Bill Bittner

The meeting commenced with the election and confirmation of officers, including the President (Nan Wargo), Vice President (Sheree TR), and Executive Secretary (Laura Miller). Key discussion points focused on citizen inputs regarding a fitness festival planned for the fall, which will utilize Central Park and involve a 5K event, with coordination planned with local fitness organizations. The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the December 4th, 2025 meeting and claims totaling $876,669.66. New business involved approvals for payment requests related to the Hearthstone Park pickleball court and Everly Public Walls projects, noting that funds were being withheld due to seating installation issues that may require redoing. The board also approved the appointment of Linda Lamont and Robin Stone to the Dyron Boom volunteer committee. Discussions were held regarding the fee structure for the Dyron Kickers contract, proposing to align the fee with the girls softball fee of $20 per player per year. Finally, the board voted to change the standard meeting time from 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., effective starting in March.

The meeting included citizen input and a public hearing for additional appropriations, which concluded without comment. The consent agenda, including minutes from the November 20th Town Council meeting and executive session, along with claims totaling $1,91,432.54, was approved. Key discussion points involved special recognition and appreciation for Jeff Decker's retirement after two and a half decades of service across various boards and commissions, including the Town Council and Utility Board. Announcements covered Christmas Eve fireworks, town office closures for the holidays, and planned office closures in early January 2026 for year-end business. Reports highlighted positive updates on the town's secure surroundings, reasonable utility changes, well-maintained roads, and beautiful parks. Public Works provided updates on leaf removal progress, the permit submission for sidewalk and crosswalk signalization at US30, and the phased restoration of the Jackson Court lift station, including pump and valve replacement. The Town Attorney mentioned ongoing acquisition of properties, including one with a lift station and another near the train station, and progress on the zoning code overhaul, with three chapters ready for presentation in January. Operations reported 324 code enforcement calls in November and a favorable recommendation from the BCA for a special use permit for townhomes on Sheffield Avenue. Stormwater board planning for 2026 includes significant, cost-free work on the Dyer Ditch. Furthermore, construction is anticipated soon for the Tsunami car wash and a new parking lot at the park center. The Fire Department reported 181 calls for service and 39 hours of training in November.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and citizen input. A resident inquired about the duration and necessity of train whistles at night and proposed the installation of gates at crossings to eliminate them, referencing the possibility of establishing a 'quiet zone.' Board members explained that current crossing conditions do not qualify for a quiet zone under federal regulations due to the close proximity of crossings at 215 and 213, necessitating either closing one crossing or installing gates at all crossings, which involves significant cost (estimated at three-quarters of a million dollars per crossing). The primary agenda item involved discussing the findings of fact for a special use exemption to allow townhomes at 935 Calumet Avenue, 1416 Sheffield Avenue, within the Sheffield Main District. The board heard a presentation on the proposed development, which involves four four-unit buildings, totaling 16 residences to be sold as townhomes, similar to a past project at 1500 North. The board's action that evening was preliminary, involving only approval of the use; further steps like subdivision plat and site plan approval will require subsequent hearings. The board also approved the minutes from the November 3, 2025 board meeting.

The meeting included discussions and public hearings regarding a special use exception to allow townhomes to be located within the Calat Avenue District. The board reviewed a site plan for 50 townhomes, ensuring compliance with fire safety and Lake County easements. Key discussion points included traffic concerns, light pollution, and the nature of the townhomes (for sale vs. for rent). Public comments raised issues about water management, traffic impact, and the overall density of the proposed development.

The meeting addressed the structural inspection of Jackson Court Station, focusing on bids for hydro excavation and vacuum truck acquisition. The lowest bid from Brown Equipment was noted to have exceptions, specifically lacking an injector plate system required in the bid specification. Public Works recommended MTech company, with costs split among water, sanitary, and storm water utilities. There was a discussion about the ejector plate and its benefits, including reduced dewatering and one-person operation capabilities. A motion was made to purchase the vacuum machine with the ejector from MTech, and the life expectancy of the equipment was discussed. The meeting concluded with discussions on new business and adjournment.