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: December 16, 2025

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

Motion carries, 5–0.

New Business

1. West Side Sanitary Sewer Interceptor (WSSSI) Project 2 — Pay Request No. 3 — $636,916.50

Mr. Simstad reported this is the third pay request for Project 2 of the West Side Sanitary Sewer Interceptor. The amount is $636,916.50. At this point the project is approximately 25% complete. Mr. Carnahan noted the total completed and stored to date is $1,356,777; retainage is $135,677; the amount previously paid is $584,176.50; and the total currently due is $636,916.50, for a running total of $1,221,093. Mr. Carnahan noted that if it is only 25% complete, there is a lot more remaining. Mr. Simstad clarified that the 25% figure is not in terms of dollars — it is probably more like 30%–32% complete by dollar value.

Motion to approve WSSSI Project 2 Pay Request No. 3 in the amount of $636,916.50 made by Mr. Parker; seconded by Mrs. Dickson.

Motion carries, 5–0.

Reports

1. Written Report

a. Fund Report

Clerk-Treasurer Sandberg reported the cash and expenditure reports were previously sent out.

2. Consultants & Staff Reports

a. Engineer

i. Sanitary Update — NIES

Mr. Simstad reported that Project 2 is approximately 25% complete as noted earlier. They have received the AES soil boring report for Project 3. He has reviewed it and will meet with AES the following week to clarify his reading of the report versus their classification based on depths, water table, soil conditions, and related factors, so that a recommendation can be formulated. Mr. Carnahan asked about a map layout. Mr. Simstad stated they have provided one but will resend. Mr. Thiel asked if he saw it changing. Mr. Simstad stated he did not. He discussed wanting to work with people who specialize in the area and simply wanted to confirm his reading of the report.

Mr. Thiel asked for a timeline on final design. Mr. Simstad stated once they come back in April with a recommendation, they are probably about 120 days out, looking at the fall. That is the best time to bid. He will work with IDEM on permitting. He noted the good thing about Project 3 is there is no property acquisition required. A brief discussion continued.

ii. Water Update — CBBEL

Mr. Baldwin reported the west side SCADA control system has been up and running and is online. This allows the west side to monitor pressures at the well locations and at the tower, and to control the wells and their pumping rates into the west side. The system is compatible with the east side and is part of the master plan. Mr. Carnahan stated that should help so they do not lose pressure on the water tower. Mr. Baldwin confirmed that is correct and described it as another monitoring tool for the water department.

Mr. Baldwin also reported they have implemented new procedures for all submitted NOIs within the Town and have been working with IDEM on submitted applications and development communications. All is working as expected to be open and keeping up to date with use demand on the system.

b. Director of Operations

Mr. Kubiak reported the force main on Morse Street is up and running. It went fairly well and is functioning properly. That project is now complete. Mr. Carnahan noted it was moved from the east side of the road to the west side. Mr. Kubiak confirmed that is correct and stated they will get it capped off and disconnected. He also reported that Lift Station #7 at Robin’s Nest had rotted components that needed to be replaced. They changed approximately thirty feet of pipe. It has been upgraded and is back to normal.

c. Town Manager

No report.

d. Town Attorney

Mr. Carnahan asked Mr. Austgen how they are proceeding with the lawsuit against Lowell. Mr. Austgen stated they are proceeding.

3. Update / Discussion

a. Sewer Rate Increase

No update.

4. JMOB Report

Mr. Thiel stated they received the latest MRO. He asked Mr. Austgen about the December MRO and noted that Mr. Eldridge was able to look it up on the portal in the past. Mr. Eldridge stated he could reach out to the wastewater plant. Mr. Thiel stated he knows Neil is in need of the December report. A brief discussion continued on the MRO reports and receipt of said reports.

Public Comment

No public comment was received.

Adjournment

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