Public Meetings - Evansville, Indiana

The Evansville Redevelopment Commission met on July 7, 2026, to elect a new secretary, approve routine financial items, and advance several redevelopment projects, including the creation of a new tax increment financing (TIF) area for the Cargus redevelopment and an economic development agreement for an affordable housing project. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the June 16, 2026 meeting were approved as presented, with a note that a reference to "code enforcement" in resolution 26 ERC 14 should have been "building commission." - The accounts payable voucher for raising buildings at 305-309 North Maine was approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the public hearing or the general meeting. Discussion Items - Election of Secretary: Darren Morley was nominated and unanimously elected to fill the vacant secretary position following Hope Fussner's resignation. - Resolution 26 CRC 16 (Cargus Economic Development Area): The commission held a public hearing on the final step to establish a new TIF allocation area for the former Cargus furniture factory property. The declaratory resolution had previously been approved by the commission and city council. The project, in the works since 2022, involves significant interior work and is expected to finish by end of 2026 or early 2027. The commission unanimously approved the resolution. - Resolution 26 ERC 17 (Pledge of Tax Increment Revenues): This resolution pledges tax increment revenues from the Cargus allocation area to support a developer-purchased bond (up to $6 million) for the project. Commission members clarified that the pledge is not an obligation of the city; any shortfall would not be covered by the city. The total project cost is approximately $30 million. Unanimously approved. - Resolution 26 ERC 18 (Engage London Witty Advisors): The commission approved a $3,500 contract with London Witty Advisors for services related to the bond issuance for the Cargus project. Unanimously approved. - Resolution 26 ERC 19 (Hafer Associates Design Services): The commission approved a design services agreement with Hafer Associates for conceptual drawings and highest-and-best-use analysis for the 301-309 North Main Street property in the Jacobsville area, following demolition of existing buildings. The timeline for construction is at least a year away, with a potential bid release around mid-2027. Discussion included the commission’s role in demonstrating continued commitment to the area and the possibility of housing, given low vacancy rates. Unanimously approved. - Resolution 26 ERC 20 (Crawford Door Economic Development Agreement): The commission discussed an economic development agreement for the Crawford Door affordable housing project at 1701 North Heidelbach, a 134-unit multifamily tax credit project developed by House Investments. The city’s contribution was increased from $1.15 million to $1.28 million using Jacobsville TIF funds, with a total city commitment of $2 million from various sources. The project includes a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement approved by city council. Some blanks in the agreement (costs, dates) were noted; the commission approved the resolution with the caveat that if blanks are filled significantly different from current expectations, the agreement would return for reapproval. Motion carried. Key Outcomes - Darren Morley was elected secretary of the commission. - Resolution 26 CRC 16 approved by voice vote (all in favor). - Resolution 26 ERC 17 approved by voice vote (all in favor). - Resolution 26 ERC 18 approved by voice vote (all in favor). - Resolution 26 ERC 19 approved by voice vote (all in favor). - Resolution 26 ERC 20 approved by voice vote (all in favor), with the stipulation that any substantial changes to blank fields be brought back to the commission. - The commission noted that a quorum will be present at the next meeting to handle any needed clarifications on the Crawford Door agreement.

The Evansville Police Merit Commission held its regular meeting on July 6, 2026, at 4:54 PM in Room 307 of the Civic Center Complex. The commission approved minutes, handled probationary officer matters, advanced two applicants, approved a civilian award, and accepted a resignation. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the June 22, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. - No claims were presented. - Probationary officer update provided, including field training and SWILEA updates. Discussion Items - Final merit interviews were conducted for Officers Seth Morrow, Beau Crane, and Savannah McGee (no vote required). - A motion was made and seconded to extend Officer Steven Woolery's probation due to extended military training to April 1, 2027; all in favor, motion carried. - Two applicants (26-028 and 26-140) were moved to continue through the process via unanimous vote. - The commission approved the Outstanding Citizen Award for Joey Cox for his actions on June 18, 2026, following a recommendation from the Chiefs; motion seconded and passed unanimously. - The resignation of Officer Michaela Mishelle Conti (Badge 1616), effective June 27, 2026, after 1 year, 5 months, and 14 days of service, was acknowledged. Key Outcomes - Meeting minutes approved. - Officer Steven Woolery's probation extended to April 1, 2027. - Applicants 26-028 and 26-140 advanced in the hiring process. - Outstanding Citizen Award granted to Joey Cox. - Officer Conti's resignation accepted. - Next meeting scheduled for Monday, July 27, 2026, at 4:15 PM. - Meeting adjourned.

The Board of Public Works met on July 2, 2026, to approve routine items, consider contract amendments, authorize bidding and RFP processes, and hear public comments. All votes were unanimous. Discussion Items - Approval of June 25 Minutes: Approved unanimously. - Bossey Avenue Road Embank Repairs Project (26-014): Approved to open bids. Four bids were received and taken under advisement: Blankenberger Brothers Inc. ($68,014.25), Coberstein Contracting Inc. ($79,581), Dyke Brothers Lumber and Construction Co. Inc. ($53,124), and Jerry Chastain Jr., DBA Chastain Excavating ($58,699). - Amendment to Contract with Aurora Incorporated (ESG 2025): Approved to extend the end date from June 30, 2026, to September 30, 2026, for rapid rehousing services. Lisa Foster (DMD) explained the adjustment aligns the contract timeline with the program’s operational cycle. - RFP for IT Services and Support: Approved to advertise an RFP for managed IT services covering city and county enterprise. Vernon Lutz (CIO) stated the RFP was developed with Crow Consulting. - Gearhart Major Subdivision Sidewalk Waiver: Approved to waive sidewalk requirements along the east side of Old Boonville Highway. Brian Mundy explained the area is rural, with no pedestrian facilities, and the property is being subdivided into three or four parcels. - Right-of-Way Permit Applications (30-32 through 3044): Approved as submitted, with recommendations for compliant maintenance of traffic per Indiana MUTCD and utility cut repair details. - Bills and Payrolls: Approved. Public Comments & Testimony - First Speaker: Sought confirmation on an application for a block wall along his driveway. He was informed his permit (listed on the agenda’s right-of-way permit list) was approved at this meeting. - Marcus Horton (2120 West Illinois Street): Addressed a claim regarding COVID-related entitlements and a court case. He alleged the government guaranteed certain entitlements and that the city was targeting him. The board chair and Marco indicated the matter likely involves the court system and offered to discuss after the meeting. Key Outcomes - All agenda items approved unanimously by voice vote (no recorded dissents). - Bids for Bossey Avenue Repairs taken under advisement for later decision. - Public speakers directed to follow up with staff outside the meeting.

The City of Evansville Urban Forestry Board (Tree Board) met on July 2, 2026, at 9:02 AM. Key topics included a presentation from the Alvard Boulevard Association regarding a hazardous tree, the approval of tree removals, election of a vice chair, and an update on the Urban Forest Master Plan being developed by an intern, Bia. The board also discussed private tree maintenance by neighborhood associations and ongoing canopy preservation efforts. Public Comments & Testimony - Ann Basin (President, Alvard Boulevard Association) and Julie Blevins (Secretary) addressed the board about a large, live limb that fell from an oak tree on Alvard Boulevard. They described a near-miss incident involving a young boy and his father, and noted a prior similar failure 25 years ago. They expressed concern about the tree's safety and asked whether the association could hire a private contractor to prune or remove at-risk trees on the boulevard. They also requested a list of city-licensed tree contractors and asked for a clearer process to flag specific trees for priority. Discussion Items - Tree Hazard on Alvard Boulevard: Arborist Sean (last name not given, referred to as "Sean") explained that the fallen limb was live but had a poor attachment. He proposed cutting deadwood and precarious limbs immediately and removing the entire tree in the winter after board approval. Board member Mike (last name not given) noted the tree was a pin oak, which structurally tends to fail. The board encouraged the association to develop a comprehensive maintenance plan for boulevard trees; such a plan would likely be approved if it used city-licensed contractors. The board also recommended hiring a certified arborist for tree health assessments. - Agenda Items 2 and 3 – Tree Removal Lists: Mike moved to approve all tree removals recommended by Sean, except for five specific addresses (A, C, G, H, and N) which he wanted held for further review due to concerns about sidewalk trees and potential mis-prioritization. He asked that those five be revisited via Aaron when he returns. The motion was seconded by Gene and passed unanimously. - Election of Vice Chair: Mike was nominated and unanimously elected to replace Paul Bowsman as vice chair. - Approval of Minutes: No minutes were available for approval. - Urban Forest Master Plan Update (Bia): Bia reported on progress: she has formed a task force of 16–17 members (second highest among four participating cities: Evansville, Lawrence, Richmond, andDearborn County). She has held two meetings (environmental resources; governance/management) and the third meeting, focused on social and community aspects, is scheduled for next week. She is working with neighborhood associations, religious groups (e.g., Memorial Baptist via Jennifer Roll), and the Evansville Housing Authority. She noted the preservation of existing forest canopy emerged as a key concern from the task force, highlighted by educator Edie Hardcastle. Bia’s work ends July 31, with the writing phase through December. - Other Business: Brief discussion on canopy goal initiatives and INDOT coordination was mentioned but not detailed. Key Outcomes - The board directed Sean to cut deadwood and hazardous limbs from the Alvard Boulevard oak tree immediately, with full removal planned for winter. - The board indicated it would likely approve a maintenance plan submitted by the Alvard Boulevard Association, provided it uses city-licensed tree contractors. - Tree removals for all addresses on the list except addresses A, C, G, H, and N were approved by voice vote (all in favor). Those five are held for further review. - Mike was elected vice chair unanimously. - The board acknowledged Bia’s update and encouraged continued collaboration with neighborhood associations and other stakeholders on the Urban Forest Master Plan.

The Area Plan Commission of Evansville and Vanderburgh County met on July 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex. The meeting addressed two rezoning petitions and two subdivision plats, including associated sidewalk waiver requests. Key decisions included recommendations for approval on both rezonings and approvals on both subdivisions, with a partial sidewalk waiver for Greystone Estates. Consent Calendar - June Memorandum: Approved unanimously by roll call vote (8 yes, 0 no). Rezoning Petitions REZ-2026-015 – 1307 & 1311 Henning Avenue (Brent Jackson) - Petitioner: Brent Jackson (1401 Henning Avenue) requested to rezone two lots from R2 to AG with an updated Use and Development Commitment (UDC) to legally establish personal agricultural uses (crop farming and up to 5 hens, no roosters). The property had been used without permits, resulting in citations and a jury trial that ruled in favor of the APC. - Position: Jackson stated the use is strictly personal, not commercial, and presented a petition signed by 20+ abutting and nearby neighbors supporting the rezone. - Outcome: Motion to approve the rezoning with the amended UDC. Vote: 7 yes (Freeman, Hooper, Pecky, Shetler, Walters, Cabill, Stevens) and 1 no (Nix). The petition will move to City Council with a recommendation for approval. REZ-2026-017 – 2828 Mount Vernon Avenue (Larry Rogers) - Petitioner: R. Layman (Sun Consulting) on behalf of Larry Rogers requested to rezone from C4 to M2 with a UDC for a woodworking shop (carpentry, manufacturing of wood products, and retail sales). The property has been vacant since 2013. - Remonstrator: Wade Flake (417 North Barker Avenue) raised concerns about noise, dust, air quality, traffic, and future uses. He questioned consistency with the comprehensive plan and requested buffers. - Petitioner Responses: Layman and Rogers stated the operation is small-scale, uses dust collection, sound insulation (spray foam), and the UDC limits future uses. Rogers noted no competitors with big-box stores. - Commission Comments: Members expressed support, noting the improvement over a vacant lot and the creative/artisan nature of the business. - Outcome: Motion to approve the rezoning with the UDC. Vote: 8 yes (all present) and 0 no. Petition moves to City Council with recommendation for approval. Subdivision Plats MAJ-2026-005 – Gerhart Subdivision (Replat) - Petitioner: Trent McPeak (Nykirk Engineering) presented a replat of lots 1 & 2 of the Jack Nanny Subdivision plus 16.6 acres into five lots on Ode Boonville Highway. A sidewalk waiver was requested. - Sidewalk Waiver: Staff recommended approval; the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) did not object; the Board of Public Works had already approved the waiver. - Outcome: Motion to approve the primary plat with conditions (including sidewalk waiver statement). Vote: 8 yes, 0 no. The sidewalk waiver was approved separately (7 yes, 1 no [Cabill]). MAJ-2026-006 – Greystone Estates (34-lot residential subdivision) - Petitioners: Scott Beadle (Cash Wagner & Associates) and Aaron Miller (Greystone Investments) presented a subdivision on Covert Avenue. A sidewalk waiver was requested. - Discussion: Beadle explained ongoing coordination with the Drainage Board to vacate a legal drain and updated floodplain notes. Miller argued that sidewalks add $2,000 per house ($70,000 total), making affordable housing less attainable, and noted existing sidewalks on Seasons Ridge are disconnected. - Staff and Agency Comments: County Engineer, EMPO, EVSC, Sheriff, and Building Commission all recommended denial of the full sidewalk waiver, citing safety and connectivity concerns. - Full Waiver Vote: Failed with 2 yes (Pecky, Shetler) and 6 no (Cabill, Freeman, Hooper, Nix, Walters, Stevens). - Partial Waiver Vote: Motion to waive sidewalks on the north side and require sidewalks on the south side of the subdivision. Approved unanimously (8 yes, 0 no). - Subdivision Plat Approval: Approved with conditions (including updated floodplain note, drainage vacation, and sidewalk/ROW adjustments). Vote: 8 yes, 0 no. Key Outcomes - Rezoning REZ-2026-015 recommended for approval to City Council (7-1 vote). - Rezoning REZ-2026-017 recommended for approval to City Council (8-0 vote). - Subdivision MAJ-2026-005 (Gerhart) approved; sidewalk waiver approved (7-1) and already confirmed by Board of Public Works. - Subdivision MAJ-2026-006 (Greystone Estates) approved (8-0); full sidewalk waiver denied (2-6); partial waiver (north side) approved (8-0). - Next regular APC meeting: August 6, 2026. City Council hearings for the rezonings scheduled for July 27, 2026.

The Board of Park Commissioners held its regular meeting on July 1, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order, and the board approved the meeting memorandum from June 17, 2026, unanimously. The consent agenda was presented, followed by several new business items, including park improvements, memorials, and operational approvals. All motions carried unanimously. Consent Calendar - The board approved the following items without objection: - Independent skating professional agreements with Mark Cody, Ariel De Hoos Grimm, Rebecca Hatch Purnell, Grace Meyer, Dana Tang, and Ewen Gregory. - Permission to donate four golf passes for the Indiana Sports Hall of Fame fundraiser. - Agreement with Three I for KC Newsom Playground Survey and Design. - Agreement extensions with Oracle (doing business as Elevate) for elevator services at the Pagoda and Swander Ice Rink. - Agreement with CentOS First Aid and Safety for fire inspections at various park facilities. Discussion Items - Center Point Encroachment for Eigelheart Splash Pad Project: The board approved an encroachment agreement for grading and storm pipe installation (one area) and parking lot resurfacing (three areas). The motion carried. - Free Admission at Lorraine Pool on Opening Day: Catherine Van Hook, program director, requested permission to offer free admission on opening day (date to be announced within a week). Approved. - Memorial Plaque at Mesker Park Zoo Disc Golf Course – Mike McKim: Charlie Aubrey requested permission to install a small memorial plaque for Mike McKim, who organized the annual Mesker Mayhem disc golf event. The parks department supported the request. Approved. - Memorial at Freedom Tree, Garvin Park – 25th Anniversary of 9/11: Karina Walstrom, Jordan Baer, and Darren Morton of the Evansville Flag Group, along with designer Darren Wharton, presented plans for a memorial including a sign telling the tree’s story and two signs listing the names of 9/11 victims. The event will feature music, food trucks, water lanterns, and spotlights. No funding was requested from parks. Approved contingent on coordination with the parks department and ADA accessibility. - Sealed Quotes for KC Newsome Playground Replacement Site Work: Playground equipment has been ordered (arrival end of July). Permission granted to seek sealed quotes for site work. - RFP for Angel Mounds Boat Ramp Operator: The previous agreement ended due to disrepair and failure to meet Army Corps of Engineers improvement requirements. The board approved seeking a new operator via RFP. - Reject All Bids for Wesselman Tennis Lighting Project: Purchasing director Dash Streeter explained that the first bidder lacked required contractor license and RBO certification, and the second bidder failed to meet MBE/WBE compliance (0% MBE, 0.56% WBE, insufficient outreach). All bids rejected unanimously. - Permission to Seek Bids for Wesselman Tennis Lighting: The board approved re-bidding the project with expectations of full compliance. - Director’s Report: July is National Parks and Recreation Month. Events include popsicle pop-ups, bubbles and chalk, tie-dye, family game nights, movies in the park, and a soda bar at Sunset Skate Park. Updates: Next Level Trails substantially completed (ribbon cutting date TBD); Eigelheart splash pad equipment delivered (targeting Labor Day weekend opening); CK Newsom playground removed, new equipment ordered. During heat advisory, maintenance staff work from 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and CK Newsome Center is serving as a cooling center. The director announced she will not attend the next meeting due to a family trip. - Payroll and Vendor Claims: Approved. Key Outcomes - All motions carried unanimously with no opposition. - Next meeting is scheduled for August 2026 (director will be absent).

The Evansville Police Department Pension Board met on July 1, 2026, at 8:15 a.m. in Room 307 of the Civic Center Complex. The meeting lasted approximately 4 minutes, adjourning at 8:19 a.m. President Mayor Stephanie Terry was absent; Vice President Pro Tem Aaron McCormick presided. Roll call showed several members present, with Treasurer Robert Gunter and Chief of Police Phil Smith arriving later. The agenda included approval of previous minutes, financial reports, old business, handling of a deceased retiree, and resignations. Approval of Minutes - The board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 3, 2026, meeting. Motion by voice, second by Member Patrick McDonald. Financial Report - Secretary Rick Hubbard reported the 1925 Fund payroll for May 15, 2026, in the amount of $240,793.92, and for May 31, 2026, in the amount of $250,735.99. Old Business - The 2025 Pension Relief Fund payments to the City of Evansville are scheduled for July 1, 2026, in the amount of $3,049,837.57, and October 2, 2026, in the amount of $3,046,337.56, for a total of $6,096,175.13. Deaths - Retired Officer Russell Lang, who served 27 years and retired on October 17, 1982, passed away on June 12, 2026, leaving no survivors. He was a member of the 1925 Fund. The board unanimously voted to remove Russell Lang from the payroll. Motion by Treasurer Robert Gunter, second by Chief Phil Smith. Retirements/Resignations - Officer Samuel K. Splittorff (Badge 1621) resigned effective May 31, 2026, after serving 10 months and 20 days. - Officer Michaela Michelle Conti (Badge 1616) resigned effective June 27, 2026, after serving 1 year, 5 months, and 14 days. Good of the Board - The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 8:15 a.m. in Room 307 of the Civic Center Plaza. - The meeting adjourned at 8:19 a.m.

The Vanderburgh County Council met on July 1, 2026, at 3:03 PM in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex. The meeting, presided over by President John Montrastelle, included personnel requests, appropriations, transfers, a presentation on the CASA program, and amendments to the salary ordinance. All votes were unanimous (6-0) with Councilmember Nicholas Iaccarino absent. The meeting adjourned at 4:34 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the June 3, 2026 County Council meeting were approved unanimously. - Personnel Requests (A1, B1, C1): Approved without objection: - Assessor: fill vacancy for Transfer Deputy. - Area Plan Commission: fill vacancy for Senior Secretary. - Legal Aid: retitle and reclassify Senior Legal Secretary to an office manager role (due to upcoming retirement and expanded duties). - Personnel Requests (D1-3, E1): Approved without objection after discussion: - Local Public Health Services: fill vacancies for Phlebotomist, Director of PH Expansion and Accreditation, and Administrative Support Professional II. - Health Dept-Evansville Promise Neighborhood Grant and TANF: fill vacancy for Community Health Worker I. - Personnel Requests (G1, G2): Approved without objection: - Prosecutor: fill vacancies for Administration & Outreach Coordinator and Paralegal. Discussion Items - LIT Jail Personnel and Appropriations (F1-3): Extended discussion occurred regarding the creation and filling of 22 Confinement Officers, 2 Confinement Officer Sergeants, and 1 Confinement Officer Staff Sergeant. Councilmember James Raben proposed approving only 11 of the 22 Confinement Officer positions (117030 through 117036) and both Sergeants and Staff Sergeant, deferring the remaining 11 positions to a later date. The Sheriff, Noah Robinson, agreed to the phased approach. The appropriation was adjusted: Union Overtime reduced from $100,000 to $80,000; FICA revised to $21,542; PERF revised to $39,985; and the Teamsters Scholarship and Education line item ($325) was eliminated. The total approved appropriation was $353,109. - Sheriff Appropriation (Garage & Motor): $140,000 approved for the Sheriff's Garage & Motor fund. - Area Plan Appropriation (Legal Services): $21,000 approved for legal services, primarily to cover the monthly retainer for the remainder of the year and two remaining court cases. Ron London noted that the previous budget ($45,000) was nearly exhausted, partly due to the Bluegrass Solar BZA appeal case. He indicated he would ask the attorney to add a clause to BZA rules to recover legal fees if the county wins future court cases. - LIT Facilities - Jail Medical: $300,000 approved for inmate medical costs. - Convention Center Operating - Old National Events Plaza: $88,003 approved as a quarterly installment for EVCBA maintenance. - Transfers: All transfers as submitted were approved unanimously, including: - Sheriff: multiple transfers from sergeant and deputy positions to overtime and shift differential. - County Commissioners: $6,000 transferred from Animal Control, Emergency Management, and Purchasing to Legal Advertising. - Jail: transfers from various confinement officer positions to civilian overtime, shift differential, and union overtime. - Cumulative Bridge: $11,885 from Materials to Union Overtime, FICA, and PERF. - Highway: $2,470 from Greaseman to Road Foreman. - Riverboat - Commissioners: $20,000 from Transportation Services to Legal Services. - Vanderburgh County CASA Update: Sarah Reis, Executive Director, and Chief Judge Jillian Kratochvil presented an update. Key points: - CASA serves 285 children with 97 active volunteers and 17 staff members on a $1.1 million budget (80% personnel). - In 2025, they served 523 kids with nearly 14,000 volunteer hours, reducing the waitlist by 21% (from 911 to 717). - Vanderburgh County has the highest per capita rate of child abuse and neglect in Indiana, with 1,011 kids in open CHINS (Child in Need of Services) cases. - 80% of cases are due to neglect; 36% of families have repeat cases; average case length is 14 months. - 24% of kids are in foster care (up from 19% a year ago), with 250 kids currently in foster care. - CASA involvement reduces time in foster care by an average of 8 months and cuts the likelihood of a family having a new case in half. - The Indiana General Assembly Legislative Committee has selected CASA for a Summer Study Session on fiscal policy; Vanderburgh County is the only county in the state that did not meet the dollar-for-dollar state match requirement (received $210,000; match was $283,000). - Councilmembers discussed the need for additional funding, including potential contributions from the city and school corporation. The requested state match for next year is $226,900. - Amendments to Salary Ordinance: Approved as printed. Key Outcomes - Personnel and Appropriations Approvals: All personnel requests and appropriations were approved unanimously (6-0) with the noted modifications to the LIT Jail request. - Phased Jail Staffing: The Council approved 11 of 22 requested Confinement Officers, 2 Sergeants, and 1 Staff Sergeant, with the remaining 11 positions deferred to a later date. - CASA Funding Discussion: No vote was taken on increasing CASA funding, but the Council heard the request for the upcoming budget cycle. The state match request for next year is $226,900. - Upcoming Meetings: The next Personnel & Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for July 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM.

The Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners and the Drainage Board held a joint meeting on June 30, 2026, at 9:41 AM. The meeting began with a resolution celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence, followed by action items including the selection of a new EMS provider, approval of engineer items, and adoption of a stormwater drainage ordinance. The drainage board approved several drainage plans and variances. Call to Order and 250th Anniversary Resolution - President Elpers called the meeting. The board unanimously adopted Resolution CO.R-06-26-017 recognizing and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Commissioners made remarks about local contributions (e.g., Evansville's WWII production of P-47 fighter aircraft and LST landing ships). Action Items: Selection of County Emergency Medical Services Provider - After due diligence, including meetings with township trustees and a public meeting, the board voted unanimously to recommend the Evansville Fire Department as the county's EMS provider. Comments thanked AMR for past service and emphasized safety and fiscal responsibility. Engineer Action Items - Notice to Bidders: Approved for Concrete Street Repairs (VC26-08-01), sealed bids due July 28, 2026, covering work on Oglety Drive, Strawberry Hill, and Copper Field subdivisions. - Sidewalk Waiver Request (The Nest Subdivision): The Area Plan Commission recommended denial (5-2). Design engineer Storm Colak (Lock Mueller Group) argued no sidewalk connectivity on Red Bank Road. Lieutenant Chad Ferguson (Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office) presented statistics: 57 pedestrian crashes (2016-2026), 51 injured, 4 killed, 49 struck where no sidewalk present; he opposed sidewalk waivers generally. Commissioner Gable voted no, following APC recommendation; Commissioners Canterbury and Elpers voted yes, noting no existing sidewalks on Red Bank Road. Motion to approve passed 2-1. - Change Order 1 (Oak Hill Road): 22-day extension due to design revisions for drainage structures, no cost, approved. - Pipe Fee Acceptance (Poet Square Section 4): $2 per foot fee for pipes outside right-of-way, approved. - Temporary Speed Limit Reduction (Clover Drive): 15 mph for 30 days due to construction detour from Oak Hill Road project, approved. Old National Events Plaza and Settlement Agreement - Approved First Amendment to Wind Down Agreement with ASM Global. - Approved settlement agreement regarding contractual bidding process at Community Corrections. Stormwater Drainage Control Ordinance (Final Reading) - Resolution CO.R-06-26-016 adopted, establishing Chapter 13.04. Chief Deputy Surveyor Mike Ward asked about effective date; President Elpers clarified it applies to current and future projects. Approved unanimously. Engineer Certification Form 803 and Code Enforcement Fees - Approved Form 803, shifting responsibility for drainage design and increasing detail. - Resolution CO.R-05-26-014 establishing administrative fees for code enforcement hearings, approved. Department Head Reports - Holly Buchanan (Floodplain Administrator) provided information on storm flooding and permit activities, emphasizing services for insurance claims. New Business: Data Center Research Committee - Commissioners announced discussions to establish a committee, currently with the Area Plan Commission. Consent Calendar - Approved June 16, 2026 meeting minutes, employment changes, auditor claims vouchers (June 15-19 and June 22-26, including settlement), engineer report and claims, treasurer's May 2026 Innkeeper's Tax Report, EPA consent for access to county-owned property at 1004 Edgar, appointment of Troy Tornatta to the Economic Development Commission, and application for abutting property owner to purchase county-owned property at 3900 Saunders. Public Comment (Commissioners Meeting) - None. Drainage Board Meeting Call to Order and Pledge - Meeting called to order, Pledge led by veteran Mike. Greystone Estates - Preliminary drainage plan approved, public hearing set for August 11, 2026, regarding vacation of a portion of Cold Ditch regulated drain. Developer to notify affected property owners per Indiana Code 36-9-27-37. The Nest at Red Bank Apartment Complex - Final drainage plan approved with variance allowing up to 15% undetained discharge (actual 87% detained). Variance approved to allow continued development. Saddle Creek Estates Section 4 - Final drainage plan approved with variance for 22% undetained runoff (mostly to Little Pigeon Creek), mitigated by restricting detention basin outflow to 8.56 cfs instead of allowed 70.08 cfs. Approved. Ditch Claims - Two claims totaling $450.60 approved. Informational - Pigeon Creek Watershed Development Commission meeting scheduled for July 27, 2026, at 10 AM in Room 301. Public Comment (Drainage Board) - Jack Keenan (213 Cherry Street) described a private drain dispute with neighbors causing water damage to his historic house. The board explained it lacked jurisdiction over private drains and suggested private legal remedies. Adjournment - The drainage board adjourned.