Town of Cedar Lake
Town Council
Regular Meeting Minutes

Pledge of Allegiance & Moment of Silence

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a Moment of Silence.

Roll Call

Public Comment

No public comment was received.

Consent Agenda

1. Minutes: October 7, 2025 & October 21, 2025
2. Claims: All Town Funds: $407,880.55; Wastewater: $237,470.62; Water Utility: $63,294.42; Storm Water: $63,388.60; Payroll (1/29/26 & 1/30/26): $312,743.01
3. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Cliff Wroe

A motion to waive the reading of the minutes and accept the consent agenda as listed was made by Mr. Becker; seconded by Mr. Parker. Mr. Carnahan asked about a claim for Hawk Enterprise for 133rd and the library for a light repair in the amount of $14,683.91. Mr. Kubiak reported it was for a broken wire for the decorative light under the apron for Centier Bank. It has been an ongoing issue but the Town will be receiving reimbursement from NIPSCO’s insurance. Ms. Sandberg stated they received the reimbursement the other day.

Motion to waive the reading of the minutes and accept the consent agenda as listed made by Mr. Becker; seconded by Mr. Parker.

Motion carries, 6–0.

Ordinances / Resolutions

1. Ordinance No. 1524 — Adoption of Parks and Recreation Activity Fees Amendment

Mr. Thiel read Ordinance No. 1524 by title only.

Motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1524 made by Mrs. Dickson; seconded by Mr. Thiel.

Motion carries, 6–0.

Motion to suspend the rules and allow a second reading made by Mr. Thiel; seconded by Mr. Becker.

Motion carries, 6–0.

Mr. Thiel read Ordinance No. 1524 by title only.

Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1524 made by Mr. Thiel; seconded by Mr. Becker.

Motion carries, 6–0.

BZA / Plan

1. 2025-47 — Littles — Use Variance — BZA Favorable Recommendation to Allow a Home-Based Hair Salon in R-2 Zoning

Mr. Recupito stated there was a favorable recommendation from the BZA. He asked if everything was handled through the Plan Commission. Mr. Parker stated yes. Mr. Recupito asked if there were any contingencies. Mr. Parker stated no. Mr. Kubiak stated for the record that this approval is for a one-person operation only. Mr. Parker and Mr. Thiel both concurred.

Motion to approve 2025-47 (Littles) use variance to run a home-based hair salon in R-2 zoning, for a one-person operation, made by Mr. Parker; seconded by Mr. Thiel.

Motion carries, 6–0.

2. Extension of Crown Point School Corporation Performance Letter of Credit — $312,389.00 — Expires February 19, 2027

Motion to approve made by Mr. Carnahan; seconded by Mr. Parker.

Motion carries, 6–0.

3. Extension of Wicker Enterprises Performance Letter of Credit — $11,731.50 — Expires August 7, 2026

Motion to approve made by Mr. Carnahan; seconded by Mr. Parker.

Motion carries, 6–0.

4. Extension of Beacon Pointe Unit 4 Maintenance Letter of Credit — $99,032.17 — Expires May 16, 2026

There was a typo on the original agenda regarding the expiration date. It was clarified the expiration date is May 16, 2026.

Motion to approve made by Mr. Parker; seconded by Mr. Thiel.

Motion carries, 6–0.

5. Acceptance of Beacon Pointe East Unit 4 Maintenance Letter of Credit — $143,843.20 — Expires July 25, 2028

Motion to approve made by Mr. Carnahan; seconded by Mr. Thiel.

Motion carries, 6–0.

6. Extension of Beacon Pointe Unit 6 Performance Letter of Credit — $133,733.95 — Expires July 27, 2026

Motion to approve made by Mr. Carnahan; seconded by Mrs. Dickson.

Motion carries, 6–0.

7. Extension of Beacon Pointe Unit 7 Performance Letter of Credit — $309,673.13 — Expires July 27, 2026

Motion to approve made by Mr. Carnahan; seconded by Mr. Parker.

Motion carries, 6–0.

8. Extension of Lakeside Unit 2, Block 1 Performance Letter of Credit — $605,505.40 — Expires May 15, 2026

Motion to approve made by Mr. Carnahan; seconded by Mrs. Dickson.

Motion carries, 6–0.

9. Extension of Railside Business Park Performance Letter of Credit — $1,165,934.83 — Expires June 16, 2026

Motion to approve made by Mr. Carnahan; seconded by Mr. Parker.

Motion carries, 6–0.

Old Business

1. Y2026 NIES Engineering Agreement

Motion to approve the Y2026 NIES Engineering Agreement made by Mr. Thiel; seconded by Mr. Becker.

Motion carries, 5–1.

New Business

1. Parks and Recreation Request for Approval to Apply for Grants — Lake County Master Gardener & Bass Pro Shops Community Grants

Mr. Recupito noted the letter in the packet from Mrs. Ray. The Lake County Master Gardener Grant has a maximum award of $600 and does not require matching funds; it would be used to support the community garden and enhance public garden spaces. The Bass Pro Shops Community Grant also does not require matching funds and would most likely be in the form of in-kind donations rather than monetary awards; it would be used to support the creation of a new fishing club.

Motion to approve the Parks and Recreation grant applications for the Lake County Master Gardener Grant and Bass Pro Shops Community Grant made by Mr. Thiel; seconded by Mr. Becker.

Motion carries, 6–0.

2. Cedar Lake Summerfest Request of Y2026 Tourism Funds

Mr. Recupito noted the letter from Co-Chair Kathy Broomhead requesting $2,000 to provide traditional activities at the Summerfest event. Mr. Carnahan expressed concern that multiple organizations are requesting $2,000 each — the Knights of Columbus, Summerfest, and the museum — and the Town does not have that amount available. Mr. Recupito noted the Knights of Columbus request was approved without a specific dollar amount. Mrs. Dickson stated they should do the same for these two requests until the available balance is known. Ms. Sandberg noted they receive $4,725 in tourism funds annually. Mr. Parker suggested dividing it equally among those who request. Discussion continued on tourism fund requests and appropriate uses. Mr. Recupito stated he believes the process should include a formal opening and closing period for applications so all requests can be decided at one meeting. Ms. Sandberg noted she had mentioned to Mr. Eldridge that other communities utilize a formal application process, and that requests are currently received randomly throughout the year. Mrs. Dickson expressed a preference for requests that encourage overnight stays. Mr. Parker noted they had already started a process this year but a formal application could be implemented for next year. Discussion continued on creating a formal application process to eliminate ambiguity going forward.

Motion to approve the Cedar Lake Summerfest request for Y2026 tourism funds, with the funding amount to be approved at a later date, made by Mr. Thiel; seconded by Mr. Becker.

Motion carries, 6–0.

3. Cedar Lake Historical Association Request of Y2026 Tourism Funds

Mr. Recupito noted the letter from the Cedar Lake Historical Association requesting $2,000.

Motion to approve the Cedar Lake Historical Association request for Y2026 tourism funds, with the funding amount to be determined, made by Mr. Parker; seconded by Mr. Thiel.

Motion carries, 6–0.

Reports

1. Town Council

Mr. Carnahan reported that Project Love Food Pantry is open the following day from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.

2. Town Attorney

No report.

3. Clerk-Treasurer

Ms. Sandberg reported she is continuing with annual reports.

4. Town Manager

Mr. Eldridge stated he received a letter of gratitude to the Police Department, Board of Safety, and Public Works from a resident regarding the opening of King Street and additional stop signs placed in the area.

Written Communication

No written communication was received.

Public Comment

Christopher & Kimberly Morris — 13650 Muir Street

Mr. Morris stated everyone knows the address. He and Mrs. Morris wanted to come and discuss their side of what has been going on. Mr. Morris stated he understands the frustrations from Aaron and his family as well as other neighbors trying to get the storm drain fixed. They want it fixed too. It is going to be fixed. He feels they have been portrayed in previous meetings along with Steiner as the bad guys. Mr. Parker stated he does not think that is true. He thinks Mr. Watt, the previous developer, passed a lemon that needed to be dealt with and knew it needed to be dealt with. He does not believe anyone is blaming them.

Mr. Morris stated they completely understand the neighborhood’s frustration. Even though they are not considered the bad guys, they are the ones being punished. Their life savings is sitting there. No windows in the upper floors, the house is exposed to the elements because the project was shut down. Two things can happen at once. They want their house to get built. They cannot obtain occupancy until the storm drain is fixed. Mr. Morris stated they have been at it for over a year now. All of their furniture and appliances are sitting in storage.

Mr. Parker stated he understands the frustration and they have come up with a resolution. Mr. Thiel stated they are getting closer. He received the proposal from Southland Excavating. There was discussion with the attorney and engineer prior to the meeting. They are working on a bond amount — a performance bond that would have to be posted for the work to be completed. It probably will not be finished until June. It would allow the stop work order to be lifted so they could continue on the house. With the building permit, there would still be no certificate of occupancy as stated from the beginning. He noted he just received the quote and they do not have anything set yet. The attorney is not present. It should be resolved soon and he does not want to see it dragged out.

Mrs. Morris stated she does not understand why it was stopped. They waited all summer for everyone to agree on everything. Everything was signed off and building started. She asked why it was stopped. Mr. Thiel stated he believes there was confusion with Plan Commission members. He is not on Plan Commission but has had a lot of communication with them. They felt this should not have been handled internally with the Building Department and engineer. It was never finished with the developer. They felt it should have been in front of Plan Commission again. He stated they were discussing what the gain would be if it went back before Plan Commission. Mrs. Morris stated they will suffer if that happens. Their home is partially constructed through one of the coldest winters. They are losing money each month. It was not handled the way it should have been. Mr. Watt has been able to get away with this. They are the ones left to suffer. She asked again why it was stopped, stating it is going to be fixed. They do not want to move in or take occupancy until the drainage is done. They do not want to deal with it. They want it done as much as their future neighbors.

Mr. Thiel discussed the uniqueness of the lot and the four revisions that were completed for the drainage. Mr. Morris stated they did go through four revisions and it was agreed upon. It was then voted by the board to stop it. Mr. Recupito stated they need to come to a resolution and asked what the path forward would be. Mr. Parker stated there should have been a bond collected to correct the drainage before a building permit was issued. Mr. Morris stated that would have been great but that time has passed. Currently the only thing happening is punishing them. Mr. Parker stated Mr. Watt should have disclosed it. There was a lot of work that went into resolving the issue with him. He thumbed his nose at everyone. There is no performance bond to hold him to anymore because the subdivision is too old. The only way forward is to make sure there is a bond to ensure the work gets done.

Mr. Morris asked about a timeframe. They are asking for a vote to get the project going while they work through the problem — get windows in, put heat on, and dry the house out to prevent mold. The builder has agreed to post a bond. Mr. Recupito asked if they could vote to lift the stop work order contingent on a bond being agreed upon. Mr. Kubiak stated the price to finish the work is $6,320 from Southland Excavating. Luke reviewed it and agreed to the number. That included dirt, rip rap, the fabric, and the soil, seed, and blanket. 110% of that would be approximately $6,900. Mr. Kubiak stated Luke’s recommendation was a $7,000 performance bond to take care of the remainder of what needs to be done. That is the number Luke felt comfortable with. He also reiterated that occupancy is not to be given until this is done, and thinks that should be included in any motion made. Mr. Thiel stated that is already on the original permit. Mr. Thiel clarified that if the builder gets the house done at the beginning of May and the drainage is not done, they still have the bond and there is no occupancy until it is done. Mrs. Morris stated they understand that and they are agreeable to it. Discussion continued on the stop work order and the house.

Aaron Csikos — 13660 Muir Street & Larry Goff — 11500 W. 135th Place

Mr. Csikos followed up regarding the cost of repair. He stated it needs to be made clear exactly what the cost is covering. Mr. Thiel shared the quote from Southland Excavating. Mr. Goff asked what it covers and whether it would include restoring Mr. Csikos’s lot. Mr. Thiel discussed the original plans for revision four. The property line between the two lots runs through the center of the drainage easement. To correct that condition, the finished grade would apply across both lots. Mr. Kubiak confirmed that the plan is to fill, rip rap, seed, and blanket the slopes just as specified in the plan.

Mr. Csikos asked if the work would follow revision four and whether it would straighten out the swale as discussed. Mr. Kubiak stated they were going to straighten it out — that was the intent. That is generally the road it was along prior to this. He noted that a tree that was in the way was already taken out, and the fill was started and straightened. Everyone agreed to straighten out the jog and take out the extra tree. Revision four as approved has a swale going down the twenty-foot easement with rip rap and fabric. He stated that if the work is within the easement, it is good. He stated by taking the dog leg out it runs straight down the middle of the two lines.

Mr. Csikos stated he wants clarification in writing for exactly what the work is doing. It is too vague. Mr. Recupito asked how they are going to handle it. Mr. Parker stated they do not have specifics and should make the bond amount larger and put requirements on what it looks like when done. That should be the motion. Mr. Thiel stated any deviation from revision four, which they are already at now, is not on paper. Mr. Kubiak stated revision four is what is approved. Everything is signed off on by Christopher Burke. Luke agreed with the quantity and price.

Mr. Parker suggested a $12,000 bond. Mr. Csikos stated his quote came in at approximately $30,000, so $12,000 looks low. Mr. Parker stated some of the work has already been done and they do not know what has been spent. Mr. Csikos stated he wants it done properly and straightened out, following the lot line and not jogging through. Mr. Parker stated they want to come up with a resolution that is fair to everybody. Mr. Kubiak stated the drainage easement encompasses twenty-four feet. By the time they fill it all in and do the side slopes, the rip rap is probably only going to be six feet. He thinks there will be a lot of room on either side of the easement that is not a cliff. By taking the dog leg out, it runs straight down the middle of the two property lines and keeps it centered up between both of them.

Mr. Csikos stated he wants it straight and on the twelve feet of drainage easement on Lot 6, not bearing into his twelve feet. Mr. Kubiak stated he understands the request but the center of the swale is supposed to be right down the middle of the property line. Mr. Parker stated they cannot make the developer create more drainage easement than what was platted, and there is no way to reconcile making it entirely on Lot 6’s twelve feet. It could make it worse. Mr. Kubiak stated the ditch is not going to be nearly twenty-four feet wide; by the time they fill in and do the side slopes, the rip rap will probably only be about six feet, leaving room on either side of the easement. Mr. Csikos stated that is why he wants more clarification. He wants to get as close to a solid answer as possible. Mr. Parker stated they will have to build it per the engineer-approved revision four, just straightened out. If the swale were shifted one way or another, it cannot be done correctly to make the drainage easement work. They will have to use what is on either side of the drainage easement to grade it. Mr. Csikos stated he understands.

Mr. Goff voiced concerns with what happens if additional rain causes more soil to wash out. Mr. Parker stated it still has to be restored or there is no occupancy. Mr. Csikos and Mr. Goff discussed increasing the bond to cover any kind of problem. Mr. Thiel asked if an as-built per revision four would be required to confirm the elevation is there. Mr. Kubiak stated an inspection is done by Christopher Burke to make sure the work is done according to revision four. He does not think it necessarily needs to have an as-built drawing. Mr. Thiel stated some type of elevation survey would need to be done. Mr. Kubiak stated the plans are clear and he would assume all of that would be met to the plan.

Mr. Parker’s suggestion was a $12,000 bond. Mr. Morris stated Steiner volunteered to pay for all of it. Mr. Parker stated fair enough. Mrs. Morris stated as long as it is per amendment four and whatever was agreed upon, she has no problem with withholding occupancy. She stated she does not want Aaron to claim he is not happy with the result if it was done per what was agreed upon in revision four. Mr. Csikos stated that is why he wants the revision to revision four — the straightening out — captured in writing. Mrs. Morris asked what that revision is. Mr. Thiel stated to straighten it out. Mr. Csikos stated he wants it straightened out on Lot 6, on their side, along the drainage easement. He does not want any of it on his side. If it washes out, he does not care because it is not on his property. Mr. Parker stated he does not know if he can make a motion capturing all of that. Mr. Kubiak stated the middle of the ditch should run straight down the property line. Mr. Recupito asked Mr. Csikos if he is okay with that revision. Mr. Csikos stated as long as it is straight and on the twelve feet of drainage easement on Lot 6. Mr. Recupito stated the Morrises indicated Steiner is okay with fixing it. It will be done through a bond. Mr. Parker stated he would frame it as holding a $12,000 bond contingent on revision four being completed with the ditch straightened. Mr. Kubiak stated for the record: the revision to the original plan that was done by Mr. Watt years ago used scrap pipe from across the street. That is the only reason the thirty-inch pipe is there. That is why Mr. Steiner was granted the ability to have his engineer create a new plan and have the Town’s stormwater engineer approve it. Discussion continued on the pipe size and estimated costs. Mr. Parker stated Watt should have disclosed this and that there is no way to hold him accountable any longer because the subdivision is too old.

Carol Kerr — 9900 W. 129th Place

After listening to all of the discussion, Mrs. Kerr asked who is responsible. She asked who approved the permit and whether they have been held accountable. She asked who went out from the Town and checked the land that she had heard was unbuildable. Mr. Recupito stated he does not think it is unbuildable. It is a piece of the process that was missing and is now being put back in, which is the bond. Mrs. Kerr continued to voice concerns. Mr. Recupito stated they have been in the process of fixing it. Mrs. Kerr again asked who approved the permit. Mr. Thiel stated it was reviewed by the engineer. The permit was applied for May 12, 2025. There was correspondence between the Building Department and Town Engineer since then. Mrs. Kerr stated that was not her question. Mr. Kubiak stated he approved the permit. Mrs. Kerr stated he is therefore responsible. Mr. Kubiak stated that is correct. Mrs. Kerr asked if he took responsibility. Mr. Kubiak stated he did. Mrs. Kerr stated if he were doing it over from scratch, would he do it again. Mr. Kubiak stated yes. Mrs. Kerr stated that did not make sense. She asked about the builder’s reputation relative to another incident involving a kitchen floor. It was stated that was a different builder. Mr. Parker stated the builder has a good reputation. They bought this lot that was underdeveloped years ago when there were not a lot of standards to protect buyers. A lengthy discussion continued on the purchase of the lot and the lack of disclosure. Multiple conversations overlapped. Mrs. Kerr continued to voice concerns. Mr. Parker discussed the lack of protections at the time.

Terry Broadhurst — 631 N. State Street, Lockport, IL (Property at 14513 Morse Street)

Mr. Broadhurst stated he was still confused after listening to everything. He noted that in 2025, the matter at that property never came up for a variance before the BZA and he never saw any discussion on the engineering that had to be reworked. He asked whether some of it should have come before the BZA or Plan Commission. Mr. Thiel stated he did not believe there was a variance being requested on the lot. Mr. Broadhurst asked why, given the drainage issues, all of the required rework did not generate Plan Commission dialogue. Mr. Thiel stated that is not a variance issue. Mr. Broadhurst asked why, with four versions of the plan, the original engineering was not followed through by either the first or second developer.

Mr. Recupito stated his understanding is the work was getting done but weather interfered. They are in the process of doing it and now want to put in place a surety to make sure it gets done. Mr. Broadhurst stated the additional surety is a great idea but the question is, four versions later, it is not the same plan as originally designed. He asked whether changes to the plan should have had dialogue. Mr. Kubiak stated it was a modification of the original plan. The original plan was done when the subdivision was built. There were some problems, it was revised, and it never got fixed. It essentially got put on the new owners. They came up with a plan and the stormwater engineers approved it. He stated it is a buildable lot — it was platted and recorded as Lot 6 of Muir Woods. It was not a re-subdivision or a variance; it was something that needed to be done to make sure it does not continue washing out. Mr. Broadhurst stated that his point is they had to change the lot’s engineering four times. Mr. Kubiak stated they had to present a plan that needed to be revised four times to make Christopher Burke happy. They came up with a first plan, comments were given back, they revised it, and on the fourth revision they finally came up with something Christopher Burke agreed would correct the problem. Aaron was in the loop throughout. Mr. Broadhurst stated that had the first developer done it right from the start, these folks should not have to deal with what they have had to deal with. Mr. Parker stated that is not an inaccurate observation. Mr. Thiel stated this is fixing the problem. Mr. Recupito stated they are trying to fix the problem. Mr. Broadhurst stated that if they would stick to the rules on paper, things would not be an issue. He continued to voice concerns with accountability and doing better as a community, board, and building department. Mr. Recupito stated unfortunately this has to do with the previous property owner not disclosing.

Agenda Amendment — Muir Street Stop Work Order

Motion to amend the agenda for action on the Muir Street stop work order matter made by Mr. Carnahan; seconded by Mr. Thiel.

Motion carries, 6–0.

Mr. Recupito stated they had discussion on removing the stop work order with a handful of contingencies. He asked Mr. Thiel if he had them all listed. Mr. Thiel stated: the $12,000 bond; revision four to be completed with the ditch straightened; and certificate of occupancy held until the drainage is complete as per the building permit with the engineering notes. Mr. Carnahan asked about the stop work order. Mr. Thiel stated lifting the stop work order is stated at the beginning of the contingencies.

Motion to lift the stop work order at 13605 Muir Street with the contingencies that there will be a $12,000 bond posted, revision number four will be followed, the ditch is to be straightened, occupancy will not be given until the ditch and erosion issues are resolved, including the contingencies listed in the permit, made by Mr. Thiel; seconded by Mr. Parker.

Motion carries, 6–0.

Adjournment

President Recupito called the meeting to adjournment at approximately 8:10 P.M.