Cedar Lake Plan Commission Public Meeting Minutes

Call To Order:

Mr. Kiepura called the Plan Commission Public Meeting to order on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 7:00 pm with its members attending on-site. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.

Roll Call:

Members Present via Zoom: None

Members Present On-Site: Greg Parker; Robert Carnahan; Pete Swick; James Hunley; Jerry Wilkening, Vice President; and John Kiepura, President. A quorum was attained.

Also present: Luke Sherry, Town Engineer; Ryan Deutmeyer, Town Attorney; Ben Eldridge, Town Manager; Tim Kubiak, Director of Operations; Cheryl Hajduk, Recording Secretary

Absent: Chuck Becker; David Austgen, Town Attorney

Election of Officers:

Mr. Hunley nominated John Kiepura for Chairman. Mr. Wilkening seconded the nomination. Hearing no other nominations.

A motion was made by Mr. Hunley and seconded by Mr. Wilkening to elect John Kiepura as Chairman to the Plan Commission. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

Mr. Parker nominated Jerry Wilkening for Vice-Chairman. Mr. Swick seconded the nomination. Hearing no other nominations.

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Swick to elect Jerry Wilkening as Vice-Chairman to the Plan Commission. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

Minutes:

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Wilkening to approve the September 17, 2025 Public Meeting; October 1, 2025 Work Session; October 15, 2025 Public Meeting; November 5 Work Session and Special Meeting; November 19, 2025 Public Meeting. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

Old Business:

1. 2025-27 – M&L Adventures, LLC – Rezone and Preliminary Plat

Mr. Kiepura commented the first order of old business is for Petitioner is requesting a rezone of the property and Preliminary Plat for a one-lot subdivision.

Attorney Ryan Deutmeyer explained the newspaper publication was nine days versus required 10 days. Legal notice requirement was met timely for preliminary plat and site plan but not the rezone.

Mr. Sherry and petitioner’s engineer have been having good dialogue. Work is close to completion.

Recommendation to defer all items together so everything can be addressed at once, giving Mr. Sherry time to review everything.

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Wilkening to defer the rezone from B-3 to B-2, Preliminary Plat and Site Plan to the February 18, 2026 meeting. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

2. 2025-34 – Pinto Concrete/Serrano – Site Plan Waiver

Mr. Kiepura commented the next order of old business is for Petitioner is requesting a Site Plan waiver for business occupancy.

Mr. Luis Serrano, 1927 Spruce Cir., Munster, IN 46321 presented requests for site waiver for concrete company operations including vehicle parking.

Mr. Sherry reported no concerns. From work session discussion, plan includes:

• 20 spaces total including material and forms storage (providing flexibility for what is on site)
• Site visit confirmed this matches current usage
• Pave entrance road south of concrete building to fence (eliminates muddy area and cleans up entrance onto highway)
• Leave natural vegetation screen between Wicker Meadows and southern property line intact as buffer between business and residential (includes existing fence and heavy tree line)

Discussion occurred about ensuring site doesn’t become general storage yard. Clarification added: business storage only (no boats or non-business items). Mr. Carnahan raised question about non-operational vehicles with plates sitting on site. Consensus that business storage only addresses this concern.

A motion was made by Mr. Wilkening and seconded by Mr. Hunley to approve site plan waiver with condition that storage be business-related only (no boats, only business-related storage), and limited to 20 spaces, maintain the existing fence and tree line, and paving the entrance road to reduce mud issues. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

3. 2025-37 – Quick Run Gas Stations

Mr. Kiepura commented the next order of old business is for Petitioner is requesting a Site Plan waiver for business occupancy.

Mr. Max Jeske with DVG Team represented petitioner. We received preliminary plat approval December 17, 2025. On December 24, 2025, received approval contingent on full photometric plan being submitted prior to building permit application. Petitioner fully intends to comply with this requirement.

Mr. Sherry confirmed one contingency noted – electrical site plan for building permit. This has been done numerous times before and is not unusual. Everything else is in order.

Mr. Kubiak agreed everything is in order. Two separate motions needed – one for site plan, one for final plat.

A motion was made by Mr. Wilkening (amended to include electrical plan contingency) and seconded by Mr. Hunley to approve the site plan for Quick Run Gas Station at Lakeview Business Park with contingency regarding electrical plan submission prior to building permit. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Wilkening to approve Final Plat. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

4. 2025-44 – Culler – Preliminary Plat Approval

Mr. Kiepura commented the next order of old business is for Petitioner is requesting preliminary plat approval for lot amendment for Winding Creek Subdivision.

Attorney Nathan Vis, on behalf of Joshua Culler, explained this is cleaning up a modification to the subdivision plat for the empty lot in the middle of about eight homes. Previously appeared before Plan Commission and was instructed to publish and notice all neighbors to ensure no objections. This has been completed and petitioner has returned for approval.

Mr. Sherry confirmed all items previously discussed have been addressed – no concerns. Mr. Kubiak confirmed easements are in place and everything looks consistent with past discussions.

Mr. Kiepura called for remonstrators for or against three times. Hearing none, remonstrators closed.

A motion was made by Mr. Swick and seconded by Mr. Wilkening to approve preliminary plat for lot amendment for Winding Creek Subdivision. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

5. Wedding Development – Site Plan Approval and Occupancy

Mr. Kiepura commented the next order of old business is for Petitioner is requesting Site Plan approval for single building on Lot 13 in Lakeview Business Park (commercial/industrial building) and occupancy for concrete business.

Mr. Ryan Torrenga, Torrenga Engineering, 907 Ridge Road, Munster, commented at the work session couple weeks prior, major issue was curbs. Shortly after that meeting, Mr. Sherry advised curbs were not necessary for the site (one of major holdups). Petitioner has answered all comments from January 5th review. However, because engineer was working on project deferred earlier (M&L Adventure with more extreme drainage calculations), plans were only submitted to Mr. Sherry that morning. Additionally, photometric plan received from consultants before meeting, so not yet sent to Mr. Sherry.

Petitioner requested contingent approval based on final review from Mr. Sherry and town engineer, plus photometric plan review.

Mr. Sherry explained curb requirements: Reviewed all ordinances – no hard and fast rules requiring curbs for parking lots. Swales and sheet drainage are acceptable. Consistent with other developments and code requirements. Curbs typically required when parking goes to property line and sheds water onto neighboring properties – not applicable in this case.

Mr. Sherry noted incomplete submittal review – received everything except photometrics today, but hasn’t completed full review. Lighting consultant hasn’t had chance to review photometrics since they are forthcoming.

Extensive discussion about photometric plan and wall pack lighting:

• Photometrics show only building wall pack lights – no overhead parking lot lights
• Mr. Kiepura questioned if wall packs alone can adequately light entire parking lot in compliance with code
• Mr. Sherry noted can’t weigh in definitively without seeing complete photometric plan, but lighting levels and full cut-off requirements must meet code
• Petitioner confirmed east side (only side abutting potential residential) has 5 to 7-foot berm compared to building finished floor, plus landscaping screening per PUD covenants
• Photometric plan shows minimal light pollution – only 0.1 foot-candles on north side at emergency exit
• If wall packs insufficient, pole lights would be required

Mr. Sherry clarified approval would be contingent on more than just photometrics – full submittal review needed as he hasn’t reviewed entire resubmittal.

Mr. Kiepura noted concern about approving contingent on items not in commissioners’ packets that haven’t been fully reviewed. Suggested deferral until Mr. Sherry has reviewed all information.

A motion was made by Mr. Wilkening and seconded by Mr. Swick to defer this item pending Mr. Sherry’s review to the next Plan Commission public meeting in February. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

6. 2025-48 – Barbara Littles Salon – Site Plan Approval

Mr. Kiepura commented the next order of old business is for Petitioner is requesting Site Plan approval to move hair salon to an attached garage at their home.

Ms. Barbara Littles, 9602 W. 135^th Place, Cedar Lake, IN presented request to move her hair salon to an attached garage at their home.

Mr. Kubiak confirmed no issues – straightforward change of use within existing use.

Mr. Sherry confirmed no concerns.

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Hunley to allow Petitioner Site Plan approval to move hair salon to an attached garage at their home. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

Letters of Credits:

7. Crown Point Community School Corporation – Notice of Cancellation for Letter of Credit set to expire on February 19, 2026 in the amount of $312,389.00

Mr. Sherry commented this will be renewed for six-months and to be renewed by February 11, 2026.

If a pull-date is needed it would be February 12, 2026.

A motion was made by Mr. Wilkening and seconded by Mr. Parker to set a pull-date of February 12, 2026, if not renewed by February 11, 2026. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

8. Centennial Estates Phase 1 Maintenance Letter of Credit to expire on February 15, 2026.

Mr. Sherry commented everything has been taken care of.

9. Cedar View Properties, LLC Performance Letter of Credit to expire on February 15, 2026 in the amount of $14,047.00.

Mr. Jim Brooker, Cedar View Properties, 187 E. Commercial Avenue, Lowell, IN, indicated some items weren’t on original drawings. Agreed to complete outstanding items.

Mr. Sherry noted Mr. Oliphant’s last review letter requested additions to as-built that were never received. Discussion ensued about outstanding items: curb and cutter striping, signage (particularly stop sign needing to meet MUTCD standards – current sign too small).

Mr. Kubiak commented this should be turned over into Maintenance for three-years.

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Wilkening to set pull date of February 8, 2026 for completion of outstanding items. Mr. Brooker will work with Mr. Sherry to resolve all items. Upon Mr. Sherry’s approval, Performance Letter of Credit will convert to Maintenance Letter of Credit at February public meeting (Mr. Brooker need not attend if Mr. Sherry approves). Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

10. Wicker Enterprise, LLC Performance Letter of Credit to expire on February 7, 2026 in the amount of $11,731.50.

Mr. Sherry commented they intend to renew and a new Letter of Credit will be completed by February 6, 2026.

A motion was made by Mr. Wilkening and seconded by Mr. Swick to set pull date of January 30, 2026. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

11. Summer Winds Unit 1 Performance Letter of Credit to expire on February 15, 2026 in the amount of $244,187.85

Mr. Tim Dinga, 8034 Patterson, Dyer, IN, commented we rectified units 2 and 3 of a pull date of June 20, 2026, this would be pushed to the same and have until June 20, 2026 to complete project. We only need time to asphalt and do the rest of the repairs.

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Wilkening to set a pull-date of February 6, 2026. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

Public Comment:

Ms. Angie Mikolajczak, 12806 Lee Court, raised concerns about drainage issues:

• Experiencing water problems on property near Klein Avenue and 128^th.
• Owner of undeveloped property (12819 Cline Avenue) attended Stormwater Board meeting stating he would address drainage.
• Ms. Mikolajczak removed herself from Stormwater Board over dispute about moving her well.
• Concerned that if property develops without proper drainage controls, situation could worsen.

Mr. Parker asked Mr. Sherry about regulations. Mr. Sherry explained:

• Property is over one acre – development compliance requirements apply.
• Development cannot make existing drainage problems worse.
• Often development can actually improve problems by providing stormwater detention and redirecting drainage.
• Cited Off Shore Estates as example where development improved long-standing regional flood problem by providing detention.
• New development requirements could potentially help Ms. Mikolajczak situation rather than worsen it.
  • Ms. Mikolajczak detailed a multi-year drainage dispute linked to an undeveloped property behind her home, emphasizing unfair treatment and lack of town records from early 2000s.
    • She noted that the property was reportedly condemned or deemed unbuildable due to soil and drainage issues but was still offered for development.
    • She expressed frustration over lack of enforcement on violations and inconsistencies in record-keeping and meeting minutes.
    • This highlights the critical need for accurate documentation and consistent enforcement to protect homeowners.
  • Commissioners and engineers explained that the property in question is a meet-and-bounds parcel requiring subdivision and engineered stormwater plans before any building permits can be approved
    • Mr. Sherry confirmed that current ordinances require drainage mitigation to prevent worsening conditions for neighboring properties.
    • A “red flag” notation will be added to the town’s files to alert staff and future developers about necessary stormwater engineering for this parcel (12819 Cline Avenue).
    • This procedural safeguard aims to prevent unauthorized or harmful development.
  • The commission acknowledged past town failures in enforcement but emphasized that current ordinances and review processes provide better protection against similar issues.
    • They recognized the frustration caused by delayed or incomplete minutes and records but committed to improving transparency and responsiveness.
    • The exchange underscored a strategic shift toward stricter subdivision and stormwater controls to avoid recurring neighborhood impacts.
  • Clarification was provided on minimum lot sizes and legacy lots, explaining why some smaller lots with large homes exist due to grandfathered status, not current zoning standards.
    • This informs residents about zoning nuances affecting property development and compliance.

Mr. Kiepura requested property be flagged in town files so when anyone comes to purchase, build, or develop, drainage problems must be addressed. Mr. Kubiak will place note in file. Mr. Kiepura confirmed modern ordinances are designed to protect against drainage problems like Ms. Mikolajczak experienced.

Ms. Mikolajczak asked about minimum lot sizes. Noted she observed large house built on small lot (0.22 acres, 100x100 feet) at 12417 Hilltop when she thought minimum was 0.25 acres. Mr. Kiepura explained it depends on zoning (R1, R2) and specific ordinance requirements. Mr. Kubiak noted legacy lots are in different category. Mr. Kiepura couldn’t confirm specific property without knowing details but confirmed lot size requirements vary by zone.

Adjournment:

Mr. Kiepura adjourned the meeting at 8:19 pm.