Public Meetings - Lake County, Indiana

The Lake County Board of Elections met on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Commissioner's Courtroom in Crown Point, Indiana. All five board members were present. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, updates on old business, a contested election complaint, a delinquent campaign finance report, mover contract bidding, and approval of new election management software. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – The minutes from the August 19, 2025 board meeting were approved unanimously. Old Business - Election Complaint Tracker – Jessica reported that the tracker is complete, with complaints from 2020 to present digitized and accessible. No board questions. - Secretary of State Small Precinct Consolidation Update – The board received a letter from Dustin Renner (Indiana Secretary of State Election Director) indicating multiple plans were submitted; the board's submission was noted as correctly filed. The Secretary of State is hiring a GIS specialist to review six plans, with a deadline of October 1, 2025. The board will monitor progress. New Business - 2025-07 – Segert v. Flores (Election Complaint & Motion to Dismiss) – Attorney James Wieser (representing respondent Flores) argued the complaint fails to allege any election law violation (only a political sign on county property and possible traffic obstruction) and moved to dismiss. Complainant Segert requested to orally amend his complaint to add claims of missing disclaimer (“Committee to Elect” absent) and posting outside the 60-day campaign window. Board members discussed procedural handling. Segert stated he was not prepared to respond to the motion without legal counsel. The board set a briefing schedule: Segert must file a written response by October 15, 2025; Wieser may reply within 14 days thereafter. The matter will be heard on November 18, 2025. Wieser objected to the oral amendment, stating Segert was “coached.” The board declined to rule on the amendment request at this time, keeping it for the November hearing. - CFA Delinquent Finance Report (CTE Jennifer Williams) – Lori from the office reported that a 2025 audit of 2024 reports caught Jennifer Williams’ failure to file her 2024 annual report. Williams later filed and disbanded her committee. The board first imposed the statutory $1,000 fine (motion by Mellon, seconded by Reed) and then unanimously voted to waive the fine (motion by Mellon, seconded by Fetch), citing precedent and issues with notification and committee disbandment. - Request to Seek Bids – Mover Contract for Special General Election – The board approved proceeding to the county commissioners to seek bids for moving voting machines for the special general election involving Hanover and Lake Central school corporations. Three movers were listed; previously disqualified movers were not included. Next step: bids will be returned and awarded at the September 23 meeting. - Election Management Software – Next Generation Solutions – Michelle and Jessica presented a quote from Next Generation Solutions (in-house through Cenefacts) for $10,000 (Phase 1) for poll worker training, attendance tracking, texting, and future inventory options (Phase 2 up to $15,000). This saves over $20,000 compared to external vendors. The board approved the agreement with a 4-0 vote (Fetch abstained as he serves as county attorney for the Board of Commissioners). The implementation timeline (originally November 2025) will be adjusted due to the approval process, with a goal to be ready for the 2026 primary. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Public comment period was closed. Key Outcomes - August 19, 2025 minutes approved unanimously. - Election complaint Segert v. Flores continued to November 18, 2025; briefing schedule set (Segert response due October 15, Flores reply due 14 days later). - CTE Jennifer Williams fined $1,000, then fine waived unanimously. - Mover contract bidding approved to go to county commissioners. - Election management software (Next Generation Solutions) approved 4-0 (one abstention); purchase order to be signed. - Next meeting scheduled for September 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM for board meeting, public test, and poll location matters. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30 AM.

The Lake County Council met on September 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the Commissioners Court Room in Crown Point. The meeting began with a moment of silence for the anniversary of 9/11 and the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call showed five members present (Hammond, Brown, Bilski, Meyer, Cid) with two absent (Brewer, Lindemulder initially). The meeting was delayed due to technical issues and a member joining remotely. The council approved several resolutions, transfers, appropriations, and a hiring freeze ordinance. Awards & Resolutions - Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (Resolution A): Unanimously adopted. Donna Krainer, co-founder of the Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation (NICK), spoke about the ongoing challenges. She noted that over 15,000 children are diagnosed annually, and while survival rates have increased from 10% to 85% over 40 years, rare cancers still have lower survival. She described the failure of federal funding bills (Creating Hope Reauthorization Act, etc.) in December 2024 due to a Senate objection, which halted research projects and trials. She urged council members to contact federal legislators to restore funding. The council expressed support. - Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (Resolution B): Unanimously adopted. - Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (Resolution C): Unanimously adopted. Public Hearing – Crown Point Community Library - The council moved up item 19A for a public hearing on an additional appropriation from the Crown Point Community Library’s Rainy Day Fund (Fund 201), Library Improvement Reserve Fund (Fund 400), and Excess Welfare Distribution Fund (Fund 226) pursuant to IC 6-1.1-18-5. One person spoke in favor. The hearing was closed and the ordinance was approved on first and second readings (5-2 absent). Discussion Items - Coroner’s Office (Item 5): Creation of a new line item and appropriation for the Motherhood & Infant Health Initiative Program grant ($2,383.16) were deferred to the next meeting because a new line item requires six votes, and only five members were present. - Property Tax Board of Appeals (Item 6): Ordinance establishing a per diem for PTABOA members was approved on first and second readings (5-2 absent). - Lake Superior Court Division III (Item 7): Creation of new line items and appropriation ($1,000) for travel expenses under the VTC All Rise Mentor Court Network Fund were deferred to the next meeting due to lack of six votes. - Juvenile Court (Item 8): Revision of a probation officer salary from $81,719 to $42,311 (savings of $39,408) was approved (4 yes, 2 absent, with one member unable to vote electronically but motion passed). - Juvenile Detention Center (Items 9A & 9B): Two transfers were approved: $85,000 from professionals and telephone to overtime and other supplies; and $10,000 from motor vehicles and other equipment to clothing. Both passed 5-2 absent. - Highway Fund (Item 10): Appropriation of $1,250,000 for construction and reconstruction was approved (5-2 absent). - Sheriff’s Office (Item 11): - Transfer of $288,000 from various accounts to overtime, officials, technicians, skilled craft workers, part-time, and clothing. Approved 5-2 absent. - Ordinance establishing the Sheriff’s Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP) Grant Fund, a non-reverting fund. Approved on first and second readings (5-2 absent). - Two new grant applications (FY25 State Homeland Security Program – Enduring Needs and National Priority) approved (5-2 absent). - Jail (Item 12): - Transfer of $580,000 from overtime regular, protective services, clothing, inmate clothing allowance, employment testing, and other professional services to overtime, part-time, and food & lodging. Approved 5-2 absent. - Transfer of $12,500 from maintenance and service to office/clerical and FICA deductions. Approved 5-2 absent. - Items 12C and 12D (creation of new line item and transfer from Public Safety CAGIT Non-Revert Fund) were deferred to next meeting after waiting for a missing member. - Animal Control (Items 13A & 13B): Two transfers ($10,000 from health care supplies to other services, and $8,000 from health care supplies to other services from the shelter non-revert fund) approved 5-2 absent. - Sheriff JAG 2022 Grant (Item 14): Transfer of $13,120 from travel-training to other supplies approved 5-2 absent. - Prosecutor (Item 15): Items 15A and 15B (creation of new line items and appropriation for Gun Safety Education and Gun Safety Locks Fund) deferred to next meeting. Item 15C (appropriation of $7,300 from Careful Carter Gun Safety Literacy Grant Fund for printing and other services) approved 5-2 absent. - Criminal Div. Public Defender (Item 16): Appropriation of $50,000 for court reporter per diem from Supplemental Public Defender Fund approved 5-2 absent. - Emergency Management (Item 17): Two grant renewals (2025 State Homeland Security Grant Program and Emergency Management Performance Grant) approved 5-2 absent. - Lake County Commissioners (Item 18): Resolution to transfer $1,233,234.25 from CEDIT Fund to Roads & Bridges Matching Grant Fund approved 5-2 absent. - Hiring Freeze Ordinance: Councilman Bilski moved to add an ordinance restricting the hiring of new county employees until September 30, 2026. The ordinance includes exemptions for positions covered by collective bargaining agreements and allows departments to appeal to the council for refilling critical positions. It was added to the agenda and approved on first and second readings (5-2 absent) after suspending the rules. - Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Update: Mr. Popovic, the council’s appointee, reported that the board has held two meetings, elected officers (Chair Jay Wilkinson, Vice Chair Mayor Tom McDermott, Treasurer Phil Tallon), and is seeking nominal funding from local governments until state funding is secured through Representative Harris. He noted a $5,000 donation from the City of Hammond for operations. Key Outcomes - All three awards resolutions were unanimously adopted. - The Crown Point Community Library additional appropriation ordinance was approved. - Several transfers and appropriations were approved as listed above. - A hiring freeze ordinance was passed, restricting new hires until September 30, 2026, with exceptions for CBA-covered positions and council-approved appeals. - Items requiring six votes (new line items) were deferred to the next regular meeting (October 14, 2025, or earlier study session). - Eric Legazowski was appointed to the County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team as a Child Protective Services employee. - The council will reconvene for a budget workshop on September 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM.

The Lake County Council held its first 2026 budget workshop on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the Commissioner’s Courtroom/Council Chambers. The meeting focused on the county’s financial outlook under Senate Bill 1, which caps levy growth at 4% but requires 80% of that increase to be directed to homestead credits, effectively leaving only about $1 million in new levy room—most of which is already committed to contracts and state mandates. The council passed several motions to set the 2026 budget at the 2025 adjusted level, approve salary increases for certain departments, cancel remaining workshops ahead of the first and second readings, place remaining balances into reserves, and eliminate positions that have been vacant since January 1, 2024 (with exceptions). Discussion Items - Financial Overview: Council Auditor Scott described the impact of Senate Bill 1: the county received a 4% growth quotient, but 80% of that increase is carved out for homestead credits, reducing the available increase by about $6 million. This leaves approximately $1 million in new levy room, most already obligated. Any further increases in the budget would require offsets. - Budget Setting Motion: Councilmember Bilski moved to set the 2026 budget equal to the 2025 adjusted budget for all funds and salaries. The motion passed 6–1 (absent: Brewer). - Salary Increases for Sheriff, Police, Corrections, 911 Dispatch, Highway: Councilmember Bilski moved to approve salary increases for sheriff’s police, correctional officers, 911 dispatch, and highway departments. Discussion noted that offsets should be found within the budget to avoid clawing back previously negotiated offsets. The motion passed 6–1 (absent: Brewer). - Mandated Salary Increases for Judiciary and Other Officials: A motion approved mandated salary increases for judges, prosecutors, deputy prosecutors, magistrates, sheriff, chief public defender, assistant chief public defender, and probation officers per Indiana Judicial Conference schedules. Comment was made that many of these departments have long‑standing vacancies and offsets are still needed. Passed 6–1. - Cancellation of Remaining Workshops: Councilmember Neyer moved to cancel all remaining budget workshops except the first reading on September 16, 2025, and the second reading on October 14, 2025. It was clarified that changes can only be made at the first reading. Passed 6–1. - Place Remaining Balances into Reserves: Councilmember Ham moved to place any remaining balance into reserves. Passed 6–1. - Elimination of Long‑Vacant Positions: After discussion, a motion was made to eliminate positions that have been vacant since January 1, 2024, excluding those covered by collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) or state/federal mandates. Councilmembers noted that positions in corrections and other hard‑to‑fill areas were excluded, and that a historical review of staffing needs should occur when contracts are renegotiated. Passed 6–1. Key Outcomes - 6–1 passage (all present members in favor, one absent – Councilman Brewer) for each of the six motions above. - The council instructed the auditor to provide a detailed proposal showing offsets for salary increases before the budget process ends. - Council members thanked departments that did not request budget increases and acknowledged the challenge of maintaining public services with limited revenue growth. - The next meeting is the first reading on September 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM, where adjustments can be made before the second reading on October 14, 2025.

The Lake County Contractors Licensing Board met on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Court Room, Building A, 3rd Floor. The board considered eight license applications, deferred one due to unresolved issues, and approved the remaining seven. All votes were unanimous. Deferral - Superior 4U, Inc. – Aaron Hacker (General Contractor): Deferred to the September 19, 2025 meeting. The petitioner passed the test on May 2, 2025, but unresolved issues prevented him from securing the license at this meeting. The company is located in Kankakee, Illinois, and was founded in March 2020. License Approvals 1. Eco Energy Services, LLC – Joseph Michael Bianchi (Electrical Contractor): Approved. The company has 15 employees, is registered as a foreign corporation in Indiana, and meets all bonding and insurance requirements. 2. Janjus Construction, LLC – Ognjen Janjus (General Contractor): Approved. The co-owner noted the company has zero employees and subcontracts all work. The board reminded him that state law requires workers' compensation if any helper is hired. Bond language was amended to specify “general contractor.” 3. Korellis Roofing, Inc. – Cody Junge (General Contractor): Approved. The company is transferring the license from a former employee. It has 45 direct employees and about 140 union workers. All documentation was in order. 4. Phoenix Home Renovations NWI, LLC – Melvin Schwindaman (General Contractor): Approved. The owner reported 22 employees, primarily doing residential work with limited subcontracting for larger projects. 5. IFC Fence Construction, LLC – Michael Pepin (Specialty/Fencing Contractor): Approved. The company, based in Gary, has been operating since 2016 and does all work in-house. 6. DMC Company 2006, LLC dba: CR Flooring NWI – David M. Clark (Specialty/Flooring Contractor): Approved. The board noted that on the application, question 21 regarding understanding of Lake County building codes and permits was initially marked “no.” The board asked the applicant to correct it, and he initialed the change to “yes.” All other documentation was in order. 7. Askew Gutters, LLC – Brian Harris (Specialty/Gutter/Aluminum Contractor): Approved. The owner is a sole proprietor. The board cautioned that workers' compensation insurance is required by state law even for temporary helpers. Board Actions - The board approved a motion to defer Superior 4U, Inc. until the September meeting. - All other license applications were approved via individual motions and seconded votes; each passed unanimously with all members present voting aye. - The meeting was adjourned after the last agenda item.

The Lake County Board of Zoning Appeals met on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at approximately 5:30 PM in the Commissioner's Courtroom. The meeting was called to order with a quorum of three board members present. The board approved four variance requests, all related to accessory buildings for personal use, after hearing from petitioners and confirming no public opposition. Consent Calendar - Unanimous approval of the June 2025 meeting minutes. Communications - The board welcomed Kenneth Woltrum as the new Building Planning Administrator, replacing Christina Kuzma. Discussion Items - Petition 25-V-29: Kelvin Gowan and Glenn Vandery requested a variance to allow an accessory building (detached garage) in the side yard rather than the rear yard at 14615 West 154th Place, West Creek Township. The property has a deep lot (72+ feet), and placing the building in the rear would limit pool space and increase driveway maintenance costs. The proposed building is a stick-frame structure with a frost foundation, siding, and shingles, compliant with all other UDO standards. The homeowners' association and an adjacent neighbor expressed support. The board noted that private covenants are not considered in their decision. Staff confirmed all other requirements were met. The variance was approved unanimously. - Petitions 25-V-30, 25-V-31, and 25-V-32: All three variances pertain to the same property at 15120 Magoon Street, West Creek Township, owned by Tim Kodak and represented by attorney Sword Law PC. The property is a 7.33-acre corner lot with a pond and heavy vegetation. The petitioner requested: - 25-V-30: A variance to allow a 60-foot by 96-foot accessory building (5,760 sq ft) where the maximum floor area permitted is 3,267 sq ft. - 25-V-31: A variance to allow a building height of 27 feet 10.5 inches where the maximum permitted is 22 feet. - 25-V-32: A variance to allow the accessory building in the front yard (corner lot) since the rear yard is constrained by the septic system and pond location. The attorney explained that the building would be heavily screened by existing vegetation, located approximately 60 feet from 151st Avenue, and not visible from the road. The board discussed the property's layout and noted recent traffic changes due to closure of the nearby 151st Street intersection. No public comments were made. All three variances were approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Petition 25-V-29: Approved unanimously (3-0) to allow an accessory building in the side yard for personal use. - Petition 25-V-30: Approved unanimously (3-0) to allow a 60x96 accessory building (5,760 sq ft) for personal use. - Petition 25-V-31: Approved unanimously (3-0) to allow an accessory building with an overall height of 27 feet 10.5 inches. - Petition 25-V-32: Approved unanimously (3-0) to allow the accessory building in the front yard for personal use. - The meeting was adjourned after the final vote.