Town of Cedar Lake
Park Board
Regular Meeting Minutes

Pledge of Allegiance

Ms. Brannon called the meeting to order and led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Meeting Called to Order: 5:50 p.m.

Roll Call

Consent Agenda

1. Minutes: June 4, 2026 regular meeting.
2. Claims: Parks & Rec General Fund — $98,956.84; Park Impact Fee Fund — $0.00; Parks & Rec Non-Reverting Fund — $115.00; Clubhouse Non-Reverting Fund — $1,029.54. Total Expenditures: $100,101.38.
3. Donations:
   • Cedar Lake Summerfest — 3 × $10 gift cards for Bingo
   • Eenigenburg Exteriors — $500 Movies in the Park sponsorship

Ms. Brannon thanked Eenigenburg Exteriors for their generous sponsorship.

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

Motion carries, 3–0.

Old Business

Fleet and Equipment Repairs — Four Exhibits

Mr. Banhart presented four repair exhibits deferred from the June 4 meeting due to incorrect exhibits having been included in the prior packet. Two quotes were obtained for most items from Precision Autocraft and Auto Touch Inc., both of Cedar Lake. Motions were taken separately on each exhibit.

Exhibit A — Enclosed Trailer — Precision Autocraft — $994.00

Mr. Banhart reported that only Precision Autocraft was willing to work on the trailer; Auto Touch Inc. and one other Cedar Lake business do not service trailers. The damage involves a bent aluminum panel near the bottom of the trailer door, directly in front of a wood backing. If moisture reaches the wood, significant additional damage would result. Precision Autocraft will bend the panel back out, reinforce the barrier between the aluminum and the wood, and repaint the affected area.

Motion to approve the repair of the enclosed trailer by Precision Autocraft at a cost of $994.00 (Exhibit A) made by Mr. Marquardt; seconded by Ms. Howard.

Motion carries, 3–0.

Exhibit B — GMC Truck (Fender and Door Damage) — Auto Touch Inc. — $1,691.41

The GMC truck sustained damage to the front fender and door. Two quotes were obtained: Precision Autocraft at $1,824.20 and Auto Touch Inc. at $1,691.41. The Board selected the lower quote. Mr. Banhart noted this is the most significant body damage the Parks Department has experienced on a vehicle, and that rust will develop if not repaired promptly.

Motion to approve the repair of the GMC truck fender and door by Auto Touch Inc. at a cost of $1,691.41 (Exhibit B) made by Mr. Marquardt; seconded by Ms. Howard.

Motion carries, 3–0.

Exhibit C — RAM Truck Tailgate Damage — Auto Touch Inc. — $950.40

The 2024 RAM truck tailgate sustained two prior incidents of damage: the tailgate was left down and backed against a trailer, denting the aluminum; a small rust spot is also present near a tape measure notch. Two quotes were obtained: Auto Touch Inc. at $950.40 and a second quote near $999. The Board selected the lower quote.

Motion to approve the repair of the RAM truck tailgate by Auto Touch Inc. at a cost of $950.40 (Exhibit C) made by Mr. Marquardt; seconded by Ms. Howard.

Motion carries, 3–0.

Exhibit D — Jeep (Paint Scratches) — Touchup Pen from Dealership

The Jeep has minor paint scratches. Quotes were obtained from Precision Autocraft ($499.50) and Auto Touch Inc. ($702.40) for professional body repair. Mr. Banhart recommended a simpler approach: purchasing an OEM touchup pen from the dealership for approximately $100, which he believes will satisfactorily address the cosmetic scratches without a full body shop repair.

Motion to address the Jeep paint scratches by purchasing a touchup pen from the dealership at an approximate cost of $100, rather than engaging a body shop (Exhibit D), made by Mr. Marquardt; seconded by Ms. Howard.

Motion carries, 3–0.

Prevention Measures

Mr. Marquardt asked what steps are being taken to prevent future damage. Mr. Banhart confirmed two new protocols:

• Trailer operations now require a two-person team when backing; a spotter must be present, making collisions significantly less likely.
• All staff now double-check tailgates before moving vehicles. Mr. Banhart noted the enclosed trailer has reduced how often the RAM's tailgate needs to be lowered, which also helps.

New Business

1. Interim Superintendent — Greg Wiesemann Appointed

Ms. Brannon presented the Board's decision to appoint Greg Wiesemann, Recreation Coordinator, to serve as Interim Parks Superintendent following the departure of Mindi Ray. The Board expressed confidence in Mr. Wiesemann's ability to lead the department during the transition and wished him well in the role.

Motion to appoint Greg Wiesemann as Interim Parks Superintendent made by Mr. Marquardt; seconded by Ms. Howard.

Motion carries, 3–0.

2. Job Posting — Parks Superintendent Position

The Board voted to post the Parks Superintendent position for recruitment.

Motion to post the Parks Superintendent position made by Mr. Marquardt; seconded by Ms. Howard.

Motion carries, 3–0.

3. Bands, Brews, and Bugaboos — September 18, 2026 — Approved with Additional Vendors

Mr. Wiesemann presented the event details. This is a one-night outdoor music and beer event planned for Friday, September 18, 2026 at Town Grounds.

• Band: Rockology, 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (four and a half hours). Rockology has performed at Cedar Lake Parks events previously and is confirmed.
• Beer sales: Bugaboos will handle beer sales under the prior agreement reached with the former Parks Superintendent: Bugaboos receives 10% of all alcohol sales after the first $500 (the first $500 goes toward their payroll costs).
• Additional vendors: Bugaboos has indicated willingness to allow other vendors at the event. Mr. Wiesemann proposed opening the event to food and artisan vendors in addition to Bugaboos. Remix (a neighboring business at the museum, which participates on Wednesdays) was mentioned as a potential interested vendor. The Board agreed to allow additional vendors.
• Vendor applications: Ms. Brannon noted that going forward, vendor participation in Town park events will be handled through an open application process (consistent with prior events such as Taylor Ice Fest), so that all interested vendors have equal opportunity.

Ms. Brannon acknowledged she had been opposed to the original two-day event concept because it would have given exclusive use of the park grounds to a single for-profit business without a rental arrangement. The one-night event, which was already in progress prior to Superintendent Ray's departure, is acceptable in her view given the planning already done.

Motion to approve the Bands, Brews, and Bugaboos one-night event on Friday, September 18, 2026, with Bugaboos handling beer sales at the agreed terms (10% of alcohol sales after the first $500), and with additional food and artisan vendors permitted, made by Mr. Marquardt; seconded by Ms. Howard.

Motion carries, 3–0.

4. Art Camp Instructor Agreement — Second Series — Approved

Ms. Brannon reported the first art camp session (June 15–18) was well-attended and the local schoolteacher instructor has expressed interest in offering a second series of classes. The Board voted to approve the instructor agreement for the second series.

Motion to approve the Art Camp instructor agreement for the second series of classes made by Mr. Marquardt; seconded by Ms. Howard.

Motion carries, 3–0.

Discussion

Park of the Red Cedars — Playground Assessment

Mr. Banhart provided an assessment of the playground equipment at the Park of the Red Cedars based on his observations (noting he is not yet a certified playground inspector). Key findings:

• Main play structure: In generally adequate condition; needs some repairs but does not need full replacement at this time.
• Swing sets: Significant rusting observed. Mr. Banhart recommends replacement. A child cutting a hand on a rusted component would create both a safety hazard and a liability concern.
• Dome climber: Also shows rust and wear. Mr. Banhart recommends replacement.
• Age gap in park system: Mr. Banhart noted that in conversations with two of the three playground vendors he has met with so far, both independently identified that Cedar Lake's park system lacks 5–12 age group equipment. Most equipment in the system targets the younger (toddler) age group. Replacing the Red Cedars swing sets and dome represents an opportunity to address this gap with appropriately aged equipment.
• Plastic weld repair option: The plastic welder who repaired cracked equipment at Monastery Woods and Hanover Park may also be able to address cracks in the Red Cedars main structure, extending its useful life.
• Vendor process: Mr. Banhart has met with two of three vendors and will meet with the third before bringing a formal recommendation with pricing to the Board.
• Playground inspector certification: Ms. Brannon encouraged Mr. Banhart to pursue IPRA playground inspector certification (a one-day course). Mr. Banhart indicated he will pursue it toward fall when his project workload allows.

Reports

Recreation Coordinator Report — Greg Wiesemann

• Stay Fit and Active: 22 participants. Janet, the instructor, has returned from recovery following surgery — earlier than initially expected but with her doctor's release. She is currently limited to 10–15 minutes standing, then must sit, but is back and active.
• Bingo: Next session is June 29.
• Fall Soccer Registration: Opened June 15. Approximately 16 spots remaining. Total enrollment expected at approximately 156–160 children. Mr. Wiesemann is adding a coach for a younger age group, which will affect final capacity.
• Movies in the Park: The June 10 showing was canceled due to the storm. Rescheduled to June 24.
• Lakeside Artists Guild: Ongoing summer concert series.
• Blueberry Festival Registration: Ongoing.
• Street Sweeper Naming Contest: Entries being accepted through June 25.

Maintenance Foreman Report — Josh Banhart

• Lynnsway Park Shelter: Tables and trash cans in place. Grass establishment is showing early growth around the shelter. Well-received by the community.
• Potawatomi Park: Demolition of weeds and small trees in the drainage/parking area beginning soon, in coordination with Tim Kubiak. This work prepares the site for the planned small parking lot drainage improvements.
• Town Grounds Walking Path: Path installation complete. Approximately 80% of the associated dirt work complete.
• Bartlett Wahlberg Park: Landscaping project under the master gardeners grant is complete. Special thanks to Cheryl Parker for her help planting flowers in the planter boxes and for taking on watering duties.
• Cedar Crest Park: Tree stumps have been ground down. Awaiting final dirt work and grass installation; recent heavy rain has delayed this work.
• Robin's Nest Park: Sand and fill work ongoing for the second addition area.
• Monastery Woods and Hanover Park: A professional plastic welder repaired cracked slides and the climbing wall at both parks. The same vendor may be able to address cracks in the Red Cedars main play structure.
• Kiwanis Park: A piece of playground equipment was torn off its bolts by wind during a recent storm (confirmed on camera). Mr. Banhart is working with Emily Smiles, the donor organization that provided the original piece, to arrange replacement. Emily Smiles has indicated they may replace the piece at no cost to the Town.
• Town Grounds — Maintenance: Drainage ditch near the beach cleaned; horseshoe pits replaced (Ms. Brannon noted they look great); low spots in the boardwalk planter areas filled with river rock; boardwalk power-washed three times this month due to heavy goose activity; light poles on the boardwalk painted; flag pole area and Town Hall sidewalks power-washed; fresh mulch placed in front of Town Hall; tree mulching operations ongoing throughout the park system.
• Enclosed Trailer Floor: Staff painted the floor of the enclosed trailer during a rainy day to protect the flooring investment.

Town Council Liaison Report — Mary Joan Dickson

Ms. Dickson reported that the comprehensive plan master plan committee met last week. She requested that Greg Wiesemann be added to the committee's email distribution list going forward in his capacity as Interim Superintendent. Ms. Dickson confirmed this was agreeable to the committee.

The next public meeting for the comprehensive plan will be held during the fifth week of July — either Tuesday or Wednesday; the exact date is pending and will be communicated once confirmed. Walking trails and recreation ranked as the community's second-highest concern (after water and sewer) in feedback gathered to date.

Park Foundation Report

A Park Foundation representative reported:

• Plastic Cap Project: Total collected is now just over 687 pounds.
• Master Gardeners Grant: Cheryl submitted photos and a progress report for Bartlett Wahlberg Park and the museum planter project.
• Website Page: Cheryl will be meeting with Cliff Wroe to design a Park Foundation web page.
• Farmers Market — June 10: Foundation had a table to sell Cedar Lake merchandise and recruit volunteers. Next Farmers Market appearance: July 15.
• Summerfest Bingo — July 3: Foundation will host bingo at Summerfest from noon to 11:00 p.m.
• Fall Festival — September 12, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: The Foundation would like to partner with the Parks Department. The date is secured with the Parks Department. A formal letter will be written to the Town to request the event partnership.
• Legacy Foundation Grant: Application for the $5 million Legacy Foundation grant has been submitted. The Foundation would like to schedule a joint meeting with the Park Board and Parks Department to present the project concept. Next Foundation meeting: Monday, July 6, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. at the library.

Tabled Items

Founders Creek Trail

Remains tabled. No update.

Written Communication

Letter of Resignation — David Jostes, Vice President

Ms. Brannon read the following letter of resignation from David Jostes, Vice President, effective Monday, June 22, 2026:

"Dear Gayle Brannon, Cedar Lake Town Council, Park Board and Staff: Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from the Cedar Lake Park Board, effective Monday, June 22. Serving on the Park Board has been a meaningful and rewarding experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated individuals who care deeply about the parks, recreational opportunities and quality of life within our community. Together, we have helped support and strengthen amenities that benefit residents and families throughout Cedar Lake. While stepping away from this role is not an easy decision, I do so with sincere appreciation for the relationships, experiences and accomplishments that I have been fortunate to share with the Board. I am confident that the Park Board will continue to build upon its successes and pursue new opportunities that will enhance and preserve our community's parks for future generations. I remain hopeful and excited for the future of the Cedar Lake Park Board and the positive impact it will continue to have on the Town. The commitment, vision and passion of the members provide a strong foundation for continued growth and achievement. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. It has been an honor, and I wish the Board, the Town of Cedar Lake, and all its residents continued success in all future endeavors. Respectfully, David Jostes."

Ms. Brannon thanked Mr. Jostes for his service and expressed that he will be missed. The Board's acceptance of his resignation is noted for the record. The Town Council will need to appoint a replacement member.

Email — Dale Holsti

Ms. Brannon read a complimentary email received from Dale Holstein regarding the new walking path at Town Grounds: Mr. and Mrs. Holstein reported walking five miles on the new trail and praised it as exactly what the community needs. Mr. Holsti suggested that the Parks office consider selling water and Gatorade for trail users, with profits going to a non-reverting fund. Ms. Brannon thanked Mr. Holsti for the kind feedback and the suggestion.

Public Comment

Maria Sumara — 13318 Morse St.

Maria Sumara raised a concern about the Bands, Brews, and Bugaboos event. She expressed that it is not fair for Bugaboos to receive the beer sales opportunity without an open competitive process, and noted that Remix — a neighboring business at the museum that participates in Wednesday events — was not given the same opportunity. She questioned whether this arrangement gives one chamber-affiliated business a free advertising benefit on Town property that others do not receive.

Ms. Brannon acknowledged the concern and explained that the Bugaboos arrangement was negotiated by the prior Parks Superintendent as part of event planning already underway before Superintendent Ray's departure. She stated that going forward, the Park Board will use an open vendor application process for all events so that interested businesses have equal opportunity to participate.

Mr. Marquardt mentioned the Board is also exploring a future veterans event, which would likely include beer sales, and that the same vendor application process would apply to that event.

No further public comment was received. Ms. Brannon closed public comment.

Adjournment

There being no further business, Ms. Brannon adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Next Meeting: Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 5:30 P.M., Cedar Lake Town Hall Meeting Room.