Call To Order
Mr. Thiel called the meeting of the Redevelopment Commission to order on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 6:39 pm, with its members attending on-site. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
Roll Call
Members Present Via Zoom
None
Members Present
Robert H. Carnahan; Nick Recupito; Julie Rivera; Greg Parker; Mary Joan Dickson; Chuck Becker, Vice President Rich Thiel, President attained.
Also Present
Danielle Bazin, CPCSC Liaison; Jennifer Sandberg, Clerk-Treasurer; David Austgen, Town Attorney; Ben Eldridge, Town Manager; Cheryl Hajduk, Recording Secretary
Absent
Tracy Haskell, HCSC Liaison; TCSC Liaison
Election of Officers
Appointment of Richard Thiel as Redevelopment Commission President
A motion was made by Mr. Recupito and seconded by Ms. Dickson to appoint Richard Thiel as Redevelopment Commission President. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:
| Member | Vote |
|---|---|
| Robert Carnahan | Aye |
| Julie Rivera | Aye |
| Nick Recupito | Aye |
| Chuck Becker | Aye |
| Greg Parker | Aye |
| Mary Joan Dickson | Aye |
| Richard Thiel | Aye |
Appointment of Chuck Becker as Redevelopment Commission Vice President
A motion was made by Mr. Recupito and seconded by Ms. Rivera to appoint Chuck Becker as Redevelopment Commission Vice President. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:
| Member | Vote |
|---|---|
| Robert Carnahan | Aye |
| Julie Rivera | Aye |
| Nick Recupito | Aye |
| Chuck Becker | Aye |
| Greg Parker | Aye |
| Mary Joan Dickson | Aye |
| Richard Thiel | Aye |
Appointment of Julie Rivera as Redevelopment Commission Secretary
A motion was made by Ms. Dickson and seconded by Mr. Becker to appoint Julie Rivera as Redevelopment Commission Secretary. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:
| Member | Vote |
|---|---|
| Robert Carnahan | Aye |
| Julie Rivera | Aye |
| Nick Recupito | Aye |
| Chuck Becker | Aye |
| Greg Parker | Aye |
| Mary Joan Dickson | Aye |
| Richard Thiel | Aye |
Consent Agenda
1. Approval of December 2, 2025, Meeting Minutes and Claims Fund 404-$32.40
A motion was made by Mr. Carnahan and seconded by Mr. Recupito to approve the minutes of December 2, 2025, Meeting Minutes and Claims Fund 404-$32.40. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:
| Member | Vote |
|---|---|
| Robert Carnahan | Aye |
| Nick Recupito | Aye |
| Greg Parker | Aye |
| Mary Joan Dickson | Aye |
| Julie Rivera | Aye |
| Richard Thiel | Aye |
School Board Liaison Comments
- The commission expanded collaboration with local schools, focusing on liaison appointments and community support.
- School board liaison Ms. Bazin reported key community support actions and upcoming meetings.
- Cedar Lake Police Department's involvement in supporting a student undergoing chemotherapy was noted.
- A bus driver's life-saving intervention for a choking student demonstrated critical staff training.
- The school year officially started on January 6, 2026, marking renewed engagement opportunities.
- A meeting with Hanover's incoming superintendent is scheduled for January 27 at 6:30 PM, enhancing district communication.
- Ms. Horta contacted Tri Creek's superintendent and secretary, awaiting a response to liaison appointment offers.
- The commission proactively offered liaison roles to better integrate undeveloped areas like Harvest Creek within district planning.
- This outreach supports long-term coordination with expanding school districts.
- Recognition of January as School Board Appreciation Month reinforces community relations.
Written Communications
None was had.
Public Comment
None was had.
Adjournment
Mr. Thiel adjourned the meeting at 6:46 pm.
Legal Notice
These Minutes are transcribed pursuant to IC 5-14-1.5-4(b) which states:
- As the meeting progresses, the following memoranda shall be kept:
- The date, time, and place of the meeting.
- The members of the governing body recorded as either present or absent.
- The general substance of all matters proposed, discussed, or decided.
- A record of all votes taken by individual members if there is a roll call.
- Any additional information required under section 3.5 or 3.6 of this chapter or any other statute that authorizes a governing body to conduct a meeting using an electronic means of communication.
Minutes of January 6, 2026