Lake County Drainage Board Advisory Committee Meeting - July 15, 2026

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).