Town of Cedar Lake
Plan Commission
Public Meeting Minutes

Pledge of Allegiance

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

Roll Call

Minutes

Minutes of the July 1, 2026 Work Session and July 15, 2026 Public Meeting were distributed in advance.

Motion to approve the July 1, 2026 Work Session and July 15, 2026 Public Meeting minutes made by Mr. Becker; seconded by Mr. Swick.

Motion carries, 7–0.

Old Business

1. 2023-02 — Monastery Woods — Final Plat (Phase 3A) APPROVED

Jeff Yatsko (Olthof Homes, 8051 Wicker Avenue, St. John) appeared. He confirmed the performance letter of credit has been delivered at the maximum 25% reduction, roads are installed, and inspection fees have been paid. Mr. Sherry confirmed the MS4 fee was paid months ago and all administrative requirements are complete. Mr. Kubiak concurred that the petitioner has fulfilled all requirements and is ready to proceed.

Motion to approve the final plat for Monastery Woods, Phase 3A, made by Mr. Becker; seconded by Mr. Parker.

Motion carries, 7–0.

2. 2025-42 — Give and Gather Thrift Store — Minor Parking Space Amendment APPROVED

Nathan Vis appeared (noting an updated address of 13830 Alexander Street) on behalf of the petitioner, seeking approval to add two double rows of parking to the north of the building, beyond the existing single row. Striping was in progress the day of the meeting; the exact final count was not yet confirmed, estimated at a minimum of 32 and potentially up to 40 additional spaces depending on final layout. Mr. Sherry and Mr. Kubiak confirmed the amendment does not raise concerns, as it reflects work already contemplated under the existing approval.

Motion to approve the minor parking space amendment for Give and Gather Thrift Store, for up to a maximum of 40 additional spaces, made by Mr. Wilkening; seconded by Mr. Becker.

Motion carries, 7–0.

3. 2026-19 — Salon Sovereign — Site Plan Approval APPROVED

Ms. Pitts appeared, explaining she is taking over the space formerly occupied by "Head Games" salon; no exterior or footprint changes are proposed. Mr. Wilkening raised a concern regarding informal, unmarked parking on the east side of the building, noting this shared commercial strip has experienced parking overflow and conflict between tenants in the past (citing the area behind Aurelio's as a comparable example). Ms. Pitts confirmed the overall lot has 52 spaces; she was not certain how many are specifically designated for her unit but indicated she would follow up with the property owner. She confirmed her business will operate with a maximum of four stylists and four simultaneous clients (no double-booking), for a practical maximum of approximately eight vehicles at any time.

Motion to approve the site plan waiver for Salon Sovereign at 13115 Wicker Avenue, Suite C, made by Mr. Carnahan; seconded by Mr. Wilkening.

Motion carries, 7–0.

Public Comment

Mr. Kiepura called for public comment. No public comment was received.

Commissioner Comments

Parish Avenue Concept Plan (Jessup) — Status Clarification

Prior to formal adjournment, Mr. Wilkening asked to address the Commission. He noted the Parish Avenue concept plan (previously presented informally at a work session) did not appear on tonight's agenda, and stated he had been contacted by phone the prior evening regarding a number of unresolved questions on the matter — including a report that Neil Simstad (NIES) was seeking clarification on setback, area, and distance requirements, and a concern that one of the proposed lots may not meet the county's minimum two-acre requirement. He asked whether the Commission had granted any approval for the properties in question.

Mr. Kiepura and Mr. Parker clarified that the matter remains within unincorporated Lake County jurisdiction and that the Commission has not approved anything beyond an informal concept plan review; the petitioner would only return before this Commission if Lake County declines to act on the project itself. Mr. Kubiak confirmed there has been no further contact from the petitioner since his single prior appearance, and no request has been made to the Town for a letter indicating no objection to the project, contrary to what Mr. Wilkening had been told secondhand. Mr. Wilkening asked that the Town's elected officials be kept informed given the volume of questions being raised outside official channels.

Storm-Damaged Structures — Permitting and Structural Review

Mr. Wilkening separately asked who determines whether storm-damaged homes undergoing repair require a structural engineer's review as part of the permitting process, given the extent of recent storm damage in the area. Mr. Kubiak explained the determination is scope-dependent: significant damage (e.g., destroyed roofs or walls, as opposed to minor damage such as gutters) generally requires either a structural engineer's review or full removal and code-compliant rebuild of the damaged area, with Building Department inspection required before the area is closed up. He noted the Building Department (inspectors) makes this determination case by case, and that insurance adjusters are expected to remain active throughout Northwest Indiana for an extended period given the scope of recent storm damage.

Mr. Parker noted the Town fared comparatively well relative to some communities to the north. This prompted a brief recollection by Mr. Wilkening and Mr. Carnahan of a storm in the mid-1980s that blew the roof off Town Hall, flooding the interior and depositing debris throughout the building; Mr. Carnahan recalled then-Clerk-Treasurer Geraldine Kortokrax directing staff to take cover, and that the roof itself was later found in the parking lot.

Adjournment

There being no further business, Mr. Kiepura adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:19 p.m.