The Board of Public Works met on June 25, 2026, at 1:30 PM to consider routine approvals, a pavement preservation project bid opening, a change order for the Walnut Phase III Project, right-of-way permit applications, and event-related road closures. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the minutes from the June 18, 2026, meeting. - 2026 Pavement Preservation Project 26-012: Approved opening the single bid received from Evergreen Roadworks, LLC in the amount of $980,546.50; the bid was later taken under advisement. Discussion Items - Change Order 18 – Walnut Phase III Project (INDOT): Approved a zero-sum change order to extend the completion date. The extension accounted for 76 added days previously applied only to Milestone 1 but not to Milestone 2 (CSGP Intermediate Completion Date), as required by INDOT procedure. - Right-of-Way Permit Applications 3024–3031: Approved with no exceptions. Conditions include compliant Maintenance of Traffic procedures per Indiana MUTCD, possible Board of Public Safety approval for lane restrictions or street closures, and adherence to city utility cut repair details. - Event Road Closures and Barricades: - EVPL Foundation’s Concerts on the Lawn Series: Closure of Chestnut between SE 8th Street and SE MLK Jr. Blvd on Saturdays June 27, August 1, August 15, September 12, and September 19, 2026, for food trucks. Barricades approved. - New Hope Missionary Baptist Church’s Camp Hope Event: Closure of WR Brown Sr. Way from Mulberry Street to Bellemeade Avenue on July 8–10, 2026, daily 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Barricades approved. Key Outcomes - All motions (minutes, bid opening, change order, permits, event closures, bills and payrolls, adjournment) passed unanimously by voice vote (all ayes). - The sole bid for the pavement preservation project was taken under advisement for further review. - No public business or other business was brought before the board. Bid Opening - One bid received: Evergreen Roadworks, LLC – $980,546.50. Motion to take under advisement approved.
Public Meetings - Evansville, Indiana
Public Meetings - Evansville, IndianaHearing Officer Ryan Schultz presided over a hearing for the Evansville Vanderburgh County Building Commission on June 25, 2026, addressing 26 cases involving unsafe buildings. The city requested repairs, vacates, or demolitions under Indiana Code 36-7-9. Civil penalties up to $5,000 were authorized. Decisions included orders to repair, vacate, or raise structures, with many matters continued for progress reports in July or August 2026. Consent Calendar - 1108 West Maryland Street (Inspector Allen): Repair order on house/garage. Progress on tuckpointing; remaining shingles, gutters, and handrail. Return July 23. - 1309 North Elliott Street (Inspector Skeet): Repair order on house/garage. Progress on roof and front porch. Return August 27; civil penalty under advisement. - 1319 East Indiana Street (Inspector Skeet): Repair order on house. Progress. Return August 27. - 1220 South Harlan Avenue (Inspector Lukey): Repair order on house/garage. Progress. Return July 23. - 1612-1614 South Lynnwood Avenue (Inspector Lukey): Repair order on house/garage. Majority of exterior repairs done; interior inspection ordered within 30 days. Return August 27. - 1143-1163 Covert Avenue (Inspector Lukey): Repair order on two apartment buildings. Repairs completed; matter released. - 3355 West Franklin Street (Inspector Allen): Repair order on house. Property scheduled for foreclosure sale. Return August 27. - 2600 West Illinois Street (Inspector Allen): Repair order on house/garage. No progress, no complaints. Return July 23. - 3926 North Fourth Avenue (Inspector Allen): Repair order on house. Progress; contractor recorded contract. Return August 27. - 2005 South Pass Avenue (Inspector Skeet): Emergency vacate order. Services restored; matter released. - 1307 Cumberland Avenue (Inspector Allen): Affirmed repair order on house/garage. No progress; permits suspended. $500 civil penalty under advisement; return August 27. - 1710 East Illinois Street (Inspector Skeet): Affirmed repair order on house/garage. New owner; roof replaced without permit; progress. Return August 27. - 365 South Craig Avenue (Inspector Allen): Repair order on house/garage. Owners agreed to repairs; house sinking due to wood rot. Return August 27. - 2575-2579 Stanley Court (Inspector Allen): Repair order on duplex. Owner working; soffit, gutters, window issues. Return August 27. - 529 Stanley Avenue (Inspector Allen): Repair order on garage. Roof deteriorated; public nuisance found. Return August 27. - 1926 South Red Bank Road (Inspector Allen): Repair order on house. Owner recovering from hospital; no progress. Civil penalty under advisement; return July 23. - 1110-1112 East Negley Avenue: Continued. - 912-914 West Columbia Street: Continued due to attorney conflict. - 1907 Lincoln Avenue: Continued due to conflict. Discussion Items - 4405 Fickest Road – Linda Bell (Owner): Vacate and raise orders on house and three sheds. Inspector Dolphin testified that the house had structural issues: rotted roof trusses, missing electrical, stripped fixtures, and squatter damage. The roof was installed incorrectly, risk of collapse. One shed had a large hole in the roof. Owner requested time for her son to complete repairs after his release from prison. She stated she was homeless and had been dealing with squatters and theft. Decision: Vacate order granted for house; raise order granted for the damaged shed; house taken under advisement with decision within 10 days. - 2911 West Franklin Street – CJ Funky (Owner): Affirmed repair order on retaining wall/stairs. Inspector Allen reported no progress; owner failed to submit specifications as ordered. Owner stated he hired an engineer (Morley & Associates) to redo specs, but had not communicated with the city. Hearing Officer imposed a $500 civil penalty under advisement, ordered specs provided within 10 days, and return July 23. Warning of $1,000 penalty if not complied. - 313 South Elm Avenue – Sean Allen Rust (Owner): Repair order on house/garage. Inspector Allen noted house wrap on south wall but no significant progress. Owner, a general contractor, stated he bought the property and planned to complete repairs within a year using his crew. He had permits but no detailed timeline. Affirmed repair order; return August 27 for progress. - 203 Reed Street – 203 Reed Street Land Trust (Owner): Vacate and raise order. Inspector Allen reported no contact with owner. A contract purchaser (Jasmine Geminez) claimed she was buying but had no signed contract. Matter continued to July to allow her to provide contract documentation. - 3412 Yale Drive – Clarence E. Witt et al. (Owners): Repair order on fence. Inspector Dolphin testified that the fence was leaning onto neighbor's fence, obstructing replacement. No owner contact. Fence deemed a public nuisance; repair order affirmed. - 1102 North Garden Street – MA Valley Inc. (Owner): Affirmed repair order on house/garage. No progress; willful non-compliance alleged by inspector. Hearing Officer took $500 civil penalty under advisement; return July 23. - 1343 East Franklin Street – PQ LLC (Owner): Repair order on house/garage. Inspector Skeet (substituting) described missing soffits, rotten wood, damaged gutters, and overgrown trees. No owner contact. Affirmed repair order; return August 27. Key Outcomes - Vacate order granted: 4405 Fickest Road (house); Raise order granted: 4405 Fickest Road (one shed). House decision pending in 10 days. - Affirmed repair orders: 2911 West Franklin Street (retaining wall/stairs), 313 South Elm Avenue, 365 South Craig Avenue, 1307 Cumberland Avenue, 2575-2579 Stanley Court, 1108 West Maryland Street, 1309 North Elliott Street, 1319 East Indiana Street, 1220 South Harlan Avenue, 1612-1614 South Lynnwood Avenue, 529 Stanley Avenue, 2600 West Illinois Street, 3355 West Franklin Street, 1926 South Red Bank Road, 3412 Yale Drive, 1102 North Garden Street, 1343 East Franklin Street. - Civil penalties: $500 penalty under advisement for 2911 West Franklin Street (if specs not provided by July 23, $1,000); $500 under advisement for 1307 Cumberland Avenue and 1102 North Garden Street; penalty under advisement for 1926 South Red Bank Road. - Matters released: 2005 South Pass Avenue (services restored), 1143-1163 Covert Avenue (repairs completed). - Continued: 203 Reed Street (to July), 1907 Lincoln Avenue, 912-914 West Columbia Street, 1110-1112 East Negley Avenue. - Return hearings scheduled: Most matters set for July 23, 2026 or August 27, 2026 for progress updates.
The License and Disciplinary Board convened on June 25, 2026, at 3:46 PM. The meeting covered approval of passing applicants for construction, roofing, electrical, and HVAC licenses, an update on a retiring board member, and a preliminary discussion regarding a contractor's fraud conviction. Passing Applicants - Construction and Roofing: Nine applicants passed various exams, including Grace Kormos (Commercial Part 1: 80%, Part 2: 70%), Michael Anderson (Residential Part 1: 72%, Part 2: 84%), Michael Tarzian (Commercial Part 1: 74%, Part 2: 80%), Benjamin Zuerner (Fire Sprinkler: 74%), Christopher Sobotka (Concrete Footing and Flatwork: 74%), Daniel Murrell (Fire Sprinkler: 72%), Francisco Torres (Siding and Guttering: 70%), Jeff Hall (Drywall Partition: 76%), and Steven McDaniel (Fire Sprinkler: 94%). - Electrical (May 28 – June 25, 2026): Three applicants passed journeyman exams: Dylan Butts (72%), Nicholas Krietemeyer (78%), Cade Latshaw (75%). - HVAC: Seven applicants passed journeyman exams: Jordan Kluesner (84%), Justin Santas (84%), Kelly Rose (80%), Ulrich Kinnaman (70%), Wyatt Daly (74%), Bradley Cole (72%), Courtney Gadoua (80%). Old News - Bart Schutz is retiring on July 7, 2026. New News - The board noted that contractor Jacob Key pled guilty to fraud charges and was sentenced on June 15, 2026, to three years of standard probation with restitution to victims. His wife entered the Pre-Trial Diversion Program on May 22, 2026. The board will need to discuss revoking his license at the next meeting. Next Meeting - The next board meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026, at 3:30 PM in room 318. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned.
The Commission on the Social Status of African American Males met on June 25, 2026, with a quorum present. The meeting covered updates on the barbershop health initiative, planning for the Million Father March, progress on a strategic plan, police-community relations, and youth outreach activities. A new commissioner was welcomed, and a community survey was prepared for deployment. Consent Calendar - Adoption of Minutes: The minutes from the May 28, 2026 meeting were unanimously adopted (motion by Commissioner St. Germain, second by Commissioner Burris). Discussion Items - Welcome of New Commissioner: Lavar St. Germain, who works at the EVSC Academy for Innovative Studies, joined the commission. He shared his background and interest in addressing student needs. - Barbershop Health Initiative (New Business): The commission discussed the health initiative held in May in partnership with the Minority Health Coalition. Five barbershops participated. Commissioner visited Dapper Man and reported the event had many volunteers and appeared well-attended. Commissioner shared that Sabrina Cawthorne reported approximately 65 screenings took place. The commission played a supporting role this year due to state-level changes. The initiative, which started in Evansville, has grown into a statewide event. - Million Father March (Old Business): Scheduled for August 14, 2026, the first full day of attendance for EVSC students. Five schools are lined up: Glenwood, AIS, and Lodge have confirmed participation; Washington and Lincoln are expected to confirm. Bread of Life may cover Lodge, and other schools need volunteer coverage. Note that Angie Oliver, former principal at Glenwood, has been promoted to central office, requiring relationship-building with the new principal. - Strategic Plan (Old Business): A contract is in place with a consultant. The strategic planning session will be held at a different location (to be announced), and the consultant will poll commissioners for available dates. The plan aims to align the commission with other bodies under the Human Relations Commission. - Police and Community Relations (Old Business): Ongoing efforts to build trust and understanding. Commissioners were encouraged to participate in police ride-alongs. An event that evening (June 25) at Central Library, hosted by NAACP and Mothers at War (Maw), is a criminal justice educational forum from 6:00–7:30 PM with representatives from EPD, sheriff’s office, prosecutor’s office, and courts. Potential future partnership with Maw was discussed. - Community Gun Violence (Old Business): Commissioner Culver, who usually provides a report, was absent due to an active incident earlier that hour. Gun violence remains a concern, particularly during summer. A report is expected at the July meeting. - Youth Outreach (Old Business): The Dust Bowl event at Garvin Park (a new venue) is ongoing and reportedly well-attended. Commissioner Ruff indicated she is developing a proposal and will send it to commissioners. - Community Survey Development: Commissioner Burris had circulated a draft survey to gather community input. Samantha Fleischaker, the new Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Human Relations Commission, refined the survey by adding demographic questions and creating a QR code. The survey is intended for deployment at the Dust Bowl event to reach a captive audience. Commissioners were encouraged to use the QR code or printed versions. Key Outcomes - Unanimous adoption of May 28 meeting minutes. - Strategic plan consultant contract confirmed; session logistics to be finalized. - Million Father March: Schools confirmed and volunteer coordination underway; Bread of Life to be contacted for Lodge coverage. - Police-community relations: Commission to encourage attendance at the evening forum and explore partnership with Mothers at War. - Community survey: Ready for deployment; commissioners urged to bring QR code or paper copies to the Dust Bowl. - Adjournment: Motion by Commissioner Burris, second by Commissioner Ruff; meeting adjourned unanimously. Note: The transcription date indicated May 29, 2026, but the meeting is officially recorded as June 25, 2026 per the provided timestamp.
The Evansville Board of Public Safety held its 12th scheduled meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The board considered a request to convert Tiki on Main's Bike Night to a Jeep Night, approved several fire department contracts and fundraising activities, authorized demolition bids, and handled routine permits. Discussion Items - Todd Early (Tiki on Main) requested approval to change the permitted Monday night event from "Bike Night" to "Jeep Night" after cancelling Bike Night due to a safety incident involving a motorcycle organization and pressure from the Renaissance District. He expressed that the event raised $4,500 for the Susan G. Komen organization the previous year. Board members discussed concerns about blocking streets, noise, and previous issues with motorcycles parking on sidewalks. The board voted to approve the change on a trial basis for two Monday nights, with the stipulation that no vehicles are allowed on sidewalks. - James Cohen (Vice President, IAFF Local 357) requested and received approval for the Evansville Fire Department to conduct its annual MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) "boot drive" collection from August 21 through September 7, 2026, at multiple intersections. The department collected $40,000 last year, ranking first in the state. - Dumpster permit at 800 Covert Avenue was approved unanimously. - Police Department contract with Asset Systems Inc. for a three-year asset tracking software subscription (paid annually) was approved. - Fire Department received approval for multiple items: - Interlocal agreements for EMS service with Perry Township, Knight Township, Pigeon Township, and mutual aid agreements with Ascension St. Vincent and Deaconess EMS. - A waiver of a minor bid irregularity (missing pre-qualification letter) for Midwest Contracting, allowing them to be awarded the contract for renovations at Fire Stations 1 and 3. The waiver was necessary to keep construction moving with two contractors. - Approval of a contract with Garmong for renovations at Stations 5, 6, 8, 9, 15, and 17. - Permission to seek sealed quotes for EMS consumable supplies (IV supplies, bandages, etc.) for the remainder of the year. - Building Commission (Kim Josie) requested and received approval to open demolition bids on eight properties (413 S. Bedford Ave., 620 E. Blackford Ave., 316 Cass Ave., 1205 Harriet St., 1513 W. Missouri St., 906 W. Oregon St., 2020 Ravenswood Dr., and 1110 Reed St.). Also approved were emergency demolition contracts for three properties: 217 W. Illinois St. (collapsing foundation), 701/703 Oak Hill Rd. (exposed openings), and 305-309 N. Main St. (collapsed roof). These emergency demolitions had already been completed. - Special event permit for New Hope Missionary Baptist Church's "Camp Hope" event, closing Dr. W.R. Brown Sr. Way from Mulberry St. to Bellmead Ave. on July 8–10, 2026, from 4 PM to 8 PM daily, was approved. - Consent agenda for road closures was approved unanimously. - Massage therapy clinic permit for Rest Required (2750 N. Burkhart Rd., Suite 107) was approved after meeting all city requirements. - Demolition bids were read from three bidders: Stemly Excavating, Hydorn Excavating LLC, and Velpin Disposal. A discrepancy over a handwritten number for the bid at 620 E. Blackford Ave. (debated as $2,550 or $7,550) was resolved by interpreting it as $7,550. The board took all bids under advisement. - Claims and minutes from June 10, 2026, were approved. Key Outcomes - Approved (all votes unanimous unless noted): - Tiki on Main's Jeep Night on a two-Monday trial basis, with no sidewalk parking. - Fire Department MDA boot drive (Aug 21 – Sep 7). - Dumpster permit at 800 Covert Ave. - Police Department contract with Asset Systems Inc. - Fire Department interlocal agreements, mutual aid agreements, waiver of bid irregularity, station renovation contracts, and permission to seek EMS supply quotes. - Building Commission demolition bid openings and emergency demolitions. - Special event permit for Camp Hope. - Consent agenda road closures. - Massage therapy permit for Rest Required. - Taken under advisement: Demolition bids for the eight properties; no award was made at this meeting. Next meeting: Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Room 301.
The Human Relations Commission met on June 24, 2026, with a quorum present. The meeting covered approval of amended minutes, discussion of an appeal review, planning for the annual dinner, updates on police community relations, strategic planning, introduction of a new staff member, and community engagement initiatives. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The commission approved the minutes from the May 27, 2026 meeting as amended. The correction clarified that Commissioner Dan Carwill was not present for the April meeting (as recorded in the April minutes) and that Commissioner Donovan Phipps attended the May meeting via WebEx. The motion passed unanimously (all in favor). Discussion Items - Appeal Review: Staff requested a reviewing commissioner for an appeal. Commissioner Dan Carwill and another commissioner volunteered to review the appeal after the meeting to ensure timely response. - Annual Dinner Date Change: The commission discussed moving the annual dinner from October 2, 2026 to September 25, 2026 due to a concurrent event at the Old National Events Plaza (a popular comedian) and limited parking. The alternate date (last Friday in September) was proposed pending availability of keynote speaker Dr. Barber and the mayor. The commission passed a motion authorizing the director to change the date if all parties agree (unanimous). - Police Community Relations: The initiative with the RAND Corporation stalled due to lack of funding from the police department. The commission continues seeking opportunities for community policing convenings. - Strategic Planning: A consultant has been contracted for a strategic planning session. An initial poll for dates had low consensus, so the consultant will directly contact commissioners. Concerns were raised about attendance, timing (some proposed times conflicted with regular meetings), and compliance with the Open Door Law. Staff will consult legal counsel regarding public meeting requirements. The goal is to hold the session in late July 2026, with full participation. - Staff Introduction: Samantha Fleischaker was introduced as the new Education and Outreach Coordinator. She is a USI graduate and previously appointed to the Indiana Student Commission for Higher Education. She will serve as a liaison to the community. - Monthly Report: In May 2026, 8 new cases were filed, leaving approximately 59 cases open. The department is integrating a new case management system. Staff thanked commissioners who participated in the River City Pride Parade. - Barbershop Initiative: The initiative, previously run with the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, has been transferred to the Minority Health Coalition due to state-level changes. The event took place in June 2026 at five barbershops and was successful. - Community Issues: Commissioners discussed gun violence prevention events, including the Evansville Dust Bowl and midnight basketball, which saw over 200 students attend. A meeting for youth programming is scheduled for June 26, 2026 at the Evansville African American Museum. A community calendar of events for July and August is being developed. The "Walk with the Mayor" event was announced for June 28, 2026 at 5 p.m. at the Pagoda. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved as amended (unanimous). - Motion to authorize director to change annual dinner date (unanimous). - Appeal review assigned to be completed after the meeting. - Strategic planning process to move forward with consultant outreach; compliance with Open Door Law to be verified. The meeting adjourned with no further business.
The Evansville Police Department Pension Board met on June 24, 2026, at 8:23 AM in Room 307 of the Civic Center Complex. The meeting began with an executive session to review two applicant packets presented by Sgt. Dexter Wolf. The regular session followed with a quorum present (Mayor Terry and active member Kyle Castle were absent). The board unanimously approved both applicants and set the next meeting date. Key Outcomes - Applicant 25-234: Motion to accept made by McDonald, seconded by Belford. Passed unanimously by voice vote. - Applicant 25-225: Included in the same motion; also accepted unanimously. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 8:15 AM in Room 307 of the Civic Center Plaza. - Adjournment: Motion by Smith, seconded by Breivogel. Meeting adjourned at 8:24 AM.
No meaningful discussion or decisions were recorded. The provided transcript contained only unintelligible text. No agenda or minutes were available for reference.
The Vanderburgh County Council Personnel & Finance Committee met on June 24, 2026, at 3:03 PM in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex. The meeting was called to order by President John Montrastelle and adjourned at 4:21 PM. All seven council members were present (Iaccarino, Shetler, Kiefer, Bassemier, Raben, Hahn, Montrastelle), establishing a quorum. The agenda included appropriation requests, personnel requests (not discussed), and new business regarding the police pension plan. No public comments were made. Discussion Items Sheriff's Garage and Motor Appropriation ($140,000) - Sheriff Noah Robinson requested $140,000 for vehicle repairs and maintenance, citing increased transmission failures and engine issues. He noted that total spending in 2025 was $320,000, including a $120,000 appropriation in August 2025. The current request is $20,000 higher and requested earlier in the year. The Sheriff's fleet of 110 vehicles includes some dating back to 2007-2008, with many over 100,000 miles. Councilmembers discussed the aging fleet, maintenance contracts with Muensterman's Auto Service, and the cost of new patrol vehicles ($55,000–$60,000 each). LIT - Jail Confinement Officer Personnel ($543,011 total) - Sheriff Robinson requested funding to hire 26 confinement officers, 2 sergeants, and 1 staff sergeant in phases to staff the new jail opening (expected December 2025 or January 2026). The request includes $100,000 for union overtime, $34,071 for FICA, and $63,243 for PERF. Jail Commander Dave Guetling explained the training process: 3 weeks of classroom, 2 months of floor rotations, and a preference for staggered classes of 7-8 officers to avoid overloading training staff. Councilmember Montrastelle raised concerns about approving all hires at once, but the Sheriff noted the plan already reflects the minimum staffing needed, cut below what the jail commander is comfortable with. LIT Facilities - Jail Medical Appropriation ($300,000) - Sheriff Robinson requested $300,000 for inmate medical costs, citing a sharp increase in hospital transports (from 306 in 2024 to 566 in 2025) and rising prescription costs. He mentioned a contract with Heritage for bill scrubbing. Councilmembers discussed the possibility of obtaining private insurance or Medicaid coverage for inmates. President Montrastelle suggested exploring insurance options; Councilmember Kiefer noted that Medicaid changes are unlikely given state financial pressures. The Sheriff indicated he would continue investigating. Area Plan Commission Legal Services ($21,000) - Ron London, attorney for the Area Plan Commission, requested additional funding for legal defense in multiple lawsuits, including the Blue Grass Solar project. The solar project was denied by a 4-3 vote, and the developer sued. London noted that the petitioner has the right to refile in August. Councilmembers discussed the inability to recoup legal costs from successful defenses. Convention Center Operating Expenses ($88,003) - Darren Stearns, Associate Executive Director of Old National Events Plaza, presented the third-quarter installment of an operating expense agreement. Councilmember Hahn requested an itemization of expenses for the full council vote on July 1. New Business: Vanderburgh County Police Pension Plan - Rob Clark (Pension Board Chairman) and Kevin Carey (Actuary, Nyhart) presented the 2026 valuation. The pension plan has a funded ratio of approximately 80% (market value basis), with assets of $62.4 million and liabilities of $76.16 million. The annual cost of benefits is about $4 million. The 2026 actuarially determined contribution (ADC) is $2,108,385, and the current contribution rate is 16% of payroll (up from 14.5% in 2025). Carey noted that the pension plan met the ADC for three of the last five years, so no remediation plan is required. However, the benefit plan (death and disability) will likely need a supplemental contribution of about $55,000. Councilmembers discussed the sustainability of the plan, the investment strategy (7.25% assumed return), and the role of the investment advisor Mariner. The council had previously made supplemental contributions of $375,000 in November 2024 and $265,000 in December 2025. No supplemental contribution is expected for the pension plan in 2026, but the benefit plan may require one. Key Outcomes - All appropriation requests were discussed and will be forwarded to the full County Council for a vote on July 1, 2026. - The Personnel & Finance Committee took no formal votes; recommendations will be made at the next meeting. - Personnel requests (Assessor, Area Plan, Legal Aid, Health Dept, LIT-Jail) were listed on the agenda but were not discussed. - No public comments were made. - The next County Council meeting is scheduled for July 1, 2026, at 3:00 PM. - The next Personnel & Finance meeting is scheduled for July 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM.
The Common Council of Evansville met on June 22, 2026, at 5:30 PM (afternoon session). The meeting included routine approvals, several rezoning ordinances, a bond issuance, and public comments on safety and immigration concerns. All council members were present, constituting a quorum. Consent Calendar - The meeting memorandum of June 8, 2026, was approved as written. - Reports and communications (including Ordinance F2026-08, R2026-09 second amendment, R2026-11 second amendment, R2026-12 amended Area Plan Commission report, and Weights and Measures monthly report) were acknowledged. - The consent agenda, including first reading of Ordinance F2026-08 (appropriations transfers), was adopted unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Alison Lewis (Evansville Housing Authority/Advanced Development Corporation): Announced plans to submit a CDBG proposal for Youth Build Evansville and improvements to a community resource center on Edgar Street. - Thomas Stratton (513 Randy Mead Avenue): Voiced strong opposition to Flock cameras, arguing they are part of a broader surveillance system that threatens immigrant communities and citing state legislation (SB 76) expanding ICE access. He read a poem titled "Flockery" to illustrate concerns. - Martin Heath (Newburgh, IN): Also spoke against Flock cameras, drawing historical parallels to McCarthy-era blacklisting and urging the council to investigate the implications of such surveillance. Discussion Items Ordinance G2026-12 – Cargus Law Project Bond Issuance - Presenters: Nick Siriano (outside counsel) and John Anderson (AP Development). - Details: A taxable economic development TIF revenue bond (Series 2026) to support redevelopment of the former Cargus furniture factory at 1501 West Maryland into 12 apartments. The bond is not a general obligation of the city; TIF revenue from the project will pay the bonds over 25 years. Rents between $900 and $1,500, market rate. No affordable housing component. The project is under construction with completion expected in October 2026. - Council Questions: Addressed developer risk, rent levels, and affordable housing status. - Outcome: Adopted unanimously (9-0). Ordinance R2026-09 – Rezoning of 6600 Oden Boonville Highway - Presenters: Steve Bowleber (attorney for developer Elite Properties/Kenny Reinbrecht) and Jim Morley (project engineer). - Details: Request to rezone 15.87 acres from M1 to R5 to construct a 216-unit multifamily development with 350 parking spaces, a lake, and amenities. The project is intended to address housing shortages. A traffic study was conducted, finding the need for an auxiliary lane (passing blister or turn lane) on Old Boonville Highway. The developer committed to comply with the study's recommendations. Concerns raised by council include safety, traffic congestion, and the adequacy of a passing blister. Councilman Brickmeyer suggested a right-turn-only exit and moving the entrance to the west end to separate traffic from existing nearby driveways. - Decision: Tabled until the July 27, 2026 meeting to allow further study and preparation of a conceptual plan addressing safety concerns. Motion by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Hieronymus; passed with one nay (Councilwoman Taylor likely? Actually transcript shows one nay on voice vote? Wait, transcript says "Any opposed? And one day." So one opposed, but not specified. We'll note it as one opposed.) Ordinance R2026-10 – Rezoning of 501, 503, 511 East Walnut Street - Presenter: Alyssa Nilson (Area Plan Commission). - Details: Rezone a block from R5 to C2 to allow mixed-use (existing multifamily plus a small commercial office in an existing building). The UDC restricts certain commercial uses (e.g., no liquor stores, pawn shops, bars). No opposition received. - Outcome: Adopted unanimously (9-0). Ordinance R2026-11 – Rezoning of 4919 Old Boonville Highway - Presenters: Attorney (from Denton's Bingham Greenbaum) and Cole Lyle (owner of Lyle Trailer Sales). - Details: Rezone 0.26 acres from R1 to C4 to expand existing trailer sales business. The lot was recently acquired after being condemned. Adjacent property owner (Mr. Patel) voiced no objection. Ward councilor Truckman expressed support. A UDC will include buffer requirements. - Outcome: Adopted unanimously (9-0). Ordinance R2026-13 – Rezoning of 1514 South Morton Avenue - Presenter: Alyssa Nilson (Area Plan Commission). - Details: Downzone from C2 to R2 to construct a single-family residence on a vacant lot. Consistent with comprehensive plan. No opposition. - Outcome: Adopted unanimously (9-0). Key Outcomes - Ordinance G2026-12 (Cargus Law Project bond): Adopted 9-0. - Ordinance R2026-09 (rezoning 6600 Oden Boonville Highway): Tabled to July 27, 2026, on a motion that passed with one opposed vote. - Ordinance R2026-10 (rezoning 501-511 East Walnut): Adopted 9-0. - Ordinance R2026-11 (rezoning 4919 Old Boonville Highway): Adopted 9-0. - Ordinance R2026-13 (rezoning 1514 South Morton Avenue): Adopted 9-0. - Boards and Commissions: Council nominated Troy Tornada to the Vanderburgh County Economic Development Commission (term ending January 31, 2028) by a unanimous vote. - Next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, July 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The tabbed R2026-09 will be heard on July 27.