Storm Water Board
Public Meeting and Work Session Minutes

Call To Order:

Benjie Kincheloe called the meeting to order at 6:03 pm on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 with its members attending onsite and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call:

Present: Robert Groszek, Jeffery Biel, Tim King, Julie Rivera, Wendy Schmidtke, and Benjie Kincheloe. Luke Sherry attended online.

Not in attendance: Ben Eldridge and David Austgen.

Minutes:

Robert Groszek motioned to approve the minutes of December 9, 2025 and Jeffrey Biel seconded. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote:

Election of 2026 Officers:

Robert Groszek motioned to elect Benjie Kincheloe as Chairman of the Storm Water Board for 2026 and Jeff Biel seconded. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote:

Jeff Biel motioned to elect Robert Groszek as Vice-Chairman of the Storm Water Board for 2026 and Bob Groszek seconded. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote:

Claims:

Fund #650 – $16,380.87

Robert Groszek questioned whether the street sweeper repairs were made before or after the previous meeting. Mr. King confirmed it was prior to the last meeting.

Benjie Kincheloe motioned to approve the Storm Water Operating Fund Distribution and Robert Groszek seconded. Motion carried unanimously by roll-call vote:

Update Items:

A. Chris Wornhoff, 10708 W 133rd Pl

Mr. King stated the Board decided last month to leave this on the agenda until spring to ensure no other issues arise. As of now, there have been no issues.

B. Sleepy Hollow Ditch Cleanup

Project is scheduled for early spring/late winter. The goal is to get it in before it gets green again to remove weeds and clear the ditch.

Mr. Groszek asked about King Street ditch repair and questioned water flow direction. Mr. King confirmed he filled in a culvert connecting two subdivisions from Beacon Pointe. Mr. Groszek noted water is coming in where it’s not supposed to be going based on photos he took during torrential rain. Mr. Sherry requested Mr. Groszek email the photos so he can review the situation. Discussion occurred about proper water flow direction and the need for an in-person site visit.

Mr. Groszek asked about lot lines for new homes being built in the subdivision behind Sleepy Hollow. On GIS, lot lines extend 175 feet and include the ditch. The question was raised whether the ditch becomes the homeowner’s responsibility. Mr. Sherry explained that typically when lot lines extend to or beyond a creek, that area should be in an easement to prevent interference with water flow. He will look into ensuring proper easements are in place. Mr. King noted similar situations exist in Beacon Pointe and Utopia where lot lines extend past storm drainage but are protected by easements.

C. Muir Street

Mr. King reported the latest update from an email received that afternoon from Ryan Steiner of Steiner Homes. An MS4 violation was issued. A crew will be placing straw bales to temporarily address stormwater issues until heavy riprap can be installed for permanent correction. The builder is also cleaning mud off the street and curbs. The building inspector will monitor the site daily to ensure work progresses.

Mr. Sherry added that during the rain a couple weeks prior, he and Mr. Kubiak reviewed photos and videos from neighbors showing significant damage. The ultimate solution is to fill and stabilize the ditch with riprap armoring, but this is not yet complete, leaving the area susceptible to damage during storms. Temporary sediment control measures are being implemented; the final solution will look much different once completed.

Aaron Csikos, 13660 Muir St. presented videos showing erosion and expressed concern that his hot tub is at risk of sliding down. He expressed frustration that this situation should never have reached this point after 10 years of dealing with the previous property owner and now a new property owner. Mr. Csikos expressed many concerns including the following:

• Fill material that was placed to fix the ditch is all gone after recent rains
• Was told at the beginning no building permits would be issued until drainage was corrected
• Construction continues – roof going on the following day, electric service connected that day
• Tired of hearing about plans – wants a definite answer on when work will be completed
• Builder has total disregard for environmental issues
• Needs work stopped on construction until drainage issue is resolved
• Moratorium was placed on property in 2018 – questions whether required appeal was ever done or if permit was issued based on promises

Mr. Sherry explained he went in circles with the builder for a long time on how to stabilize the area and they submitted an acceptable plan approximately 6 months ago. The builder underestimated the amount of fill material available from excavating and needs to bring in material from off-site. Discussion occurred regarding accountability.

Ms. Rivera and Mr. Groszek advised Mr. Csikos to speak with Town Manager Ben Eldridge, as this involves multiple departments beyond the Stormwater Board including the Building Department, Plan Commission, and Town Council. Discussion was noted regarding a potential stop work order on construction. Ms. Rivera committed to filling in Mr. Eldridge on the situation and bringing all parties to the table before the situation worsens.

Mr. Kincheloe acknowledged the frustration, noting the Board only hears from residents after rain events when problems are visible. Discussion occurred about the need for an immediate meeting with the builder and property owners.

Public Works Projects (with 2024 Project Rank):

(8) Dewey Street Lateral, 14616 Dewey St

No updates on this project.

Additional Projects (with 2024 Project Rank):

(9) Woodland Shores Storm Sewer Improvements (Hinds, formerly Becker)

Mr. Sherry stated there is some confusion on the status of the easements. He thinks the documents are prepared but discussion still needs to happen.

(10) Schubert/Dodge Street Storm Sewer System

Mr. Sherry stated that CBBEL has been working on plans for this project and should have an update at the next meeting.

New Business:

Mr. Groszek pointed out that there are dead trees in the creek on Binyon Street that are hampering the flow. Mr. King is aware of the issue but does not have enough manpower to currently handle that project alongside leaf pickup. Mr. Groszek asked who controls the dam and suggested a sluice gate. Mr. Sherry responded that the Town would have to coordinate with DNR and IDEM.

Public Comment:

Mary Joan Dickson, 8711 W 132nd Pl – Ms. Dickson expressed frustration that the Schubert/Dodge Street Storm Sewer System project does not reach Marquette & 132nd Pl. She has had drainage issues for years and is asking if there is anything that can be done. She also noted that she has already had to extend her wellhead and should not have to do it again.

Kathy Dingler, 13655 Muir St – Ms. Dingler expressed frustration about the Muir Street project.

Terry Broadhurst, 631 N State St, Lockport, IL (representing his property at 14513 Morse) – Mr. Broadhurst pointed out issues with the backfill on Muir Street and made general suggestions.

Justin Lattz, 7320 W 140th Pl – Mr. Lattz thanked the Board for the fix on his ditch. He expressed concern that the water is running too fast and asked if a liner or riprap can be added. Mr. King agreed. Mr. Lattz pointed out that the water is running toward the neighbor’s house.

Dan Henry, 13640 Muir St – Mr. Henry expressed concern and frustration about the Muir Street project.

Cathy Csikos, 11500 W 135th Pl – Ms. Csikos expressed frustration and concern about the Muir Street project.

Mr. Groszek asked if there are updates on the street sweeper. Mr. King let him know that he found a few options and is still looking into it. Mr. Groszek suggested the Town consider a wheeled excavator to clean up ditches.

Adjournment:

Meeting adjourned at 7:10 pm.

Next Storm Water Board Public Meeting: February 10, 2026 at 6:00 pm