Town of Cedar Lake
Storm Water Board
Regular Meeting Minutes

Pledge of Allegiance

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

Roll Call

Minutes

Minutes of the May 12, 2026 regular meeting were presented for approval.

Motion to approve the May 12, 2026 regular meeting minutes made by Mr. Groszek; seconded by Mr. Biel.

Motion carries, 3–0.

Claims

The claims amount for Fund #650 was not available in the packet at the meeting. Mr. Kincheloe noted the Board cannot approve claims based solely on an email figure, as the documentation must be publicly accessible for citizens to review. Claims are deferred to the July 14, 2026 meeting.

Update Items

1. Sleepy Hollow Ditch Cleanup

Mr. King reported that cleanup is still in progress. Water levels are currently high due to recent rainfall, but flow throughout the ditch is confirmed. Crew will continue working as conditions allow.

Status: In progress. Monitoring.

2. Beacon Pointe West — Drainage Ditch Maintenance

Mr. King reported the developer has mowed the drainage ditch easement area but has not performed a proper cleaning. Mowing does not satisfy the Board’s requirement for ditch maintenance. Mr. King will contact the developer’s representative to make clear that proper excavation — not mowing — is required.

Mr. Groszek raised the question of whether the ditch should also be dredged modestly deeper. Mr. King and Mr. Sherry agreed the ditch would benefit from a few additional inches of depth to improve flow capacity, particularly during heavy rain events. The ditch does not need to be made excessively deep given the adjacent residential backyards; a modest scrape to improve grade and flow is appropriate. The 50-foot drainage easement along the eastern corridor of Beacon Pointe West is dedicated to the Town.

Discussion of whether to withhold building permits or occupancy: Mr. Sherry recommended making ditch maintenance a condition of each individual building permit for lots abutting the easement corridor, rather than a blanket subdivision-wide hold, noting the difficulty of enforcing a global hold when homes are constructed at staggered intervals throughout the subdivision. The Board concurred with maintaining the original no-permit standard and agreed the proper excavation requirement — not just mowing — must be enforced.

3. Summerwinds — Conflicting Drainage Grades

Mr. Sherry presented a GIS exhibit of the drainage layout at the interface between Summerwinds and Centennial Villas subdivisions. Key findings:

• Intentional overflow by design: Summerwinds was built with a bypass channel that hugs the western property line and intentionally overflows into the Centennial side ditch via a designed overflow point near the tree line. This is shown in the approved drainage plans. The overflow then routes under the two-box culvert on King Street to the east. The overflow being observed during rain events is functioning as designed.
• Centennial culvert question: Mr. Groszek noted that the Centennial storm sewer outlet appears to have little to no flow. Mr. Sherry noted both subdivisions’ drainage areas are designed as overland flow zones; some standing water during storm events is expected and intended. Mr. King will walk the Centennial side to check for any obstruction in the culvert that may be reducing flow.
• Retention pond outlet: The Summerwinds retention pond outlet structure has been addressed — the six-inch pipe outlet was found to be plugged and was jetted out by Town crew. The pond level dropped approximately two feet following this work and is holding lower, which is favorable.
• Basin on Lot 29: The catch basin at the northwest corner of Summerwinds has three inlet pipes and only a 1.6× equivalent outflow, which intentionally throttles discharge. During heavy rain events the basin fills, which is by design. Mr. King confirmed the basin was flowing the morning of the meeting after the prior night’s rain.
• Sediment concern: Mr. Groszek noted that soil disturbed at the Muir Street Steiner Homes site is washing into the adjacent ditch, which will accumulate over time and compromise future flow capacity. This was noted for follow-up once the Muir Street situation is resolved.

Conclusion: The overflow observed at the Summerwinds/Centennial interface is functioning as designed. The focus is shifted to checking for any obstruction in the Centennial culvert.

4. Muir Street — Drainage Erosion and Occupancy Hold

Mr. Sherry and Mr. King had no direct construction status update. However, Desiree Csikos appeared during this agenda item to provide an eyewitness report.

Desiree Csikos — 13660 Muir Street

Ms. Csikos reported that Steiner Homes completed the Revision 4 installation (swale with riprap) on Friday, June 5, 2026. However, significant rainfall occurred that evening and over the weekend and the installation failed: the water overtopped and bypassed the swale, all the stone was displaced, and the ditch eroded back to its pre-repair condition. She characterized the situation as “back to square one.” She confirmed she spoke with a Steiner representative, who indicated the excavator will simply return and try again. She has video documentation of the failure. She reached out to a Town Council member to confirm the occupancy hold is still in place and was assured it continues.

Chris Morris — 13650 Muir Street

Mr. Morris (prospective buyer of the home under construction at 13650 Muir Street) was on site over the weekend and observed the installation in person. His assessment:

• The swale as built was too small — approximately 6 feet wide and 1 foot deep — insufficient for the volume and velocity of water flowing through the two discharge pipes from the cul-de-sac drainage area and from his backyard drainage line.
• The riprap did not move at the point where the water exits the pipe; rather, the water went underneath the riprap and around it, washing out the surrounding soil and eventually undermining the stone.
• The primary problem pipe appears to be the one discharging from his backyard toward the adjacent property, not the larger cul-de-sac outfall.
• Proposed remedies discussed with Steiner: move the problematic outlet pipe back one pipe length into his yard so water has more distance to spread before reaching the swale; use large boulders to divert and reduce velocity; make the swale larger, wider, and deeper.
• He gave Steiner three weeks to resolve the issue before he escalates.

Mr. Sherry stated he will be on site the following day (June 10) to inspect the failure in person and review the video documentation. He agreed with the Board that the root cause is water velocity, not the general design concept, and that the Revision 4 armoring must be substantially reinforced or redesigned to handle the actual flow. He noted that without a formal flow study, the design may have underestimated peak discharge volumes.

Mr. Kincheloe affirmed the occupancy hold remains in place. He noted the matter has been elevated to the Town Council, which now holds the authority over the occupancy decision. The Stormwater Board continues to coordinate and advise but does not have unilateral authority to release occupancy at this stage.

5. Water Quality Testing — Microbac Laboratories

Mr. King reported that six water samples were collected the morning of the meeting (June 9) during an active storm event and delivered to Microbac Laboratories. Sampling locations included the six previously approved tributary outfall sites plus a sixth location added at the 147th Avenue area outfall. Results are expected within five to seven business days. Mr. Sherry will email results to all Board members upon receipt.

Mr. Groszek noted no dry-weather baseline sample was collected prior to this storm-event sampling. Mr. Sherry explained that the contract covers six samples and the June 9 storm-event collection takes the place of the contemplated dry-weather sample; the outfall samples taken directly at the discharge points will provide useful baseline data regardless of whether a dry-weather pre-event sample is available.

Additional Projects

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

Mr. Sherry reported that Tim Kubiak has a prior relationship with the Osan family, who own the adjacent parcel identified as the critical easement needed for the project. Mr. Kubiak has offered to use that relationship to open a conversation about the easement. No formal update from Mr. Kubiak was available at this meeting; Mr. Sherry indicated he trusts Mr. Kubiak’s ability to make progress given the relationship.

On the Hinds (formerly Becker) parcel: the current property owner is willing to grant the easement but expressed concern about a significant oak tree that would likely be impacted by the proposed alignment. Mr. Sherry is evaluating whether an alternative alignment can preserve the tree. His preliminary assessment is that the site constraints make this difficult.

Status: Mr. Kubiak pursuing Osan family easement through personal relationship. Mr. Sherry evaluating alternative alignment for Hinds parcel oak tree concern. Both conditions must be resolved before project can proceed.

B. Schubert / Dodge Street Storm Sewer System

Mr. Kincheloe opened discussion on how to begin making progress on the Schubert/Dodge project, which he noted has been on the Board’s list since before his tenure. The project’s yellow phase ($1.9M estimated) is the most critical — covering the area northwest of Lakeshore Drive and requiring construction of a new outfall through Potawatomi Park to the lake. However, $1.9 million is too large to commit in a single phase.

Mr. Sherry provided an update on the Park Board intersection: Mindi Ray (Parks Superintendent) was the primary contact for park improvement coordination; following her departure, that coordination channel will need to be re-established. The Park Board meets June 25 due to Summerfest (originally July 2). Ms. Rivera and Mr. Kincheloe agreed to ensure the Stormwater Board’s interest in cost-sharing on the Potawatomi park drainage portion is raised at that meeting. Mr. Sherry noted the park-side drainage portion of the yellow phase is approximately $200,000 out of $1.9M total.

Direction given to Mr. Sherry: evaluate breaking the yellow phase into sub-phases of approximately $500,000–$600,000 each, starting with the section most likely to have the greatest impact (the park outfall area). The Board’s current annual budget is approximately $1.1M; Mr. Kincheloe indicated he would not commit the entire budget to this project. An initial commitment of approximately $600,000 is a reasonable starting point. Mr. Groszek also raised the possibility of a vortex water quality separator for the outfall to the lake, consistent with the Board’s water quality testing priorities.

New Business

Wheeled Excavator Purchase — Research Authorized

Mr. Groszek proposed that the Board consider purchasing a small wheeled excavator for use in in-house ditch and drainage maintenance. Mr. King confirmed this type of equipment would be highly useful for roadside ditch restoration, culvert clearing, and related work throughout the Town, noting many drainage ditches require periodic re-grading that currently requires contracting out or waiting for available Town equipment. A wheeled excavator can be driven on public roads without a trailer for short distances.

Mr. Kincheloe directed Mr. King to begin researching available options, starting at a budget of $50,000 and incrementing by $10,000 if suitable equipment cannot be found at that price point. The Board emphasized quality — they do not want to purchase something that will require significant immediate repair costs. Mr. Kubiak is to be consulted as well given his equipment procurement experience.

Norfolk Southern — Drainage Contact

Mr. Kincheloe reported he is continuing to pursue contact with Norfolk Southern regarding a drainage matter. Mr. Groszek provided phone numbers. Mr. Kincheloe confirmed the numbers connected to additional contacts and he is working toward reaching the appropriate representative. He will continue to follow up.

Status: Ongoing. Mr. Kincheloe to continue pursuing Norfolk Southern contact.

Public Comment

Desiree Csikos and Chris Morris — Muir Street

Both appeared during the Muir Street agenda item as noted above under Update Item 4. No additional public comment from these speakers.

Brad Martin — 14137 Butternut Street (Noble Oaks)

Mr. Martin introduced himself as a resident who has lived on Butternut Street for approximately 12 years and raised a drainage issue that was previously presented to the Stormwater Board during the 2014–2016 period. Key points:

• His property sits in the lowest point of the Noble Oaks subdivision, effectively serving as the drainage outlet for four lots plus overland runoff from adjoining areas of 141st Court and 142nd Avenue. During a 2.75-inch rain event the prior night, all four adjacent lots were completely surrounded by water, with water on three sides of his house and covering his driveway.
• He is approximately one inch of water table rise away from floor joists becoming saturated. A near-4.5-inch event early in his tenure came extremely close to causing interior flooding.
• Christopher B. Burke Engineering (under Don, who has since relocated) conducted a study approximately 10 years ago and proposed a solution involving two catch basins on his property and a drain tile running to Lauerman Ditch. A curb-and-gutter/storm sewer option was also discussed. Neither was implemented.
• He has personally installed approximately 100 feet of new 8-inch drain tile through his property and into a neighbor’s property, tapping into what appears to be an undocumented 8-inch white PVC pipe that connects to the Lauerman Ditch. The Town has no record of this pipe; Tim Kubiak and staff located it via hydrovac truck and smoke bomb testing approximately a decade ago.
• Vacant lots 6, 7, and 8 (owned by Ken Mills, possibly being listed for sale) also flood and contribute to the problem. If those lots are sold and built upon with raised grade, Mr. Martin’s situation would worsen significantly. He expressed concern that no development restriction notes were placed on those lots despite prior discussions.
• Mr. Martin suggested potential solutions discussed with Don years ago: a swale along 141st Court with a culvert under Butternut Street draining to Lauerman Ditch (intercepting northern drainage before it reaches his property); alternatively, two catch basins on his property draining directly to the Lauerman Ditch.

Mr. Kincheloe acknowledged the situation, called it significant, and committed to the following: (1) research prior Storm Water Board minutes from 2014–2016 and Don’s prior engineering records; (2) Mr. Sherry to pull the prior Christopher B. Burke study and review; (3) Tim King and Mr. Kincheloe to physically visit the site. The Board will place this item on the July 14 agenda.

Terry Broadhurst — 14513 Moore Street, Lockport, IL

Mr. Broadhurst, identifying himself as a property owner at 14513 Moore Street with experience in riparian erosion from his home community of Lockport, Illinois, offered a technical suggestion for the Muir Street drainage problem: gabion baskets — steel wire cages filled with riprap and stacked as embankments at high-velocity erosion points. He noted gabion installations in Lockport have lasted 15–20 years with minimal maintenance. Mr. Sherry confirmed familiarity with gabion baskets and noted they are used frequently in stream bank stabilization projects, including alongside highways. The technique was acknowledged as a potential design element for the Muir Street revised solution.

No further public comment was received. Mr. Kincheloe closed public comment.

Adjournment

Mr. Kincheloe announced the next meeting and adjourned the meeting.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 6:00 P.M., Cedar Lake Town Hall Meeting Room.