Cedar Lake Unsafe Building Public Meeting Minutes

Call To Order:

Mr. Thiel called the Unsafe Public Meeting to order on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 5:31 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; David Austgen, Town Attorney; Tony Gatto, Building Inspector; Cheryl Hajduk, Recording Secretary

Absent: Ben Eldridge, Town Manager

Minutes: January 21, 2026 Meeting Minutes

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Layman to approve the January 21, 2026 meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

Active Unsafe:

1. 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 commented the owner will need to get a full site plan, not just an as-built survey.

• The property is currently boarded up and secure, improving safety conditions.
• The board agreed to defer the case for 30 days to allow submission of the site plan.

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

2. 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. Zachary James, 114611 Clark Street, Crown Point, IN, commented he closed on the house and recently cleared garbage and plans partial rebuild with a new roof and structural repairs.

• Owner must renew GC license with Cedar Lake before pulling the demo permit.
• The Board approved deferral for 30 days to allow for permit acquisition and initial work.
• Mr. Gatto will monitor progress and notify the Board upon permit issuance.

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Layman to defer this item for 30 days (March 18, 2026) to allow for permit issuance. Petitioner need to not appear if permit is secured before the 30-days. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

3. 13438 Hilltop

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

Ms. Deborah Maciaga, 13438 Hilltop commented they intend to clean debris and paint. She mentioned that she does not have a copy of the Unsafe Report. Ms. Hajduk will send a copy by email.

• Board advised a detailed meeting with building inspector Tony Gatto to define scope and required permits.
• Mr. Gatto discussed the dilapidated house; bringing the value of the homes down in the area.
• Due to title issues after the previous owner’s death, owner must bring legal documents proving authority.
• Deferral for 30 days was approved to facilitate these steps and obtain the report.

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Layman to defer this item for 30 days (March 18, 2026) and to contact Building Department to set up a meeting. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

Potential Unsafe:

1. 7204 W. 129^th Lane

Mr. Thiel commented Mr. Gatto will do a report on this property and does not believe the GIS information is correct of who the owner is.

• Owner is difficult to reach; Mr. Deutmeyer will contact the attorney who represents TLH Properties for information if there is another address for this property owner.
• Board approved simultaneous report preparation and deferral for 30 days to maintain oversight.

Mr. Deutmeyer commented TLH Properties obtained Title in May 2025. Real Estate Revival shows the new owner now through a tax sale.

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Layman to defer this item for 30 days (March 18, 2026) and for Mr. Gatto to create the Unsafe Report. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

2. 13858 Butternut Street

Mr. Gatto commented garage partially collapsed but permit obtained quickly, showing progress.

• Board approved moving property to under permit/demo orders for ongoing monitoring.

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Layman to move this item to Under Permit/Demolition Orders. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

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 Mr. Kubiak was going to cut a path to the house.

3. 8623 W. 131^st Place

Mr. Gatto commented this can come off of the agenda.

A motion was made by Mr. Parker and seconded by Mr. Layman remove this item from the agenda. Motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote:

Update Items:

1. 13713 Parrish Avenue – Diamond Peak Homes LLC

Mr. Thiel commented the barn is boarded up from the inside of barn. Mr. Herbers from Diamond Peak Homes had said in the past they want to turn this into a residence.

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

Mr. Deutmeyer commented the tax deed is recorded and has gone through the tax sale process.

3. W 127^th Lane – Town of Cedar Lake

Mr. Thiel commented there has been discussion if this parcel went to auction and there are two interested parties.

• Minimum bids will include appraised value plus demolition fees to recoup town expenses.
• Board discussed potential to split parcels if parties agree, but generally favors whole lot sales.
• The process involves title work, appraisals, and legal notifications to ensure transparency.
• The Board discussed better ways to handle surplus and landlocked properties to maximize value and streamline sales.
  • Mr. Austgen emphasized bundling a one-acre parcel with three adjacent town lots to increase value.
  • Mr. Deutmeyer noted combined parcels may no longer be landlocked, improving buildability and appeal.
  • Board agreed to seek appraisal for the combined lots to set appropriate minimum bids.

Discussion:

Mr. Thiel commented on 13517 Dewey Street that Code Enforcement made aware to the Building Department that is in bad shape, a lot of debris in the yard. Mr. Thiel commented the 13515 Dewey Street of what the report is for is vacant next to 13517 Dewey Street.

• Owner Francisco Perez acquired property through tax deed in 2023 after eviction delays.
• Board plans to send a 60-day notice letter to prompt response before formal report.
• Neighbor reports taxes are current on adjacent vacant lot but not on the house parcel.

Ms. Hajduk will send a Potential Unsafe Letter to the owner. Discussion ensued regarding 7110 W. 128^th and Ms. Hajduk will send a letter to owner as well.

Public Comment:

Mr. Terry Broadhurst, 631 N. State Street, Lockport, IL, representing 14513 Morse Street, commented surplus properties of the three, would it be four properties for sale that was discussed for anyone interested. Mr. Thiel commented we would like it as a package deal. Mr. Thiel commented these are tiny lots.

Mr. Broadhurst asked where do you start the purchase of surplus properties. Mr. Austgen commented:

• Interested buyers start with town council approval for property disposal before bids or auctions.
• Public notices include appraisal values and minimum bid amounts. Discussion ensued regarding notification of properties for sale and the bidding process.

Adjournment:

Mr. Thiel adjourned the meeting at 6:40 pm.