Public Meetings - Evansville, Indiana

The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Area Plan Commission met on Thursday, August 6, 2026, beginning at approximately 3:00 p.m. in the Civic Center Complex. The agenda listed a 2:22 p.m. start time, but the chair called the meeting at 3:00 p.m. The commission considered two city rezonings, four county rezonings, one subdivision, a data-center committee ordinance, and an administrative form, and forwarded recommendations to the City Council and County Commission. The next regular meeting is set for September 3, 2026; city rezonings are scheduled for the City Council meeting on August 24, 2026 at 5:30 p.m., and county rezonings for the County Commission meeting on August 25, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. Consent Calendar and Procedural Actions - The July 2026 memorandum (agenda item: approval of minutes) was approved by roll-call vote. - Docket REZ-2026-003 / R-2026-02 (2713 Jeanette Ave; Ronald Strahl; R-1 to M-2 w/UDC) was continued to the September 3, 2026 meeting without discussion. City Rezonings REZ-2026-004 / R-2026-03 — 2708 & 2712 Jeanette Ave - Petitioner Robert Strahl requested rezoning from R-1 to M-2 with a UDC to continue an existing auto repair, rebuilding/assembly, towing, and storage-yard use. Staff reported the property had been ruled legally nonconforming by a 1983 court order, but that status was now null and void because the structure had been altered; the current use violates the zoning code, and the 2035 Future Land Use Map recommends residential use. - Petitioner's attorney Krista Lockier argued the request was "in form only" because the business has operated since 1958 and the UDC would reduce, not expand, the former nonconforming uses; she submitted neighbor affidavits in support. Neighboring property owner Bobby Handegaard, who is building a home on the corner, also spoke in support. - Two anonymous comments submitted through the citizen concern portal opposed the request, saying neighbors were not notified and alleging decades of property-value harm and drug/crime activity; no remonstrators appeared in person. - Commissioner questions addressed the distinction between stored cars and a salvage yard, compliance with the UDC, fencing, and floodplain limitations. Commissioner Hooper voted no, citing unresolved questions about the legal nonconforming use, intensification, and floodplain compliance. - Vote: 6 yes (Nix, Pedtke, Shetler, Walters, Green, Stevens), 1 no (Hooper). The commission recommended approval to the City Council. REZ-2026-018 / R-2026-15 — 5033 Bellemeade Ave - Petitioner Monumental Estates, LLC requested rezoning from CO-2 to C-1 for a multi-tenant salon facility. Staff said the C-1 request is consistent with the 2035 Future Land Use Map's mixed-use recommendation and preserves the intended buffer between the Green River Road commercial corridor and the adjacent single-family neighborhood. - There were no questions or remonstrators. - Vote: 7 yes, 0 no. The commission recommended approval to the City Council. County Rezonings REZ-2026-019 / VC-6-2026 — 2711 Allens Ln - Iron River Trucking, LLC requested an amendment to its existing M-2 w/UDC to add Use Group 23 for a licensed septic hauler's privately owned septic receiving pit and pumping station. Staff noted the use group had recently been added to the zoning ordinance. - Scott Beadle, representing the applicant, explained the water and sewer utility's deadline for ending direct septic-waste dumping at the treatment plant, and said TSF would construct an enclosed receiving facility that would slowly release waste into the sewer system. He said the facility would be used about twice a day, with more visits during large events, and had already received utility approval and was ready to move forward once the rezoning was approved. - No remonstrators appeared. Commissioner Nix praised the "palatable solution." - Vote: 7 yes, 0 no. The commission recommended approval to the County Commissioners. REZ-2026-020 / VC-7-2026 — 1710 Allens Ln - MMTT, LLC requested rezoning from AG to R-3 to legally establish two existing single-family homes on one lot. Staff said the comprehensive plan recommends residential use and noted that an accessory dwelling unit option would require owner occupancy; the owner plans to rent both units. - Petitioner Don Decker said the two-home arrangement has existed for about 30 years. During questioning, he agreed not to need a sign, and the approval motion included a condition that the County Commissioners limit on-premise signage. - No remonstrators appeared. - Vote: 7 yes, 0 no. The commission recommended approval to the County Commissioners. REZ-2026-021 / VC-8-2026 — 2900 Schlensker Rd - Celeste Roberts Living Trust requested rezoning from AG to R-3 with a UDC limiting the property to two single-family dwellings. Staff explained that the 2006 special use approval had been limited to occupancy by the owner's parents and could not be transferred to another tenant; the new UDC would remove the owner-occupancy requirement. - Petitioner Matt Layman said the parents had passed, the owner's niece, a medical student, would occupy the second unit, and neighbors were agreeable. He also said no sign would be needed. - No remonstrators appeared. - Vote: 7 yes, 0 no. The commission recommended approval to the County Commissioners. REZ-2026-022 / VC-9-2026 — part of 1530 Schenk Rd - Jeffrey Effinger requested rezoning from AG to C-2 with a UDC to allow a single-family residence and a dental laboratory. Staff reported that a dental lab had operated in an accessory building since at least 2010 despite permits stating "no commercial activity," a complaint was filed in April 2026, and the proposed C-2 zoning is not consistent with the comprehensive plan's residential recommendation. Only the area around the lab, driveway, and shared access would be rezoned. - Petitioner Matt Layman said the business has grown to nine employees, is hidden in the woods, and would be subject to site review; he said neighbors he consulted were supportive. - Remonstrators Paula Kirk, Jane Hood, and Tony Hood, neighboring property owners, opposed the request. They cited a recorded private easement for Christie Lane that they said was intended for residential use only, and expressed concerns about increased traffic, delivery trucks, employee counts, visible white buildings in the woods, potential expansion, property values, and encroachment. Commissioners responded that the private easement is not an APC enforcement matter. - Layman said the owner would be willing to consider screening vegetation. Commissioner Hooper voted no because he wanted more concrete accommodations; Commissioner Stevens voted no, calling the situation "spot zoning at its finest." - Vote: 5 yes (Nix, Pedtke, Shetler, Walters, Green), 2 no (Hooper, Stevens). The commission recommended approval to the County Commissioners. Subdivision Deerfield Section 5 — MAJ-2026-007 / WAV-2026-018 - The applicant proposed a replat of Lot 39 in Deerfield Section 4 at 8220 Remington Drive into 10 residential lots on approximately 8 acres, served by an extension of Remington Drive ending in a cul-de-sac. Staff said the plat complies with the subdivision code. - The Vanderburgh County Drainage Board gave preliminary drainage approval on July 28, 2026; the county surveyor will not sign off until final drainage approval; the building commission had no issues; the property is not in a special flood hazard area; water and sewer are available by extension; and a letter of credit would be required if improvements are not completed before recording. - The sidewalk waiver request was supported by the county engineer because the proposed sidewalks would not connect to the existing sidewalk on Carrington Drive; EVSC did not object. - No public comments were received. The commission approved the primary plat and recommended the sidewalk waiver to the County Commissioners by a 7-0 vote. Resolution Listed on Agenda - Agenda item 6 listed Resolution APC-2-2026, approving the Vanderburgh County Redevelopment Commission's declaratory resolution amending the University Parkway Economic Development Plan and Allocation Areas (Resolution No. 2026-VCRC-02). No discussion or vote on this item appears in the available transcript; no action is reflected in the recording. Ordinance — Committee to Research Data Centers - The commission considered an ordinance of the Vanderburgh County Code establishing a committee to research data centers, with an accompanying deferral on acceptance of permit applications while the committee studies the issue. Staff noted the updated version changed the deadline from 180 days to December 31, 2026, left committee size to the Board of Commissioners, and clarified the committee's authority and the primary/secondary use distinction. - Public commenters generally supported the idea of studying data centers but asked for stronger safeguards. Christopher Newman recommended a larger, independent committee with expertise in electrical infrastructure, water, environmental resources, economics, public safety, planning, and citizen representation, and urged review of ratepayer impacts, tax incentives, decommissioning, and bankruptcy protections. Nicole Chandler recommended a 24-month pause and the addition of a hydrologist/geologist, land use expert, physician, and citizen members. Christopher Norwich also urged a 24-month deferral, warning about speculative AI investment and potential local consequences. Aaron Hempling supported strong enforceable regulations, a larger expert committee, and a two-year deferral, and raised enforcement concerns. Philip Alpers criticized public access to information and transparency. Nina Souters and John Sussell raised environmental concerns, including water, bees, and long-term quality of life. - The commission voted 7-0 to approve the ordinance as a recommendation to the County Commissioners, whose hearing date was not yet set. Other Business - Staff presented an updated Improvement Location Permit application form that adds a separate property-owner signature line and clarifies who must sign; a recorded power of attorney may sign for the property owner. The commission approved the form changes by a 7-0 vote. Key Outcomes - Approved the July memorandum (minutes). - Continued REZ-2026-003 to September 3, 2026. - Recommended approval of REZ-2026-004 (6-1) and REZ-2026-018 (7-0) to the City Council. - Recommended approval of VC-6-2026 (7-0), VC-7-2026 (7-0), VC-8-2026 (7-0), and VC-9-2026 (5-2) to the County Commissioners. - Approved Deerfield Section 5 primary plat and recommended the sidewalk waiver (7-0). - Recommended approval of the data-center committee ordinance to the County Commissioners (7-0). - Approved the Improvement Location Permit form changes (7-0). - Adjourned.

The Board of Public Works met on August 6, 2026 at 1:30 PM in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex. The board approved routine items, authorized the opening of bids for a paving project, approved right-of-way permits including an emergency permit, declared a surplus vehicle, opened bids, and approved bills and payroll. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approval of July 30, 2026 BPW Minutes: Approved unanimously. - Approval of Right-of-Way Permit Applications: Approved applications 3097, 3098, 3101 through 3125 with no exceptions, and added emergency permit 3126 for an AT&T road cut on Southeast 8th Street to repair a damaged conduit. Conditions include compliant maintenance of traffic procedures per the Indiana MUTCD, possible Board of Public Safety approval for lane restrictions or street closures, and adherence to city utility cut repair details. - Surplus Vehicle Declaration: Approved the surplus of a Ford F550 bucket truck (VIN 1FDA5F6521E000812) purchased over $5,000, now beyond its useful life, to be auctioned. A replacement vehicle is already obtained. - Approval of Bills and Payroll: Approved unanimously. Old Business - Bid Opening for 2026 Mill and Overlay – Phase II (Project 26-015): The board approved opening bids. Two bids were received: J.H. Rudolph & Co. Inc. at $254,801.74 and E&B Paving LLC at $201,134.06. The board moved to take these bids under advisement. Key Outcomes - All motions passed unanimously with ayes from all members present. - Bids for the 2026 Mill and Overlay – Phase II project will be evaluated and awarded at a future meeting.

The meeting began at 9:04 a.m. and covered multiple tree removal requests, sidewalk conflicts, sponsorship fee changes, and ongoing canopy initiatives. The board approved several removals with replacement conditions, increased memorial tree sponsorship fees, and discussed frameworks for balancing tree preservation with sidewalk accessibility. Consent Calendar - Approval of July meeting minutes: Motion by Mike, second by Sarah, all in favor. (June minutes were previously approved.) Public Comments & Testimony - Valerie and Cecil Sullivan, property owners of 30+ years, requested removal of a mature tree at their home (across from a church and school) that had caused sidewalk cracking and ADA inaccessibility. They had applied for the Barrett Law cost-sharing program and committed to a 2-for-1 tree replacement. They noted the tree was near a gas line and had dropped a limb. The board approved their request (see Discussion Items). Discussion Items - US-41 & I-69 Tree Removals/Plantings: Dylan Rexing presented a redevelopment project at the former Kmart site. The property contains dead arborvitae (likely salt damage) and undesirable species (ash, elm, pear). Rexing agreed to plant bald cypress trees every 30 feet. Board approved with that spacing. (Motion by Sarah, second by Chris, passed; Mike abstained due to a client relationship.) - 307 S. Bedford Tree Removal: Jamie Baele (American Structure Point) on behalf of Evansville Water & Sewer requested removal of a large tree to install a water main. The board approved with conditions: 2-for-1 replacement on the property side of the sidewalk within two blocks, overseen by arborist Sean. (Motion by Mike, second by Paula, passed.) - Tree & Sidewalk Conflicts: Aaron reported on research into establishing a framework for handling conflicts, including cost comparisons (removal vs. routing around) and the city's 50-50 cost-sharing code. The board agreed to table two or three specific cases until next month, pending further guidelines. Discussion emphasized case-by-case evaluation and preserving last-standing canopy trees. - Specific Tree Removal Request (Barrett Law): During the sidewalk conflict discussion, the board considered the Sullivan property. Mike moved to approve removal with a 2-for-1 replacement, citing the property owners' investment via Barrett Law, presence of other canopy trees, and safety concerns. Motion seconded by Amanda, passed. - Tree Sponsorship Price Change: Sean proposed increasing the memorial tree sponsorship fee from $40 to $100 to cover current tree costs ($50 per tree). The fee funds two trees (one memorial, one public). Board approved. (Motion by Sarah, second by Chris, passed.) - Evansville Forest Task Force Grant & IU Cohort: Update: Intern (Bia) is continuing to update the urban forestry management plan; IU is assisting with a DNR grant application for PSAs on tree benefits. No action required. - Street Tree Removal Requests (Items a-l): Mike moved to approve removals of all listed trees except E (2nd & Court – tree roots blocking sidewalk), which was held for further coordination with engineering. Board approved. (Motion by Mike, second by Sarah, passed.) - Old Business: - Tree Canopy Goal Initiative: Fall plantings planned with Urban Forestry Alliance and Solid Waste District; outreach to Evansville Housing Authority and Memorial Baptist Church next week. - INDOT Coordination: No update. - Ongoing Removal/Planting on Public Properties: Solid Waste District trees pending board approval; quotes obtained. - Invasive Species Update: Emerald Ash Borer task force; Twilight Tour scheduled for Oct 24 at Oak Hill Cemetery. - Other Business: Tree Pruner's Licensing Seminars on Aug 11 and Nov 10 at Wesselman Woods. Additional events: Tree ID hike at Hartman Arboretum Oct 3; Weed Wrangle at Igleheart Park Northwood Trails Oct 17. Key Outcomes - Approved July meeting minutes. - Approved US-41/I-69 tree removal/planting with 30-ft bald cypress spacing. - Approved 307 S. Bedford tree removal with 2-for-1 replacement within 2 blocks. - Approved removal of tree at Sullivan property with 2-for-1 replacement (Barrett Law project). - Approved increase in tree sponsorship fee from $40 to $100. - Approved street tree removals (a-l) excluding E; E tabled for further coordination. - Tabled sidewalk conflict cases for next month pending framework. - Scheduled fall plantings and outreach with housing authority, schools, and partners. Meeting adjourned.

The Evansville Electrical Commission met on August 6, 2026, to consider license applications, discuss ordinance revisions, and address licensing requirements for solar installations. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the July 14, 2026 meeting approved. - Apprentice licenses approved: Mika Dominicus (electrical assistant), Lucas Going (Sterling Industrial), Yamil Aurorial (JETC), Everett Barry (JETC), Hunter Skelton (JETC). - Journeyman license approved: Dylan Willett. - Master electrician licenses approved: Nicholas Brenner (with letters from Angrimar Electric and Frontier Temper, REC graduate), Charles Brindle (background check noted but results not provided), Coaton Marchland (Omega Electric, with four years at KC). - Continuing education approved: "Advanced use of AI and electrical construction" (8-hour class, only 3 hours required) sponsored by the Southern Chapter of NECA. Public Comments & Testimony - Abis (Elvis): Applicant for journeyman electrician license. He previously applied and was denied due to insufficient hours. He presented payroll records showing 6,797 hours across multiple companies, including a certificate from a master electrician (Johan Pedrasa, EC13006255). He explained his payroll from Liberty Mission Critical Services and other employers. He expressed his dream to advance and provide for his son's education. The board approved him to take the journeyman exam. Discussion Items - Ordinance Revision: The board discussed changing the verbiage in the city code to require either four years or 6,200 hours of experience for licensing, ensuring consistency across all sections. Currently, some sections state "four years" while others say "four years or 6,200 hours." The board agreed to add "or 6,200 hours" to all relevant sections and to include language requiring a master electrician's certificate for hour verification. (Johnny, Ray, and others) - Background Checks: Discussion arose regarding background checks for master electrician applicants. Charles Brindle's application showed a background check was performed but did not include results. A member noted that a recent incident at the L&D (License and Disability) highlighted that license revocation requires a crime related to dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or lack of integrity. DUI and marijuana possession were cited as not typically grounds for revocation unless related to the trade. - Solar Panel Licensing: A member (Cody) asked about licensing requirements for solar panel installation in Vanderburgh County. The board stated that based on previous discussions and the National Electrical Code, solar panel work is considered electrical work due to bonding requirements. A journeyman or apprentice license is required for any work involving solar panels, including mounting brackets, because the frames must be bonded. There is no separate solar installer license. The board noted that Pink Energy previously tried to get apprentices through without licenses. (Ray, Pete, and others) - Enforcement and Training: The board discussed Bob Sheller's continuing education; he is an older instructor who does online learning. The deputy position (Bart's) is still unfilled; Bart moved to California. Key Outcomes - All license applications approved unanimously. - Abis (Elvis) approved to take the journeyman exam. - The board will have the attorney revise the ordinance to include "or 6,200 hours" consistently throughout the code. - The board will look into the specific language regarding solar work and bonding requirements for future reference. - Next meeting scheduled for September 3, 2026 (Thursday before Labor Day).

The Evansville Vanderburgh County Building Commission held an administrative hearing on August 5, 2026, at 12:59 PM, under authority derived from Indiana Code Section 36-7-9. The hearing addressed three properties: two evidentiary cases and one routine case. The hearing officer affirmed a vacate and raze order for a fire-damaged home, continued a repair order case to allow compliance, and continued another case due to lack of service. Public Comments & Testimony - Darlene Lancaster (neighbor of 4612 Detroy Road) expressed frustration over the ongoing condition of the property, stating it had been a problem for seven years and that the property had been sold in a tax sale (finalizing in September 2026). She questioned the owner's ability to make repairs. The hearing officer acknowledged her concerns and indicated the tax sale would be investigated. Discussion Items - 4612 Detroy Road – Repair Order (Routine Case CE 26 CE 85): Owner represented by Mr. Goodrich (for Amber Preske, Fred Fisher, and Darlena Lancaster). The property was vacant and secure, but yards were overgrown; seven inspections had occurred with no progress. A garage had already been ordered razed. The building commission requested a continuance to allow the owner to address violations. Mr. Goodrich stated his client could address the weed issue and work with the commission. The hearing officer continued the case to October 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM, noting the next hearing date was already set for that date. - 1971 Indian Mounds Boulevard – Vacate and Raze Order (Evidentiary Case 26 CE 128): Owner Richard Mers (or Merce) was present. Code enforcement inspector Kenneth Knox testified that the property had been inspected three times since October 2025, was fire-damaged (fire on January 18, 2023), and was unsafe. The owner explained he had been caring for his parents, had insurance lapsed, and wished to repair the structure. The building commission recommended vacating and razing the property. The hearing officer affirmed both orders, citing the structure's unsafe condition, fire hazard, public nuisance, and blight. The owner was informed of the right to appeal within 10 days. - 3056 Grove Street – Repair Order (Evidentiary Case 26 CE 129): Owner Carlos Amaya. The building commission reported that service had not been obtained and an additional address was found. The case was continued to October 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM to allow for proper service. Key Outcomes - 4612 Detroy Road: Continued to October 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM for compliance review. The owner's representative must contact the commission within two weeks. - 1971 Indian Mounds Boulevard: Vacate and raze orders affirmed. The owner may appeal within 10 days to the Vanderburgh Superior Court. The hearing officer issued written findings of fact. - 3056 Grove Street: Continued to October 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM to allow for service on the owner.

The Board of Park Commissioners met on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 12:00 PM. The meeting covered consent agenda approvals, several new business items including a community garden water spigot, change orders, agreements, and bids for tennis lighting. All actions were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approved skating professional agreements with independent instructors Brock Hall, Elodie Thomason, Christin Hayes, and Brianna Linenburg. - Approved a park property reserve use permit for Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library to hold a Day of the Dead cultural celebration at Westside Library Park on November 7, 2026. - Approved an access agreement for the Jacobsville neighborhood soil contamination site at 612 Monroe Avenue. - Approved agreements with Deig Brothers, Lumber & Construction Company, Inc. for CK Newsome Playground Sitework 2026 and Caldwell Playground Sitework 2026. - Approved an agreement with Custom Mechanical, Inc. for replacement of the Amazonia boardwalk at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden (previously approved by the Mesker Park Zoo Advisory Board). - Approved an umpire services agreement with Darron Noel. Discussion Items - Temporary Water Spigot for Tepe Park Community Garden: Jessica Welcher, Executive Director of Community One, requested permission to install a temporary water spigot for the community garden at Tepe Park. Community One will assume all costs. The spigot will have a lock with keys held at the park clubhouse to control access. The board discussed efficiency improvements over the current use of five 100-foot hoses. Motion to approve carried unanimously. - Change Order 2 for Igleheart Park: Danielle Crook, Executive Director, presented Change Order 2 with Arc Construction in the amount of $64,792.11. Changes included splash pad service lines, sewer line relocation, removal of old Lloyd Pool remnants, grade adjustments (from 3:1 to 4:1 for mower safety), and addition of double gates for mower access. The park remains on track for a Labor Day weekend opening. Motion to approve carried unanimously. - INDOT Access for Bridge Retrofit: The board approved a request from INDOT to access the Greenway Passage to retrofit an existing bridge at Pigeon Creek/State Road 62. No cost or labor to the parks department. Motion to approve carried unanimously. - Veritas Agreement for Owner’s Representation: The board approved an agreement with Veritas to provide owner’s representation services through December, citing 21 active projects and the need for additional oversight. Motion to approve carried unanimously. - Superior Asphalt Agreement for Van Pollock Basketball Courts: The board approved an agreement with Superior Asphalt to resurface basketball courts at Van Pollock. The parks department is collaborating with the Department of Metropolitan Development, which will reimburse the department for both the court resurfacing and new playground equipment selected by neighborhood youth. Motion to approve carried unanimously. - Bids for Wesselman Tennis Lighting: Three bids were received: Sellers Masonry ($295,999 base plus $8,000 for alternates), a second bid with base $108,580.30 (no alternates detailed), and Deig Brothers ($348,555 base plus alternates). The board took the bids under advisement for purchasing review. Report - Executive Director’s Report: Danielle Crook announced that Lorraine Pool will remain open for additional weekends with themed events: Glow Night on August 8 from 6:30-9:00 PM and a Disney-themed weekend thereafter. She also promoted the 812 Days event on August 12 from 3:00-5:00 PM in partnership with Willard Public Library to promote literacy. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items approved unanimously. - Temporary water spigot for Tepe Park community garden approved. - Change Order 2 for Igleheart Park approved. - INDOT access for bridge retrofit approved. - Veritas owner’s representation agreement approved. - Superior Asphalt agreement for Van Pollock basketball courts approved. - Bids for Wesselman Tennis Lighting taken under advisement. - Payroll and vendor claims approved unanimously. - Meeting adjourned.

The regular meeting of the Evansville Police Department Pension Board was called to order at 8:23 AM on August 5, 2026, in Room 307 of the Civic Center Complex. Roll call revealed that only four members were present (President Pro-Tem Aaron McCormick, Treasurer Robert Gunter, Secretary Rick Hubbard, Acting Member Jeff Breivogel, and Board Attorney Nick Cirignano) while President Mayor Stephanie Terry, Chief Phil Smith, and Acting Members Kyle Kassel, Patrick McDonald, and Erik Belford were absent. With only four voting members present (the attorney does not count toward quorum), the board lacked a quorum of five required to conduct business. President Pro-Tem McCormick declared the meeting adjourned at 8:24 AM without any action taken. Attendance - Present: Aaron McCormick (President Pro-Tem), Robert Gunter (Treasurer), Rick Hubbard (Secretary), Jeff Breivogel (Acting Member), Nick Cirignano (Board Attorney) - Absent: Stephanie Terry (President), Phil Smith (Chief), Kyle Kassel, Patrick McDonald, Erik Belford (Acting Members) No business was conducted due to lack of quorum.

The Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden Advisory Board met on August 4, 2026 at 12:00 P.M. to discuss routine approvals, receive an update from Executive Director Erik Beck, and approve a contract for boardwalk replacement. The meeting was adjourned after approval of the new business item. Consent Calendar - The board approved the July 2026 meeting minutes by unanimous consent with no changes or additions. Report by Executive Director Erik Beck - Attendance and Revenue: July 2026 saw 18,000 visitors, bringing the seasonal total to 126,000 visitors. Gross revenue for July was $145,000, putting the year-to-date total over $1 million. The gift shop had a record July with $40,000 in sales, beating the previous record by $40. Concession sales through June were $47,000 for the month and $210,000 year-to-date. - Wild Summer Lights: The event kicked off the last weekend of July and runs Thursday through Sunday from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., through the first weekend of October. The schedule was intentionally ended before the Nut Club fall festival to manage crowds and west side traffic. - Staffing Updates: The zoo is finalizing an offer for a second veterinarian technician. Interviews for a guest services manager (vacated by Stephanie Sanderson's retirement) were scheduled for the coming weekend. The animal curator position remains unfilled for nearly a year; the director plans to meet with administration to discuss options. - Animal Updates: A male sitatunga has been moved and will be introduced to females with contraception for non-recommended pairings. Peccary babies are expected any day. Squirrel monkeys are being transferred to other zoos to allow howler monkeys daily exhibit access in Amazonia. A solitary saki monkey will be moved to Miller Park Zoo in Illinois to cohabitate with another solitary saki. Planned acquisitions for fall include a tiger and giraffe moves. - Projects: An Amazonia chiller replacement is expected by end of the month. Solar projects including canopy over parking lot for Amazonia and roof panels on clay building and DC are being kicked off with contractors. The Amazonia boardwalk was rehabbed with soft surface material and fountains are operational. Paving and perimeter fencing work is ongoing. The zoo's wine auction gala is scheduled for August 22, 2026 at Evansville Country Club. New Business - Approval of Agreement with Custom Mechanical Inc. for Amazonia Boardwalk Replacement: The board considered a contract for replacing both wooden boardwalks in Amazonia. The lowest quote from Custom Mechanical Construction was $211,556. The contract was still under legal review but had gone through the parks department. The board approved the agreement pending legal review. The project will use a material called COIA, described as a natural, weathered, sustainable, long-lasting product. A board member inquired about the solar project groundbreaking timeline; Director Beck expected it before the end of the year and would learn more during the upcoming contractor meeting. Key Outcomes - The July 2026 meeting minutes were approved unanimously. - The agreement with Custom Mechanical Inc. for the Amazonia boardwalk replacement ($211,556) was approved, pending legal review and subsequent parks board approval. - The next meeting is scheduled for September 1, 2026.

The Evansville Redevelopment Commission met on August 4, 2026, at 8:30 AM in Room 307 of the Civic Center Complex. The commission approved two resolutions: a five-year extension of the management services agreement with Venuworks for the Ford Center and Victory Theater, and an economic development agreement for the Fieldhouse Flats project. The meeting also included a detailed annual report presentation on venue operations, extensive discussion of escalating utility costs, and a vote to install a secondary water meter at the Ford Center. Discussion Items Resolution 26ERC24 – First Amendment to Management Services Agreement with Venuworks Commission members voted unanimously to approve a five-year extension (2021-2026 to 2026-2031) of the management agreement with Venuworks of Evansville, LLC and VW Sports of Evansville, LLC. Prior to the vote, Scott Shaunek, Executive Director of the Ford Center and Victory Theater, presented the annual report for Fiscal Year 2025. Key highlights from the presentation: - Ford Center: 87 events with 382,000 attendees. Economic impact estimated at $45 million (without multipliers). - Victory Theater: 64 events with 84,000 attendees. Operating fewer events intentionally to avoid losses. - Thunderbolts: Back-to-back championship wins (2025 and 2026). Team now generating a small profit after years of losses. - Local impact: Over $343,000 paid to local nonprofit groups through concession operations. - Social media: Combined Facebook pages reached over 33 million views; website views at 1.7 million; advertising impressions over 24 million. - Capital improvements: Ongoing bond-funded upgrades including lighting, sound system, scoreboard, and new concourse flooring and concession stands. Utility Concerns and Water Meter Vote Shaunek identified utilities as the number one concern. Electricity costs rose from $40–60,000 per summer month to $95,000 in July 2026. Water usage approached 1 million gallons in July, resulting in a $20,000 water/sewer bill. Despite prior investigation and installation of a meter on the HVAC system, no leak has been found. The water department’s meter algorithm is suspected but unconfirmed. After extended discussion, Commissioner Wathen made a motion to install a secondary meter to verify water usage, which was seconded and passed by voice vote with one commissioner opposed. The commission directed that the meter be installed under the oversight of the building authority. Homeless Concerns Downtown Commission members discussed an increase in homeless individuals congregating around the Ford Center plaza and nearby areas. While no incidents of violence toward venue patrons were reported, concerns about perception and safety remain. Commissioners noted that the Greyhound bus terminal may contribute to the inflow, with some communities sending individuals to Evansville via one-way tickets. The new anti-encampment law (effective July 1, 2026) provides some enforcement tools, but relocation of the bus terminal was suggested as a longer-term option. Resolution 26ERC25 – Economic Development Agreement for Fieldhouse Flats Project The commission unanimously approved an economic development agreement with AP Development LLC and Legacy Communities, Inc. for the Fieldhouse Flats project. The project involves: - Complete rehabilitation of the historic gymnasium at the former YMCA building. - Demolition of the 1981 addition and construction of a new five-story building. - Approximately 78 market-rate multifamily housing units. - Total project cost of approximately $20 million. The city agrees to contribute $1 million from the downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund, to be paid in three installments: one-third upon 33% construction completion (architect-certified), one-third at 66% completion, and the final third upon project completion. Developer John Anderson (AP Development) has previously completed Central Lofts and Cargas Lofts in Evansville. Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2027. Key Outcomes - Resolution 26ERC24 (Management agreement extension): Approved unanimously. - Resolution 26ERC25 (Fieldhouse Flats economic agreement): Approved unanimously. - Secondary water meter: Motion passed (one opposed) to install a secondary water meter at the Ford Center to verify consumption. - Directive: Lana will communicate the water meter resolution to Dave Rector of the Building Authority.