Public Meetings - Lake County, Indiana

The Lake County Plan Commission met on April 15, 2026 with five members present. The meeting addressed several zoning and subdivision petitions, including a special exception for the Crossroads YMCA, three zone change requests, and a final subdivision approval. One item was deferred to the May 20 meeting, which will be held in the auditorium to accommodate an expected large crowd. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the March meeting were approved unanimously. - Two site development plans approved by staff (26-SDP-06 PC – Illiana Christian High School west side addition; 26-SDP-07 PC – Lumen fiber optic booster addition) were noted without discussion. Old Business - 26-ZC-01 PC – Johnson Sunnybrook Farm (Data Center): This zone change from A-1 to M-1 was previously deferred to May 20, 2026. No action was taken; the May meeting will be held in the auditorium due to anticipated public interest. - 26-SE-02 BZA – Crossroads YMCA (Solid Fill): Petitioner Russ Posen (civil engineer) and Todd Sevens Coleman (Crossroads YMCA CAO) presented a request for a special exception to deposit solid fill on the day camp property. The project involves excavating sediment from two existing ponds to deepen them for watercraft activities, with material placed outside the floodplain but within the floodway. Indiana DNR approval was obtained. Commission discussion focused on flood storage and erosion control. No public comments were made. Vote: Unanimous favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals. (5-0) New Business - 26-FS-03 – David Vanderzee (Vander-Wold Estates): Request for final subdivision approval to create two residential lots. Petitioner David Vanderzee stated the surveyor and all agencies provided favorable comments. No public hearing required. Vote: Unanimous approval. (5-0) - 26-ZC-02 PC – Tyler Jabaay (Jabaay Ventures): Zone change from R-3 and B-2 to B-3 for a landscaping business. Petitioner Nathan Viss explained the property was historically used for heavy equipment storage and maintenance. Commissioners discussed the need for consistency with a similar earlier petition in the area and possible restrictions on B-3 uses. The petitioner requested time to work with staff on limitations. Vote: Unanimous deferral to the May meeting. (5-0) - 26-ZC-03 PC – Martin Butler (Firewood Sales): Zone change from R-3 to B-1 for the sale of firewood on a 0.29-acre lot. Petitioner Martin Butler presented letters of support from neighbors. One public commenter expressed concern that the zoning change could allow undesirable future uses. Commissioners noted the small lot size limits potential future development and that the corridor is planned for commercial use. Vote: Unanimous favorable recommendation to the County Council. (5-0) - 26-ZC-04 PC – Greg Jessup (Residential Development): Zone change from CD to R-1 for a proposed five-lot single-family subdivision on approximately 10 acres. Petitioner Doug Redig outlined a concept with lots fronting on Parish Avenue, all on well and septic. Discussion covered road access, sewer availability, and potential water table impacts. Public commenter Maureen Carroll opposed, citing concerns about lowering water levels in her pond from new wells. Commissioners countered that large-lot rural zoning minimizes water impact compared to higher-density annexed development. Vote: Unanimous favorable recommendation to the County Council. (5-0) Public Comments & Testimony - One speaker spoke against the Martin Butler firewood zone change, warning that the zoning change could allow undesirable businesses in the future, but acknowledged the petitioner's good work. - Maureen Carroll (15206 Parish Street) spoke against the Greg Jessup zone change, stating her pond has dropped 4–5 feet in the last five years and that adding five homes with private wells would further deplete the water table. Key Outcomes - Unanimous favorable recommendation to the BZA for the Crossroads YMCA solid fill special exception. - Unanimous approval of the Vander-Wold Estates final subdivision (2 lots). - Deferral of the Jabaay Ventures zone change to the May 20 meeting for further refinement with staff. - Unanimous favorable recommendations to the County Council for the Butler firewood zone change (R-3 to B-1) and the Jessup residential zone change (CD to R-1). - The May 20 Plan Commission meeting will be held in the auditorium due to expected high attendance for the Sunnybrook data center petition.

The Lake County Council met on April 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Commissioners Court Room, Crown Point, Indiana. The meeting included approval of minutes, two resolutions, numerous appropriations and transfers, a lengthy discussion regarding a Property Tax Replacement Credit (PTRC) error and the absentee elected auditor, and several interlocal agreements. All votes were unanimous (7-0) unless noted. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the March 10, 2026 regular meeting. - Approved Resolution No. 26-24 proclaiming April as Autism Awareness Month and April 2, 2026 as World Autism Awareness Day. - Approved Resolution No. 26-25 proclaiming April as Fair Housing Month. Discussion Items - PTRC Fund Error and Auditor's Office Oversight: Mike Weezer, a contractor, explained that over the past three years, a critical step in the PTRC process—transferring cash from the PTRC fund to the treasurer—was missed. This caused the credit to be overstated by approximately $40 million in one year, leading to taxpayers receiving larger credits than entitled. The error was discovered during an audit, and this year's credit will be reduced. Council members expressed frustration that the elected auditor, Peggy Catona, has been absent for nearly four years with no deputy clearly in charge. The council passed a motion (7-0) to send correspondence to the County Commissioners requesting a joint meeting to discuss the situation and seek action before the June meeting. - Clerk's Office Holidays: The council discussed a state mandate requiring the clerk's office to close on election days. After debate, the council decided to allow the clerk to close as required but not to change holiday schedules for other county employees. A motion to that effect passed 7-0. Key Outcomes - All appropriations, transfers, and revisions for the following departments were approved 7-0: Recorder, County Assessor (including Calumet, Center, Hobart, Ross, St. John Township Assessors), Circuit Courts, Lake Superior Court IV, Lake Superior Court County Divisions (Room 1, Room 3), Juvenile Court, Juvenile Court/CASA, LADOS Division 2 (SAFE grant renewal), Planning Commission (Ordinance No. 2599, A-1 to RR rezoning with favorable 9-0 recommendation), County Highway ($1,800,000), Cumulative Bridge ($2,000,000 plus ordinance creating matching grant fund), Local Roads & Streets ($402,000), Sheriff (grants and CHIRP program), Animal Control (equipment repair line item and $50,000 appropriation), Parks and Recreation (new grant application, resolution for $138,937.60 transfer, and $515,000 appropriation), Data Processing Agency ($400,000 appropriation and reduction), Health Department (multiple appropriations, reductions, ordinance for donations fund, grant applications, and Autism Trauma grant totaling over $2 million), and Lake County Commissioners (Howe Park/Gleason Club House interlocal agreement). - Interlocal agreements approved: City of Gary (Graffiti removal task force), City of Hammond (Cameron Street Light Project), Town of Lowell (Route 2 traffic lights and fire equipment), and Tri-Creek School Corporation. - Council passed Resolution amending Resolution No. 21-33 and Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1459C (dormant fund procedures) on first and second reading. - The council approved a motion to send correspondence to commissioners for a joint executive session regarding the auditor's office situation. - No public comments were made. - Meeting adjourned.

The Lake County Election Board convened an emergency meeting on April 7, 2026, to address and correct a ballot error discovered during early voting for the Winfield Town Council election. The ballot incorrectly instructed voters to "vote for one" when the correct instruction should have been "vote for two." The error affected Republican ballots only and involved six total ballots across five precincts (Winfield Precincts 1, 3, 8, 9, and 10). The board took multiple actions to reprogram machines, notify affected voters, conduct public testing, and secure replaced equipment. Ballot Error & Initial Response - Staff reported that a voter alerted election officials earlier that day when attempting to vote for the Winfield Town Council. Investigation revealed the vote-limit error on the ballot. - The error only affected the Republican ballot (no Democratic candidates were on the ballot in that race). - As of the meeting, two absentee mail ballots had already been cast, one voter checked in but did not vote after noticing the error, and one additional absentee ballot application had been received but not processed. Total ballots impacted: six. - MicroVote, the voting system vendor, had already corrected the ballot programming pending board approval. Discussion & Procedural Review - Board members discussed the standard operating procedure for ballot proofing and verification. It was noted that ballots are approved at least three times by both Democratic and Republican representatives using the SVRS system. The error appears to have occurred because most municipal council races are "vote for one" (ward-based), whereas Winfield Town Council is elected at-large with a vote limit of two – an anomaly that was not caught during proofing. - Members emphasized the need to improve cross-referencing of vote limits in the future to prevent similar issues, especially during high-turnout general elections. Public Test of Corrected Equipment - The board conducted a public test of a reprogrammed voting machine that now correctly displayed "vote for two" for the Winfield Town Council race. A zero-proof tape was printed and examined. Board members observed test votes (including one showing an overvote) to confirm proper functionality. Key Outcomes & Votes (all votes were 5-0 in favor) 1. Adoption of Emergency Meeting Packet – Motion to accept all documents related to the emergency meeting (notice, letters, etc.) into the public record. 2. Authorization for Public Testing – Authorized staff to conduct public testing of the corrected equipment, with one board member from each party observing. 3. Authorization to Reprogram Ballot – Approved reprogramming the ballot to reflect the correct vote limit of two. 4. Contacting Absentee Voters (Mail) – Approved sending an ABS-5 form (affidavit of lost, destroyed, or spoiled ballot) to the two voters who had already returned mail absentee ballots, allowing them to request a new correct ballot. 5. Contacting In-Person Early Voters – Approved sending similar notification and ABS-5 forms to the two voters who voted in person early (the voter who alerted staff but did not vote, and the voter who checked in but did not cast a ballot), giving them the opportunity to recast their vote at the early voting location or by mail. 6. Removal of Check-In for Non-Voter – Approved removing the check-in record for the voter who did not cast a vote, enabling them to cast a corrected ballot. 7. Replacement of Voting Machines – Approved removing one voting machine from each early voting location (crown point and …) and storing them under bipartisan lock and key, and replacing them with machines programmed only for the Winfield races. (Board noted that if a location needs an additional machine, one can be sent out without a new meeting.) 8. Recess to Finalize Testing – The meeting recessed to the election board office to complete finalization of the public test and tabulation of test votes.

The Lake County Board of Elections and Registration met on March 31, 2026, at 10:00 AM (agenda time) to approve minutes, consider polling location changes for the 2026 primary election, and recess to conduct public tests of voting systems. The meeting was attended by five members, including proxies. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 17, 2026 meeting were approved with one abstention. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments on agenda items. Discussion Items - Polling Locations: Staff presented four changes to polling places for the 2026 primary due to closures or unavailability of previous locations: - Cedar Creek 7: Changed from a closed church to Lowell High School. - Gary 22 and 217: Changed from the unavailable Umbridge Land Community Center to Great Bands Missionary Baptist Church. - Gary 618: Changed from the under-construction Howe Park Pavilion to vote with Gary 616 at Hooker T. Martin Center. - Whiting 4: Changed from the USW Hall (where members are on strike) to St. Mary's Church. Staff explained that notices were sent to all locations over a month prior, and proactive follow-up calls were made. One board member raised concerns about the short notice to voters, but staff confirmed that postcards would be mailed immediately to affected voters in the four precincts. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve Polling Locations: A motion was made and seconded to approve the four new polling locations. The motion carried with three votes in favor, with no recorded nays. (The tally was not fully captured due to remote participation.) - Recess for Public Tests: The board voted to recess to conduct the public test of the Direct Record Electronic (DRE) Voting System and the Ballot Card Voting System Automatic Tabulating Machines, both held downstairs.

The Lake County Contractor's Licensing Board met on Friday, March 20, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM to consider 13 license applications and one owner acting as general petition. The meeting included a pledge of allegiance and roll call. All applications were approved, with two approved contingent on additional documentation. No public comments were received. Discussion Items - The Bonia Group, LLC (John Pringle) – General contractor’s license. The company has been in business eight years, has 15–20 employees, and performs commercial work. Bond and insurance were in order. Approved unanimously. - Boesveld, LLC (Justin Boswell) – Moved to the end of the agenda. Later approved for a general contractor’s license after confirming residential work, two employees, and proper documentation. - Core Construction Indiana, LLC (Christopher Detmar) – General contractor’s license. Director of operations; 50 employees in Indiana; no self-performance. Bond and insurance correct. Approved. - Gibson Lewis, LLC (Chris Rankin) – General contractor’s license. Director of construction services; 23 office staff and 100–150 field personnel; self-performs. Liability insurance expiring soon; applicant reminded to provide renewal. Approved. - Keystone Exteriors, LLC (Robert Stupak) – General contractor’s license. Owner; in business since December 2024; 5 office staff and field personnel; 99% residential. Registered as foreign corporation in Indiana. Approved. - RestoPros of Northwest Indiana, LLC (Daniel Secret) – General contractor’s license. Owner; two years in business; 8 employees; restoration work. Insurance and bond listed “Crown Club” (an LLC). Board noted the application did not include DBA paperwork; approved contingent on providing additional paperwork showing both LLCs. - Romans Roofing, LLC (Sean Harrison) – General contractor’s license. Managing partner; in business since April 2020; 38 employees; majority residential. Bond continuation certificate only specified roofing, siding, and windows. Board approved contingent on providing a corrected bond with general contractor scope. - Dr. Ayer Incorporated (Sean Weston) – HVAC contractor license. Owner; 12 years in business; residential only. Bond and insurance correct; registered in Indiana. Approved. - Sun Mechanical Systems Incorporated (John Scalache) – HVAC contractor license. Director of national construction; 20 office staff, field staff varies 50–120; commercial work in 23 states. Bond and insurance correct; registered as foreign corporation. Approved. - Van Dusen and Son Plumbing and Mechanical, LLC (Larry Van Dusen) – HVAC contractor license. Owner; six months in business; two employees (owner and son); residential. Had duplicate bonds (plumbing only and plumbing/HVAC). Board noted employees must have workers’ comp if more than family. Approved. - Pinto’s Concrete, LLC (Eric Pinto) – Specialty concrete contractor license. Superintendent; 24 years in business; 20–22 employees; residential. Board explained specialty license does not allow subcontracting. Approved. - H2O Professional Plumbing (Justin Smith) – Specialty excavation contractor license. Owner; three years in business; no employees. Bond expiring April 7, 2026; applicant advised to renew. Approved. - Door Specialist, LLC (Joshua Vinson) – Specialty overhead garage door contractor license. Operations manager; three months in business; three employees. Board noted license does not allow structural work or subcontracting. Approved. - R3 Service, LLC (Dennis McCrimen) – Specialty roofing contractor license. Owner; previously union; 95% commercial; subcontracts everything. Board explained specialty license does not allow subcontracting; applicant will need a general contractor license for future work. Bond and insurance correct. Approved. - Rogers Roofing Incorporated (Kevin Emmett) – Specialty roofing contractor license. Director of operations; company 58 years old; 35 employees; mostly residential. Insurance expiring April 1, 2026; bond has 30-day notice to expire. Approved. - Owner Acting as General for David Vanderzee – Project address 14364 151st Avenue, Cedar Lake, IN. Building his own home; has electrical experience but no direct homebuilding experience. Insurance and builder’s risk policy in order. Approved. Key Outcomes - 16 applications were considered and all were approved. Two approvals were contingent on additional documentation: RestoPros of Northwest Indiana, LLC (need DBA paperwork) and Romans Roofing, LLC (need corrected bond with general contractor scope). - The board emphasized that specialty license holders cannot subcontract work and must have workers’ compensation for employees. - Boesveld, LLC was moved to the end of the agenda and then approved. - Meeting adjourned after all business.

The Lake County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) convened on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. (the provided timestamp of 2:00 p.m. UTC is likely a recording artifact). The meeting covered four agenda items, including two deferrals, one special exception approval, and one variance approval. Consent Calendar - The board approved the minutes from the January and February meetings by voice vote. - Under communications, staff requested deferral of Item 2 (26-UV-02 BZA – Crossroads YMCA, variance of use for dredging within a floodway) and Item 3 (26-SE-02 BZA – Crossroads YMCA, special exception for solid fill deposit) because the required feedback from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Water was not received. The board approved the deferral by voice vote. Discussion Items - Item 1 (26-SE-01 BZA): Shane Botma, owner/petitioner, requested a special exception to excavate a pond at 18759 White Oak Street in West Creek Township. The petitioner was not present, but the board considered the application materials and findings of fact previously presented at the Plan Commission. The board determined the application was sufficient and proceeded to a vote. - Item 4 (26-V-02 BZA): Guru Nanak Dev., Inc. (owner) and Harwinder Singh (petitioner) requested a variance from development standards to reduce the minimum street setback for a gas station canopy and fuel pumps at 1601 W. Ridge Road in Calumet Township. The requested setbacks were 33 feet from Ridge Road (major arterial, required 60 feet) and 36 feet from Grant Street (minor arterial, required 50 feet). The petitioner explained the new canopy would be a slender line (26 feet wide, 132 feet long) with five pump islands, positioned farther from the road than the existing canopy. The board heard that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) had already approved the new tank installation, subject to 30-day advance notice for removal. No public comment was received. Key Outcomes - Item 1: Motion to approve the special exception for pond excavation, including findings of fact. Approved by voice vote (all ayes, no nays). - Item 2 and 3: Deferred by voice vote due to missing DNR feedback. - Item 4: Motion to approve the variance for a 33-foot setback from Ridge Road and a 36-foot setback from Grant Street for a gas station canopy, including findings of fact. Approved by voice vote (all ayes, no nays). - The meeting was adjourned by voice vote.

The Lake County Plan Commission met on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM. The meeting covered a range of items including deferrals, subdivision approvals, waivers, and study sessions on a data center, residential developments, a battery energy storage system, and other land-use proposals. Public comments addressed neighborhood impacts, night sky protection, and adherence to the comprehensive plan. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the January and February 2026 meetings were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Nick Banks (Fairway Estates) opposed the Graythorne Lakes 85-lot subdivision, citing safety, drainage, traffic, and loss of neighborhood character. - Gina Hathaway Vicary urged the commission to protect night skies from bright lights in new developments, referencing impacts on bird migration and the Conway Observatory. - Tom Lincoln (Eagle Creek Township) spoke broadly about individual liberty and opposed what he saw as coercive government actions. - Kristen Woodward (Hebron) asked that development decisions align with the county’s comprehensive plan and offered community collaboration on economic development. Discussion Items - Old Business – 26-ZC-01 (Johnson Sunnybrook Farm / Data Center): The petitioner requested a deferral after scheduling a public forum for April 16, 2026 at Lowell High School. The commission deferred the zone change request to the May 20, 2026 meeting. - New Business – 26-FS-02 (Skurka Estate): Final plat approval for a one-lot, five-acre subdivision in Hanover Township. Approved unanimously. - New Business – 25-ZC-09 (Mason): Zone change from A-1 (Agricultural) to RR (Rural Residential) for a two-lot residential subdivision. Favorably recommended. - New Business – Items 3-7 (Graythorne Lakes): Four waivers (depth-to-width ratio, flag lots, dead-end street alignment, and street trees) were each approved. Primary plat approval for an 85-lot subdivision was granted contingent on installation of continuous sidewalks along 154th Avenue and Clark Street, and provision of covenants addressing street trees and landscaping before final approval. - New Business – 26-W-04 (Martinez): Waiver for resubdivision of Lot 1 in ASC Subdivision (St. John Township). Approved with staff conditions. - New Business – 26-SE-01 (Botma): Special exception for an already-excavated pond aimed at resolving flooding of a livestock barn. Approved retroactively. - New Business – 26-SE-02 (YMCA): Deferred pending receipt of Indiana Department of Natural Resources feedback on solid fill deposit. - Study Session – 26-SS-05 (JCB Companies): Discussed a 10-lot subdivision with existing infrastructure but water utility issues; private roads and road standards were key concerns. - Study Session – 26-SS-06 (Moya): Agritourism/agritainment proposal; discussion centered on a prior court order that conflicted with current ordinance provisions (e.g., no ticket sales, no alcohol). - Study Session – 26-SS-07 (Andy James): Proposed five-lot large-lot subdivision; discussion included right-of-way dedication on 141st Avenue and an existing barn. - Study Session – 26-SS-08 (Fetko): Solid fill placement for flood remediation (fill already on site); engineering plans and wetland delineation still pending. - Study Session – 26-SS-09 (Foundry Works Energy Storage): Presented a 200 MW battery energy storage system on 40 acres. Safety, fire response, groundwater protection, and the need for a zone change and special exception were discussed. Commissioners emphasized robust conditions and public hearings. Key Outcomes - 26-ZC-01 deferred to May 20, 2026. - 26-FS-02 approved; 25-ZC-09 favorable recommendation. - Graythorne Lakes waivers (Items 3-6) and primary plat (Item 7) approved with conditions (sidewalks on 154th and Clark, street tree covenants). - 26-W-04 approved; 26-SE-01 approved retroactively; 26-SE-02 deferred. - A four-member committee (Commissioners Husman, Calvidis, Metro, and Tippy) was appointed to review draft amendments to data center regulations. - Study sessions provided early guidance; future public hearings will be scheduled for formal applications.

The Lake County Board of Elections met on March 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Commissioner's Courtroom in Crown Point, Indiana. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, several election complaints, polling location changes, campaign finance delinquencies, adoption of resolutions for the upcoming primary election, and updates on pending litigation. The board recognized retiring member Michael Mellon with a plaque for 13 years of service and welcomed new member Charlene Foss Eggman. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 24, 2026 meeting were approved by voice vote with one abstention. - Polling Location Changes: Approved changes for Highland 20 (from Meadows Park to United Church of Christ) and Lake Station 8 (to Community Presbyterian Church). The proposed change for St. John 4 was rescinded. - Campaign Finance – CFA 1 Reports: For candidates who appeared before the board (Alfredo Manchaka and Will Miller), the board imposed the statutory maximum fine of $20 and then immediately reduced it to $10 per candidate under the interest of justice provision. The motion carried unanimously. - Campaign Finance – Annual Reports: The board approved the staff-recommended fines for all delinquent annual reports as listed on the three-page report, subject to reductions for those present. The motion to impose maximum fines carried, followed by a unanimous reduction motion. - Movers Contract: Approved the contract for moving voting machines and ADA equipment for the primary election, with a note to review an outdated affirmative action clause in future contracts. - County Election Board Authorization: Approved state system updates and SVRS authorization (items 5.8A and 5.8B). - Purchase Orders: Approved purchase orders over $1,000. Public Comments & Testimony - Election Complaint 2025-16 – Barnhart v. Kouros: Susie Barnhart (complainant) and Anastasia Kouros (respondent) each testified. Barnhart alleged improper setup of polling equipment without bipartisan oversight, lack of notification, and unprofessional conduct. Kouros acknowledged she should have given more notice but stated she acted based on training. The board heard from both parties and from board counsel regarding Indiana Code sections 3-6-6-1 and 3-11-14-17. - Public Comment (General): Kathy Worley of Highland urged the board not to blame trainers for inspector performance, noting that training emphasizes calling procedures. Discussion Items - Election Complaint 2025-16 – Barnhart v. Kouros: After deliberation, the board found the matter to be a training issue rather than a willful election law violation. A motion to dismiss the complaint passed 3-2 (Members Foss, Brown, Smith in favor; Reed and Candelaria Reardon opposed). The board acknowledged that while a technical violation may have occurred (setup without the assigned judge present), no punitive action was warranted. - Early Voting Sites (Resolution 2026-03): The board received late requests to change early voting locations in Wicker Park, Tri Creek, and St. John. After discussion, the board decided to maintain the existing early voting sites for the primary election and to consider the proposed changes for the general election. The resolution passed unanimously. - Student Poll Workers (Resolution 2026-02): The board approved the resolution allowing 16- and 17-year-old students to serve as poll workers, with an amendment to allow digital or in-person training as determined by the training coordinator. - Voter Registration Drive Memorandum: The board acknowledged a memorandum regarding a registration drive that turned in applications after the 10-day statutory window; it was noted for record-keeping purposes only. - Counsel Reports: Attorney Brandenburg reported that the Smith v. LCBER hearing is scheduled for March 19, and the Schmitt v. LCBER petition has been withdrawn. Key Outcomes - Spangenburg v. Murphy (2026-0): Continued to a future date coordinated by the parties due to respondent's health issues. - Jarzombek v. Kil (2025-??): Continued to April 2026 at the request of the complainant. - Campaign Finance Delinquencies: Fines were imposed and then reduced as follows: - Annual reports: Most fines reduced to $10 per the staff recommendation, except for Joshua Dagnan, whose fine was reduced to $0 if he files campaign close-out paperwork by the end of the week (otherwise $100). - Resolutions 2026-01 (combined polling places), 2026-02 (student poll workers), 2026-03 (early voting), and 2026-04 (deputy election commissioners) all passed unanimously. - Movers Contract: Approved and recommended to the County Commissioners. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for March 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the Commissioner's Court, to include public testing of voting machines. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 12:01 PM.

The Lake County Drainage Board met on March 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Commissioners Courtroom, with all three members present (Chairman Michael C. Repay, Jerry Tippy, and Kyle W. Allen, Sr.). The meeting covered routine approvals, permit applications, contract awards, and a public comment regarding drainage issues in Lowell. Consent Calendar - Minutes from February 18, 2026, were approved. - Reports and correspondence (Items 5A–5E) were accepted as a matter of public record, including updates on the Little Calumet River Basin Development Commission, Niles Ditch IDNR certificate, INAFSM legislative reports, INDOT stormwater quality manager equivalency, and Main Beaver Dam Ditch revision. - Application 500 (Bull Run Ditch, NIPSCO gas main installation) was approved with no conditions. - Application 502 (Beaver Dam Ditch, NIPSCO gas main replacement) was approved with no conditions. - Invoice for the Schererville Ditch maintenance project (Delta III, $263,500) was approved. - Tully Ditch beaver removal payments ($400 and $600) were approved. - Notice of award for the Beaver Dam Lateral 14 at Lake County Fairgrounds to Delta III, Inc. ($290,608) was ratified. Public Comments & Testimony - Clint Mace, property owner at 102 and 132 West Main in Lowell, reported increased stormwater runoff onto his property due to elevation changes from the new Nassau Park and drainage from two subdivisions. He requested assistance. The board acknowledged the issue and stated they would reach out to the Town of Lowell to explore possible solutions within their jurisdictional authority (75 feet from top of bank of regulated drain). Discussion Items - Cedar Creek Culvert Replacement (Item 5C3): Town of Cedar Lake requested participation in a culvert replacement at 145th Avenue. County Surveyor Bill Emerson recommended a 50/50 cost share, with the town’s estimated cost at $24,400 (half of $48,800 estimate). The board approved the proposal pending formal documentation. - Schoon Ditch Maintenance Invoice (Item 5D4): Gariup Construction submitted an invoice for $257,662.50 for work on the Schoon Ditch project. Staff identified discrepancies: bid quantity was 54 cubic yards of excavation, but the invoice claimed 864 cubic yards. After discussions, staff recommended paying $196,397.18, reflecting the contracted quantity plus 3 extra cubic yards ordered by the engineer, minus 15% markup. The board approved the staff recommendation. - Spring Run Ditch Application 501: The Brooker family requested a culvert installation instead of a previously proposed bridge. The board deferred action, stating more information is needed due to potential restrictions on the ditch. - Turkey Creek Lateral 5 Application 493: A temporary pathway to remove debris was noted; no action required pending weather. - MS4 Water Quality Projects: - Juvenile Detention Center Restoration awarded to Delta III ($122,935.50) for bank stabilization; coordination underway. - Leroy Community Center Drainage (Winfield Twp.): Preliminary report from DLZ engineer Frank Stewart presented. Discussion of a dysfunctional catch basin and plans to improve drainage down to Still Run, with assistance from the county highway department. - Hanover Ditch Update: Staff reported standing water issues along 21st Ave/state line. Mitigation costs estimated at $3 million to reduce wetland area. Property owners expressed openness to waiving mitigation requirements pending wetland delineation in spring. Board exploring funding from Solid Waste and NRCS. Key Outcomes - Approved consent calendar items (minutes, reports, permits) unanimously. - Approved Cedar Creek cost share (motion carried 3-0). - Approved Schoon Ditch partial payment of $196,397.18 (motion carried 3-0). - Approved Schererville Ditch invoice of $263,500 (motion carried 3-0). - Approved Tully Ditch beaver removal payments (motion carried 3-0). - Ratified emergency repair authorization for Turkey Creek (Item 1182) and authorized surveyor to award to lowest bidder after receiving proposals (motion carried 3-0). - Deferred action on Spring Run Ditch application. - Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026, with Advisory Committee at 8:00 AM and Drainage Board at 9:00 AM. Note: All votes were unanimous with three members present.