Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lake County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in environment
Storm debris cleanup agreements with New Chicago
After this year's storms, the county paid contractors to pull trees and debris out of Schoon Ditch and Turkey Creek laterals — about $300,000 so far, with a $750,000 cap set by the council. A new state drone-assessment program could reimburse most of future work at only ~6% local cost, but if crews clear trees themselves, state money is off the table.
MS4 cover crop program for 2027
A $20,000 agreement with Lake County Soil & Water would fund cover crops in 2027 to reduce erosion and runoff into county ditches.
Little Calumet River drainage investment
Cedar Creek's representative reports nobody's complaining about the Kankakee since the county's work, and the Shelby gauge shows the river staying much lower after rain than the old models predicted.
Flooding and drainage in Eagle Creek Township
Two residents described repeated flooding along Singleton Ditch and 165th Avenue, saying the former marshland floods with every heavy rain and that added development and truck traffic are making it worse.
Solid Waste District budget scrutiny
A councilman keeps getting constituent questions about the $6.5 million taxing district showing up on tax bills. The district explained its programs — $2.5 million goes back to cities and towns — but he wants a deeper look at whether the $14-per-household cost is worth it.
Kankakee riverbank sloughing near county park
A growing riverbank collapse south of the county park — and a worse one near the Haberlin property toward Porter County — has farmers worried; funds are reportedly in transition and the river recently jumped up.
Unpermitted floodplain work worsening West Creek Lat 4 flooding
Farmer John Kramer has lost roughly 60 acres to standing water for three-plus years due to beaver dams and overgrowth between 151st and 185th. Staff admitted nobody called him back and promised to follow up.
Hobart's Lake George filling with sediment and lily pads
Lake George in Hobart is filling with sediment and lily pads to the point it's barely usable, and Hobart's township representative asked the committee for help. Dredging is expensive and hasn't happened in years.
Unauthorized floodway work on Turkey Creek
Alleged septic/sump pumping into roadside swale
The Chupas' attorney and Mr. Chupa allege a neighbor upstream is pumping what may be septic discharge into the swale that drains toward their property. The health department hasn't acted, and the board urged a written complaint to trigger enforcement.
Stony Run erosion concerns in Eagle Creek Township
A township advisory member reported erosion, sloughing and sandbars on the east branch of Stony Run north of 165th Avenue; field work is underway to identify areas needing attention.
Floodway dredging and fill petitions pending state review
The Crossroads YMCA can now dredge two ponds at the former Pheasant Hills golf course to make them safe for canoeing, spreading the sediment on-site. The state DNR approved the floodway work, and the board found no drainage impact.
Solid fill deposit at 13535 Iowa Street
A property owner wants to deposit solid fill on land in Center Township, something that requires a special exception. Neighbors have been waiting since November as the case gets bounced between bodies and continued.