Boards & Commissions

Commissions to oversee the needs of the community.

Click below to view the Town Meeting schedule for the year:

Board of Safety

Board of Safety meetings focus on matters pertaining to the Police Department and Fire Department.  Typical meetings may include discussions of policy changes, approvals for new equipment, employment and personnel matters or other details relating to the needs of the two departments.

Board of Safety Members are:

• Barbara Littles
• Charlie Kaper
• James Olthoff
• Norman Stick
• David Villalobos
• Julie Rivera, Town Council Liaison*
• Bob Carnahan, Town Council Liaison*

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals hears requests for variances from the zoning ordinances as well as special use exemptions and appeal applications.The Town of Cedar Lake Board of Zoning Appeals consists of 5 members: 3 citizens are appointed for a 4-year term, the Town Council appoints a Plan Commission Member annually and the Plan Commission appoints a Plan Commission Member.

Board of Zoning Appeals members:

• Jerry Reiling
• Ray Jackson
• John Kiepura (Town Council Annual Appointment)
• Eric Burnham
• Jim Hunley (Plan Commission Annual Appointment)

Joint Management and Oversight Board

The Joint Management and Oversight Board (JMOB) is the oversight committee for the Lowell Waste Water Treatment Plant. Cedar Lake and Lake Dalecarlia both use the Lowell plant to treat sewage. The JMOB is responsible for overseeing the cooperative efforts to manage the plant.

For additional information about the JMOB please contact us at 219-374-7400.

Park Board

The Parks and Recreation Board presides over the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department and oversees the development and maintenance of the parks and recreation programming.

• David Jostes – david.jostes@cedarlakein.org
• Gregory Marquardt – greg.marquardt@cedarlakein.org
• Sarah Miller – sarah.miller@cedarlakein.org
• Paul Rodriguez – paul.rodriguez@cedarlakein.org
• Julie Rivera, Town Council Liaison*
• Mary Joan Dickson, Town Council Liaison*

Plan Commission

The Plan Commission hears request to rezone, subdivide, or make changes to the zoning and subdivision codes. In addition, the Plan Commission is responsible to approve site plans, preliminary plats, and final plats for residential and commercial developments in the town.

The Town of Cedar Lake Plan Commission consists of 7 members: 4 citizens are appointed for a 4-year term and the Town Council appoints 3 members annually.

• Jim Hunley
• Heather Dessauer
• John Kiepura
• Jerry Wilkening
• Robert Carnahan, Town Council Member*
• Greg Parker, Town Council Member*
• Chuck Becker, Town Council Member*

* Town Council members are appointed on an annual basis.

Redevelopment Commission

The Cedar Lake Redevelopment Commission (RDC) is dedicated to enhancing the Town’s economic vitality and to expanding the Town’s tax and employment base. In addition, the Commission oversees the Town’s Tax Increment Financing district and projects within those districts.

The Town of Cedar Lake Redevelopment Commission comprises of the seven council members.

Current Members of the Redevelopment Commission are:

• Robert H. Carnahan
• Julie Rivera
• Nick Recupito
• Chuck Becker
• Greg Parker
• Mary Joan Dickson
• Rich Thiel

Initiatives

Explore Everyday Community Recognition

The Cedar Lake Redevelopment Commission recognizes businesses and local entities that make the Town a better place and fall in line with the “explore everyday” motto by cleaning up and/or restoring a location.  If you know of someone you would like to nominate for recognition, please complete this form and return it to a Redevelopment Commission member, drop it off at Town Hall or drop it off while attending an RDC meeting.

• Explore Everyday Community Recognition – Nomination Form

 Previous Explore Everyday Community Recognition Recipients:

Biggby Coffee

1st Quarter of 2024 Explore Everyday Community Recognition Recipient

Stormwater Management Board

The Stormwater Management Board oversees the Town Stormwater Department. The board holds public hearings and takes public comments from residents about drainage issues.

The Town of Cedar Lake Stormwater Management Board consists of 3 members appointed by the Town Council for a 3-year term. No more than 2 of the members shall be from the same political party.

• Patrick Conlon
• Ryan Lisek
• Ben Kincheloe
• Julie Rivera, Town Council Liaison*

Unsafe Building Commission

The Cedar Lake Unsafe Building Commission is the hearing authority for unsafe properties in the town. The commission hears official orders issued by the unsafe building department and appeals from property owners. The Town of Cedar Lake Unsafe Building Commission consists of 3 members: the Plan Commission appoints a member annually, the Town Council appoints a member annually, and a citizen “Hearing Officer” shall be appointed by the Council for a 1-year term.

• Rich Thiel , Town Council Appointment
• Heather Dessauer,   Plan Commission Appointment
• Jeff Biel

Utility Board

The Cedar Lake Utility Board oversees the Water and Wastewater Utilities.

Current Members of the Utility Board are:

• Robert H. Carnahan
• Julie Rivera
• Nick Recupito
• Chuck Becker
• Greg Parker
• Mary Joan Dickson
• Rich Thiel