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

Oath of Office

Chief Mager introduced Brandon Zimmerman as the newest Firefighter/EMT hired to the department. Mr. Zimmerman received the Oath of Office from Chief Deputy Margo Nagy.

Public Comment

No public comment was received.

Consent Agenda

1. Minutes: November 4, 2025
2. Claims: All Town Funds: $271,600.53; Wastewater: $114,069.61; Water Utility: $31,963.01; Storm Water: $5,061.44; Payroll (2/12/26): $435,527.28; January Remittances: $292,687.18
3. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Douglas G. Machalk
4. Manual Journal Entries: January 1, 2026 – January 30, 2026

A motion to waive the reading of the minutes and accept the consent agenda as listed was made by Mr. Becker; seconded by Mrs. Rivera. Mr. Carnahan discussed the multiple claims for rock salt totaling $47,905.61 and asked Mr. Kubiak how they are situated on salt. Mr. Kubiak stated they are in decent shape and the salt shed is better than half. Mr. Carnahan asked about a catch basin repair on 133rd in front of Tech Credit for $539. Mr. Kubiak stated that was just concrete. A brief discussion continued on road salt.

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

Motion carries, 7–0.

Ordinances / Resolutions

1. Resolution No. 1387 — Grant Application and Management Policy

Mr. Thiel read Resolution No. 1387 by title only. Mr. Eldridge explained he was asked by Mr. Recupito to draft an internal policy for writing grants. If somebody is going to apply for a grant that will require matching funds, they must check with the Clerk-Treasurer to make sure there are available funds. Approval from the Town Council will also be required before proceeding. Grants that do not require matching funds require notification to the Town Manager and Town Council. Mr. Recupito asked Ms. Sandberg if she had anything to add. Ms. Sandberg stated no, it is exactly as he said. It is pretty basic — if it requires a match, they make sure to discuss it with the Clerk-Treasurer before applying.

Mrs. Dickson asked how much the process would add to the timeline for going to Town Council and checking with the Clerk-Treasurer. Mr. Eldridge stated as soon as they find out a grant is available, they can go talk to Ms. Sandberg and make sure the money is there and then put it on the next Town Council agenda. Mrs. Dickson stated this would not minimize their reporting to boards or commissions for grants. Mr. Eldridge stated no. He discussed the recent EV grant as an example: once they know there are funds, they would still get favorable approval from the Board of Safety, which would then go to Town Council for final approval.

Motion to approve Resolution No. 1387 made by Mr. Carnahan; seconded by Mrs. Rivera.

Motion carries, 7–0.

BZA / Plan

1. 2025-44 — Serrano — Use Variance — BZA Favorable Recommendation

Mr. Recupito noted this item has been through Plan Commission and the BZA. Mr. Luis Serrano was present. He explained they wanted the use variance to park their commercial vehicles on the property. Mr. Thiel noted the business is Pinto Concrete. Mr. Austgen stated this is consistent with actions taken at the BZA and the conditions are very concise. Mr. Recupito asked whether, when approving, the Council adopts the BZA and Plan Commission conditions. Mr. Austgen stated those conditions become the Council’s as the end body; the Council does not have to accept them but most of the time does.

Motion to approve the use variance for 2025-44 (Serrano) and include the Board of Zoning Appeals and Plan Commission conditions made by Mr. Thiel; seconded by Mr. Becker.

Motion carries, 7–0.

2. Acceptance of Performance Letter of Credit Renewal — Cedar View Properties — $14,047.00 — Expires February 15, 2027

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

Motion carries, 7–0.

3. Acceptance of Performance Letter of Credit Renewal — Summer Winds Unit 1 — $244,187.85 — Expires June 23, 2026

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

Motion carries, 7–0.

New Business

1. Training Reimbursement Agreement — Firefighter/EMT Brandon Zimmerman

Chief Mager reported the paperwork is signed and ready.

Motion to approve the Training Reimbursement Agreement for Firefighter/EMT Brandon Zimmerman made by Mr. Becker; seconded by Mr. Carnahan.

Motion carries, 7–0.

2. Stash Construction Refund Request — $120.00

Mr. Kubiak reported this was related to an insurance claim. The company pulled a permit, the homeowner received payment for the job and then spent the money on something else. The company is requesting their money back.

Motion to approve the Stash Construction refund request in the amount of $120.00 made by Mrs. Dickson; seconded by Mr. Thiel.

Motion carries, 7–0.

3. Shades Subdivision Phase 2 Improvements — Change Order No. 1 — $69,162.55

Mr. Eldridge reported the project was supposed to be completed last fall but was delayed by NIPSCO getting their utilities relocated. The plan is to have everything completed by June of this year. Mr. Parker asked if NIPSCO was done. Mr. Eldridge stated yes. Mr. Carnahan noted the change order amount is $69,162.55. Mr. Eldridge confirmed, noting it is due to an increase in the price of asphalt.

Motion to approve Change Order No. 1 for Shades Subdivision Phase 2 Improvements in the amount of $69,162.55 made by Mr. Becker; seconded by Mr. Thiel.

Motion carries, 7–0.

4. Shades Subdivision Phase 2 Improvements — Pay Request No. 1 — $5,544.96

Mr. Recupito stated the payment amount is $5,544.96.

Motion to approve Pay Request No. 1 for Shades Subdivision Phase 2 Improvements in the amount of $5,544.96 made by Mr. Becker; seconded by Mrs. Rivera.

Motion carries, 7–0.

5. Waiver of Building Moratorium — Two-Lot Subdivision

Mr. Kubiak explained this is located on the north end of Morse Street. There is a large piece of property at the dead-end road. A couple of houses previously existed there and are now gone. Two separate owners are looking to build on the property. It is an old metes-and-bounds property that needs to be cleaned up with a subdivision. The owners are working together to do a two-lot subdivision to clean it up and build two houses. Mr. Kubiak stated they met with the owners and led them in that direction to make it cleaner and easier. Mr. Parker asked if the street is improved. Mr. Kubiak stated no. It is at the end of the street. They have an access agreement — essentially a private drive. Mr. Parker asked if that is what they are proposing. Mr. Kubiak stated yes; there is an ingress and egress as well as a utility easement recorded to get through the first piece of property to the second. Both owners have access through the private drive. This is the first step; they will then go before the Plan Commission for the preliminary plat and will need a couple of variances for road frontage. Mr. Parker confirmed both lots need sewer only. Mr. Kubiak confirmed.

Motion to approve the waiver of building moratorium for the two-lot subdivision made by Mr. Thiel; seconded by Mr. Becker.

Motion carries, 7–0.

6. Park Board Recommendation to Amend Ordinance No. 1449 — Park Superintendent Job Description — Deferred

Motion to defer to the March 3, 2026 meeting made by Mr. Thiel; seconded by Mrs. Rivera.

Motion carries, 7–0.

7. Approval of Revised Town of Cedar Lake Organizational Chart — Deferred

Mr. Eldridge explained this was a simple organizational chart he was asked to create. He stated he believes they have had it for six months but was asked to put it on the agenda for formal approval. There was a change from the original: the Planning Director position was removed, with Mr. Kubiak’s workload increasing due to its elimination. Everything else remains the same. Discussion continued on the chart and recommended changes.

Motion to defer the Revised Town of Cedar Lake Organizational Chart made by Mr. Thiel; seconded by Mrs. Dickson.

Motion carries, 7–0.

8. 120Water — Cedar Lake Water Works EBR — 2026 Renewal — $23,464.20

Mr. Becker asked how many years they have to do this. Ms. Sandberg stated it is a federal requirement and she has a feeling they are just going to keep adding more. Mr. Becker stated he did not know since their water infrastructure was not that old. Ms. Sandberg stated it did not matter — they still have to follow the sampling and reporting requirements. Discussion continued on the reporting requirements. Mr. Recupito noted the contract total is $23,464.20.

Motion to approve the 120Water Cedar Lake Water Works EBR 2026 Renewal in the amount of $23,464.20 made by Mr. Carnahan; seconded by Mr. Becker.

Motion carries, 7–0.

Reports

1. Town Council

Mr. Carnahan reported that Project Love Food Pantry will be open the following day. Mrs. Dickson reported she will be attending the AIM Legislative Dinner in Indianapolis the following day. She noted the Chamber of Commerce expo will be on April 18th and is a great opportunity for organizations to get together.

2. Town Attorney

No report.

3. Clerk-Treasurer

Ms. Sandberg reported that last month the 100R, Debt Management Report, Lake County Solid Waste Annual Report, and Video Franchise Fee Annual Report were all filed timely. The closeout report for the state and local fiscal recovery funds was also completed. All that remains to be finished is the Annual Financial Report.

4. Town Manager

Mr. Eldridge reported the Community Crossings Grant project that was not funded in October 2025 may now be funded as INDOT has additional funds available. The Town will need to put the project out to bid first and then submit to INDOT. The project cannot be changed from what was submitted last year. The project area is the cross streets between 144th and 145th, east of Morse. They anticipate having all bids in and opened by mid-March, with hope of getting more road projects completed. Mr. Eldridge noted he will not be in the following day as he is meeting with Senator Niemeyer and IDEM and also attending the AIM Legislative Dinner.

5. Director of Operations

No report.

6. Police Department

Chief Gruszka reported on the monthly activity report. On March 6th, the Department will hold a Car Seat Safety Event at the fire station.

7. Fire Department

Chief Mager reported the application process to create a hiring list expired on February 6th with six applicants. The testing process will be starting. He discussed training hours, operations, and the monthly calls report. Annual maintenance and inspections are moving forward.

8. Parks Department

Mrs. Ray reported they have received the annual report. The weather is breaking and the crew is out working on cleanup projects. The Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Town Grounds on March 28th at noon. There will be an all-abilities area in addition to the other groups, and an Easter Trail will also be offered during the month. Mrs. Dickson asked if the egg hunt was part of the CSRI programs. Mrs. Ray stated yes — they always include an all-ability section for the CSRI program.

Written Communication

1. Building Department Report

Mr. Carnahan reported there were only three new construction permits issued for January.

2. Christopher B. Burke Engineering Report

Mr. Thiel reported he received an email from a resident regarding a street condition on 151st Avenue and still needs to forward it to the street committee. Mr. Eldridge stated he received the same email and responded to the resident that afternoon. Mr. Kubiak will be reaching out to Lake County the following day. Mr. Parker stated he also received a request to the street committee to revisit finishing Surprise Park — a lot of it was done but never finished. Mrs. Dickson asked if they could take a look at Lake Shore Drive where Eller Brady used to be, as the road is eroding. Mr. Kubiak stated he will have to meet her out there, as he has looked a couple of times and has not noticed what she is seeing. Mr. Recupito asked if the street committee was going to get something scheduled and asked Mr. Eldridge to get the road committee together.

Public Comment

Carol Kerr — 9900 W. 129th Place

Mrs. Kerr discussed a news article on data centers. The legislation passed in the House and is sitting in the Senate. She noted Mr. Eldridge mentioned he was meeting with Senator Niemeyer and urged everyone to contact their senators regarding it. Mr. Becker asked for the bill number. Mrs. Kerr stated it is HB 1333. Mr. Recupito urged residents to call their senators. He stated the bill is not good and everyone should call their senator if they want to maintain local control.

Barb Orze — 10290 W. 138th Place

Mrs. Orze stated they have had a couple of nice weather days and people are coming out riding on their electric bikes and scooters. She voiced concerns with kids on bikes after dark: going the wrong way against traffic, not wearing helmets, and traveling at high speeds. She asked if there is an ordinance addressing the matter and whether there is any kind of education program on safety. Chief Gruszka stated last fall the Department partnered with the Hanover School District to have classes on e-bike safety. They are going to do it again leading into the spring. He noted they have an ordinance written and are trying to change behavior versus enforcement. Mrs. Orze voiced concerns about the age of children riding some of the scooters. Chief Gruszka stated they started with the middle school and high school. Discussion continued on the concerns presented. Mrs. Dickson asked Chief Gruszka about the ordinance written and it being reported on at the Board of Safety meeting. Chief Gruszka stated the Deputy Chief drafted one but he could not speak to the current status, as he keeps hearing they are waiting for approval. Mr. Carnahan asked Mr. Austgen if he had it. Mr. Austgen stated no, he has not discussed this topic with anyone. Chief Gruszka stated he would follow up with him.

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

Mr. Broadhurst discussed concerns about e-bikes and scooters as well. He discussed young kids never having been taught the rules of the road and stressed the importance of training and education on road rules.

Julie Rivera — Ward 2 Council Member

Mrs. Rivera mentioned the bingo fundraiser for the Parks Foundation being held at the Eagles on Saturday, March 7th.

Greg Parker — Ward 5 Council Member

Mr. Parker discussed SB 10001 and asked if anyone knew what needs to happen for it to get passed into law, noting it would negate Plan Commission authority. Mr. Eldridge stated his understanding is there is not much support for it. The email correspondence he has received has urged everyone to contact their representatives. AIM sent out a cheat sheet of what to express to legislators at the dinner the following night. Mr. Recupito asked for the cheat sheet and asked that it be posted on the Town website. Mr. Parker continued to voice concerns.

Adjournment

President Recupito called the meeting to adjournment at approximately 8:02 P.M.