Town of Cedar Lake Park Board Meeting Minutes

Call To Order:

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

Roll Call:

Members Present: David Jostes, Vice-President; Gayle Brannon, Member and Greg Marquardt, Member. A quorum was attained.

Also present: Julie Rivera Town Council Liaison; Benjamin Eldridge, Town Manager Mindi Ray, Parks & Recreation Superintendent; Greg Wiesemann, Recreation Coordinator; and Sharon D’Apice, Administrative Assistant

Absent: Paul Rodriguez, President and David Austgen, Town Attorney

Let the record reflect that Mrs. Rivera arrived at 5:33 pm.

Consent Agenda:

1. Minutes January 15th Meeting Minutes

2. Claims: Parks & Rec General Fund: $2,689.48; Park Impact Fee Fund: $7,650.00; Parks & Rec Non-Reverting Fund: $64.00; Clubhouse Non-Reverting Fund: $18.99;
Total Expenditures: $10,422.47

Ms. Brannon made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda and Mr. Marquardt seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

Old Business:

1. Founders Creek Trail

Mr. Eldridge updated the board that last week when he spoke with Charles Bradsky with NIRPC he was informed that the project is currently at a standstill. Preliminary engineering should have begun before property was purchased. NIRPC’s recommendation was to cancel the project, reapply and begin preliminary engineering then inquire about the last piece of property from either the homeowner or the developer. Discussion ensued.

Ms. Brannon made a motion to defer the Founders Creek Trail to the March meeting and Mr. Marquardt seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

New Business:

1. Park Superintendent Job Description

Mr. Jostes stated that there is another revision that needs to be submitted to the town. It is a change that directs the Park Department to be governed by the Park Board.

Mr. Marquardt made a motion to submit revision of Park Superintendent job description to the town and Ms. Brannon seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

2. Master Gardener Grant

Mrs. Ray stated that the Parks Department would like to apply for the Master Gardener Grant. Discussion ensued about what type of project to submit.

Ms. Brannon made a motion to apply for the Master Gardener Grant and Mr. Marquardt seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

3. Potawatomi Park Improvements

Mrs. Ray updated the board that the house that was purchased will be demoed, parking spaces will be added. One enhancement to Potawatomi Park will be an upgrade to the lookout pointes railing and flag poles. Discussion ensued.

Mr. Marquardt made a motion to defer the railing issue to the March meeting and to approve the flagpole replacements for in-house and Ms. Brannon seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

Ms. Brannon made a motion to amend the agenda to include bus trips and Mr. Marquardt seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

4. Bus Trips

Ms. Brannon made a motion to approve the bus trips and allow the details to be worked out by Mrs. Ray and Mr. Marquardt seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

Reports:

1. Superintendent Report

Mrs. Ray updated the board that the Clubhouse currently has eighty-three reservations.

The dog park currently has 29 primary memberships.

Mrs. Ray also updated the board that she has been able to move forward the 2025 encumbrances projects.

2. Recreation Coordinator Report

Mr. Wiesemann expressed his appreciation to our fitness instructor Janet for her great work in keeping the fitness class well registered.

Mr. Wiesemann updated the board that on Monday, February 23rd the Bingo will be two-hours due to having to cancel the last Bingo in January due to poor weather.

The spring soccer registration for the public will begin on Monday, February 9th.

Mr. Wiesemann also updated the board that the first class of the “Hands on Mixed Media” has 9 people registered.

There will be a Blood Drive on Thursday, February 12th from 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

The Fitness Premier free classes started this past Monday and met the minimum for open gym.

The bus trips will be finalized soon. The first bus trip will be to the Fourwinds Casino and the second bus trip will be to the Blueberry Festival.

3. Maintenance Foreman Report

Mrs. Ray updated the board that the parks crew is responsible for several spaces in the community and the snow removal has been keeping them very busy.

Mrs. Ray also updated the board that thirty-three wooden picnic tables were rehabbed this winter.

4. Town Council

Mrs. Rivera stated that she is looking forward to the March Joint Executive Session with the Park Board and Town Council.

Mrs. Rivera also thanked the crew for doing a great job with the snow removal.

5. Park Foundation Report

Ms. Sumara updated the board that the Master Gardeners Grant was submitted.

Ms. Sumara stated that the plastic cap project has just under 500 pounds so they will be receiving two benches.

On Saturday, March 7th from 11am to 3pm there is Bingo at the Eagles, tickets are available for $25. There will also be raffle prizes.

The Park Foundation will be attending the Business Showcase this year.

On May 9th will be a Mother’s Day Tea, children will decorate a Terracotta Pot and plant a flower.

On June 20th there will be a Father’s Day event at the museum where children will make and fly a paper airplane.

The Park Foundation will be hosting the Bingo at Summerfest on July 3rd.

Public Comment:

Kathleen Broomhead, 14351 W. 135th Avenue wanted more information regarding the parking lot being installed at Potawatomi Park.

Mrs. Broomhead also wanted to know if there were any other designs for the Potawatomi Outlook project and if a local company was going to receive the project.

Adjournment:

Ms. Brannon made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:12 pm and Mr. Marquardt seconded the motion. The next meeting is scheduled for March 5, 2026 at 5:30 pm.