Cedar Lake Unsafe Public Meeting Minutes

Call To Order:

Mr. Thiel called the Unsafe Public Meeting to order on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 5:30 pm with its members attending on-site. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.

Roll Call:

Members Present via Zoom: None

Members Present On-Site: Rick Layman, Member; Greg Parker, Vice-Chairman; Rich Thiel, Chairperson. A quorum was attained. Also present: Ryan Deutmeyer, Town Attorney; Ben Eldridge, Town Manager; Tony Gatto, Building Inspector; Cheryl Hajduk, Recording Secretary

Absent: None

Election of Officers:

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Layman to elect Rich Thiel as Chairman to the Unsafe Building Commission.

A motion was made by Mr. Layman and seconded by Mr. Parker to elect Greg Parker as Vice-Chairman to the Unsafe Building Commission. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

Minutes:

December 17, 2025 Meeting Minutes

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Layman to approve the December 17, 2025 meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

Active Unsafe:

1. 14616 Dewey Street – Frick

Mr. Thiel stated the first order of business is for the property located in the vicinity of 14616 Dewey Street.

Mr. Tom Frick, 8008 W. 146^th Avenue, Cedar Lake, IN.

Mr. Thiel gave a background for new members: Mr. Frick chose not to grant easement for town storm drain infrastructure. Instead, he will install his own storm drain system for the house he plans to build. DVG Engineering was to provide plans for review by town engineer before building permit can be issued. System will be smaller since it only handles his property’s water runoff. Mr. Frick attempted to contact DVG (Glenn Bourne) via phone and email but hasn’t received response. Plans to visit office in person.

Property details:

• Lot size approximately 100’ x 120-125’ (about 250’ wide total - could almost fit two houses)
• Planned new house is two-story, 3-4 bedrooms (approximately three times size of current structure)
• West end of property is 2 feet lower than surrounding parcels creating ponding concern - reason for town engineer’s drainage review requirement
• Mr. Frick has initial drawing from Glenn Bourne, needs stormwater drain added
• Will connect to 12-inch stub on east side of property
• Property currently secured - boarded up, not accessible to children

Mr. Parker inquired about Mr. Frick’s plans - whether proceeding with Plan A or Plan B. Mr. Frick indicated still waiting on third party/realtor who hasn’t responded. Discussion kept vague to avoid public disclosure of private matters.

Mr. Thiel emphasized the need for drainage plans regardless of which option is pursued since permit was already applied for.

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Layman to defer this item to defer this item for 60 days (March 18, 2026) to allow time to obtain drainage plans from DBG Engineering. Property remains secure. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

2. 7704 W. 134^th Court

Mr. Thiel stated the next order of business is for the property located in the vicinity of 7704 W. 134^th Court.

Mr. Gatto reported he didn’t get chance to inspect whether property was boarded. Property owners are working on it - showed up to building department meeting, provided trust certification. Have submitted house plans. Only missing item is site plan for proposed work. Ms. Barnhart will reach out requesting site plan. Mr. Gatto comfortable that owners are working on project - holidays put everything behind schedule. Don’t know which engineer they’re using (may be backed up like DVG).

Plans: Property will be demolished. Current structure is snugged up on east property line. Legacy lot - will center new structure and move it off street to provide off-street parking.

Mr. Thiel noted last meeting’s main concern was boarding for safety (area residents, children) - people were getting inside. Mr. Gatto will inspect tomorrow and reach out to owner if not secured. Photos showed property is easily accessible.

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Layman to defer this item for 30 days (February 18, 2026) to allow time for site plan submission and verification of boarding. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

3. 13025 Tyler Street

Mr. Thiel stated the first order of business is for the property located in the vicinity of 13025 Tyler Street.

Mr. Serrano reported architect working on architectural drawings. Expects to submit permit application within 2-3 weeks. Due to weather, projects to start late March/April. Property will be rehabbed (not demolished).

Background for new members: Property owner originally planned demolition but quotes exceeded $34,000-$36,000. Owner decided to hire Mr. Serrano as general contractor to fix house instead. Property is for sale. Mr. Gatto raised serious concern about previous projects:

• Mr. Serrano’s company completed jobs in town without final inspections
• 8517 West 141st (other side of lake) - house rehabbed and sold with no final inspections
• Only rough inspections completed - no deck inspections, no post hole inspections, no interior finals
• House sold under open/expired permit that was never closed out
• Mr. Serrano believed corrections were made and inspections completed, but records show otherwise
• Current property owner no longer owns 141st property - new owner has house with incomplete inspection record

Mr. Deutmeyer explained Mr. Gatto raising this issue to ensure everyone aware of past problems and clarify this cannot happen again on future projects. Past projects are done - nothing can be done about those in this context. Mr. Serrano apologized and acknowledged issue.

Mr. Parker confirmed Mr. Serrano is licensed in Cedar Lake with good standing license. Town cannot stop him from pulling permits. Mr. Parker emphasized importance of getting all inspections including finals if proceeding with this project. Mr. Serrano committed to getting inspections.

Property security discussed: Some broken windows. Door on southwest side can be pushed open. Not fully secure - relatively easy to access.

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Layman for two timeframes: 30 days to secure property (board windows/doors); 60 days to pull building permit and develop plan. Mr. Gatto will inspect property and work with Mr. Serrano on scope before permit pulled to ensure done right first time. If property secured and permit pulled, Mr. Serrano need not appear at next meeting unless issues arise. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

4. 13957 Fairbanks Street

Mr. Thiel commented stated the next order of business is for the property located in the vicinity of 13957 Fairbanks Street.

Mr. Gatto inspected today - dump trailer out front, appears to be cleaning out possessions. Mr. Thiel received email last month with timeline explanation but expected owner at this meeting. Mr. Gatto will contact Mr. James (purchaser). Mr. James previously purchased and rehabbed one of the Mogan houses next to his own property, so commission knows quality of expected work. Roof is questionable regarding interior safety during winter months.

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Layman to defer this item to the next meeting on February 18, 2026 and owner to be appear at the next meeting. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

5. 13438 Hilltop

Mr. Thiel commented stated the next order of business is for the property located in the vicinity of 13438 Hilltop.

Background on letter process: Commission changed procedure in late 2024. Instead of immediately requiring unsafe reports and owner attendance, commission began sending letters giving property owners 60 days to contact building department and bring property into compliance (for items like sheds, roofs, etc.). Saves time for board and property owners when issues can be resolved without formal meetings.

Property appears to have been summer cottage, unoccupied for quite some time. GIS originally showed Grace M. Heitman as owner at Hilltop address. Mr. Deutmeyer researched:

• Owner is Illinois resident, age 83-98 per various sources (one website shows 98 years old)
• Currently residing in Oklahoma
• Property where letter was sent owned by different person (likely son-in-law)
• Property taxes current ($55 spring/$55 fall) - no delinquents
• Sewer bill also being paid

Commission discussed similar situation to previous item - elderly owner, potentially in nursing home, family paying bills. Mr. Gatto and staff will do additional research to find responsible party who will take interest in property.

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Layman to defer this item for 30 days. Motion passed by roll-call vote 3-0:

Potential Unsafe:

1. 7204 W. 129^th Lane

Mr. Thiel commented a letter sent July 1, 2025. Previous meeting awaited report. Mr. Gatto spoke with owners after last meeting. Site inspection conducted in July/August with general contractor and property owners (who are contractors but needed GC to run job). They know what needs to be done. Currently has open window and half-open garage door (detached). Mr. Parker noted owners are rehabbers - suggested Mr. Gatto contact them to encourage permit pull sooner rather than later to expedite process and avoid further meetings. Property remains on potential unsafe list pending permit application.

2. 7513 136^th Lane

Mr. Gatto confirmed the shed has been removed. This item can be removed from the agenda.

3. 13858 Butternut Street

Mr. Thiel commented a letter sent January 9, 2026. On January 14, 2026, town received and processed demolition permit for garage at this address. Quick response to letter (5 days). Property is west of Butternut Street in alleyway.

Under Permit/Demolition Orders:

1. 13333 Lemoore Street

Mr. Thiel commented they are still working on the remodel.

2. 14324 Edison – Town of Cedar Lake

Mr. Thiel commented no new update. Scheduled for demolition per Mr. Tim Kubiak, Director of Operations.

3. 8623 W. 131^st Place

Mr. Thiel commented this is under demolition order.

Update Items:

1. 13713 Parrish Avenue – Diamond Peak Homes LLC

Mr. Thiel commented nothing new, but needs to be boarded up. Per Mr. Michael Herbers, a carpenter is scheduled, but work still needs to be completed.

2. 7020 W. 139^th Place – Land Bank Builders & Associates, Inc.

Mr. Thiel commented this is still for tax sale.

3. W 127^th Lane – Town of Cedar Lake

Mr. Thiel commented this is still for tax sale.

Public Comment:

None

Adjournment:

Mr. Thiel adjourned the meeting at 6:20 pm.