Township of Cedar Lake

The meeting focused on establishing the township officers for 2026, including appointing the Chairman and Vice Chairman, and designating representatives for the New Market Fire and New Prague Rural Fire, as well as the Scott County Representative. Oversight duties for Driveway and Utility Permits, and various road maintenance tasks (Roads, Culverts, Gravel/Grading, Mowing, Snow/Salt/Plowing, Seal Coating, Signage & Weeds) were assigned to specific supervisors. The board discussed and established compensation rates for the Town Board members, including monthly salaries, per-meeting rates, duty hour rates, and specialized project rates. Other administrative items addressed included authorizing necessary computer software updates, designating the Township Attorney (Robert Ruppe), Engineer (Matt Stordahl), and website maintenance roles, as well as specifying official posting locations for public notices and the designated official newspaper (New Prague Times) and depositories for township monies (First Bank & Trust). The ROW Permit fee schedule was also reviewed.

Key discussions during the meeting included clarifying lot fees charged to Caritas Builders concerning a property on Zachary Ave., leading to an agreement for a refund of an erroneous township driveway fee. The permit renewal for Kaos Kennels was approved without modifications. The 2026 Farm Lease amount was noted at $1,500 with no proposed changes, and documents are pending signature. The certification of the Subordinate Service District (SSD) for Newport Ave. was reported as complete. The Board discussed the statewide road salt shortage, noting that Scott County supply is expected to cover municipal needs, and acknowledged positive resident feedback regarding snowplow services. Under Old Business, coordination steps for setting up an SSD for Winker Ct./Lane were reviewed. Correspondence regarding the abandonment of County Ditch 5 was discussed, highlighting the need to contact the Department of Natural Resources before any work, and the Board agreed to post related information online due to potential impacts on local farmers. A brief analysis of six roads related to SSDs and repaving was reviewed, comparing milling techniques and costs. The Treasurer's Report detailed receipts of $320,729.27 and disbursements of $117,837.46. Disbursements for Warrant of Claims #21555-21568 and Auto Claims #1004-1005, totaling $44,885.15, were approved. Finally, the Board discussed accessibility concerns and announced its intent to relocate regular meetings to SpringHill Church starting in 2026 and move the regular meeting time to 6:00 P.M. to improve handicap accessibility.

The key discussion topics included the review of the 2025 Statement of Receipts, Disbursements and Balances and the 2025 Cash Control of Statement, Receipts and Disbursements. The meeting addressed the development of the recommended levy for the annual meeting, showing that the 2026 Current Levy for General Fund ($75,000), Road & Bridge ($483,000), and Fire Contracts ($192,000) is proposed to remain the same for the 2027 Proposed Levy, resulting in a total levy of $750,000 for both years.

This special meeting served as an informational session primarily focused on updating residents regarding planned road improvements and the Special Service District (SSD) process. Key discussion points included the current 70/30 cost-sharing policy for residents and the township, the timeline for engineering estimates, and the formal bidding process scheduled for the spring. Specific road conditions were reviewed, noting that Wyldewood Drive requires full reconstruction while Hunters Lane, St. Patrick Court, and others are suitable for mill-and-overlay treatment. Residents raised concerns regarding the longevity of repairs and future board mandates. The township confirmed that culverts will be inspected and replaced as necessary, with approximately 2.2 miles of road participating in the current SSD interest. The next steps involve scheduling follow-up meetings upon bid return.

The meeting focused on the discussion of a Shared Road Agreement between New Market Township, specifically concerning Jonquil Road, and addressed concerns about clarity in payment responsibilities. The agreement is intended to be a one-year contract adjusted annually using the CPI. Responsibilities were divided into tiers, covering weed and brush control, plowing and grading, and other items split on a 50/50 basis. The discussion also included Winker Lane and the possibility of a separate contract, along with information on the SSD process and resident pay structures.