Lakeland Regional Sewer District – April 15th, 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 was called to order at 6:00 PM by Jim Haney.
Present: Jim Haney, Mike DeWald, Cullen Reece, Mark Koehler, Jack Bonewits, Rosa Ritchie, Bob Hookman
Absent: n/a
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
None
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
A draft of the March 18th, 2026 regular meeting minutes was submitted to all Board members via email on March 19th, 2026, with a second draft on March 23rd, 2026. The final version was posted in Boardable on March 27th, 2026.Motion by to approve Mark Koehler; second by Jack Bonewits.
Motion carried by voice vote of: 7 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains
NON-COMPLIANCE SECTION 15.4.2 OF THE DISTRICT’S USE ORDNANCE
Lyn Doerr, representing Barbee Restaurant, provided an update on maintenance practices. She stated that grease trap cleaning is performed every three months, as recommended by Shankster’s. She also noted that Shankster’s has recommended cleaning the lateral lines every four years and installing an outlet baffle, which is scheduled for installation in May.
Jim Haney made a motion to rescind the previously issued $2,500 fine. The motion was seconded by Cullen Reece and carried by voice vote (7 Yeas, 0 Nays, 0 Abstentions).
Lakelife Bar & Grill – Grease Trap Violations
No representative was present. Jim reported that the establishment has had two violations since the previous month’s meeting. Jim Haney made a motion to assess a $2,500 fine for each violation.
Motion by Jack Bonewitz to approve; second by Cullen Reece.
Motion carried by voice vote of 7 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains
TREASURER’S REPORT AND OTHER FINANCIAL MATTERS
Mike DeWald presented the Cash and Funds Balance Matrix dated March 31st 2026, noting a total of $2,680,159
Mike DeWald also reviewed the Management Cash Budget for the period of March 1, 2026 through March 31st, 2026.
The following March 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 Bob Hookman.
Motion carried by voice vote: 7 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0Abstains
The Monthly Claims Approval Form for April 2026 was reviewed by Jenna Habegger.
Motion by Jim Haney to approve payment of monthly claims totaling $184,739.76 second by Mike Dewald
Motion carried by voice vote: 7 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains
Board members affixed their signatures to the Monthly Claims Approval Form.
ASTBURY MONTHLY REPORT
PUMP/PANEL INVENTORY, CUSTOMER PROTOCOL REMINDER
The LRSD Treatment System Operations Treatment System Operations Report of March 2026 was emailed to Board members by Astbury Water Technology, Inc. Matt Rippey reviewed key aspects of the report and provided clarifications to Board members’ inquiries.
Jim inquired whether the two spill reports had been submitted to Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Matt confirmed that both reports were submitted.
Jim also requested clarification regarding the annual maintenance quotes from EVAPAR for the generators, noting the option for service during their next scheduled visit or via a separate trip. Matt recommended completing the maintenance sooner rather than later.
Jim asked about the quote for the influent auger system, specifically the recommendation to install a 3mm perforation instead of a 6mm. He referenced prior discussions in Q4 2021, when DLZ and Tom Astbury agreed that reducing from 6mm to 3mm could hinder plant operations, and asked why the change was being reconsidered. Matt explained that the operator believes the 3mm perforation may help reduce pooling of solids. Jim would like to remove replacing the screen and the man hours to do and approve the other repairs.
Motion by Jim Haney to approve Astbury to spend but not exceed $9,000 to get the influent auger system repaired and reinstalled. Second by Cullen Reece.
Motion carried by voice vote: 7 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains
Cullen Reece referenced the inventory sheet and asked if 10 contactors were enough to have in stock or if the minimum quantity should be upped. Jim suggested changing it to 20. Jim asked to get another 30 amp to get back up to the minimum quantity of 3.
ROOF REPAIR
The Board discussed the metal roof quotes vs. the shingle roof quotes and whether or not it’s worth submitting an insurance claim.
Motion by Jim Haney to approve Professional Roofing Solutions managed by Astbury to replace the roof with shingles not to exceed $11,000, second by Mike Dewald.
Motion carried by voice vote: 7 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains
EXCESSIVE WWTP FLOWS
Matt reported on excessive flows at the WWTP following recent heavy rainfall. He noted that the surge tank was utilized, with approximately 300,000 gallons stored, and confirmed that there were no permit violations from an operational standpoint.
He also discussed potential contributing factors beyond rainfall, including sump pumps connected to the system, leaking lids or seals, and possibly cracked flood plate vents. Matt indicated that, in his opinion, illegally connected sump pumps are the primary concern.
Jim inquired whether adding risers to grinder stations in flood-prone areas should be considered. DLZ representative Casey Erwin responded that sump pump connections are likely the more significant issue and should remain the primary focus. While raising lids is an option, he noted it would likely have minimal impact.
Mike asked whether vent pipes could be evaluated as part of the ongoing mapping inspections. Matt confirmed that this could be added to the inspection checklist.
Jim recommended that the District Administrator provide an address list to Carsons so they can notify customers regarding illegal sump pump connections and potential fines, including any known properties with existing connections.
The Board and DLZ representative Casey Erwin also discussed implementing future measures in coordination with Astbury to address excessive flows and minimize impact to the treatment plant.
DISCUSS ACTIONS FOR 51,65 EMS B7 LN (Shared Grinder Station B553-02) Damage Recovery
The Board reviewed the history of issues associated with this shared grinder station. In 2022, a pump was replaced due to prohibited materials. In 2025, a service call revealed the grinder was clogged with wet wipes. In 2026, a subsequent service call again found the pump clogged with wet wipes, requiring replacement.
The Board discussed challenges in determining which homeowner is in violation and should be held financially responsible. Mike suggested installing baskets on each side of the system to help identify the source of the wipes. Casey noted that while baskets can be installed on the pipes, they must be closely monitored to prevent potential backups in the lateral lines.
This matter was tabled pending further information.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR COMMITTEE
Nothing to report
ENGINEERING UPDATE
Curb stop near 5 EMS B39W Ln.
The Board discussed the curb stop located in the roadway, which is currently above grade and at risk of being struck by snowplows. The original plan involved cutting the pavement to lower the curb stop; however, the proposed solution has been revised to shaving the cap down slightly to bring it below grade. As a permit has already been submitted to the County but not yet paid for, Jim requested that the District Administrator contact the Highway Department to determine whether a new permit is required.
Riser repair 26 EMS B40E
The Board discussed damage to a grinder station riser. Astbury indicated the damage may have been caused by freeze-thaw conditions, which raised concern given the District has over 1,300 risers in service. However, Matt noted that he has not previously seen a riser damaged due to freezing.
Jim requested that Casey provide photos from the original installation, along with photos taken by Astbury after their inspection. When compared to current photos, it appears that construction of a garage or shed occurred after the original installation.
The Board questioned how the riser could be damaged while the lid remained intact. It was also noted that the lid was off when Astbury initially inspected the site, suggesting that the bolts may have been intentionally removed.
Jim recommended requiring homeowners to submit a current photo of the grinder station to the District Administrator prior to being issued a permit. He also suggested that the homeowner be held financially responsible for the riser repair.
PURCHASING UPDATE
FINANCE COMMITTEE
PROPERTY OWNER CONNECTION STATUS
Jenna reviewed the Property Owner Connection Status report, updated through March 13th, 2026.
ADOPT POLICY FOR TOWING VEHICLES AND BOATS
Motion by Jim Haney to approve and adopt the Policy for Towing Vehicles and Boats, as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto; second by Mike Dewald.
Motion carried by voice vote: 7 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstentions.
Motion by Jack Bonewitz to seek approval for Jim to sign both towing agreements to Crouse and Pro Wake second by Mike Dewald.
Motion carried by voice vote: 7 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains
OTHER ITEMS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE BOARD
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn meeting was made at _8:14_ PM by Jim Haney with second by Mike Dewald
Motion carried by voice vote of: 7 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains
EXHIBIT A
LAKELAND REGIONAL SEWER DISTRICT
POLICY FOR TOWING/IMPOUNDING OF VEHICLES AND WATERCRAFTS
AND REMOVAL OF ALL OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS
Parking/Obstruction Prohibition: All customers serviced by the Lakeland Regional Sewer District (the “District”) and their invitees are prohibited from parking any automobiles, vehicles, or placing any other obstructions on the easement owned by the District.
Removal of Vehicle, Watercraft, or Obstruction: The District is authorized to remove or cause to be removed any vehicle, watercraft, or other obstruction blocking or hindering the District’s access to the easement. In the event of a vehicle or watercraft, the District may utilize the services of a towing company to (1) move the vehicle or watercraft to another location on the property, if feasible; or (2) impound the vehicle or watercraft to the towing company’s impound lot, to be picked up by the owner in the event it is not feasible to move the vehicle or watercraft to another location on the property.
Charge to Customer: The District may pass any charges incurred by it to the customer on the customer’s next bill for any watercraft or vehicle towed or impounded at the direction of the District under this policy.
Contacting Customer: As circumstances permit, the District may, at its sole discretion, attempt to contact the customer prior to contacting the towing company to tow or impound a vehicle or watercraft. For sake of clarity, the District is under no obligation to first contact the customer, but would be doing so solely as a courtesy to customer.
Removal of Other Obstructions: The District is authorized to remove all other obstructions which block or hinder the District’s access to the easement. To the extent feasible, the District will move all obstructions to another location on the customer’s property. If the District incurs any fees in the removal of any obstruction from the easement, all such fees may be passed to the customer on the customer’s next bill.
District’s Liability: The District is not liable for any damage to your personal or real property for the removal of any vehicle, watercraft, or obstruction from the easement.
Submitted to Board by Jenna Habegger, District Administrator
Reviewed by Board Secretary, Rosa Ritchie