Lake County Drainage Board Meeting – March 11, 2026
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Lake County Drainage Board Meeting – March 11, 2026
The Lake County Drainage Board held its regular meeting on March 11, 2026, at the Lake County Government Center. The Advisory Committee met first at 8:00 AM, followed by the Drainage Board at 9:00 AM. Chairman Michael C. Repay presided. The board reviewed reports, approved payments, and addressed public concerns regarding drainage issues.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes Approval: The minutes from February 18, 2026, were approved by unanimous vote.
- Approval of Public Record Items (5A–5E): The board approved all reports, correspondence, and information for the record from the Little Calumet River Watershed, Kankakee River Watershed, and current projects by unanimous consent.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Clint Mace (132 West Main Street, Lowell): Mr. Mace expressed concerns about drainage problems caused by the new Massaw Park (formerly Liberty Park) across from his property. He stated that the park’s raised elevation and new drain have directed water onto his yard, worsening flooding. He also noted that a culvert under the railroad tracks appears to be collapsing and that the town’s repaving eliminated curbs, allowing road runoff onto his property. He requested the board’s assistance in addressing these issues.
Discussion Items
- Correspondence & Reports:
- Dan Gossman, Drainage Administrator, reviewed items including the Little Calumet River Basin Development Commission meeting notice, Niles Ditch IDNR approval, legislative reports, and stormwater certification updates.
- Cedar Creek culvert replacement at 145th Avenue (Town of Cedar Lake): The board discussed cost-sharing possibilities but decided to table the item pending cost estimates. A motion to table until the next meeting was approved unanimously.
- Hart Ditch stabilization project (Munster) is underway with no action items.
- Schererville Ditch maintenance: An invoice of $263,500 from Delta III for completed work was approved for payment.
- Schoon Ditch maintenance: A contractor invoice was disputed due to differing sediment removal quantities. The board approved payment of $196,397.18 (including 15% retainage) based on engineer review, rather than the requested $257,600.
- Applications:
- Application #500 (Bull Run Ditch, NIPSCO): Approved with no conditions.
- Application #501 (Spring Run Ditch, Brooker Family): Tabled for further review of culvert installation and erosion concerns.
- Application #502 (Beaver Dam Ditch, NIPSCO): Approved with no conditions.
- MS4 Water Quality:
- Juvenile Detention Center Restoration: Notice of Award to Delta III ($122,935.50) reported; coordination with the judge’s office is ongoing.
- Leroy Community Center Drainage: Initial report presented; project will be addressed over coming months.
- Financial:
- Beaver removal payments of $400 and $600 to wildlife specialist Jensen were approved.
- Contracts & Awards:
- Beaver Dam Lateral 14 (LC Fairgrounds): Notice of Award to Delta III ($290,608) was approved. The project is time-sensitive for fairground events.
- Turkey Creek Emergency Bank Restoration: Emergency work approved; three contractors to provide pricing, with surveyor authorized to award.
- Hanover Ditch Update: Administrator Gossman reported ongoing efforts to resolve standing water issues. IDEM may waive costly mitigation (estimated $1.5–$3 million) after a wetland delineation shows prior agricultural use. A delineation will be performed when vegetation is blooming.
Key Outcomes
- Approved Payment: Schererville Ditch maintenance – $263,500 to Delta III (unanimous).
- Approved Payment (with adjustment): Schoon Ditch maintenance – $196,397.18 to Gariup Construction (unanimous).
- Tabled: Cedar Creek culvert cost-sharing discussion until April 15, 2026 meeting (unanimous).
- Approved Application #500: Bull Run Ditch gas main (NIPSCO) – no conditions (unanimous).
- Approved Application #502: Beaver Dam Ditch gas main (NIPSCO) – no conditions (unanimous).
- Approved Beaver Removal Payments: $400 and $600 to Jensen (unanimous).
- Approved Notice of Award: Juvenile Detention Center Restoration ($122,935.50) and Beaver Dam Lateral 14 ($290,608) to Delta III.
- Approved Emergency Action: Turkey Creek bank restoration – surveyor authorized to seek and award emergency contract.
- Next Meeting: April 15, 2026, at 8:00 AM (Advisory) and 9:00 AM (Drainage Board).
- Adjourned: Unanimously.
Meeting Transcript
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