Town of Cedar Lake
Park Board
Regular Meeting Minutes

Pledge of Allegiance

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

Meeting Called to Order: 5:36 p.m.

Roll Call

Mr. Jostes welcomed Pam Howard to her first Park Board meeting.

Agenda Amendments

Prior to proceeding with agenda items, Mr. Jostes proposed three amendments to the agenda, each approved separately.

1. Remove Vice President Election

Mr. Jostes explained that his term as Vice President does not expire until December 2029 and he did not wish to vacate that position. The Board is filling only the President vacancy created by Paul Rodriguez's resignation; therefore the Vice President election should be removed from the agenda.

Motion to remove the Vice President election from the agenda made by Ms. Brannon; seconded by Ms. Howard.

Motion carries, 4–0.

2. Remove Appointment of Subcommittee Vacancy

Mr. Jostes stated the Board has decided not to maintain subcommittees at this time and directed that the item be removed from the agenda.

Motion to remove the Appointment of Subcommittee Vacancy from the agenda made by Ms. Brannon; seconded by Mr. Marquardt.

Motion carries, 4–0.

3. Change Next Meeting Date from July 2 to June 25, 2026

Mr. Jostes noted the July 2, 2026 regular meeting date falls during Summerfest. The following week conflicts with another board's meeting. The Board agreed to move the next meeting to Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.

Motion to change the next Park Board meeting from July 2 to Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. made by Mr. Marquardt; seconded by Ms. Howard.

Motion carries, 4–0.

Election of Officers

President

Mr. Jostes called for nominations for President to fill the vacancy created by Paul Rodriguez's resignation. Mr. Marquardt nominated Gayle Brannon.

Motion to elect Gayle Brannon as President of the Cedar Lake Park Board made by Mr. Marquardt; seconded by Ms. Howard.

Motion carries, 4–0.

Ms. Brannon was elected President and assumed the chair. The Board congratulated her.

Vice President

No election held. Per the agenda amendment above, Mr. Jostes continues to serve as Vice President through the remainder of his term (December 31, 2029).

Tribute — Mindi Ray, Parks Superintendent

Prior to the consent agenda, Ms. Brannon acknowledged the departure of Mindi Ray as Parks Superintendent. She noted Ms. Ray has accepted a new position closer to her home and wished her well, expressing that she would be missed for her positive presence and sense of humor. Mr. Jostes echoed these sentiments, crediting Ms. Ray for helping to build the Parks Department and establish its strong working culture with staff. Ms. Rivera, on behalf of the Town Council, called Ms. Ray's departure a significant loss and encouraged the Board to be selective in finding her replacement, noting that a candidate with even half of Ms. Ray's skills would be valuable.

Consent Agenda

1. Minutes: February 5, 2026; April 2, 2026; and May 7, 2026 regular meeting minutes. Ms. Brannon noted the Board had fallen slightly behind on approving earlier minutes following the departure of a prior administrative assistant and is now bringing all three sets current.
2. Claims: Parks & Rec General Fund — $113,377.43; Park Impact Fee Fund — $11,250.00; Parks & Rec Non-Reverting Fund — $4,233.21; Clubhouse Non-Reverting Fund — $6,056.41. Total Expenditures: $134,917.05.
3. Donations:
   • Olthof Homes — $250 Movies in the Park sponsorship
   • Easy Clean Car Wash — gift cards and $500 Movies in the Park sponsorship
   • Cedar Lake Culver's — $250 Movies in the Park sponsorship

Ms. Brannon thanked all donors on behalf of the Board.

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

Motion carries, 4–0.

Old Business

Potawatomi Park Improvements — Initial Drainage Authorization

Ms. Brannon reported that the lookout improvements at Potawatomi Park are complete. The next phase involves installing initial drainage as a prerequisite to constructing a small parking area on the Polk Street parcel. The work consists of connecting a drain to the nearby existing storm sewer. Mr. Jostes confirmed the work will be performed in-house by Town staff under Mr. Kubiak's direction. Town equipment that had been staged at the park was removed earlier that day, but the authorization allows the crew to return and complete the drainage work.

Motion to authorize Tim Kubiak and Public Works to install the initial drain connection to the storm sewer at Potawatomi Park in preparation for the small parking area made by Mr. Jostes; seconded by Mr. Marquardt.

Motion carries, 4–0.

New Business

Name the Street Sweeper Contest

Ms. Brannon explained that a resident — inspired by a similar program in Chicago — suggested the Town hold a children's contest to name the new street sweeper. Entries would be submitted via social media and the Town website during a designated window. A winner would be selected and recognized at a Town Council meeting. Mr. Wiesemann noted this was a program Mindi Ray had been planning before her departure; staff is ready to proceed. The Board discussed adding a small prize for the winning submission; Mr. Wiesemann indicated he would look into arranging one.

Motion to approve the Name the Street Sweeper children's contest as presented made by Ms. Howard; seconded by Mr. Jostes.

Motion carries, 4–0.

Art Camp Instructor Agreement

Mr. Wiesemann presented an instructor agreement (Exhibit D in the packet) for a four-day youth art camp. Details:

• Dates: June 15–18, 2026
• Hours: Noon to 2:00 p.m. daily
• Ages: 6–9 years
• Location: Clubhouse
• Fees: $120 per resident; $125 per non-resident
• Instructor: Trista Mantel is offering the program for the first time, with interest in returning in July if the session goes well

Registration opened in advance of the agreement's formal approval; 13 children are currently enrolled, with the session at capacity (original maximum of 10 was expanded to accommodate three waitlisted children per the instructor's agreement).

Motion to approve the Art Camp instructor agreement as presented made by Mr. Jostes; seconded by Mr. Marquardt.

Motion carries, 4–0.

Fleet and Equipment Repairs — Deferred

Ms. Brannon noted the exhibits included in the packet for this item appeared to be from a different agenda item and did not contain the fleet and equipment repair information. Rather than proceed without the correct documentation, the Board voted to defer.

Motion to defer the discussion and direction regarding fleet and equipment repairs to the June 25, 2026 meeting made by Mr. Jostes; seconded by Mr. Howard.

Motion carries, 4–0.

Offshore Estates Parcel — Donation Declined

Ms. Brannon reported the Board had reviewed the Offshore Estates parcel offered by the HOA as a donation to the Town for use as a community park (raised during public comment at the May 7 meeting). After examining the parcel, the Board determined it is not a good fit for the park system at this time. Mr. Jostes added that the Board has a policy position of not taking on additional undeveloped parcels currently; the Parks Department is focused on improving and developing existing park properties, and new subdivision parks under development will require attention as they transfer to Town ownership. The decision requires no formal vote as no formal acceptance was pending.

Reports

Recreation Coordinator Report — Greg Wiesemann

• Fitness Class: Instructor Janet has been recovering from surgery and will return Tuesday via Zoom, with in-person class resuming the following Thursday.
• Senior Gathering / Summerfest: 36 seniors attended the gathering, with 38 total participants. Well received.
• Bingo: Averaging strong attendance per ongoing sessions.
• Fall Soccer Registration: Opens June 15, 2026.
• Bus Trip: The bus trip is scheduled for September 4, 2026.
• Farmer's Market: On June 24, 2026, the Parks Department will participate in Nerf Battles event at the Farmer's Market.
• Movies in the Park: First showing is Wednesday, June 10. Feature film: Zootopia 2, following the Farmer's Market.
• Lakeside Artists Guild: First concert of the season is this Saturday (June 6). Subsequent concerts will run into July due to June scheduling conflicts.

Maintenance Foreman Report — Josh Banhart

• Lynnsway Park Shelter: Shelter installation is complete. Approximately six to seven truckloads of fill dirt delivered and graded around the structure. Grass installed throughout. Ms. Brannon and Mr. Marquardt noted it looks excellent. Pending: flower box installation and decorative rock placement (delayed by tractor being out of service).
• Potawatomi Park: Branch work, sorting, and chipping completed (one to two truckloads of chips). Storm-damaged trees from approximately one month ago have been cleared.
• Walking Path (Park of the Red Cedars): Path installation complete. Fill dirt placed over exposed drainage that had been left open. Drainage damaged during installation was repaired. Signs for the path remain on the to-do list.
• Robin's Nest Park: Dirt and fill work ongoing. Progress held back by tractor being down and need for additional fill. Some fill material redirected from other projects.
• Town Hall Grounds: Dirt work and grass seeding completed at front of Town Hall and around the maintenance shop in the back; all areas brought to grade and seeded.
• Community Garden: New planting areas added to both sides of the community garden, expanding growing capacity.
• Watering and Mowing: Significant crew time devoted to watering all recent dirt and seeding projects. Routine mowing and trimming continue throughout the park system.

Mr. Jostes asked whether landscaping (flower beds) is planned for the Lynnsway Park shelter area. Mr. Banhart confirmed no landscaping plan is currently in place; the structure is surrounded by grass. The Board noted the shelter looks great and that demand for additional shelters may grow as residents see the quality of completed installations.

Town Council Liaison Report — Julie Rivera

Ms. Rivera reiterated the tribute to Mindi Ray (see above). She encouraged the Board to take its time but move with urgency in finding a replacement, noting the importance of selecting someone with strong skills and institutional knowledge of Cedar Lake's parks system.

Park Foundation Report

A Park Foundation representative reported on recent and upcoming activities:

• Plastic Cap Project: Total collection now exceeds 688 pounds.
• Farmer's Market Table — June 10: Foundation will sell Cedar Lake merchandise and recruit volunteers.
• Mother's Day Tea (May 9): Successfully held; children decorated pots and planted flowers with their mothers.
• Summerfest Bingo — July 3: Foundation hosting bingo noon to 11:00 p.m.
• Fall Festival — September 12, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Partnership with Parks Department continuing. Formal letter to be submitted to the Town. Date secured with Parks.
• Legacy Foundation Grant: The Foundation applied for the $5 million Legacy Foundation grant. A favorable response was received from the Foundation contact Leslie on May 30, 2026. The second installment is anticipated to be received by end of June. The Foundation intends to present the full grant project concept to the Park Board at an upcoming meeting.

Walking Path Signs — Follow-Up Note

During the meeting, Ms. Brannon referenced the previously approved rule signs for the Park of the Red Cedars walking path, noting a recent incident of a resident using the path with a golf cart. Mr. Banhart confirmed the signs are on the to-do list and will be installed. Mr. Jostes noted the path signage project could be an opportunity for future Park Foundation partnership on additional amenity improvements along the path.

Tabled Items

Founders Creek Trail

Remains tabled. No update. Board intends to revisit in fall 2026 after NIRPC reapplication cycle opens.

Written Communication

No written communication was received.

Public Comment

Cheryl Parker — 7227 W. 136th Court

Stated that a resident was using a golf cart on the crushed gravel of the walking path.

Adjournment

There being no further business, Ms. Brannon adjourned the meeting at 6:02 p.m.

Next Meeting: Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 5:30 P.M., Cedar Lake Town Hall Meeting Room. (Date changed from July 2 due to Summerfest conflict.)