of merchandise sales. This revenue would serve as a rainy-day fund for cumulative capital improvements, subject to establishment of a dedicated fund. The Park Board would retain editorial control. Discussion ensued.

Mr. Jostes made a motion to defer the Merchandise Agreement to the February 2026 meeting; Mr. Marquardt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

Mr. Rodriguez made a motion to amend the agenda to add an item under New Business regarding a recommendation to Town Council to establish a Cumulative Fund for Capital Improvements; Mr. Jostes seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

5. Recommendation to Town Council – Cumulative Capital Improvement Fund

Ms. Brannon made a motion for a recommendation to Town Council that a Cumulative Capital Improvement Fund be established for Capital Improvements, or that the existing Cumulative Fund be reactivated; Mr. Marquardt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

Discussion

1. Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

Mr. Rodriguez stated that the budget has already been adopted by Town Council and that the Park Board is acknowledging receipt of the budget. All budgets are available on the town website for the public to view.

Reports

1. 2025 Annual Report

Mrs. Ray updated the board that the Annual Report reflects the department’s accomplishments for the year. Mrs. D’Apice noted that the 2025 Annual Report is linked on the Parks Department main page of the town website.

2. Park Foundation Report

Ms. Brannon updated the board that the Park Foundation is still collecting donations for the cap project. Upcoming Foundation activities include:

• Mother’s Day Tea – May 9: Held at the Museum; participants will decorate terra cotta pots and receive a flower. Cost: $5.
• Eagles Bingo – Saturday, March 7, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.: Tickets available for $25; raffle prizes included.
• Master Gardeners Grant: Submission deadline March 1.
• Business Showcase – April 18: Park Foundation will participate.
• Next Park Foundation Meeting – February 2 at 4:30 p.m.: At the library.

Public Comment

Kathleen Broomhead, 14351 W. 135th Avenue, inquired about the budget amount for the current year.

Mrs. Broomhead also asked what reports the department produces and why they are not posted online. Mr. Rodriguez stated that the reports are for internal operations.

Mrs. Broomhead inquired about planned tool or vehicle purchases. Mr. Rodriguez stated that Josh provides a list of needs and wants, and that Mrs. Ray may approve purchases under $5,000. Purchases above that threshold require a vote of the Park Board during a regular meeting.

Mrs. Broomhead inquired about the status of the park shop building, stating she has photographed the area and expressed displeasure that construction is not moving forward.

Adjournment

Ms. Brannon made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:38 p.m.; Mr. Jostes seconded the motion. The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 5, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.