Lakeland Regional Sewer District – March 18th, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
CALL MEETING TO ORDER / REPORT OF MEETING NOTICE PROVIDED
Lakeland Regional Sewer District (LRSD) Board of Trustees met at the District’s Administration Office, 5002 East 100 North, Warsaw, Indiana. The monthly general meeting date and time were posted and advertised as required, and the meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Jim Haney.
Present: Jim Haney, Mike DeWald, Cullen Reece (Arrived at 6:05pm) , Jack Bonewits, Rosa Ritchie, Bob Hookman
Absent: Mark Koehler
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
No public comment.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
A draft of the February 18, 2026 regular meeting minutes was submitted to all Board members via email on February 20, 2026, with a second draft on February 24, 2026. The final version was posted in Boardable on February 26, 2026.
Motion by Mike DeWald to approve; second by Jack Bonewits.
Motion carried by voice vote: 5 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains
NON-COMPLIANCE SECTION 15.4.2 OF THE DISTRICT’S USE ORDINANCE – LAKELIFE BAR & GRILL & BARBEE RESTAURANT
Lakelife Bar & Grill – represented by Nathan Berry. Nathan stated that he has completed the actions requested at the previous meeting and asked the Board to rescind Lakelife’s three fines totaling $7,500.
Rosa Ritchie asked Nathan to explain the corrective actions taken. Nathan stated that the lines were jetted, lateral lines cleaned, and the cleaning schedule increased to every five weeks. He also stated that hot water and degreaser were used on the injector and that this process will be repeated every 35 days.
Jim Haney reminded Nathan that at the February meeting he suggested maintaining records of who is performing the cleanings and when, including services performed by Strombeck. Jim also noted that LRSD has not received a sample result since March 2 and therefore has not reviewed readings since the cleaning process was completed. He suggested revisiting the matter at the April meeting after receiving three to four additional readings.
Jim requested an update from District Administrator Jenna Habegger regarding communication with Barbee Restaurant. Jenna stated she ensured Lyn Doerr had her contact information and reminded her to follow up with Strombeck regarding recommendations to resolve non-compliance. Jenna noted that after no response, she sent a follow-up email and copied the owner but has not received a reply
TREASURER’S REPORT AND OTHER FINANCIAL MATTERS
Mike DeWald presented the Cash and Funds Balance Matrix dated February 28, 2026, noting a total of $2,565,834.
Mike DeWald also reviewed the Management Cash Budget for the period of February 1, 2026 through February 28, 2026.
The following February 2026 financial reports, prepared by Krohn & Associates, were presented: Unaudited Schedule of Cash Receipts and Disbursements; Monthly Analysis of Fund Balances; and Monthly Analysis of Cash and Investment Accounts
Motion by Jim Haney to approve; second by Cullen Reece.
Motion carried by voice vote: 6 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains
The Monthly Claims Approval Form for March 2026 was reviewed by Jenna Habegger.
Motion by Jim Haney to approve payment of monthly claims totaling $76,459.55; second by Rosa Ritchie.
Motion carried by voice vote: 6 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains
Board members affixed their signatures to the Monthly Claims Approval Form.
Treasurer Mike DeWald addressed the process of transferring funds from Old National Bank to the operating account at Lake City Bank. He explained that the process has become more difficult. After consulting with legal counsel Andy Boxberger, it was proposed that the District Administrator prepare a monthly paper check for signatures by Jim Haney and Mike DeWald, to be deposited the following day, ensuring proper internal controls.
From September 17, 2025 through February 12,2026, there have been six deposits in which Treasurer Mike DeWald transferred funds from Old National Bank to Lake City Bank via cashier’s checks totaling $1,025,000.
Motion by Jim Haney to approve the transactions; second by Cullen Reece.
Motion carried by voice vote: 6 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains
Jim Haney stated he would contact Asbury to determine whether customer payments could be directed to a Lake City Bank account to allow electronic transfers between accounts. He noted that if such a change required customers enrolled in automatic payments to re-register, he would not support the change.
ASTBURY MONTHLY REPORT
PUMP/PANEL INVENTORY, CUSTOMER PROTOCOL REMINDER
The LRSD Treatment System Operations Report for February 2026 was provided to Board members by Astbury Water Technology, Inc. Matt Rippey reviewed key aspects and addressed Board questions.
The LRSD building roof sustained damage due to high winds. Astbury obtained two repair quotes. Jim Haney noted the insurance deductible is $2,500. Mike DeWald suggested considering a metal roof and paying the difference. Jim requested additional quotes reflecting that option and directed the District Administrator to issue a purchase order for temporary tarping based on the lowest quote.
Astbury reported that during grinder inspections, several properties were found with power turned off. Notifications have been sent by the District Administrator via mail, email, and phone when possible. Astbury asked about placing placards at properties. Jim Haney suggested sending certified letters to establish documentation, beginning with the four already identified.
Jim Haney inquired about diagnostic costs for the auger unit; Matt Rippey stated costs will be determined after inspection.
Jim Haney also requested clarification on Work Order #252501 regarding potential pump replacement and asked for follow-up.
Regarding Work Order #252091, Matt explained that testing with larger capacitors did not improve performance and suggested the issue may relate to older panel components rather than the pumps themselves.
Jim Haney asked for recommendations on inventory levels for #2 panels and contactors and guidance on sourcing additional units.
Matt Rippey provided an update on the mapping project. Jim Haney reiterated the request for a monthly trend report to be presented at the April meeting.
DISCUSS ORDINANCE VIOLATION PROTOCOL – ASTBURY & DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR ACTION AUTHORITY
The District Administrator provided an update on companies interested in assisting with removal of boats or vehicles when property owners are non-compliant.
Jim Haney recommended engaging Pro Wake Watersports and Crouse Body Shop & 24-Hour Towing as needed.
Motion by Jim Haney to approve; second by Cullen Reece.
Motion carried by voice vote: 6 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains
Bob Hookman recommended creating a formal policy for use as needed. Jim Haney requested Carson provide the policy.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR COMMITTEE
Nothing to report
ENGINEERING UPDATE
A property owner at 54 EMS B6 contacted Astbury regarding alleged damage from August 2017 that resulted in a mud pit in the driveway. DLZ records indicate the grinder station was installed in September 2016, with reseeding and restoration completed shortly thereafter.
Recent photos show the grinder station and lateral line located on the opposite side of the driveway from the reported damage, with the main line also located on the opposite side of the EMS lane.
Jim Haney stated that LRSD did not perform work at the location in 2017 and therefore was not responsible for the damage. He directed Jenna Habegger to draft a response letter to the property owner.
PURCHASING UPDATE
As of March 13, 2026, open purchase orders were reviewed by Jenna.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
None
PROPERTY OWNER CONNECTION STATUS
Jenna reviewed the Property Owner Connection Status report, updated through March 13, 2026.
OTHER ITEMS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE BOARD
Jim announced that Rosa and Mike were reappointed to another 4-year term until April of 2030.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn meeting was made at 7:09 PM by Jim Haney with second by Jack Bonewits.
Motion carried by voice vote of: 6 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains
Submitted to Board by Jenna Habegger, District Administrator
Reviewed by Board Secretary, Rosa Ritchie