Town of Cedar Lake, Lake County, Indiana
Minutes of the Town Council

Pledge of Allegiance & Moment of Silence

Roll Call

*Chief Deputy Margo Nagy was present.

Public Comment

None

Consent Agenda

1. Claims: All Town Funds: $296,356.90; Wastewater: $27,840.26; Water Utility: $18,182.03; Storm Water: $7,627.47; Payroll (11/06/25): $411,237.03; October Remittances: $242,230.16
2. Manual Journal Entries: October 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025

A motion to accept and waive the reading of the minutes and accept the consent agenda as listed was made by Chuck Becker with second by Greg Parker. Mr. Carnahan discussed the cash balances from wastewater being $8,885,830.46. He stated he found that interesting.

Vote 7 – 0.

Ordinances

1. Ordinance No. 1519 – Yukon Public Way Vacation (2^nd Reading)

Mr. Recupito asked Mr. Austgen if everything was still good to go. Mr. Austgen stated everything is in order. Reviews have been made and this item is ready for consideration of adoption. Mr. Sworden, attorney for the petitioner, stated he has no further update. Mr. Austgen recommended any action be subject to verification of the legal description. Mr. Sworden stated there has been no change in the legal descriptions. Mr. Parker read Ordinance No. 1519 by title only.

A motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1519 subject to verification of the legal descriptions was made by Richard Thiel with second by Greg Parker. Mr. Parker discussed the Plan Commission favorable recommendation include the drainage and sidewalk put in. He would like to make sure that is part of the record. Only the sidewalk remains to be installed. A brief discussion continued.

Vote 6 – 1.

2. Ordinance No. 1523 – Amendatory Ordinance to Cedar Lake Town Board of Safety Town Code Section 34.182

Mr. Parker read Ordinance No. 1523 by title only. Mr. Recupito stated he needed to do more homework on this one.

A motion to defer to December 2^nd was made by Mary Joan Dickson with second by Greg Parker.

Vote 6 – 1.

New Business

1. Shades AA-AB Subdivision Improvements Project Change Order #1

Mr. Eldridge reported when the project went out to bid, they estimated high. There were certain things that did not have to be done such as drainage work and driveway aprons. They will be refunding the State money in the amount of $65,000. That is $65,000 the Town will not be paying out as well.

A motion to approve was made by Robert Carnahan with second by Richard Thiel.

Vote 7 – 0.

2. Shades AA-AB Subdivision Improvements Project Pay Application #1

Mr. Recupito explained the bill is for $507,094.62. A letter is in the packet from Christopher B. Burke Engineering.

A motion to approve was made by Robert Carnahan with second by Richard Thiel.

Vote 7 – 0.

3. Disbursement Request No. 23 for 2022B Project

A motion to approve was made by Greg Parker with second by Mary Joan Dickson.

Vote 7 – 0.

4. Disbursement Request No. 29 for 2022A Project

A motion to approve was made by Greg Parker with second by Chuck Becker.

Vote 7 – 0.

5. Approval of Y2026 Summerfest Contract

The only changes noted are to the dates.

A motion to approve was made by Chuck Becker with second by Richard Thiel.

Vote 7 – 0.

6. Approval of Y2026 Town of Cedar Lake Meeting Schedule

Mr. Recupito discussed Redevelopment Commission and Utility Board meetings prior to Town Council meetings. He discussed changing it so the Town Council meeting will immediately follow those meetings.

A motion to approve as stated was made by Robert Carnahan with second by Chuck Becker.

Vote 6 – 1.

7. Approval of Y2026 Tag Day Requests Letter

Mrs. Dickson discussed the original ordinance. As a tag day, they are supposed to pass something out such as candy or a flower or tag of some sort. She would like to see it promoted more. She stated that is part of the original ordinance.

A motion to approve with the requirement to distribute something was made by Mary Joan Dickson with second by Richard Thiel.

Vote 7 – 0.

8. Approval to Place Food Drive Donation Box at Town Hall to Benefit Local Food Pantry

Mr. Eldridge stated this was a request made by staff to place a food drive donation box. Mrs. Dickson asked if it would be going to Project Love. Mr. Eldridge stated that he did not know. Mrs. Dickson stated they will say Project Love.

A motion to approve was made by Mary Joan Dickson with second by Chuck Becker.

Vote 6 – 0; 1 – Abstention.

9. Board of Safety Favorable Recommendation to the Town Council for the Top Three Candidates from the Certified Eligibility List

Mr. Recupito stated they have a letter in the packet from the Board of Safety. It gives a favorable recommendation to hire the top three candidates from the certified eligibility list. Chief Mager reported there are two vacant positions and one open position. He would like to make an offer to the three individuals. One spot is for the Deputy Chief position. He would like to fill it with a full-time hire that way they can maintain five members per shift on each shift. The three candidates have successfully completed the hiring process thus far. They will move on to the background checks and PERF process. Mrs. Dickson stated she would like the names on the record. Chief Mager stated the candidates were Julian Childress, Brandon Zimmerman, and Dominic Schmidt.

A motion to approve the conditional offers to the three candidates was made by Robert Carnahan with second by Richard Thiel.

Vote 7 – 0.

Reports

1. Town Council

Mr. Carnahan reported the Cedar Lake Chamber will have the Jean Eberle Parade of Lights this Saturday at 6PM. On December 9^th, the Chamber will hold a luncheon at the After Four Club. The speakers are the Town Manager, Fire Chief, and Police Chief.

2. Town Attorney

No report.

3. Clerk-Treasurer

Chief Deputy Nagy reported they are still awaiting the 1782 Notice. She believes it was received December 27^th last year. They will not know if the budget is approved until then.

4. Town Manager

Mr. Eldridge discussed the electric vehicle charging station by the beach. The annual contract is due. That contract is $1,286.67. The annual NIPSCO cost is $738.48. He stated that will probably go up in 2026. He stated in 2025, the Town made $176.84 from the charging station. He asked if the Council wanted to keep it or have it removed. Mr. Recupito stated he would get rid of it. It is more of a hassle. Mr. Becker agreed. Mr. Eldridge was told to pull the plug. Mr. Eldridge discussed the list of individuals for the steering committee. If anyone is interested in joining, they are to contact Monica at Town Hall and share their contact information. Mrs. Dickson asked about a summary of duties. Mr. Eldridge stated that is unknown but generally meetings once or twice a month for the next few months. It is creating a road map for the future. Mr. Carnahan stated Monica’s extension is 1310. Mr. Recupito asked if they are all Cedar Lake residents. Mr. Eldridge stated yes. Mr. Eldridge discussed the contract with Hanover Township. He would like to get it on the next agenda. Mr. Eldridge praised the street department for their work during the recent snow event.

5. Director of Operations

Mr. Kubiak discussed leaf pickup. They will stop at the end of month or until there is no more to pick up. He asked they be placed as close to the road as possible.

6. Police Department

Chief Gruszka reported on the monthly calls report.

7. Fire Department

Chief Mager reported on the monthly training and operations reports.

8. Parks Department

No report.

Written Communication

1. Building Department Report

Reports are in the packet.

2. Christopher B. Burke Report

Mr. Carnahan discussed the Monsanto grant. He asked what are they going to do with that. Mr. Parker stated he would like to put it back into the sewer fund. Mr. Carnahan stated it was suggested to get a street sweeper or secure the two spots as mud is going back into the lake. Maybe put the rest into the sewer fund. Mr. Parker stated he is not opposed to securing spots where mud is going into the lake but $2.4 million was taken out of the sewer fund. He thinks they should put as much money back into the sewer fund as possible. Mr. Thiel stated there was no Storm Board meeting for the month. In December, they will have stuff available with Storm Board for discussion on structures either by Sleepy Hollow Ditch or the other location. He stated he spoke with Luke and he is looking into the cost of the structures.

Public Comment

John Carrara, 13765 Freedom Way, stated he came to the meeting as he was advised by the Homeowners Association regarding discussion this evening on construction and the possible opening of King Street. Mr. Carrara voiced concerns with traffic and issues by King Street not being open. Mr. Thiel stated there was discussion at the last Plan Commission meeting. Mr. Parker stated there was but there was no solution. Mr. Carrara stated he received an email from his HOA President that this item would be discussed tonight. Mr. Recupito stated no. Tomorrow night at 7PM is Plan Commission. Mrs. Dickson stated that is a Plan Commission item and will be tomorrow night. Mr. Recupito stated he does not disagree. It is his understanding that the Summer Winds developer has to open it up. Mr. Carnahan stated he is waiting to get the surface coat and possible signage. Mr. Carrara continued to voice concerns. Mr. Parker discussed why the unfinished streets are not open and discussion that have occurred with the developer. A lengthy discussion continued on the matter.

Kevin Toth, 9725 B W. 129^th Place, asked about the sewer and if they had information on the Lowell expansion of the plant and what the costs would be for the community. Mr. Recupito stated he had heard nothing. Mrs. Dickson stated they have not had a meeting. Mr. Thiel stated there was an agreed order on the eq basin. Mr. Thiel asked Sue if she had anything further. Mrs. Haase stated they are still on the ranking list but not within the funding for subsidized interest rates. If they have approval from SRF to go ahead, they could participate in a pooled issued but she believes that is history for this year. So, it would not happen until next year. She has not heard anything else. During their meetings they are approving the pay orders for the eq basin. Her understanding was that that needed to be concluded. Mr. Recupito stated there have been discussions on whether the expansion proposed is necessary for the Town of Cedar Lake. Talking with the engineer their portion of the expansion probably is not. According to the agreement, they have the option to participate in entirety, not at all, or fractionally. He stated they have an option.

Mr. Toth voiced concerns with the costs thrown around. He thanked everyone that has helped the Hanover Township Trustee’s Office with Christmas baskets and gifts. Mr. Thiel asked Mr. Toth about the Christmas trees and the lake last year. He asked if they were doing it again this year. Mr. Toth stated the applications are in. He received an email from the Army Corps of Engineers and they cleared it. They need the final from the DNR.

Jordan Sturgill, 10143 W 135^th Avenue, discussed the concerns on King Street. He stated he agreed with Mr. Thiel on the concerns for safety.

Adjournment

President Recupito called the meeting to adjournment at approximately 8:01PM.