Town of Cedar Lake
Storm Water Board
Public Meeting Minutes

Pledge of Allegiance

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

Roll Call

Consent Agenda

1. Minutes — February 10, 2026

Motion to approve the February 10, 2026 meeting minutes made by Mr. Groszek; seconded by Mr. Biel.

Motion carries, 3–0.

2. Claims — Fund #650: $11,223.92

Mr. Groszek asked about a street sweeper repair included in the claims. Mr. King confirmed the sweeper was repaired and returned to running condition for the purpose of maximizing its resale value on the surplus market; it is not being returned to active service. The unit is stored inside the garage and will be sold as-is running.

Motion to approve Fund #650 claims in the amount of $11,223.92 made by Mr. Groszek; seconded by Mr. Biel.

Motion carries, 3–0.

Update Items

A. Chris Wornhoff — 10708 W. 133rd Place

Mr. King reported he inspected the site the morning of the meeting and found no flooding — all drainage is flowing properly. Given that the property survived recent heavy rainfall without issue, the Board agreed the matter is resolved and directed that it be removed from the update list. No motion was required.

Status: Removed from agenda. Issue resolved.

B. Sleepy Hollow Ditch Cleanup

Work is in progress between Parrish Avenue and the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks. Mr. King is working to get at least one crew into the ditch to remove brush and debris, weather permitting. Projected completion is within one to two months. No objections were received from Beacon Pointe Central during the work. A few residents called in with questions; several also called to thank the Town. Mr. Groszek confirmed no issues with the section between Parrish and the railroad.

Status: In progress. Completion estimated within 1–2 months, weather permitting.

Public Works Projects

A. (Rank 8) Dewey Street Lateral — 14616 Dewey Street

Mr. King provided background: this project involved a rear yard drainage solution dependent on the cooperation of the property owner (Tom Frick). The homeowner had been working with the Town on a drainage plan but ultimately withdrew from the arrangement. The property is not currently occupied; Mr. Frick has indicated his intent to eventually build there. The project has been on the list since 2024 with no movement. The Board noted the matter is also being tracked through the Unsafe Building Commission.

Mr. Kincheloe expressed a preference for removing older stalled items from the agenda to make room for active projects. The Board agreed to remove Dewey Street Lateral and revisit if and when Mr. Frick moves forward.

Status: Removed from active agenda. To be reintroduced if property owner re-engages.

Additional Projects

A. Woodland Shores Storm Sewer Improvements — Hinds (Formerly Becker)

Mr. Sherry reported that easement work had been prepared for both affected parcels but was never fully executed. On the parcel formerly owned by Chuck Becker (now sold to a new owner), CBBEL prepared the easement exhibit and Mr. Austgen prepared the easement agreement, but the new owner never signed it. On the second parcel, an easement exhibit was prepared but a formal agreement was never drafted. Mr. Kincheloe stated he will email Mr. Austgen requesting that updated easement agreements be prepared and sent to both current property owners, noting that the project cannot move forward without executed easements.

B. Schubert / Dodge Street Storm Sewer System

The Board discussed the need to break this long-deferred major project into phases. Mr. Sherry noted he presented a preliminary phasing exhibit at the February meeting identifying five potential phases ranging from approximately $320,000 to $2,000,000. The Board acknowledged the phasing approach is the only feasible path forward given the project’s scale. Two primary directions were discussed: routing west toward the viaduct, or routing east through Potawatomi Park. Mr. Sherry indicated these would likely function better as two separate systems given the elevation challenges at the viaduct. Mr. Groszek requested a phasing exhibit for the next meeting.

Mr. Kincheloe will contact Clerk-Treasurer Sandberg to obtain the current stormwater fund budget. The Board emphasized the need to stop deferring this project and begin construction of at least a first phase.

New Business

A. Updated Stormwater Ordinance and Technical Standards

Mr. Sherry introduced the updated Stormwater Ordinance and Technical Standards, a major revision to the Town’s 2006 ordinance. Background:

• The current ordinance and technical standards are 20 years old and use obsolete rainfall data.
• Permitting language and stormwater control standards are out of date.
• IDEM conducted an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) audit in late 2025 and specifically identified the need for updated ordinance and technical standards aligned with current IDEM permits.
• The update does not change when stormwater detention is required or make wholesale regulatory changes. It updates rainfall data, refreshes engineering details, closes certain loopholes, and modernizes permitting language.

Mr. Groszek is reviewing the document and noted a specific provision on page 6 regarding private property maintenance duties for watercourses (the section addressing debris and obstruction removal). He flagged the Beacon Pointe West subdivision as a relevant current example — drainage ditches running through platted lots have not been cleaned prior to home construction, meaning future homeowners will inherit maintenance responsibility for overgrown, obstructed ditches. He requested that Mr. Sherry communicate with the developer (Schilling) and the Plan Commission about requiring ditch cleaning before home construction on those lots.

Discussion broadened to additional stormwater concerns:

Beacon Pointe West — Drainage Ditch Maintenance

Drainage ditches within the Beacon Pointe West development run through individual home lots between King Street, Beacon Pointe, and Utopia Subdivision. The ditches are significantly overgrown and debris-filled. Mr. Groszek recommended that before any home is built on an affected lot, the developer (Schilling) should be required to clean the ditch. Once a home is built, a homeowner will assume that maintenance obligation under the private property maintenance provision of the ordinance. The Board directed Mr. Sherry to review the development agreement and easement arrangements and communicate the concern to the developer and the Plan Commission.

Blaine Street / W. 145th Avenue — Wetland Setback Concern

Mr. Groszek raised concern about four lots currently listed for sale along W. 145th Avenue that appear to abut protected wetlands. The lots appear to be oriented east-west (as listed online) rather than north-south, placing them immediately adjacent to the wetland. Mr. Sherry confirmed the wetland is hydraulically connected to Cedar Lake and is therefore under Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction as well as IDEM water quality certification requirements. Any development would require a wetland delineation, agency permitting, and would be subject to mandatory buffer setbacks (minimum 25 to 75 feet depending on wetland classification). The lots also appear to be in the floodplain, adding further development constraints. The Board directed that the Building Department and Mr. Kubiak be made aware to ensure any permit applications for these lots are properly scrutinized.

Summerwinds — Conflicting Drainage Grades

Mr. Groszek and Mr. King identified a drainage conflict at Summerwinds: the south side of the development pitches water to the west, while Centennial Villas (to the north) constructed a berm and ditch that pitches water to the east toward Sleepy Hollow. During heavy rain events these opposing grades cause overflow and flooding. Mr. King noted the problem is visible even in dry conditions by observing the elevation grades from King Street. Mr. King indicated a possible solution: installing a small channel at the point where the two drainage flows intersect to redirect water eastward toward Sleepy Hollow and the industrial area, as designed. Mr. Sherry will check the punch list for Summerwinds to determine whether this drainage issue is an outstanding warranty/punch list item and who bears responsibility (developer versus construction defect).

Muir Street — Drainage Erosion and Occupancy Hold

Ms. Deb Csikos (13660 Muir Street) appeared during this portion of the meeting; Ms. Kathleen Csikos (11500 W. 135th Place) was also present. The Muir Street drainage situation was discussed at length. Background: a drainage ditch at or near 13660 Muir Street has been severely eroding for years. A series of remediation plans have been proposed (up to Revision 4/5) but not implemented by the developer. The Town holds a $12,000 bond from the developer related to the drainage repair requirement. A $30,000 engineering solution was identified years ago by former CBBEL engineer Don Oliphant; subsequent revised plans have not been carried out.

Current conditions: the erosion has worsened significantly. Residents reported the ditch has widened and deepened, undermining adjacent property. Two hay bales with wooden stakes were placed by the developer — residents described this as the only work done and noted it had no lasting effect. The house under construction at the adjacent lot is nearly complete (flooring and trim being installed). Mr. Biel confirmed the $12,000 occupancy bond is held by the Town and that no certificate of occupancy will be issued until the drainage work is completed to the satisfaction of the building inspector. The Board expressed concern that the bond amount ($12,000) is insufficient given the current scope of damage, and that the $30,000 original plan may now also be inadequate given changed conditions.

Attorney Nathan Vis sent a letter on behalf of the Muir Street residents on February 23, 2026; the Town’s legal counsel responded that they were working with appropriate parties. Residents expressed frustration that the decision-makers did not appear to be fully informed of the legal representation. Ms. Rivera, present as Town Council Liaison, acknowledged the situation and noted the occupancy hold is the Town’s strongest leverage point.

Mr. Kincheloe directed Mr. Sherry to provide him with direct contact information for the developer. Mr. Kincheloe will contact the developer directly during the week following the meeting. Mr. Sherry was directed to re-evaluate the original $30,000 plan to assess whether it remains viable given current conditions. Ms. Hajduk was directed to notify Tim Kubiak that no occupancy permit for the Muir Street property is to be released until the drainage work is completed and inspected.

Cedar Lake Water Quality Testing — Tributary Sampling

Mr. Groszek proposed that the Board commission independent water quality testing of the tributaries flowing into Cedar Lake, to establish a baseline and identify any water quality issues before they reach the lake. Sampling points discussed include Sleepy Hollow, the outlet near Crest Marine (at US 41 and approximately W. 131st), and Angle Street outfall to Lake Dale (downstream). Testing parameters discussed included BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and metals panels. Mr. Sherry will obtain proposals from qualified testing firms. The Board’s intent is annual testing at the major tributary points, beginning with a quote for the upcoming season.

Public Comment

Deb Csikos — 13660 Muir Street

Ms. Csikos addressed the Board during the New Business discussion (noted above) and again during public comment. She described current conditions: the erosion has made their rear yard unusable and unsafe for children. The hot tub in the rear yard is at risk of undermining. Neighboring properties are also being affected. She noted that machinery can no longer access the ditch area without removing trees or crossing their yard due to construction of the adjacent house. The resident noted they have been attending meetings since approximately 2015 and the problem has only worsened. She expressed frustration at the gap between representations made to their attorney and what decision-makers appeared to know.

Kathleen Csikos — 11500 W. 135th Place

Ms. Csikos confirmed that the developer’s remedial activity at the Muir Street site has consisted entirely of two hay bales with wooden stakes, and that the stakes were placed on private property without notice to the homeowner.

The Board acknowledged the situation is unacceptable, confirmed the occupancy hold, and committed to direct engagement with the developer during the week following the meeting.

Mike and Debbie Howe — 13800 W. 135th Avenue

Mr. and Mrs. Howe own property at the northwest corner of W. 131st Street and Wicker Avenue (US 41), just south of Frank’s Barbecue. They described recurring stormwater flooding along the south side of their property along W. 131st Street. The road appears to sit higher than their property, and a neighbor across the street filled in a ditch when installing a driveway, redirecting water to their side. INDOT’s upcoming US 41 widening project will address drainage on the 41 corridor but not W. 131st. Mr. King indicated it may be possible to re-establish a ditch line on both sides of W. 131st to restore flow to US 41, and noted that doing so before INDOT’s project begins would allow INDOT to incorporate it into their work. Mr. King will visit the site to assess. Mr. and Mrs. Howe also noted a road width irregularity on W. 131st — the street is narrower east of their driveway entrance than it is to the west.

Mary Joan Dickson — 8711 W. 132nd Place (Town Council Member)

Ms. Dickson raised a concern about a proposed parking expansion at the girls’ softball fields located at approximately W. 135th Street and Osborne Avenue (north of US 41, south of the church where Starbucks is being located). The softball organization is reportedly planning to add a stone parking area between the existing fields in an area where drain tile runs to the railroad tracks. Ms. Dickson expressed concern that: (1) placing stone fill over existing drain tile will damage the tile and create future drainage problems; (2) parking between fields creates pedestrian safety concerns for children; and (3) work of this nature may be proceeding without building permits. She stated she plans to notify the Building Department and asked the Board to be aware of the issue. The Board concurred that driving or parking on drain tile is problematic. Ms. Dickson noted the fields are well-designed for drainage but parking infrastructure was not adequately planned when the fields were developed.

Adjournment

Mr. Kincheloe adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:08 p.m.