Public Meetings - Evansville, Indiana

The Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners and Drainage Board met on August 25, 2026, at 9:39 a.m. in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex. The meeting covered a wide range of items including infrastructure contracts, a major health department grant, the establishment of a Data Center Research Committee with 13 members appointed, several rezoning petitions, and a year-end report from Burdette Park Aquatic Center. The Drainage Board addressed a revised Form 803, final drainage plans, and set a one-year deadline for property owners to resolve an obstruction on a blue-line stream. All votes were unanimous 3-0 unless noted. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: August 10, 2026, Board of Commissioners meeting minutes approved. - Employment Changes: Multiple department personnel changes approved. - Auditor Claims Vouchers: Claims for August 10-14 and August 17-21, 2026, approved. - Engineer Report and Claims: Approved. - Highway Surplus Request: Various vehicles and equipment declared surplus. - Treasurer and Clerk Monthly Reports: July 2026 (Treasurer) and June 2026 (Clerk) reports accepted. - Commissioners Appropriation and Transfer Requests: Approved. - Veterans Coliseum Preservation Foundation Appointment: Tom White appointed. Public Comments & Testimony (Data Center Committee) - Ellen Spropski (717 Cherry Street): Urged thorough research before any data center development, warned against building on floodplains, and suggested using abandoned commercial sites instead of farmland. - Susan Taylor (4607 Hogue Road): Questioned the transparency of the application process and asked if any commissioner had signed a non-disclosure agreement with E-REP or others. Commissioners stated no NDAs signed and no pending data center project in Vanderburgh County. - Melanie McDowell (Mesker Park Drive): Voiced strong opposition to data centers, citing cancer rates, environmental pollution, noise, light, water depletion, and devaluation of homes. Requested a two-year moratorium rather than a pause. Played a recording of a Michigan data center showing noise levels of 68.3–76 decibels. - Sally Herron (Christ Road): Expressed distrust and opposition, alleging surveillance motives and that commissioners had sold out to data center interests. - Larry Herron (Christ Road): Argued data centers are unconstitutional and immoral, compared to surveillance states, and urged protection of constitutional rights. - Charlotte Reynolds (3635 Elmridge Drive): Raised concerns about the TDSIC mechanism allowing CenterPoint to charge ratepayers up to 80% without IURC approval for infrastructure projects tied to data centers. - Christopher Norrick (2728 Harmony Way): Commended the committee effort but asked for a 24-month strategic deferral to allow more time for policy development, citing risks to long-term residential electric rates. Discussion Items - County Engineer – Action Items: - Change Order 1 VC26-01-01 (Milling & Resurfacing): Net decrease of $6,920.90; final closeout of Community Crossings project (50/50 state match). Approved 3-0. - Sidewalk Waiver – Deerfield Subdivision, Section 5: Unanimous APC recommendation; no connectivity for sidewalks. Approved 3-0. - Engineering Agreement with Lochmueller Group: Floodway mitigation site monitoring at 2947 Kansas Road; DNR-required reporting. Approved 3-0. - Partial Release of Limited Access ROW to Parkway Improvements, LLC: Expands University Parkway entrance from 50 to 100 feet for boulevard entrance; no new traffic control. Approved 3-0. - 3D Leasing Proposals for Berry Drive: Utility location and pipe cleaning to address sinkholes. Approved 3-0. - ROW Encroachment Agreement at Watership Drive: Poet Square retaining wall. Approved 3-0. - ROW Encroachment Agreement with USGS: Streamgage attachment on Lynch Road bridge over Pigeon Creek; USGS owns/maintains. Approved 3-0. - Temporary Speed Limit Reduction on Oak Hill Road: 20 mph for 30 days due to construction; renewable monthly. Approved 3-0. - Computer Services – Konica Minolta Master Agreement & Lease: Five-year agreement for multifunction devices; expected to save $40,000 over term. Approved 3-0 after clarification. - Health Department: - IDOH Grant 102685: $1,145,557.25 from Indiana Rural Health Transformation Program to expand Pre-3 Program to Knox, Davies, and Martin Counties. Program nationally recognized; employees will be local but hired by Vanderburgh County. Approved 3-0. - Credit Card Vendor Payment List Expansion: Added CapCut, Elementor, CLIA Lab Program. Approved 3-0. - Third Extension to Old Courthouse Listing Contract: One-year extension with Hahn Kiefer Real Estate Services; commissions donated to Old Courthouse Foundation. Approved 3-0. - First Reading of Vacation Ordinance CO.V-09-26-007: Petition to vacate Roesner Road in proposed Old Farm Subdivision. Public hearing set for September 15, 2026. Approved 3-0. - Ordinance CO.08-26-015 – Data Center Research Committee: Ordinance establishing a 13-member committee to research and evaluate impacts of data centers. Approved 3-0. Committee members appointed (see Key Outcomes). Meeting schedule set for Sept 2 kickoff and regular meetings through Dec 15, 2026. - Burdette Park Aquatic Center Year-End Report (Director Zach Wathen): - Longest season in 10–12 years (79 days). - Record attendance: 80,729 (up 4,000 from 2024). - Record season pass revenue: $94,000 (up $12,000). - Concessions up $30,000; total revenue $1.1 million. - Pool reopened in 25.5 hours after 6.5 inches of rain in 4 hours. - Fright Night event October 24, 2026 (movie "It") tickets $25. Key Outcomes - Data Center Research Committee Appointed (13 members): - Agriculture: Jason Naab - Civil Engineering/Infrastructure: Scott Ambrose - Community/Neighborhood: Tom Shetler Jr., Lloyd Lamberton - Electrical Utilities/Energy: Jenna Richardt - Environmental Science: Lauren Lynch (Mayor's recommendation) - HVAC/Building Systems: John Bates - IT/Cybersecurity: Blair Doneske - Land Use/Planning: John Diekhoff - Noise/Acoustics: Jon Robertson (U of E professor) - Public Safety: Richard Reed - Transportation/Traffic: Chaitanya Mamidala - Water/Wastewater: Susan Hardwick (retired American Water CEO) - (Mark Murry noted as potential substitute) - Rezonings: - VC-6-2026 (Iron River Trucking, 2711 Allens Lane): M-2 to M-2 w/UDC adding Use Group 23 (septic transfer station). Approved 3-0. - VC-7-2026 (MMTT, LLC, 1710 Allens Lane): Ag to R-3 for two single-family homes; no commercial signage. Approved 3-0. - VC-8-2026 (Celeste Roberts Living Trust, 2900 Schlensker Road): Ag to R-3 w/UDC for two single-family homes. Approved 3-0. - VC-9-2026 (Jeffrey & Nancy Effinger, 1530 Schenk Road): Ag to C-2 w/UDC for dental lab. Continued for 90 days (to November 17, 2026) to allow petitioner to find alternative location. - VC-10-2026 (Connie Heilman Trust, 4605 Millersburg Road): First reading; approved 3-0 to send to Area Plan Commission. - Drainage Board Actions: - Revised Form 803 submittal accepted (substituted for August 10 version). - Final drainage plan for Field Stone 2 approved. - Final drainage plan for Deerfield Section 5 approved. - Drainage plan waiver for Creekside West approved (no current development). - Mark Norman obstruction petition: Property owners given until August 25, 2027 to clear obstruction; county may contract if not completed. - Ditch claims: 14 claims totaling $4,688.98 approved. Next Steps - Data Center Research Committee kickoff: Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 9:00–10:00 a.m., Room 301. - Public hearing on Roesner Road vacation: September 15, 2026. - VC-9-2026 (Effinger) to return by November 17, 2026, or earlier if petitioner moves.

The Evansville Redevelopment Authority held a special meeting on August 25, 2026 at 8:45 a.m. in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex. The meeting included the election of officers, approval of prior minutes, and a presentation on the Ford Center renovation project, focusing on concessions branding and signage. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the August 8, 2023 meeting were unanimously approved. Discussion Items - Officer Elections: A motion was made and seconded to elect Ken Haynie as President, the mover as Vice President, John Montresdale as an officer, and Stephanie Engelbrecht as Secretary. The motion passed by voice vote. The exact roles for John Montresdale and the mover were not explicitly clarified in the transcript. - Ford Center Renovations – Concessions, Branding & Signage: Lana reviewed the bond-funded renovation project (part of an $8 million bond approved in 2023). Contract for the concession renovation was awarded to Daibra Danco. The project includes new lighting, audio, floors, and a zip-in (cashless) system at two main concession stands. Local designer Rachel Wombach (Sprout Design) presented branding concepts that celebrate Evansville's identity: nicknames (Crescent City, Pocket City, 812), the Ohio River, brewing history, WWII shipyard and P‑47 Thunderbolt manufacturing, and local landmarks. The renovation covers multiple concession areas: Crescent City Club, Barge & Barrel bar, Oxbo Bistro, Wheelhouse, Port & Pillars Pub, Bar at the Bend, Riveter Cafe, Assembly Kitchen, 812 Eats, Pocket City grab-and-go, Crossroads Commissary, and Bolt bars. The project is expected to be completed by late spring/early summer 2027. Total cost is approximately $5 million, the final phase of the bond expenditures. No new construction or roof work is involved. Cash will remain accepted at select locations. The presentation was informational; no additional approval was required as the work is covered under existing contracts. Key Outcomes - Elected Officers: Ken Haynie retained as President; the mover was elected Vice President; John Montresdale was elected to an unspecified role; Stephanie Engelbrecht was elected as Secretary. - Approved Minutes: Unanimously approved. - Ford Center Project: The authority acknowledged the progress and branding direction for the concession renovations. Construction is underway with completion targeted for spring/summer 2027.

The Design Review Committee met on August 25, 2026, at 8:30 AM in Room 307 of the Civic Center Complex. The committee considered six items: one sign application in the Downtown district, two applications in the Jacobsville district (a temporary banner and a full renovation/new construction), and two items in the Arts District (a repair/siding proposal and a work-pause appeal). The Downtown and Jacobsville items were approved; the Arts District items were tabled for additional information. Downtown Redevelopment Area Committee - 327 Main – KOREQUAY 327 LLC – Signage: Applicant Casey Fugway presented a sign application for a State Farm office including vinyl graphics on windows and acrylic lettering. The committee approved the application unanimously. Jacobsville Redevelopment Area Committee - 1320 W Franklin – Slade Signs – Temporary Banner: Randy Lapford of Slade Signs requested a temporary banner for Linens building. The committee approved the application after clarifying the temporary nature. - North Heidelbach (Crawford Door) – Crawford Door, LP – Full Renovation and New Construction: Rob from Hyte presented materials and discussed on-street parking changes on Heidelbach. The committee approved the exterior materials unanimously, expressing excitement for the project. Arts District Redevelopment Area Committee - 411 SE Third – Rheinlander Construction – Replace steps, repair exterior: Terry Rheinlander proposed covering existing mismatched repairs with forest green vinyl siding and white aluminum fascia/soffit, replacing rear steps with treated lumber. The committee tabled the application (motion by Darren, seconded) due to incomplete color and material details, requesting a complete application with samples or renderings. The applicant may be able to receive email approval upon resubmission. - 1 E. Powell – Piazza De Oro – Work-Pause Appeal: Attorney John Goth represented Piazza De Oro regarding a stop work order issued July 21, 2026, after exterior construction did not match the approved February 24, 2026 application. The building commission listed violations including mismatched siding color, unapproved gable shake, downsized windows, missing trim, changed porch columns, and removal of historic roof brackets. The applicant proposed solutions like painting windows or adding trim, but the committee found the built product inconsistent with the approved rendering. After discussion, the committee tabled the appeal (motion by Phil, seconded) to allow the applicant to submit a revised application for review. The stop work order remains in place. The applicant also has the option to appeal to the Evansville Redevelopment Commission. Key Outcomes - Downtown sign at 327 Main: Approved unanimously. - Jacobsville temporary banner at 1320 W Franklin: Approved unanimously. - Jacobsville Crawford Door renovation: Approved unanimously. - Arts District 411 SE Third: Tabled for complete application (motion by Darren, seconded; all in favor). - Arts District Piazza De Oro appeal: Tabled for revised application (motion by Phil, seconded; all in favor). Stop work order remains. Next Design Review Committee meeting is September 9, 2026 (delayed due to Labor Day); next Redevelopment Commission meeting is September 1, 2026.

The Vanderburgh County Solid Waste Management District Board met on August 25, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex. Chair Mike Goebel presided. The board approved a tree planting update, two contracts for fall tree plantings, and the accounts payable voucher. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m. Tree Planting Update - Shawn Dickerson presented plans to plant over 150 trees at Cross Point Drive median, Westman Park, and other areas. The trees will be planted after November 1st, with a budget of approximately $30,000. The board approved the planting locations as advised by the arborist. Agreement with Burr Oak Tree Services for Fall Tree Plantings - The board approved a contract with Burr Oak Tree Services for the purchase of smaller tube trees. This is the third year the district has used this vendor. The motion carried without opposition. Agreement with The Rooted Barrel for Fall Tree Plantings - The board approved a contract with The Rooted Barrel nursery for larger ball-and-burlap trees (approximately 10–12 feet tall, 2.5-inch caliper) to be planted on Cross Point Boulevard from Costco to Oak Grove Road. About 25 trees will be planted initially, with a two-year warranty. The motion carried. Approval of Accounts Payable Voucher - The board approved the accounts payable voucher as presented. The motion carried. Other Business - Executive Director Jean Carlson announced upcoming recycling events: - Paper shredding day: Friday, September 18, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Electronics recycling day: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Both events will be held at the Robert Stadium parking lot. - The next meeting is scheduled for October 27, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Key Outcomes - Approved tree planting at locations recommended by the arborist (more than 150 trees, budget $30,000). - Approved contract with Burr Oak Tree Services for fall tree plantings (motion carried). - Approved contract with The Rooted Barrel for fall tree plantings on Cross Point Boulevard (motion carried). - Approved accounts payable voucher (motion carried). - Adjourned at 8:45 a.m.

The Evansville Common Council met on August 24, 2026 at 5:33 PM. All nine council members were present. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, discussion and adoption of several ordinances, including budget amendments and two rezoning requests. Public comments addressed utility reliability and a public records request. Consent Calendar - Approved first reading of Ordinances F-2026-11 and F-2026-12 authorizing budget transfers and re-appropriations. (Unanimous) Public Comments & Testimony - Christopher Newman (3121 S. Rotherwood Ave) expressed concerns about electrical grid reliability, citing NIPSCO outages and CenterPoint's record, and urged the council not to recruit hyperscale data centers without proof they won't harm residential service. - Ken Colbert (4512 N. First Ave) continued a public records request regarding the Flock contract, seeking a copy of the check and the account used for payment. Council President Trockman clarified the council does not handle such contracts. Discussion Items - Ordinance G-2026-15 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems): Withdrawn at the request of EPD, who will rework the ordinance. - Ordinance F-2026-10 (Amended): City Controller Robert Gunter presented several budget adjustments: - $200,000 from Terre Haute casino funds for animal shelter roof replacement (remaining balance $150,000). - $25,000 from Terre Haute funds to replenish the Building Commission for cleanup at Oak Hill Road trailer park. - $500,000 from ARPA interest for Forward Together grants (35 recipients). Approximately $450,000 remains in ARPA interest. - Internal fund transfers: $500 for iPads, $3,300 from education to small tools for a plotter, $150 from chemicals to sales tax. - Council approved unanimously (9-0). - Ordinance R-2026-03 (Rezone 2708 & 2712 Jeanette Ave): APC staff detailed a 60-year history of salvage yard violations. The property has been in use since before zoning, but legal non-conforming status was voided by unpermitted construction. The owner, Robert Strahl, requested rezone to M2 with a Use Development Commitment (UDC) that prohibits salvage yard use (requires special use). Petitioner's attorney Krista Lockyear presented affidavits from neighbors in support. Council approved unanimously (9-0). - Ordinance R-2026-15 (Rezone 5033 Bellemeade Ave): Request to rezone from CO2 to C1 to allow a multi-tenant salon. No opposition. Approved unanimously (9-0). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved. - Ordinance G-2026-15 withdrawn. - Ordinance F-2026-10 (amended) adopted 9-0. - Ordinance R-2026-03 adopted 9-0. - Ordinance R-2026-15 adopted 9-0. - Next meeting scheduled for September 14, 2026 at 5:30 PM. - City/County Joint Department Budget Hearings set for August 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM (public may attend but not speak).

The Evansville Police Merit Commission met in open session at 4:25 PM on August 24, 2026, in Room 307 of the Civic Center Complex. The meeting began following a closed executive session. Commissioners present included Phillips Smith, DJ Thompson, James Sutton, and Denise Johnson-Kincaid. The commission approved routine items, acted on pending disciplinary matters, and processed applicants. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the August 10, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote. - Approval of Claims: Claims totaling $1,100 were approved by unanimous voice vote. Discussion Items - Probationary Officer Update: Commissioners received an update on probationary officers currently in field training and at the Southwestern Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (SWILEA). No further action was taken. - Pending Discipline (26-PDO-11/26-PDO-11A): The commission noted the pending disciplinary case of Officer Anthony Stephenson (Badge 1596), whose 21-day suspension was modified to termination. The officer has appealed, and a hearing is scheduled for October 12, 2026. - Applicants: Three applicants (26-029, 26-044, and 26-121) were listed on the agenda. A motion was made and seconded to remove applicants 26-029 and 26-044 from the process (i.e., to reject their applications). The motion carried with one abstention. Key Outcomes - Minutes and Claims approved unanimously. - Applicants 26-029 and 26-044 were rejected from the hiring process; one commissioner abstained. - Next Meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2026 at 4:15 PM. - Adjournment was moved and seconded; the meeting concluded.

Approval of Minutes and Financial Information - Approved minutes from July 17, 2026, and accepted July 2026 financial statements and an investment maturing on August 21, 2026. Financial highlights included $15,888 for rounds 5–8 of mowing, $7,160 for tree removal at 614 Washington, $2,495 at 605 Monroe, and balances of approximately $50,000 in the Fight Blight account, $142,000 in checking, and $785,000 in a laddered investment management account. Old Business – 500 Block Bayard Park Drive - Received an update on the TruVest LLC project. No action taken; an extension agreement with design requirements is being finalized and expected for board approval at the next meeting. New Business – Property Sales and Acquisitions - 704 Bell Avenue (new construction): Motion to deny the application because the design did not fit the neighborhood. Motion passed unanimously. - Multiple Parcels (202 and 206 W Maryland St, 917 and 919 W Missouri St, 1031, 1029, 1027 W Iowa St, 621 and 625 E Missouri St, 1113 and 1117 W Louisiana St, 1011 N Second Ave, 702 and 704 N Third St): The applicant (a builder and partner with 32+ years of experience) presented plans for new construction, including duplexes and single-family homes, with a focus on affordable housing and neighborhood character. After discussion, the board tabled the application and placed a hold on all 14 parcels until the November meeting, pending submission of individual applications with development agreements. Two board members recused themselves due to potential conflicts. Motion passed. - 1011 W Delaware Street (side yard): Accepted. Motion passed. - 1006 E Mulberry Street (new construction): Denied because the design did not fit the neighborhood. Motion passed. - Acquisition of 634 E Oregon St and 722 Line St: Accepted at no cost from the redevelopment commission. Motion passed. - 620 Washington Avenue Fence and Property Damage: A tree from a land bank parcel fell during a storm, damaging a neighbor’s fence. Approved payment of $2,276 to Backyard Fences and Decks LLC to replace six sections of fence. Roll call vote: 6-1 (Joe voted no). - 2026 Tax Sale: Authorized up to $100,000 for property acquisition at the September 16, 2026 tax sale. Three representatives will attend to evaluate parcels and bid. Motion passed. Key Outcomes - Denied sale of 704 Bell Ave. - Tabled multi-parcel development application; hold on 14 parcels until November. - Approved side yard at 1011 W Delaware St. - Denied sale of 1006 E Mulberry St. - Accepted acquisition of 634 E Oregon St and 722 Line St at no cost. - Approved $2,276 fence repair. - Authorized $100,000 for tax sale acquisitions.

The Board of Zoning Appeals met on August 20, 2026, at 2:42 PM in the Civic Center Complex to consider a variety of variance requests, including zoning setbacks, parking reductions, signage, and fencing. The meeting included a preliminary discussion of a future battery energy storage system project and a contentious denial of a gravel parking variance. A total of 13 docket items were addressed, with one continued to the September 17, 2026 meeting. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the July 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - VAR-2026-046 (Hammer Property Group): Two neighborhood association representatives, Shona Jarbo (president, Bellmead Baird Park Neighborhood Association) and Angie Bullock (chair, neighborhood task force), testified against the gravel parking variance. They cited numerous police runs, noise complaints, illegal parties, safety issues, and a history of code violations. They argued the gravel lot encourages nuisance activity and is unsuitable for elderly residents. The petitioner’s attorney, Nick Herman, argued the variance pertained only to the parking surface and not the tenant’s behavior, and that a permanent variance would help sell the property to a beneficial business. - VAR-2026-049 (Austin Graber): Annelisa Johnson, a neighbor across Dogwood Drive, expressed concerns about an 8-foot fence blocking visibility and affecting property values. She said she would be okay with a 6-foot fence set back further from the road. - VAR-2026-044 (Rathbone Apartments): Jim Keck, a neighbor at 1317 SE 2nd Street, asked whether the apartment building was at full capacity, fearing overflow parking on the street. The petitioner’s attorney later confirmed the building was at full capacity. Discussion Items - Preliminary Matter – BESS Project (RWE): Attorney Reed Schmidt requested 30 minutes for a future presentation on a battery energy storage system project (40.88 acres near East Baseline Road and I-69) scheduled for the September 17, 2026 meeting. The board discussed timing and procedure, deciding to defer the vote on extended time to the September meeting itself, consistent with past practice. The board expressed willingness to consider the request and noted the applicant would likely go last on the agenda. - VAR-2026-030 (Seth Doerner): Request to reduce front yard setback from 25’ to 20’ along Ingle Ave and increase fence height from 3’ to 6’ on a corner lot. The petitioner, represented by Ace Construction, explained a small addition and existing fence. Approved unanimously (5-0). - VAR-2026-044 (Rathbone Apartments): Request to reduce required parking from 87 spaces to 65 for an existing apartment building. The petitioner, Jim Morley, explained the gravel lot would be removed and turned to grass. After a neighbor’s question, the item was tabled briefly to confirm occupancy. The client confirmed full capacity. Approved unanimously (5-0). - VAR-2026-045 (Qdoba): Request to increase number of on-premises signs from 2 to 5 for a multi-tenant building. Scott Elpers explained the need due to three street frontages. Approved unanimously (5-0). - VAR-2026-046 (Hammer Property Group): Request to allow gravel parking permanently (fourth variance for this site). Extensive debate: the board noted $16,500 in unpaid fines, ongoing code violations, and a history of non-compliance. The petitioner argued the gravel lot had not caused documented problems, but the board found the applicant had not met the variance criteria, particularly regarding public health and welfare. Denied (0-5). - VAR-2026-047 (Carol Gibson): Request to reduce parking required from 6 spaces to 0 for a 5-unit apartment building. The applicant’s son explained the property has always used street parking. Approved (4-0, one member absent? Actually roll call showed 4 yes – Ms. Kasha, Mr. Rudolph, Mr. Zayner, Mr. Petke – Ms. Payne not listed? The transcript shows four yes votes, but earlier quorum was 5. Likely Ms. Payne was present but not recorded? The summary should note the vote tally as given.) Approved with 4 yes and 0 no. - VAR-2026-048 (Brenda Krbec): Request to reduce side yard setback from 5’ to 0’ and increase lot coverage from 30% to 32% for existing improvements. The petitioner had already removed a non-compliant shed and moved another. Approved unanimously (5-0). - VAR-2026-049 (Austin Graber): Two requests: (1) allow an 8-foot fence in required side yard, and (2) allow a 45-foot wide driveway (code max 24’). The driveway portion was approved (5-0). The 8-foot fence was denied (1-4) after discussion that it would negatively affect neighboring property values and is not justified by privacy concerns alone. - VAR-2026-050 (Evansville Toys & Games): Request to increase number of signs from 3 to 6 and total signage area from 500 sq ft to 1,015 sq ft for window signage. Approved with a condition that the additional signage applies only to the current tenant (5-0). - VAR-2026-051 (Kaylea Gibson): Request to allow an accessory structure (1,200 sq ft pole barn) larger than the main residence (1,011 sq ft). The existing garage would be demolished. Approved unanimously (5-0). - VAR-2026-052 (Randall Hart): Request to reduce front yard setback from 25’ to 12’ and allow a 6-foot fence (instead of 4’) along West Terrace Drive to replace an existing fence and relocate a shed. The applicant also raised an issue about an unpermitted driveway, which was not before the board. Approved unanimously (5-0). - VAR-2026-053 (Benjamin Boring): Request to allow accessory structures to be taller and larger than the main residence (new 1,440 sq ft, 21.5 ft tall pole barn) and reduce side setback to 0’. The applicant explained he needed height for a boat and jet skis. Approved unanimously (5-0). - VAR-2026-055 (SJIP, LLC): Request to relax the required 8-foot opaque fence for outdoor storage. The petitioner requested a continuance to the September 17, 2026 meeting because the property owner could not attend. The board granted the continuance (5-0). Key Outcomes - Approved with no opposition (5-0): VAR-2026-030, VAR-2026-044, VAR-2026-045, VAR-2026-048, VAR-2026-050, VAR-2026-051, VAR-2026-052, VAR-2026-053. Also VAR-2026-047 (4-0). - Partially approved: VAR-2026-049 – driveway width approved (5-0), 8-foot fence denied (1-4). - Denied: VAR-2026-046 (0-5). - Continued: VAR-2026-041 (already continued to September 17, 2026) and VAR-2026-055 (continued to September 17, 2026). - Next meeting: Scheduled for September 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM in room 301 of the Civic Center Complex. The board will also consider a request for extended presentation time for the RWE BESS project at that meeting.

The Board of Public Works met on August 13, 2026, at 1:30 PM to conduct old and new business, including approval of minutes, bid openings, event road closures, and surplus property disposal. All motions passed unanimously via voice vote. Consent Calendar - Approved the August 6, 2026, Board of Public Works minutes. - Approved the opening of bids for RFP-948-03-2026, Managed Service Provider (MSP) for IT Services and Support. Public Comments & Testimony - Scott Frankie (Director of ANCS – Advanced Network and Computer Services) addressed the board under public business, requesting to submit a late bid for the MSP RFP. He cited confusion over room assignments that delayed his arrival past the 1:30 PM deadline. The board, under advice of counsel, declined to accept the late submission, stating that the deadline was strict and could not be varied. Discussion Items - Rejection of Tire Proposal (APA-01-2026): Purchasing Director DaChenae Streeter explained that only one proposal was received, and due to fluctuating gas rates, the pricing was not beneficial for the city. The board approved the rejection, with plans to re-solicit when rates stabilize. - Approval of Appendix A – ROW Permit Applications (3127–3133): City Engineers recommended approval with conditions requiring compliant maintenance of traffic procedures per Indiana MUTCD, possible Board of Public Safety approval for lane restrictions/closures, and adherence to utility cut repair details. The board approved. - Approval of Barricades and Signage for Seven Events: All events had been previously approved by the Board of Public Safety on August 12, 2026. The list included: 1. Evansville Cultural Experience – Family Day in the Park: Closing Bellemeade Ave between Morton St and Evans, Sept 5, 2026, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. 2. Jacobsville Area Community Corporation – Graffiti Wall Grand Opening: Closing N Main St between Virginia and Delaware, and Iowa St between alleys, Aug 15, 2026, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM. 3. WNIN Tri-State Public Media – WNIN Kids Fest: Closing Main St from Riverside Dr to 2nd St, and part of 1st St, Sept 18–20, 2026 (Friday 4:00 PM to Sunday 10:00 AM). 4. Riverwalk Communities – 21st Annual Cruise In Car Show and Sock Hop: Closing 6th St between Oak and Cherry, and Cherry St between SE 6th and loading dock, Sept 11, 2026, 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Fundraiser for residents' Christmas presents. 5. Evansville Events – Evansville Pickle Festival: Closing 9th St from Sycamore to Locust, and Main St from 9th to Sycamore, Sept 11–13, 2026. Approved pending receipt of a certificate of insurance. 6. YMCA of Southwestern Indiana – YMCA Kids Dash (in conjunction with WNIN Kids Fest): Closing Main St from SE 2nd St to MLK Jr Blvd, Sept 19, 2026, 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM. 7. YMCA of Southwestern Indiana – Half Marathon & 5 Miler: Closing multiple streets (detailed route read into record), Sept 19, 2026 (time not specified; barricades requested). - Surplus Property from Evansville Fire Department: The board approved the disposal of old mattresses, broken furniture, and donation of expired PPE to overseas organizations. - Opening of RFP-948 Responses: Nine responses were received from VC3, Inc., Exos, ATA Advisory, LLC, Pinnacle Computer Services, Inc., People Driven Technology, Inc., PCQuest, Inc., Global Solutions Group, Inc., Presidio Network Solutions Group, LLC, and 22nd Century Technologies, Inc. The responses were taken under advisement. Key Outcomes - All motions carried with unanimous voice votes (no dissent noted). - Late bid from ANCS was rejected as untimely; the record reflects that the bid was not delivered before the 1:30 PM deadline. - Approval of the Evansville Pickle Festival was made contingent on submission of a certificate of insurance. - The nine RFP responses were taken under advisement for further evaluation.