Town of Cedar Lake
Park Board
Regular Meeting Minutes

Pledge of Allegiance

Mr. Rodriguez called the meeting to order and led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Meeting Called to Order: 5:30 p.m.

Roll Call

Consent Agenda

Mr. Rodriguez read the consent agenda items. No questions were raised.

1. Minutes: March 5, 2026 regular meeting minutes.
2. Claims: Parks & Rec General Fund — $17,345.34; Park Impact Fee Fund — $0.00; Parks & Rec Non-Reverting Fund — $176.48; Clubhouse Non-Reverting Fund — $3,140.65. Total Expenditures: $20,662.47.
3. Donations: Kathy Broomhead — snacks for Senior Bingo; Easter baskets from Olthoff Homes, Jostes & Glynn LLP, Cedar Lake Strack & Van Til, Biggby Coffee Cedar Lake, Cedar Lake Farmers Market, Flourish Beauty Bar, Aron Schuhrke State Farm, Cedar Lake Summerfest, Jimmy John's of Cedar Lake, Travel with Jamie, Cupcake Castles, Cedar Lake Chamber of Commerce, and Cedar Lake Florist; Ludwig's Outdoor Services — two bikes and additional baskets; Carrie Kras of Red Robin — 260 Easter eggs with free kids' meal offers; White's Concrete — candy; Easy Clean Car Wash — gift cards; Loven' Oven Pizzeria of Lowell — 100 free pizza coupons; Family Express — 10 dozen cookies; Cliff Wroe — 300 saplings for Arbor Day event; Leo's Gardens — one sweatshirt for the Community Garden Call-Out Meeting.

Mr. Rodriguez thanked all donors on behalf of the Board.

Motion to approve the consent agenda made by Ms. Brannon; seconded by Mr. Jostes.

Motion carries, 4–0.

Old Business

1. Fleet Decals

Discussion continued from the prior meeting. Ms. Ray summarized the current status: park vehicles already have the Cedar Lake logo badge on corner door panels matching Public Works and Utilities trucks. The gap is the absence of a tailgate decal and signage on the enclosed trailer and dump trailer. The existing Parks and Recreation green banner on the logo is small and not easily readable from a distance.

Options discussed: adding a green Parks and Recreation banner badge to tailgates of pickup trucks (similar in scale to Public Works), consistent with the existing door badge; and exploring a full or partial wrap for the 20-foot enclosed trailer, which is in service five days per week and functions as a mobile billboard. Mr. Jostes suggested the priority should be the tailgate badges on the trucks and the enclosed trailer. Mr. Banhart confirmed the dump trailer and enclosed trailer are the primary high-visibility assets; landscape trailers have limited flat surface area for decals.

The Board agreed to defer a final decision to allow Ms. Ray to obtain pricing for both the tailgate badges and an enclosed trailer wrap option, with a commitment to make a decision at the May 7 meeting.

Motion to defer the fleet decals item to the May 7 meeting with a commitment to make a final decision at that time, made by Mr. Jostes; seconded by Mr. Marquardt.

Motion carries, 4–0.

2. Founders Creek Trail

Mr. Rodriguez reported that Town Manager Ben Eldridge received an update from a NIRPC representative indicating the Founders Creek Trail grant funding — which had been awarded — was subsequently cancelled at the project level. The path forward is to reapply for the grant, likely in the fall cycle. Mr. Eldridge has been in contact with Charles Bradsky at NIRPC, who expressed support for moving the project forward.

Mr. Jostes noted the situation is unclear from a public perspective: the grant was awarded, then the project funding was cancelled. The money does not disappear — it sits available for reapplication. Mr. Rodriguez noted that Town Council member Carnahan considers the project still viable. The Board acknowledged that park impact fee funds have been reserved specifically for the matching portion of this grant, and that if the project does not move forward, those funds should be redirected to other park needs.

No action was taken. The Board agreed to await the results of a planned meeting between Town Council and NIRPC representatives, which should occur before the May 7 meeting, and hopes to have clearer direction at that time.

Motion to defer the Founders Creek Trail item to the May 7 meeting, pending outcome of the Town Council–NIRPC meeting, made by Mr. Jostes; seconded by Ms. Brannon.

Motion carries, 4–0.

New Business

1. Bartlett Wahlberg Park — Sidewalk Project

Ms. Ray presented two quotes for an ADA-accessible sidewalk at Bartlett Wahlberg Park connecting the parking lot entrance to the pier and to the concrete bench areas:

• White's Custom Concrete: $11,500 (plus optional $300 sealing additive, which is included in Henn and Sons' pricing)
• Henn and Sons: $11,950 (sealing included; quote explicitly notes ADA compliance and flags that grade verification is needed to confirm ADA slope requirements can be achieved based on the line drawings provided)

Discussion focused on two questions: (1) ADA compliance assurance, and (2) spreading work across contractors. Ms. Brannon expressed a preference for Henn and Sons based on their explicit ADA language and their prior concrete work at the park shelters. Mr. Jostes countered that White's Concrete is the lower bidder, has bid many park projects without ever receiving an award, has been a consistent community donor (including to Easter and Trunk or Treat events), and that ADA compliance is a permit requirement enforced through building inspection regardless of which contractor is selected.

Ms. Ray confirmed that all permitted concrete work is subject to Town building inspection, which enforces ADA standards. She noted there is a minor grade change on site; both contractors would be advised of slope and ADA requirements during the pre-construction site meeting. She also noted that Henn and Sons' own quote flagged that grade verification is needed, suggesting potential additional cost if earthwork is required.

The Board agreed to award to White's Concrete as the lower bidder, contingent on White's confirming ADA compliance and grade compatibility. If White's cannot confirm ADA compliance, the award defaults to Henn and Sons.

Motion to award the Bartlett Wahlberg Park sidewalk project to White's Custom Concrete at $11,500 (plus $300 sealing), contingent upon White's Concrete confirming ADA compliance and grade requirements; if White's cannot confirm ADA compliance, award to default to Henn and Sons at $11,950, made by Mr. Jostes; seconded by Mr. Marquardt.

Motion carries, 3–1.

2. Agents of Discovery — Contract Renewal ($1,999)

Mr. Wiesemann provided an update on the Agents of Discovery virtual scavenger hunt platform, which was first deployed in July 2025. Usage highlights: the Easter-themed game in 2026 drew 125 players; the Take Your Time Easter Trail version offered participants a self-guided scavenger hunt as an alternative to the competitive Easter egg hunt. Onboarding delays in year one pushed the launch to July, limiting the season. The platform can be published and unpublished instantly, allowing it to run continuously or be tied to specific events.

Planned uses for year two include Arbor Day, Fourth of July / Summerfest, National Night Out (August 4), Parks and Recreation Month (July), Trunk or Treat, and Visit with Santa. The platform can be configured for any location in Town. Mr. Wiesemann noted he extended the Easter trail through the weekend when he observed active participation on the day it was scheduled to close.

Motion to renew the Agents of Discovery contract for one year at $1,999 made by Ms. Brannon; seconded by Mr. Marquardt.

Motion carries, 4–0.

3. Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) — Annual License Renewal

Ms. Ray explained that the BMI license is required for the Town to play music at events (e.g., when hiring a DJ), ensuring copyright compliance. This is an annual housekeeping renewal.

Motion to renew the BMI annual license made by Mr. Jostes; seconded by Mr. Marquardt.

Motion carries, 4–0.

4. Shades Neighborhood Park — 7105 W. 134th Avenue (Agenda Amendment)

Note: This item was not on the printed agenda. The Board voted to amend the agenda to add it.

Motion to amend the agenda to add the Shades Neighborhood Park item under New Business made by Ms. Brannon; seconded by Mr. Jostes.

Motion carries, 4–0.

Ms. Brannon introduced the item. The Town owns a parcel at approximately 7105 W. 134th Avenue of that community have previously approached the Park Board about clearing the overgrown lot and creating a simple neighborhood park space — grass, cleared brush, and minimal amenities. The estimated cost for brush and tree clearing is approximately $6,000–$7,000 based on a prior quote. Park crews would handle remaining fine-tuning.

Mr. Jostes confirmed the Town already owns the property; no acquisition is needed. The capital investment is minimal. The Board discussed whether Town Council approval is needed to formally designate the parcel for parks use and authorize the clearing expenditure, which exceeds Ms. Ray's spending threshold.

Motion to recommend to Town Council that the parcel at 7105 W. 134th Avenue be designated for use as a neighborhood park and that the Park Department be authorized to proceed with brush and tree clearing not to exceed $7,000, made by Mr. Jostes; seconded by Ms. Brannon.

Motion carries, 4–0.

5. Maintenance Foreman — Certified Playground Inspector Course (Agenda Amendment)

Note: This item was not on the printed agenda. The Board voted to amend the agenda to add it.

Motion to amend the agenda to add the Certified Playground Inspector item under New Business made by Ms. Brannon; seconded by Mr. Jostes.

Motion carries, 4–0.

Ms. Ray explained the background: playgrounds are visually inspected monthly by the Maintenance Foreman but must also be inspected annually by a certified playground inspector for insurance compliance. The Town's previous insurance provider included this annual inspection at no cost as a service; the new insurance policy does not. With 11 playground spaces in the inventory, outsourcing the inspection would cost $150–$300 per space annually. By contrast, the certified playground inspector course costs approximately one-quarter of that and certification is valid for three years before renewal. Ms. Ray recommended certifying Josh Banhart (Maintenance Foreman) as the cost-effective solution.

Motion to direct Josh Banhart, Maintenance Foreman, to attend and complete the Certified Playground Inspector course made by Mr. Jostes; seconded by Ms. Brannon.

Motion carries, 4–0.

6. Public Safety Building — Landscape Spring Cleanup (Agenda Amendment)

Note: This item was not on the printed agenda. The Board voted to amend the agenda to add it.

Motion to amend the agenda to add the Public Safety Building Landscape item under New Business made by Ms. Brannon; seconded by Mr. Jostes.

Motion carries, 4–0.

Ms. Ray raised the question of whether Park staff should assist with spring landscape cleanup at the new public safety building campus (police and fire stations). The campus requires shrub and bush trimming and approximately $1,000 in mulch for spring cleanup. Currently, Parks plows and salts the facility in winter; Public Works mowed it a couple of times last year. No formal maintenance responsibility has been assigned. Ms. Ray noted that if the work is not done soon, the spring growing season will make catch-up significantly more difficult.

The Board agreed to authorize Park staff to perform the spring cleanup, with the understanding that supply costs (mulch, etc.) would come from the public safety building budget rather than the parks budget. Ms. Ray will work out the details internally.

Motion to authorize Park staff to perform spring landscape cleanup at the public safety building campus, including trimming and mulching, with supply costs to be funded from the public safety building budget, details to be coordinated by Ms. Ray, made by Ms. Brannon; seconded by Mr. Marquardt.

Motion carries, 4–0.

Reports

1. Park Board Subcommittees

Programs & Events — Rodriguez & Marquardt

Mr. Rodriguez reported the subcommittee met with Ms. Ray and Mr. Wiesemann to review the annual events and programs calendar. Items of interest discussed:

• Additional bus trips to be added to the schedule.
• A possible new event in July tied to National Parks and Recreation Month.
• National Night Out — August 4, 2026 — being considered as a town-wide multi-department community event (touch-a-truck, park activities, etc.), consistent with National Night Out observances in other communities.
• A Veterans Day acknowledgment event is being explored.

Projects & Infrastructure — Jostes & Brannon

Ms. Brannon reported the subcommittee discussed replacement of the aging climbing structure at Red Cedar Park. The swing bays and half-round piece will remain; the climbing structure has reached end of useful life. Ms. Ray has been directed to obtain quotes with a general budget parameter. Mr. Banhart assisted with the wish list process through a meeting with a playground manufacturer.

2. Superintendent's Report

Ms. Ray provided the following project status updates:

• Lynnsway Park Shelter: Kit scheduled to arrive end of April; contractor installation tentatively planned for May.
• Potawatomi Park — Polk Property: House demolition complete. Engineering firm working on stormwater considerations for that parcel and Potawatomi Park as a whole.
• Robin's Nest Playground: Contractor met on site; building permit pulled. Four-swing bay and playground surfacing expansion planned for mid-April, weather permitting.
• Town Grounds Walking Path: Construction start planned May 18, weather permitting; target completion by Memorial Day weekend.
• Lookout Point Railing: Replacement railing installation anticipated the week of April 8.
• Community Garden Expansion: Second community garden being established adjacent to existing garden. ADA-accessible paving pavers are in place; garden kit installation planned within the next few weeks, weather permitting.
• Lakeside Artist Guild Bandstand Sign: Council approved placement at the March 17 meeting. The Artist Guild requested one edit — replacing "Academy" with "LakeConcerts.com" on the sign. Final mock-up is back with the sign company; order to be placed shortly.

3. Recreation Coordinator's Report

Mr. Wiesemann reported:

• Exercise Class: 27 participants enrolled. Instructor performing exceptionally well.
• Spring Soccer: Season begins Monday, April 6.
• Easter Egg Hunt: Higher attendance than prior year; more donors than in past years.
• All Abilities Easter Hunt: Two participants this year — both very positive about the experience. Considered a win given low participation in the prior year.
• Casino Bus Trip: Scheduled May 1; signups open through April 20.
• Earth Day: Handouts available at the park office; posted to social media.
• Arbor Day: Programming in development.
• July Event (Bubbles): Quote received; Mr. Wiesemann will bring a full proposal to a future meeting for board direction on budget.

4. Maintenance Foreman's Report

Mr. Banhart reported:

• Sand Recovery: Assisted Public Works in removing accumulated sand from the parking lot, grass, and sidewalks; approximately 18 tractor buckets returned to the beach.
• Spring Cleanup: Town grounds cleared of acorns, sticks, and pine needles. Collected approximately 190 gallons of trash from the wooded area behind the clubhouse.
• Aeration: Aerator restored; all park spaces and green spaces aerated.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Tire rotations, oil changes, and air filter replacements completed on all park vehicles in preparation for the season.
• Clubhouse HVAC: Addressed rooftop unit with new belt and the thermostat was replaced in the hall.
• New Trailers: Enclosed trailer received and staged for deployment; dump trailer already in active use (4–5 loads completed). Mowers loaded into enclosed trailer; crews preparing to begin mowing season.
• Easter Egg Hunt: Staff assisted with event setup and execution.

5. Town Council Liaison Report

Ms. Rivera was absent. No report.

6. Park Foundation Report

Foundation representative reported:

• Board Meeting: Held March 2 at the library.
• Plastic Cap Project: Over 600 pounds collected; goal is 1,000 pounds (two benches).
• April 18: Table at the Chamber Business Showcase at Hanover Field House; also a table at the Farmers Market to sell Cedar Lake items and recruit volunteers.
• May 9: Mother's Day Tea at the museum — children decorate terracotta pots and plant a flower; cookies, lemonade, water, and tea served; free will offering.
• June 20: Father's Day event at the museum — children make paper airplanes with prizes in varied categories; hot dogs, chips, water, and lemonade; free will offering.
• July 3: Bingo at Summerfest (noon to 11 p.m.) as a fundraiser.
• Crown Point Community Foundation — $1 Million Challenge: Foundation attended the kickoff. This is a nine-month collaborative funding initiative; the Foundation is preparing a proposal to submit.
• Next Foundation Meeting: April 6 at 4:30 p.m. at the library.

Public Comment

Mary Joan Dickson — 8711 W. 132nd Place

A representative of Summerfest proposed a partnership between the Agents of Discovery program and the Summerfest teen scavenger hunt, which runs on the Friday of the festival (Teen Day, July 3). The scavenger hunt offers approximately $300 in cash prizes and vendor contributions with no cost to the Town. She suggested integrating the Agents of Discovery app with the scavenger hunt route, allowing participants to use the app at festival stops. Mr. Wiesemann expressed enthusiasm and noted the app questions could be themed around Summerfest history. The Board and staff indicated interest in pursuing the collaboration.

Jay Harris — 10611 W. 124th Avenue, Cedar Lake — Tai Chi Program

Mr. Harris introduced himself as a certified Tai Chi (Yang style) and Qigong instructor. He has taught at Lincoln Center in Highland since 2017, and has offered summer courses for Griffith Park, Woodland Park, and Lake County Parks (Gibson Woods, Hammond). He proposed offering a four-week Tai Chi course — one session per week, covering a 16-posture Yang Tai Chi form — at a Cedar Lake park location, ideally by the lake in the summer. Ms. Ray confirmed the program would be primarily adult-oriented and expressed interest in exploring it further. She will connect with Mr. Harris through the next programming meeting to discuss scheduling and logistics.

No further public comment was received.

Adjournment

There being no further business, Mr. Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:07 p.m.

Next Meeting: Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 5:30 P.M., Cedar Lake Town Hall Meeting Room.