Town of Cedar Lake
Utility Board
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

Consent Agenda

1. Minutes: November 18, 2025

Mr. Carnahan stated he reviewed the minutes and they are accurate. He discussed the $265,104 owed and the paid amount of $170,652.33. He stated it was indicated they weren’t paying the $94,451.97. Mr. Carnahan stated he talked with Jen and that is a $0.30 discrepancy. The actual amount should have been stated at the meeting. The minutes were recorded properly. It should have been stated as $94,451.67. A brief discussion continued on the correct amount.

Motion to approve the consent agenda made by Mrs. Dickson; seconded by Mr. Parker.

Motion carries, 7–0.

New Business

1. 120Water — Cedar Lake Water Works EBR — 2026 Renewal — $23,464.20

Sue Haase reported this is a renewal of the contract with 120Water. It helps with the lead service line inventory and file requirements with IDEM. It is also the public platform on the website. This renewal includes the addition of the inventory of the connectors as well as the sampling on schools and licensed daycares. This would assist the Town in maintaining timely response. The sampling manager portion is $5,000 and would be on the website with the inventory. It will keep them compliant and will also send reminders. The total includes the renewal of the existing platform as well as the updates now required. The total amount is $23,464.20 for the year. The current contract expires at the end of March. Mr. Carnahan noted the contract term runs from March 22, 2026 to March 21, 2027.

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. Recupito.

Motion carries, 7–0.

Reports

1. Written Report

a. Fund Report

Clerk-Treasurer Sandberg reported the reports were previously sent out by Margo.

2. Consultants & Staff Reports

a. Engineer

i. Sanitary Update — NIES

Mr. Simstad reported the west side interceptor project 2 is proceeding with construction. The project 3 solar report just came in the day of the meeting. He will review it and provide an update prior to the March meeting.

ii. Water Update — CBBEL

No update.

b. Director of Operations

Mr. Kubiak reported the water controls came in for the west side. They are all operating. They have been setting points and getting coordinated. All four pumps can run at the same time and the system is remotely operating. A big improvement and everything is running smoothly. The force main project is moving along. It is slow but they got it bored under Morse the day of the meeting and expect it to be operational by the end of the week.

Mr. Thiel asked Mr. Kubiak about the potential next line to be replaced. Mr. Kubiak stated it is one of the original lines that goes behind the smoke shop and library and runs west. It goes down 133rd to the Fire Station. He discussed the location of the old line and stated they are starting to put together a game plan. It might be tackled in two attempts.

c. Town Manager

Mr. Eldridge stated he will not be in the following day. He will be in Indianapolis for a meeting with Senator Niemeyer and will then meet with IDEM officials.

d. Town Attorney

No report.

3. Update / Discussion

a. Sewer Rate Increase

Mr. Thiel stated they do not have anything finalized on this yet. He asked Sue Haase to speak about their recent discussion. Mrs. Haase stated there are a lot of questions right now regarding what the capital needs will look like — long-term debt as well as year-over-year expenditures that they want to see built into the revenue requirements. She is putting together revenue and expenditure figures to see where they stand. Without knowing the major capital needs and where they will end up with Lowell costs for regular operating, is an issue. She stated she is looking at the system development charge using the incremental method, which is a charge on new customers only, not current ones. They are moving forward but there are unanswered questions that could impact the outcome greatly.

4. JMOB Report

No report.

Public Comment

Margaret Mirich — 11727 W. 124th Place

Mrs. Mirich asked about the sewer rate increase that was just discussed, specifically the incremental charge to new developments only. She asked about the moratorium on new developments. Mr. Thiel stated yes, there is a moratorium. There are things going on right now that were approved prior to it. Mrs. Mirich asked if those people would be charged. Mr. Thiel stated that is right. Mr. Recupito stated those projects were already approved and went through the Plan Commission but have not pulled permits yet. Mrs. Mirich asked if it was a small amount. Mr. Recupito stated he did not know exactly, but the last analysis showed approximately 1,300–1,400 lots left to be built. Anyone who is currently a customer will not be affected.

Mrs. Mirich asked about Lowell and the sanitation, stating it sounds like the Town owes them $170,000. Ms. Sandberg stated they paid that. Mrs. Mirich asked if they are clear and free. Mr. Thiel stated no — there was a discrepancy with the total. Mr. Carnahan stated the remainder is $94,451.67. Mrs. Mirich stated they are arguing over that amount. Mr. Thiel stated there is more than that. The monthly rate was set to increase as well — it was roughly $94,000 and it was going to go up to $105,550. They are questioning that as well. Mrs. Mirich stated the outcome of those questions will affect the sewer rate increase. Mr. Thiel stated he does not think that will really affect it. Mrs. Haase stated it should not change the rate increase. They are hoping their interpretation of the contract will either stay the same or reduce the $105,550 amount. They will not know for sure until they get through the disagreements. She stated they are debt free in their sewer utility. The long-term debt amount will go into the capital fund depending on increases in purchase power and related factors. Mrs. Mirich asked if there is enough capacity in the sanitation system for both Lowell and Cedar Lake. Mr. Thiel stated at this point they cannot add anything, as there was a PER for the expansion of the plant and all of that is not being communicated at this point. Mrs. Mirich asked if they are waiting on Lowell. Mr. Carnahan stated they still have not had meetings and both parties are in litigation.

Adjournment

President Thiel adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:53 P.M.