Public Meetings - Lake County, Indiana

The Lake County Contractor's Licensing Board met on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 2:45 PM CT. The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call (members present: Jesse Rippy, Scott Cooper, Commissioner Jerry Tippy, Sal Espino, Steve Nikon), and approval of minutes as recorded. A communication item was deferred to the end of the agenda. The board considered multiple contractor license applications, including a contested application involving a test‑taking incident, and addressed a communication from an out‑of‑state company regarding endorsement requirements. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the previous meeting were approved as recorded. Public Comments & Testimony - Window Nation representative: Spoke during the communications item about the requirement for two endorsements from Lake County residents. The representative stated that as the qualifying individual living in Maryland, he is not personally acquainted with customers and asked whether endorsements could be changed to refer to the company rather than the individual. He noted that the company has completed 794 projects in Lake County since 2021 but could not truthfully obtain the required local endorsements. Discussion Items - Triton Solutions LLC (electrical contractor – James N. Cushafis, petitioner): Approved unanimously. The petitioner has 40 years of electronic experience; bond, insurance, and workers' comp were in order. The board reminded him the license does not allow subcontracting. - Solutions and Improvements LLC (general contractor – Gabriel Lopez Manchaca, petitioner): Approved unanimously. The company has been in business six years, uses subcontractors; all documentation was correct. - Garcia Builders LLC (general contractor – Erica L. Garcia, petitioner): Approved unanimously. The petitioner has held a hammer license since 2016, does residential work; the board noted that if she eventually hires employees, workers' comp would be required. Insurance scope limited to residential. - Adams Woodwork LLC (carpentry contractor – Adam Coleburn, petitioner): Approved unanimously. Six years in business, one employee, framing work; all documents in order. - Creative Masonry of Indiana Incorporated (masonry contractor – Javier Fuentes, petitioner): Deferred to the next meeting because the petitioner was not present. - Lankford Construction Company (painting contractor – Mark Zayer, petitioner): This application generated extensive debate. The petitioner (Vice President of the company, with 150 employees and $100M revenue) passed a 10‑question test but was observed writing down seven questions on a separate sheet during the exam. He explained he was worried about two questions he felt were biased toward residential painting (his firm does commercial), and he intended to study the questions if he failed. The board discussed whether this raised a fitness question. A motion to approve the license failed (one nay vote, with only four members present). After further discussion, a second motion to grant the license passed; the board also voted to update written test‑taking rules to explicitly prohibit recording test content. The license was granted reluctantly. - Exceptional Exteriors LLC (roofing contractor – Steve Hendrickson, petitioner): Approved unanimously. The company is based in Chicago, has six employees, and works in residential and commercial roofing. The board reminded him that he cannot subcontract work (e.g., replace bad plywood) without direct employees. - ClayCo Incorporated (general contractor – Joseph Grayheck, petitioner): Approved conditionally. The company (2,700 employees, out of Chicago) is a construction manager. The license was granted contingent upon receipt of an updated insurance certificate (expired June 2026) and proof of foreign corporation registration with the Indiana Secretary of State. - Communication – Window Nation (endorsement requirement): The board discussed a letter from Window Nation, an out‑of‑state company, expressing difficulty obtaining two endorsements from Lake County residents as required by ordinance. Members noted that the ordinance allows any two unrelated residents to vouch for the applicant's character and honesty, and that the company's many past projects in the county should make such endorsements obtainable. The board made no formal motion; the matter remains a point of inquiry, but members indicated the ordinance will be followed as written. Key Outcomes - Votes: All licenses except Lankford Construction were approved unanimously. Lankford Construction's first motion failed (1 nay vote; 4 members present), but a second motion to approve passed. Creative Masonry was deferred. - Policy Motion: The board voted to review and update written rules for all contractor licensing exams to explicitly prohibit recording or copying test questions. The revised rules will be drafted by the attorney and presented at the next meeting. - Conditional Approvals: ClayCo's license is contingent on delivering an updated insurance certificate and proof of foreign corporation registration. - Next Steps: The board will consider the deferred Creative Masonry application and finalize the exam‑rule changes at the next scheduled meeting.

The Lake County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on July 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners' Courtroom, Crown Point, Indiana. Commissioners present: two (1 absent). The meeting covered a wide range of routine approvals, bid openings, and several items that prompted discussion and clarification, including a contract for fairgrounds paving, trade-in of firearms, a consulting pilot agreement, and a public comment addressing health department reporting. Consent Calendar - Section 4 – Approve Specifications for Bids: Approved items 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 in omnibus (Clark Street Culvert Replacement, Jail Kitchen Flooring, Subgrade Drainage). - Section 5 – Modification of Specifications: Approved addenda for Hobart Assessor's Office, New Jail Video Upgrades-Phase 1, Purdue Extension Shelter, and Fairgrounds 4H Roof Replacement. - Section 7 – Action to Form Contracts (many items): Approved in omnibus unless noted below: - 7.2: Purchase of fountain for Lake Francher ($11,100.50 from Aquatic Control, three quotes received). - 7.3: GPS monitoring contract with Satellite Tracking of People LLC (Aug 2026 – Aug 2027). - 7.4: Addendum with Fidlar Technologies for historical indexing (not to exceed $140,000). - 7.5 – 7.16: Highway contracts (including bridge design, road cut agreements, change orders, paving contract – see Discussion Items for 7.13). - 7.17 – 7.30: Health department contract renewals (total approx. $464,492.57 across multiple programs, some $0 amounts). - 7.31: AT&T Switched Ethernet renewal (approved after reconsideration; explained as renewal to avoid rate increase). - 7.32: Public defender legal services ($40,000). - 7.33 – 7.40: Sheriff's contracts (repairs, database, firing range architect, trade-in of firearms – see Discussion Items for 7.36, 7.37-7.38, 7.39-7.40), and consulting pilot (7.41 – amended). - 7.42 – 7.56: Commissioners' contracts (including heat installation, electrical upgrades, roof replacement, economic development agreements, annual service providers, change orders, and legal services with Cattie & Gonzalez at $350/hour). - 7.57: Prosecutor contract with Friendly Foot Care for forensic services. - Section 8 – Property Disposal: Approved for Lake Superior Court Division Room One. - Section 9 – Commissioners' Items: Approved Calumet Trustee poor relief appeals decisions and resolution supporting United Steelworkers Local 7-1. - Section 10 – Council Items: Approved ordinances 1522A through 1522F (various funds, salary ordinance amendment, bond authorization, ARP interest, library appropriation, dormant funds). - Section 11 – State Board of Accounts: Approved payroll vouchers and hand cuts. - Section 12 – Bonds/Insurance: Approved certificates for Midwestern, Gariup, and Highway updates. - Section 13 – Responsible Bidder Applications: Approved list of vendors. - Section 14 – Staff Reports: Approved Treasurer's reports for April and May 2026, and Weights and Measures monthly/annual reports. Public Comments & Testimony - The Health Department attorney addressed comments from the prior meeting regarding the department's compliance with statutory reporting. He clarified that activity reports are provided to the Board of Health quarterly and an annual report is prepared; however, formal approval was not documented in agendas. He stated a process for documented approval has been established going forward. He emphasized the department's ongoing services (disease prevention, environmental health, maternal/child health, etc.) and highlighted recent recognition with the Indiana Department of Health Public Health Transformation Award for expanded community partnerships and mobile health clinic operations. Discussion Items - 7.1 – Nyhart Service Agreement: Deferred to next month after a commissioner questioned the contract period (Dec 31, 2025 to Dec 31, 2026). Motion carried 2-0. - 7.13 – Contract with Milestone Construction for Fairgrounds Paving: The Highway Engineer explained that the low bidder for annual paving raised unit prices for fairground work, so Milestone (who bid higher overall) agreed to honor its original unit prices for fairgrounds only. The Board approved the contract for

The Lake County Drainage Board Advisory Committee met on July 15, 2026, at 8:00 AM Central Time in the Commissioners Courtroom at the Lake County Government Center, with virtual participation via Granicus. The committee reviewed project updates, approved several petitions and invoices, and heard public comments regarding flooding concerns. All motions and votes are recommendations to the full Lake County Drainage Board. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved unanimously the minutes from the June 17, 2026 meeting. - Public Record Items (5A-5E): Approved by unanimous consent for inclusion in the public record. Public Comments & Testimony - Kathy LaRue, St. John Township Trustee: Reported multiple residential flooding complaints after June storms. Visited Schererville Heights with Jeff Hewitt; residents reported water in homes. Board acknowledged the issues and discussed efforts by the highway department to jet the system and potential upsizing of outlets. Runoff from a property behind homes was identified as a concern; MS4 mandates were discussed, though agricultural activities may be exempt from state requirements. - Mike Kesmarchik (1432 W 185th Ave, Lowell): Thanked staff for assistance with a gas line relocation (NIPSCO emergency work). Raised concerns about upstream channel straightening on West Creek Lateral 4 that increased downstream flooding and about a washed-out bridge requiring a new culvert. The board noted that the unpermitted work has been referred to the IDNR enforcement division. Discussion Items - Hanover Tile Reconstruction Report (5C3): Surveyor Bill Emerson presented a revised report analyzing a ditch option costing approximately $1.4 million. His recommendation is to replace as a tile drain. Assessments to property owners would be substantial (up to $400,000 for large parcels, payable over five years). The committee approved the report and authorized sending proposed assessments to property owners in advance of a hearing next month. - Schoon Ditch Maintenance (5D4): Final payment invoice of $67,102.90 reviewed by Burke Engineering; final inspection completed. Approved unanimously. - Dyer Ditch Stabilization (5D7): Burke Engineering recommended payment of $399,387.32 (contract $450,000) with $50,612.68 withheld (approximately 15%) to cover punch list items. Motion approved. - Applications/Petitions: - 516 (McConnell Ditch, Lowell): Town of Lowell sewer line replacement – recommended approval by DLZ Engineering. Approved. - 519 (West Creek, Schilling Development): Still awaiting resubmittal; no action. - 520 (Beaver Dam Ditch Lat 2, NIPSCO fiber bore): Approved on CBBEL recommendation. - 521 (Johnson Ditch, NIPSCO pole modification): Approved. - 522 (West Creek Lat 2, NIPSCO pole replacement): Approved. - 523 (West Creek Lat 4, NIPSCO emergency gas line): Chairman reported that staff had already granted emergency approval due to urgent property owner need; the committee ratified that action. Approved. - Hartsdale Pond Pumps (8A1): Flow Technics invoice for $685 for pumping work to date. Approved; additional costs for pump repairs are anticipated. - Turkey Creek Laterals 6 & 7 Emergency Obstruction Removal (8A2): KDM Services invoices totaling $43,275 for debris and tree removal after the Merrillville tornado. Committee approved and noted that costs should be tracked for potential federal reimbursement from FEMA. - 2026 Foss Ditch 2-Stage Ditch Project (9B1): Approved plans to advertise for bids; bids to be considered at the August 19 meeting. - 2026 Spring Street Ditch Culvert Replacement (10A1): Pre-bid minutes reviewed; bids will be opened at the full Drainage Board meeting. The failing round culvert will be replaced with an arched culvert of equal volume due to utility constraints. - Lake George Lily Pad Issue (Hobart Township): Trustee Mike reported that Lake George is filling with lily pads, affecting the outlet for regulated drains. Surveyor Emerson agreed to reach out to Hobart's water team to explore solutions, though dredging is expensive. - Brown Levee Ditch Maintenance: Trustee noted that final clean-up of erosion socks on the levee was incomplete; staff will follow up with contractor. Key Outcomes - Approvals (all unanimous) : - Agenda additions (items 5C3, 5D4, 5D7, 8A2, 10A1). - June 17 minutes. - Hanover Tile Reconstruction Report and sending of proposed assessments. - Schoon Ditch final payment of $67,102.90. - Dyer Ditch Stabilization payment of $399,387.32 (with $50,612.68 withheld pending punch list). - Applications 516, 520, 521, 522, and ratification of 523 (NIPSCO emergency). - Hartsdale Pond pump invoice ($685). - KDM invoices ($43,275) for Turkey Creek emergency debris removal. - Plans for Foss Ditch 2-Stage project advertisement. - Next Steps: - Hanover Tile assessments to be mailed to property owners; hearing scheduled for next month. - Spring Street Ditch culvert bids to be opened at the August 19 Drainage Board meeting. - IDNR enforcement to review unpermitted floodplain work on West Creek. - Staff to coordinate with Hobart on Lake George dredging. - Next Meeting: Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 8:00 AM (Advisory Committee) and 9:00 AM (Drainage Board).

The Lake County Board of Zoning Appeals met on July 15, 2026. The agenda scheduled the meeting for 6:30 p.m.; the source metadata records the meeting time as 2026-07-15 13:00:00+00:00. The board unanimously approved the June 2026 meeting minutes and both variance requests on the new business agenda, with the second approval subject to a demolition timeline. Consent Calendar - Approved the June 2026 meeting minutes by voice vote after a motion, second, and unanimous ayes. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke for or against either petition. The chair noted no remonstrators on the first case, and the public comment periods were closed on both items with no testimony. Discussion Items - 26-V-13 BZA - Jonathan Culver, Owner/Petitioner: Requested a variance from the minimum dwelling size standard to allow a new home with 288 square feet of living area on the first floor at 8603 Christopher Drive, St. John Township; the required minimum is 768 square feet in the R-3 district. The petitioner explained that the 288-square-foot first floor contains the garage, mechanical room, and staircase, while the upper floor contains roughly 1,550-1,600 square feet of living space, and that elevating the living space was designed to avoid water problems on the wetland-affected lot. - 26-UV-04 BZA - Garth Edwards, Owner; Tim Kubiak, Petitioner: Requested a use variance to allow construction of a second detached house at 10413 State Line Road, Hanover Township, while the owner continues to occupy the existing detached house until the new house is complete. The petitioner described a 10-acre parcel, while the board noted the staff report lists 4.9 acres; the petitioner acknowledged the property is two 4.9-acre lots. The petitioner agreed to demolish the 75-year-old existing house within 90 days after occupancy of the new home. Key Outcomes - Case 26-V-13: Approved unanimously by voice vote. The motion as transcribed referenced 228 square feet of first-floor living area, while the written request and agenda state 288 square feet; the board directed the petitioner to proceed with the building permit process. - Case 26-UV-04: Approved unanimously by voice vote with a stipulation that the existing house be torn down within 90 days after the occupancy permit is issued for the new house. - The board adjourned after completing the agenda.

The Lake County Plan Commission met on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., in the Commissioners' Courtroom/Council Chamber. The agenda included approval of minutes, two public hearings under new business, two study sessions, and a public comment period. All formal votes taken during the meeting were unanimous. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the May 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote. Communications - Attorney Irak reported on the long-pending lawsuit Lake County Plan Commission v. Aaron and Rachel Hacker. He stated that as of July 6, 2026, all required permits had been issued by both the Lake County Surveyor's Office and the Plan Commission. The case was dismissed without prejudice under the Indiana Supreme Court's Pathways program, preserving the Plan Commission's right to refile if the Hackers fail to comply with permits in a timely and proper manner. Compliance monitoring will continue. - The County Council approved the lighting ordinance on first and second reading the previous day (July 14, 2026), establishing performance standards for lighting. New Business - 26-XP-01 PC – Pasture Paradise (Michael and Amanda Stevens, Owners/Petitioners) Request for a one-year extension of primary plat approval for the Pasture Paradise subdivision at 9311 E. 137th Avenue, Winfield Township. The petitioner's attorney explained that fall weather delayed required planting and spring grading on the detention pond; he requested the extension and noted only about a month of work remained. The commission granted the one-year extension unanimously. - 26-ZC-08 PC – Peterson Property (Charles E., Michael W., and Mark R. Peterson, Owners/Petitioners) Request for a zone change from A-1 (Agricultural) to R-1 (Residential Single-Dwelling) for 1904 Belshaw Road, Cedar Creek Township, to allow a proposed residential subdivision. Petitioner Michael Peterson stated the four-acre parcel is surrounded by residential development, with several nearby properties already rezoned to R-1. He noted the Lake County Health Department approved the request and the Highway Department and Surveyor's Office had no objections. The commission voted unanimously to recommend a favorable decision to the County Council. Study Sessions Note: The agenda listed four study sessions (26-SS-11 through 26-SS-14), but the record shows only 26-SS-13 and 26-SS-14 were presented; the other two were not discussed in the available transcript. - 26-SS-13 PC – FBN Properties (Richard Rueth, Owner; Torrenga Engineering, Petitioner) Study session for a special exception to allow deposit of solid fill on property approximately one mile east of Cline Street on the north side of W. 114th Court, Center Township. The owner explained that fill was brought in to bring the ground up to grade around his house and to shape a backyard pond area. He stated he did not realize a permit was required because the property is not in a floodplain or wetland. He said water will be contained on his property and a berm will be built along a BP pipeline easement. Since the petitioner's engineer was absent, the commission agreed to wait for the formal special exception application; no action was taken. - 26-SS-14 PC – Van Kalker Family Limited Partnership / Foundry Works Energy Storage, LLC (Petitioner) Study session for a special exception to allow a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on property approximately 2/10 mile north of E. 181st Avenue (State Road 2) on the east side of Clay Street, Eagle Creek Township. Staff noted that adjacent property owners had requested a deferral, but study sessions are informational and no formal action was required. The petitioner presented a 200-megawatt battery project on 40.29 acres within a previously approved solar footprint, with a battery yard of roughly 10 acres, all facilities set back at least 200 feet, and battery enclosures more than 1,500 feet from the nearest occupied building. The project represents a $300 million investment, an estimated $45 million in property taxes over 20 years, over 100 construction jobs, and 2–3 permanent jobs, with union labor pledged. The petitioner said the project would be contracted with AES Indiana, not data centers. The commission discussed noise mitigation (petitioner changed to quieter battery technology, reducing projected sound from 50 to 47 decibels at the adjacent church), containment for potential thermal events, fire and hazmat response training, and the construction of the NIPSCO substation. The petitioner agreed to provide additional information on burn temperatures and to investigate who constructed the substation. Public Comments & Testimony - Sarah Ligan (Woods Park subdivision, unincorporated Calumet Township) expressed frustration with the Lake County Sewers program, saying her front yard has been torn up since June 2025, the sewer line was only connected two weeks prior, and no one can provide a timeline. She also stated her sewer bill is $85 per month, which she said is unusually high, and asked for completion timelines. - Pam Cokis (near the church in Eagle Creek Township) opposed the NIPSCO substation and proposed battery storage, citing noise, traffic, and loss of a quiet rural home. She said she hoped officials would consider residents' quality of life, and said she would be willing to be bought out. - Katie Hurst (Eagle Creek Township) said she lives along Singleton Ditch and has over 20 acres of FEMA flood zone on her property. She said her property flooded during the June 12 storms and emphasized that flooding is a recurring issue due to high water table and former marshland. - Kristen Woodward (E. 165th Avenue) raised concerns about significant ditch erosion, flooding across Clay Street and 165th Avenue, and heavy truck traffic using the road when the weigh station is closed, causing road degradation. She said her property was partially underwater and flooding has increased over five years. - Gregor Drobenek (Miller Beach) asked about the County's noise ordinance and recommended that any noise measurements use DBC or DBZ weighting rather than DBA, arguing A-weighting discounts low-frequency noise. He said "DB" without a weighting standard is meaningless. - Mrs. Connell (Woods Park area, King Township) complained that residents are parking five to eight cars in front yards, that code enforcement has not acted, and that this lowers property values and raises insurance. She asked what to do next. - An unnamed speaker offered a positive comment, congratulating the commission on having two working elevators in the building that evening. Key Outcomes - Approved the May 2026 meeting minutes. - Unanimously granted a one-year extension of primary plat approval for Pasture Paradise (26-XP-01). - Unanimously recommended to the County Council a favorable decision on the Peterson zone change from A-1 to R-1 (26-ZC-08). - Held study sessions on solid fill (26-SS-13) and battery energy storage (26-SS-14); both petitioners intend to file formal applications, with the BESS application expected on August 10, 2026. - A subcommittee meeting to update the data center ordinance was scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. - Public comments on sewer project delays, flooding, code enforcement, and noise will be referred to the appropriate county departments.

The Lake County Council held its regular meeting on July 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Crown Point, Indiana. The meeting opened with the national anthem, moment of reflection, pledge of allegiance, and roll call. All six present members (President Christine Cid, David Hamm, Randy Niemeyer, Pete Lindemulder, Charlie Brown, Ron Brewer, and Ted Bilski) conducted a series of routine appropriations, transfers, ordinance readings, and resolutions. Notable actions included honoring three state champion high school teams, passing a resolution supporting locked‑out United Steelworkers Local 7‑1 members at the BP Whiting Refinery, approving a $10 million parks bond, and making citizen appointments to county boards. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the June 9, 2026 regular meeting minutes. - Resolutions (A‑E): Approved commemorative resolutions for the 250th anniversary of the United States; honoring Lake Central High School girls’ softball (IHSAA 4A champion), Lake Central High School boys’ baseball (IHSAA 4A champion), and Hanover Central High School girls’ softball (IHSAA 3A champion); and supporting United Steelworkers Local 7‑1 against the BP lockout. Public Comments & Testimony - Terry Siegel (Highland, IN): Thanked the council for the BP resolution, called the lockout “blatant union busting,” and suggested a per‑barrel tax on oil refined in Lake County to generate revenue. Council members noted the state would not permit such a tax. - Anonymous speaker: Expressed support for the BP resolution and urged other local governments to pass similar resolutions, echoing Councilman Brewer’s call. Discussion Items - Surveyor (Item 5): Approved $50,000 appropriation from the MS4 Fund for other professional services (roll call 6‑1). - Juvenile Court (Items 6‑8): Created new line items and approved appropriations for the Juvenile LC Community Corrections Grant Fund ($65,000 total), the Juvenile Behavioral Health Competitive Grant Pilot Program Fund ($92,492.50), and permitted payment of outstanding 2023 invoices from 2026 budget. Also approved CASA fund longevity and transfer items. - Juvenile Detention Center (Item 7): Created new line items and appropriated $113,719 for part‑time, FICA, supplies, and equipment lease. - LADOS Division 2 (Item 9): Approved a new grant application for Court Alcohol & Drug Supplemental Grant CY2026 and passed an ordinance establishing the non‑reverting fund. - Planning Commission (Item 10): Approved Ordinance 2606 (lighting standards) and Ordinance 2607 (rezoning from R‑3 and B‑2 to B‑3 for Jabaay Ventures) on second reading, both with favorable 5‑0 recommendations. - Weights & Measures (Item 11): Approved $49,772 appropriation for motor vehicles. - Sheriff (Items 12‑13): Approved transfers from General and CAGIT funds to petroleum products; appropriations for firearm training ($8,000), sale program ($289,000), federal forfeiture ($245,000), DCE/SP equipment repair ($38,000), and property seizure ($290,000). Approved grant renewals for SCAAP and a new coat distribution initiative; passed ordinance for the NARCAN and Essentials Bag Grant Fund. - Prosecutor (Item 14): Approved renewal of the Careful Carter Gun Safety Literacy Program grant. - Public Defender (Item 15): Passed an ordinance (on second reading) reorganizing positions in the salary ordinance. - Community Corrections (Item 16): Approved ordinance establishing the Lake County Community Corrections Trust Fund (non‑reverting). - Parks & Recreation (Item 17): Approved on first and second reading an ordinance authorizing up to $10 million in general obligation bonds for capital improvement projects and land acquisition. Chairman noted a new state law requiring executive approval for projects ≥$500,000 and suggested a future resolution to streamline approval. - County Commissioners (Item 18): Created line items and appropriated $170,500 for Calumet Township sewage operation; approved a mutual aid agreement with Gary Public Transportation Corporation; passed ordinance establishing an ARP interest earned fund. - County Council (Item 19): Held a public hearing and approved an additional appropriation for Lowell Public Library. Passed resolution transferring funds between SAFE Neighborhoods grant accounts. Amended Ordinance 1459C to declare certain funds dormant. Key Outcomes - Votes: All resolutions, appropriations, transfers, and ordinance readings passed with a 6‑1 vote (one member absent) except where noted as unanimous by voice vote. - Citizen Appointments: - Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team: Re‑appointed Jacob Fadely (Probation Officer) to a two‑year term. - Convention & Tourism Bureau: Appointed Shelley Faber (Republican, Cedar Lake) to a three‑year term beginning July 1, 2026. - Next Steps: Council will consider a resolution in August to approve individual park projects under the new state law threshold. The BP resolution will be forwarded to BP, USW Local 7‑1, and state/federal officials.

The Lake County Contractors Licensing Board convened on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Court Room. President David Soderquist chaired the meeting, with board members Charlie Brown, Jerry Tippy, Sal Espino, Jesse Rippe, Steve Nigro, and Scott Cooper present. The board processed 35 of 36 agenda items, approving 34 contractor licenses, several with contingencies, and taking no action on one application due to the applicant's absence. Two oral exam items were not addressed in the transcript, and no public comments were received. License Applications – New Business Written Test Passers (Standard Approvals) The board approved the following applicants after verifying bonds, insurance, worker's compensation, scope of work, and corporate registration. All received unanimous approval unless noted otherwise. - Van Der Noord Electric (Garrett Van Der Noord, Electrical Contractor) – Approved. Noted that license does not allow sub-contracting without separate licensing. - Bow Ridge Excavating & Septic, Inc (Cody Zandstra, General Contractor) – Approved. Brief discussion confirmed liability insurance and bond are in order. - Curran Contracting Company (Graydon Emhoff, General Contractor) – Approved. Company does heavy civil and commercial work. - Legacy Restorations, LLC (Jose Vega, General Contractor) – Approved. Reminder that all subcontractors must be licensed. - LFA Home Construction, LLC (Matthew Azpeitia, General Contractor) – Approved. - Mitchell Builders, LLC (Marcia Mitchell, General Contractor) – Approved. Board noted she dropped worker's compensation because she has no employees; warned of liability if subcontractors lack coverage. - Northwoods Construction & Contracting, LLC (Keegan Rentschler, General Contractor) – Approved. - Steel Services Enterprises, Inc (Jerry L. Tessarolo, General Contractor) – Approved. Company does commercial/industrial work. - Superior Grade Excavation & Concrete, LLC (Nathanael Hawkins, General Contractor) – Approved. Hawkins explained he obtained a general contractor license to allow coordination of multiple trades on septic projects. - Tobin Roofing & Construction, Inc (Michael Tobin, General Contractor) – Approved. - Riborn, Inc (Gregory Kierat, Specialty/Carpentry) – Approved. - Cobra Concrete Cutting Services Co (Daniel Foley, Specialty/Concrete) – Approved. Board advised adding “concrete work” to insurance scope to ensure full coverage. - Todo Excavation and Grading, Inc (Breshia Todosijevic, Specialty/Excavation) – Approved. Company in business 29 years, 15 employees. - JW Sealants, Inc (Wojciech Maslowski, Specialty/Masonry) – Approved. - All American Commercial Roofing, Inc (Jason Tenpas, Specialty/Roofing) – Approved. Company since 1975, 110 employees. - Imperial Construction Associates, Inc (Timothy Gregory, Specialty/Steel Erector) – Approved. Board noted that insurance expires June 30 and must be updated before permit issuance. - KRK Mechanical, Inc (Steve Sitting, Specialty/Pipefitter) – Approved. - Peerless Midwest, Inc (Jonathan Dock, Specialty/Well Drilling) – Approved. State well drilling license also verified. - All One Exteriors, LLC (Cordero Ortiz, General Contractor) – Approved. Two insurance certificates on file; board confirmed current policy. - GKM Building Company, LLC (James Ostrom, General Contractor) – Approved. New company; self-performs non-mechanical, non-electrical carpentry work. - Loberg Construction Co (Tanner Dissell, General Contractor) – Approved. Company in business 54 years, 70 employees. - 76 Framing, LLC (Julio Valdez Mendez, Specialty/Carpentry) – Approved. - Dream Work Contracting, LLC (Michael Shaw, Specialty/Carpentry) – Approved. - Peerless Enterprises, LLC (Clayton Lambert, Specialty/Fencing) – Approved. Has locations in multiple states. - Euro Architectural Products, Inc (Jason Tumba, Specialty/Glass & Glazing) – Approved. - Builders Chicago Corporation (Matthew Crandall, Specialty/Overhead Doors) – Approved. 75 employees, commercial only. - New Roof & Restoration, LLC (Jonathan Romero, Specialty/Roofing) – Approved. Board reiterated roofing license does not cover structural repairs. - Roof Reign, LLC (Travis Behnke, Specialty/Roofing) – Approved. Oral Exam Applicants and Special Cases - Kittle Quality Roofing, LLC (Shea Sierzega, Specialty/Roofing) – Approved contingent upon endorsement verification. The license holder cannot also serve as the endorser; a separate Lake County resident endorser is required. - Owner Acting as General – Daryl E. Culver & Jonathan Culver (Project: 8603 Christopher Dr., St. John) – Approved. Both owners have contracting experience since 1957. Reminded that any subcontracted trades must be licensed. - A-Abel Roofing, Inc (Jeffrey Brian Abel, Specialty/Roofing) – Approved contingent upon submission of foreign corporation registration with the State of Indiana. The company is incorporated in another state and must register before pulling permits. - B & K Equipment Company (Steve Huizenga, Specialty/Underground Storage Tanks) – Approved contingent upon corrected insurance and bond language. The insurance certificate had incorrect scope (fuel system repairs instead of underground storage tanks) and named the wrong certificate holder (Board of Commissioners instead of Lake County Plan Commission). Items Discrepant or Not Addressed - Seasons Sealcoating, LLC (David Sherman, Specialty/Paving/Asphalt) – The board voted to move this item to the end of the agenda. When called, the applicant was not present. The board took no action; the license request was not deferred, denied, or approved. - Central Boring, Inc (Item 34, Oral Exam) and Mr. Bills Tree Service, LLC (Item 35, Oral Exam) – These agenda items were not mentioned or addressed in the meeting transcript. The reason for their omission is unclear; they were not called, deferred, or acted upon. Key Outcomes - 34 licenses approved (some with contingencies): - 30 standard approvals (no conditions). - 4 conditional approvals: Kittle Quality Roofing (endorsement), A-Abel Roofing (foreign corporation registration), B & K Equipment (insurance/bond corrections), and the owner-acting-as-general approval (reminder only, no formal contingency). - No action taken on Seasons Sealcoating (applicant absent). - No record of action on Central Boring and Mr. Bills Tree Service; these were not processed during the meeting. - The meeting adjourned after the B & K Equipment decision.

The Lake County Board of Commissioners met on June 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners' Courtroom in Crown Point. All three commissioners were present. The agenda was amended to add an upgrade renewal contract with AT&T (Item 8.30), an ordinance on dormant funds (Item 11.1), and an interlocal agreement with Gary Public Transportation (Item 8.31), and to delete Item 5.2 (Highway bid advertisement). Item 8.24 was also amended after Powers & Sons withdrew its bid; the award was redirected to Gariup Construction. Most items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approved: Regular meeting minutes of May 20, 2026 (Item 4.1). - Bid Specifications Approved: Items 5.1 (Fairgrounds 4H Roof Replacement), 6.1–6.8 (addenda for various projects), 7.1–7.4 (quoting for Hobart Township Assessor’s Office, Purdue Extension shelter, Westwind Building access control, and Jail Video Upgrades Phase I) – all with bid due by July 15, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. - Contracts & Awards (Items 8.1–8.30, except 8.3): Approved unanimously, including contracts with PEAK Technologies (pressure sealers, $3,299.69 each), surveyor consulting (DVG Team, hourly not to exceed $35,328), multiple highway utility and construction agreements, Calumet Township Assessor lawncare ($50 bi-weekly), CASA record storage ($422.52/month), LCEC renewals (Canva $699.95, Adobe $1,503.30, Motorola RAVE $121,125 over 5 years, 40 Samsung TVs), Change Order 3 for investigative demo ($1,135.93), Pangere Corporation for Juvenile EIFS ($124,011), Midwestern Electric for electrical upgrades ($1,778,195), Gluth Brothers for Animal Control reroofing ($210,342), Sheriff’s Lexipol renewal ($17,966.55), CSI office repair ($29,580), Hammond Courthouse landscaping ($4,050), AT&T switched ethernet renewal (pricing attached), and an interlocal with Gary Public Transportation ($300,000). Also approved Change Order 5 for Calumet Township Septic Tank Elimination ($307,011 increase, new total $47,872,078.64) and final Change Order for Bridge 363 ($33,481.74 increase, new total $2,864,702.29). - Property Disposals (Items 9.1–9.2): Prosecutor and Calumet Township Assessor requests approved. - Commissioner Items (10.1–10.2): Reappointment of Sean Connelly to the Lake County Public Library Board; County Disaster Declaration – both approved. - Ordinance (Item 11.1): Ordinance 1459C-18 amending ordinance on dormant funds – approved. - State Board of Accounts (Items 12.1–12.4): Payroll vouchers and hand cuts – approved. - Bonds/Insurance (Items 13.1–13.2): Certificate of insurance updates and subdivision performance bond – approved. - Staff Reports (Items 15.1–15.2): Weights & Measures monthly reports – placed on file. - Other Matters (Items 16.1–16.6): 2026 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan adoption, Sheriff’s jail consultant contract (Michael Zenk, not to exceed $25,000), retired officer weapon request, Taser 10 purchase (25 units over 31 months, total $118,810), certificate of insurance, and election day worker pay/rental – all approved. Discussion Items - Fountain for Lake Francher (Item 8.3): The Fairgrounds requested permission to purchase a new fountain. Commissioners noted lack of detail and deferred the item to the July 15, 2026 meeting. They indicated the Fairgrounds could obtain pricing in the interim. The motion to defer passed 3-0. - Amendment to Item 8.24 (Roof Deck Replacement Phase II): After Powers & Sons withdrew its bid, Commissioner recommendation was to award the contract to Gariup Construction in the amount of $1,567,500. The board approved the amended award as part of the omnibus vote on Items 8.21–8.26. Public Comments - Jackie Sloan (Crown Point resident): Expressed concerns about the Lake County Public Health Department’s monthly reporting obligations under state statute. She stated that minutes posted on the website show no evidence of monthly reporting by the health officer. She urged the board to evaluate the health officer’s performance and consider a more competent appointee when the joint health board is reallocated at year’s end. She also voiced support for data centers and nuclear energy but stressed the need for proper research by the health department to advise the board on water, electricity, and community acceptance. She asked that the board task the health department with this research to avoid being unprepared for public questions. Key Outcomes - All items except Item 8.3 were approved unanimously (3-0) where votes were recorded. - Item 8.3 (Fountain purchase) was deferred to the July 15, 2026 meeting; staff was directed to gather pricing. - Item 8.24 was amended to award the Roof Deck Replacement Phase II contract to Gariup Construction ($1,567,500) after Powers & Sons withdrew. - Next Regular Meeting: Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Deadline for agenda submission: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

The Lake County Drainage Board met on June 17, 2026, with all three members present. The board conducted a public hearing on a mutual drain petition, approved most applications and change orders, and set plans for a culvert replacement. The meeting adjourned with the next regular meeting scheduled for July 15, 2026. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda as amended and the minutes of the May 20, 2026 meeting. - Received information items 5.1–5.4 and 5C1–5C2. - Approved cease-and-desist letter reports (Item 5B5) for unauthorized activity in a regulated floodplain; two property owners are also in violation of floodplain regulations. - Approved DNR certificate of approval for the City of Crown Point (5B6). - Approved a Burke Engineering report on a NIPSCO utility pole replacement (5B7). - Granted a two-year extension for the Spring Street Ditch share bill for the Kennedy Avenue overpass (5B8). - Approved Little Calumet Ditch invoice of $5,950 and change order of $33,500 (5D3). - Set a public hearing for the August 2026 drainage board meeting on the Hanover tile reconstruction report (Kankakee River watershed). - Approved Schoon Ditch maintenance invoices totaling $546,263.40 rather than the requested $647,334.30, excluding work not satisfactorily completed (5D4). - Approved change order credits for Redeem Lateral 14 at the Lake County Fairgrounds: $4,672.18, $4,387.50, and $19,955 (5D5). - Approved Kankakee River watershed invoice 13266 for $51,000 for Brown Levy Ditch maintenance (5E2). - Made applications 5A–5E a matter of public record. - Approved applications: 510 (Dyer Ditch/Surf Air Wireless) with conditions, 511 (Hart Ditch/Town of Dyer), 512 (Spring Street Ditch driveway/garage), 513 (Greench Lateral 14/NIPSCO), 514 (Beaver Ditch Lateral 5/NIPSCO), 515 (Turkey Creek/NIPSCO), 517 (Turkey Creek/NIPSCO), and 518 (Greasel Ditch Lateral 7/NIPSCO). Applications 493 and 501 required no action; 516 (McConnell Ditch sewer line) was deferred; 519 (West Creek/Shilling Development) remains under review. - Approved Juvenile Detention Center change order requests 1 and 2, including electrical work and unsuitable material disposal (7A1). - Approved the easement agreement for fill removal at 11624 Woodmark Place (7B4). - Approved $400 each for wildlife removal at Bricky Creek Lateral 5 and Foss Ditch, to Tom Larson (8A/8B). - Approved Spring Street Ditch culvert replacement plans in Highland and authorized advertisement for bids at the July 15 meeting (9A1). Public Hearing: Mutual Drain Petition (Item 6B) - Surveyor Emerson presented a report on the failed storm sewer pipe at 1123 West 80th Court, St. John. The pipe is a deteriorated metal pipe with no public easement. Historical aerials from 1961 show overland drainage before the current house and pipe were built. He recommended declaring the pipe an obstructed mutual drain, replacing it at an estimated cost of $100,000, with 92% assigned to the Chupas and 8% to the county. - Kevin Orner, attorney for the Chupas, argued the pipe is not a legal mutual drain because it lacked mutual consent of owners. He said a previous owner installed it, and the 2023 county swale/culvert work increased flow. An upstream neighbor pumps water into the swale, possibly septic discharge. He contended this was effectively condemnation without due process. - Mike Chupa said the county added discharge from several houses, increasing water flow by 70%, without notifying him. He rejected a free 20-foot easement but was open to a temporary easement or moving the pipe closer to the property line. - Surveyor Emerson countered that the pipe could instead be classified as an obstruction of a natural watercourse, which would place the full cost on the property owner. County work restored original subdivision roadside ditches. - The board discussed stalled negotiations; the property owner objected to the easement width and location. The board closed the hearing and voted on the recommendation. Key Outcomes - The motion to accept the surveyor's recommendation on the mutual drain application carried 2-1, with one member opposed. The board declared the pipe an obstructed mutual drain and authorized the highway department to proceed with replacement, apportioning 92% of the cost to the Chupas and 8% to the county. - All other motions and approvals listed in the Consent Calendar were passed, with no recorded dissenting votes. - The next regular meeting is Wednesday, July 15, 2026, with the advisory meeting at 8:00 a.m. and the drainage board at 9:00 a.m.