Public Meetings - Evansville, Indiana

Meeting Summary The Police American Commission met on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 424 (location) to consider routine approvals, personnel actions, and awards. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The commission approved the minutes from the May 11, 2026 meeting. (Motion, second, voice vote: all ayes) - Claims Approval: The commission approved $1,650 in claims. (Motion, second, voice vote: all ayes) Discussion Items - Discipline: Officer Joseph Harter received a 15-day suspension under discipline number 26-PDU-PDO-02. The motion to accept the discipline passed unanimously. - 2026 Corporal Promotional List: The commission certified the list effective June 10, 2026 to June 9, 2028, explicitly excluding candidate Joseph Harter from the list. The motion passed unanimously. - Applicant Process: The commission certified applicant scores from the May 2026 hiring process into the active eligibility list. On three specific applicants: the commission voted to allow applicant 25-234 to continue and to remove applicants 25-206 and 26-086. Motion passed unanimously. - Sworn Awards and Commendations: The commission accepted the chain of command's requests: - Certificate of commendation for Officer David Smith (actions on May 15, 2026) and Officer Stephanie Yates (actions on May 18, 2026). Motion passed unanimously. - The commission acknowledged a lifesaver award for Officer Blake Zachary and Officer Joshua Myers (actions on May 3, 2026) and another lifesaver award for Officer Jacob Mealeaf and Officer Spencer Howell (actions on May 21, 2026). No action was required for these lifesaver awards. Retirements and Resignations - Retirement: Officer Matthew Dion Knight (badge 1276) retiring effective June 11, 2026, after 22 years, 6 months, 9 days of service. - Resignations: - Officer Samuel Keith Splittorf (badge 1621) resigned effective May 31, 2026, after 10 months, 20 days of service. - Officer Corbin Antonio Ricketts (badge 1626) resigned effective June 1, 2026, after 10 months, 21 days of service. - Officer Charles John Charles Wagner (badge 1631) resigned effective June 1, 2026, after 4 months, 20 days of service. Next Meeting The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 22, 2026, at 4:15 p.m. Public Comments There were no public comments recorded on the transcript. Late guests introduced themselves as Jason Thomas and Kevin Domingue (with the other response), but no public testimony was provided.

The meeting of the Disability Advisory Board (under the Human Relations Commission) convened on June 5, 2026, at 11:15 AM CT. Chairperson Brittany Crane led discussions on low-cost initiatives for the July ADA anniversary and October National Disability Employment Awareness Month, along with updates on the strategic planning consultant, a resource hub app, and a revised resource guide. Consent Calendar - Approval of April Meeting Minutes: Moved by Lee, seconded by Lisa Cook, and unanimously approved by voice vote. Discussion Items - July Initiatives (ADA Anniversary): The board reviewed several proposals: a community accessibility challenge (collecting barriers via QR code form), an accessibility recognition program for businesses, an open forum, an inclusive recreation day, a business self-assessment campaign, and an ADA story collection. Members favored the community accessibility challenge and a recognition program that highlights inclusive practices and success stories, rather than physical measurements (due to past labor intensity). The recognition program could run year-round, featuring a monthly spotlight. Forms will be created for submissions. - October Initiatives (Disability Employment Awareness Month): Options included champion awards, an employer spotlight campaign, a disability employment roundtable, an accessible hiring practices review, and a disability employment data report. The board preferred the employer spotlight campaign and the data report. The roundtable was set aside due to planning demands and past experiences. A committee meeting will be scheduled to finalize details, and the spotlight campaign may be tied to the annual dinner in October. - Lunch and Learn (Old Business): A proposed discussion on employment barriers and housing was tabled due to lack of capacity to organize at this time. - Strategic Planning Update: Diane announced that a consultant has been selected and the contract is nearly complete. The consultant will provide dates for a board strategic planning session; members will be polled for availability. Full participation is encouraged. - Resource Hub App Update: Delisa reported that she has built a low-cost (under $100/month) resource hub for disability services, populated with data from an existing PDF. She will share a link for the board to review and customize. - Resource Guide Revision: Lee is updating the 2013 resource guide, removing obsolete TTY references and adding modern video relay service information. He will complete a final review and bring it for approval at the next meeting. Key Outcomes - July Plan: Proceed with creating submission forms for a community accessibility challenge and a recognition program for employers/employees demonstrating inclusive practices. Promote via QR codes and flyers; start with board members’ own workplaces. - October Plan: Pursue an employer spotlight campaign (weekly features in October) and compile a disability employment data report. A committee will meet (date to be set) to flesh out details and possibly link to the annual dinner. - Strategic Planning: Await consultant dates; board will be polled to schedule a session. - Resource Guide: Lee to finish updates; next meeting will consider approval. - Resource Hub: Delisa to distribute the link for board feedback. - Next Steps: Chairperson will create draft forms and share with board for review; a committee meeting may be held virtually if needed.

The Evansville City Board met on June 4, 2026, to consider several contract approvals and routine items. All items were approved unanimously. No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Old Business: Approved by motion and second. - Downtown Economic Improvement District Contract: Lisa Foster presented a renewal of the annual contract ($25,000) to support downtown growth and development. Motion and second carried with all ayes. - Printer Contract (Conicam Minolta): Vernon Lutz and Kevin (IT) presented a city-wide contract for multifunction printers ($201,014.65) that will save over $70,000 over the term. Motion and second approved unanimously. - Human Relations Annual Dinner: Diane presented the contract ($30,000) with American Program Bureau for keynote speaker Rev. William J. Barber and awards ceremony. Motion and second carried. - Eastside Drainage Improvements Change Order 8: Brian not present; Karen explained the change order (decrease of $180,965.52) as the project nears completion and is under budget. Motion and second approved. - Walnut Phase Three Final Inspection: Karen described the walk-through completion and closure of the section to MLK. Motion and second approved. - Right-of-Way Permit Applications (2980-2992): Presented with recommendations for compliance and safety. Motion and second approved. - Bills and Payrolls: Approved by motion and second. - Adjournment: Motion and second carried; meeting adjourned. Key Outcomes - All motions (old business, five contracts/change orders, permit approvals, bills/payrolls, and adjournment) passed unanimously with aye votes. No dissents or abstentions recorded.

The Evansville Local Public Improvement Bond Bank held a meeting on June 4, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. The board approved the previous meeting minutes, accepted financial reports, and adopted the annual audit report. The meeting also addressed a voucher register, updated a member list, and cancelled a future meeting. Discussion Items - Financial Reports: Robert and Cody presented the financial reports. Cash and investments decreased by approximately $2 million, mainly due to a $1.9 million disbursement to the emergency dispatch for equipment and a $610,000 payment to the Evansville Police Department for vehicle purchases. Short-term CDs were used to maintain liquidity. The board discussed keeping cash available for pending DMD projects. The reports were accepted by a unanimous voice vote. - Audit Report: Ashley Schultz of Harding Shamanski and Company presented the audited financial statements for the bond bank. She noted a clean (unqualified) opinion. Key changes included a slight dip in cash due to additional CD purchases, a $1.8 million bond issuance in 2025, and $4.6 million in bond proceeds received. One adjusting journal entry corrected a $14,000 check that was improperly coded to interest income rather than principal reduction. The audit report was accepted by a unanimous voice vote. - Voucher Register and Member List: The board reviewed and signed the voucher register for invoices. A member list update (email address change) was approved without questions. - Cancellation of Future Meeting: Staff requested and the board agreed to cancel the June 18 or 19 meeting, with a reminder to be sent by Pam. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of the March 18, 2026, meeting (motion, second, unanimous aye). - Accepted financial reports as presented (motion, second, unanimous aye). - Accepted the audit report from Harding Shamanski and Company (motion, second, unanimous aye). - Signed the voucher register and approved the updated member list. - Cancelled the next scheduled meeting (June 18 or 19). No further business was conducted, and the meeting adjourned.

The City of Evansville Tree Advisory Board met on June 4, 2026, to discuss urban forestry initiatives, tree and sidewalk conflicts, tree removal requests, and policy updates. The meeting featured presentations from grant-funded staff working on the Urban Forestry Master Plan and tree inventory updates, as well as a detailed discussion on ADA compliance and tree preservation. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the May meeting (motion by Mike, seconded by Chris). Discussion Items - Evansville Forest Task Force Grant & IU Environmental Resilience Institute Cohort Program: Bia Burton (IU grant recipient) presented her work to create a community task force and update the Urban Forestry Master Plan and Management Plan, with meetings through July 31, 2026. Jessica Head (Wesselman Woods grant) is updating the city's tree inventory by collecting species, DBH, canopy width, height, and health data in urban areas and parks. The board discussed geographic coverage (city limits only, need for north/south/west side representation) and ensuring board members participate in the task force to facilitate adoption of recommendations. Sarah (board member) was suggested as a representative. - Tree and Sidewalk Conflict on Lincoln Avenue (400-500 block): New City Engineer Brian Mundy reported a complaint from a handicapped individual in a wheelchair about a sidewalk lifted by tree roots, forcing her into the street during wet weather. Discussion covered potential solutions: removing the tree, rerouting the sidewalk (requiring easements), using asphalt ramps, or installing rubber sidewalk (citing Newburgh example). Board members emphasized preserving the mature oak tree where possible due to low canopy in the area. It was decided that Sean (city arborist) and Brian will investigate alternatives (rubber sidewalks, rerouting) and report back at the next meeting. The sidewalk was recommended to be closed temporarily for safety. No immediate vote on removal; the issue was tabled. - Request to Remove or Plant Park Trees: - Goose Town Park: A two-trunked sycamore (one trunk dead) and an adjacent dying ash tree near the sidewalk were recommended for removal and replacement with a 2-for-1 ratio. Motion by Sean, seconded by Chris, approved unanimously. The board noted adequate canopy elsewhere in the park. - Van Avenue Trail: Several linden trees damaged by construction and likely failing were noted; Sean will assess and bring a count to the next meeting. - Request to Remove Street Trees (five trees): A motion to approve removal was made by Sarah, seconded by Mike, and unanimously approved. The board noted the neighborhood association would be contacted. - Tree Canopy Goal Initiative: Sean reported that the fire department planned to expand a parking lot and initially wanted to remove two trees. After meeting, they agreed to pave around the trees using compactable asphalt, saving the trees. The board commended the coordination. - INDOT Coordination Updates: Mike reported that INDOT will assist this winter with removing ash trees along state highways, improving coordination. INDOT has also been seeking board consent on projects (not legally required), showing improved collaboration. - Invasive Plant, Pest, and Disease Update: Emerald ash borer (EAB) continues to cause rapid tree decline. Paul Bowsman recommended adopting a policy allowing the arborist (Sean) to remove dead ash trees without prior board approval, with subsequent ratification. The board unanimously approved this policy change (motion by Paul, seconded by Mike). The policy will be communicated to affected partners (parks, schools, levee authority). Key Outcomes - Votes: - Approved minutes from May meeting. - Approved removal of park trees at Goose Town Park with 2-for-1 replacement. - Approved removal of five street trees (neighborhood association to be notified). - Adopted policy allowing arborist to remove dead ash trees without prior board approval (with later reporting). - Directives: - Sean and Brian Mundy to investigate alternatives (rubber sidewalks, rerouting) for the Lincoln Avenue tree/sidewalk conflict and report back at the next meeting; interim sidewalk closure recommended. - Sean to assess linden trees along Van Avenue trail and report tree count next month. - Committee to be formed to develop a formal policy on tree/sidewalk conflicts (volunteers: Aaron, Sarah, and possibly Chris, depending on availability). - Other Business: The board honored outgoing member Paul Bowsman for his extensive service and tree expertise, expressing gratitude for his contributions to the parks department and urban forestry.

No substantive agenda, minutes, or coherent transcript were provided. The available transcription consists of unintelligible fragments and does not allow for a meaningful summary of meeting proceedings.

The Area Plan Commission of Evansville and Vanderburgh County met on June 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex. The meeting lasted approximately 43 minutes. The commission considered three rezoning petitions and two subdivision plats, including sidewalk waiver requests. Three other rezoning petitions were continued to the July 2, 2026 meeting. All rezoning petitions were recommended for approval. The two subdivisions were approved, but a sidewalk waiver for The NEST subdivision was not recommended (2-5 vote) and will be decided by the Vanderburgh County Commissioners. One partial sidewalk waiver for River Valley 4 was recommended for approval and will also go to the Board of Public Works. Consent Calendar - The May memorandum (meeting minutes) was approved unanimously by roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Patrick Minahan (3200 Kensington Avenue) testified against the sidewalk waiver for The NEST subdivision, arguing that sidewalks would improve pedestrian safety and reduce traffic, and that the claim that sidewalks would serve no purpose was false given observed pedestrian traffic. - Danielle Martin Jack (120 North Red Bank Road) testified against the same waiver, stating her property is adjacent to the development. She presented photographs showing pedestrians walking on the road and a well-worn path in front of her house, emphasizing that new development should include sidewalks to improve safety and align with the comprehensive plan. Discussion Items - REZ-2026-013 – Memorial Town Houses LLC: Petition to rezone 501–503 and 511 East Walnut Street from R5 to C2 with a use and development commitment (UDC) to allow mixed commercial office and residential use. Petitioner Jim Morley Jr. (4800 Rose Bud Lane) explained the change would allow a small commercial use in an existing accessory building. He noted the Rescue Mission had no objections. No remonstrators. The commission recommended approval. - REZ-2026-014 – OBH Properties LLC: Petition to rezone 4919 Ode Boonville Highway from R1 to C4 with a UDC to allow sale and storage of trailers for Lyle's Trailer Sales. Petitioner Joe Harrison (One Main Street, Suite 600) described the long history of the business and the applicant's efforts to clean up the area. A letter of support from Mel Greer (Greer's Flooring) was submitted. Commissioners noted the area has become commercial despite the comprehensive plan's residential designation. No remonstrators. The commission recommended approval. - REZ-2026-016 – Memorial Community Development Corp.: Petition to downzone 1514 South Morton Avenue from C2 to R2 to construct a single-family residence. Petitioner Jim Morley Jr. described the small lot and surrounding R2 zoning. No remonstrators. The commission recommended approval. - MAJ-2026-003 & WAV-2026-007 (The NEST): Subdivision replat of Marion Heights, combining lots into one. Petitioner Don Grease (19 East 925 Upstart) provided brief remarks. The subdivision itself was approved. The sidewalk waiver was debated; commissioners expressed mixed views. The waiver was requested because connecting sidewalks would not connect to existing ones. Staff reports noted county surveyor and EVSC had no objection, but the Building Commission and Evansville MPO opposed. The vote on the waiver resulted in 2 in favor and 5 opposed, meaning the recommendation to the county commissioners is to deny the waiver. - MAJ-2026-004 & WAV-2026-010 (River Valley 4): Replat of Lot 3 in River Valley subdivision to extend Road 1 to the east. Petitioner Jim Morley Jr. explained the purpose is to create access to a large farm field. Conditions included completing the sidewalk waiver statement and documenting a center point transmission line crossing. Subdivision approved unanimously. The partial sidewalk waiver (requiring sidewalks on Galaxy Drive and south side of Road 1, waiving only the north side) was recommended for approval unanimously. This will go to the Board of Public Works. Key Outcomes - REZ-2026-013 – Recommended for approval (6 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention: Ms. Cabill abstained). - REZ-2026-014 – Recommended for approval (7 yes, 0 no). - REZ-2026-016 – Recommended for approval (6 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention: Ms. Cabill abstained). - MAJ-2026-003 (The NEST) – Subdivision approved (7 yes, 0 no). Sidewalk waiver not recommended (2 yes, 5 no). Final decision by Vanderburgh County Commissioners. - MAJ-2026-004 (River Valley 4) – Subdivision approved (7 yes, 0 no). Partial sidewalk waiver recommended for approval (7 yes, 0 no). Final decision by Board of Public Works. - Continuances: Docket numbers REZ-2026-003 (2713 Jeanette Ave), REZ-2026-004 (2708 & 2712 Jeanette Ave), and REZ-2026-015 (1307 & 1311 Henning Ave) were continued to the July 2, 2026 meeting. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM.

Hearing Officer Joe Harrison Jr. convened the Evansville Vanderburgh County Building Commission on June 3, 2026, at 1:15 PM to consider unsafe building orders for two properties. The hearing addressed requests to vacate, repair, or raise structures deemed hazardous. Two evidentiary cases were heard, involving a fire-damaged house and a property with a dilapidated garage and shed. Public Comments & Testimony - Susan Stocker Melquires (owner of 6125 Broadway Avenue): Appeared in person with her son, John Swell. She stated the fire occurred on October 10, 2024 (19 months prior), and she had been living in a camper on the property since November 2025. She expressed a desire to rebuild the house with help from family, churches, and Home Depot, estimating $10,000–$20,000 in materials. She acknowledged signing a notice of violation on May 29, 2026. She asked for more time and opposed the raise order, citing sentimental attachment and the property being paid off. - No other public testimony was offered for the second property (4612 Detroit Road); the owners were not present. Code Enforcement Inspector Kenny Knox reported he had spoken with one owner two weeks prior, and the property was unoccupied. Discussion Items Case 1: 6125 Broadway Avenue (CE 26E 84) - Property: Fire-damaged house and two sheds owned by Susan Stocker Melquires. - Inspector Testimony: Kenny Knox, code enforcement inspector with 15+ years, testified that the property had been inspected four times since August 19, 2025. He observed fire damage to the roof, siding, and soffit, as well as tall weeds and trash. The house was vacant and secured, but no permits or progress had been made. He recommended the house remain vacated and the house and both sheds be raised. He noted he did not enter the house because it was locked. - Owner's Position: Melquires argued she was working with contractors and had received material donations. She requested an opportunity to rebuild rather than demolish. Case 2: 4612 Detroit Road (CE 26C 85) - Property: House, garage, and shed owned by multiple individuals (Christopher Roman, Amber Presky, Lillian Presky, Logan Presky, Misty Bruce, Aaron Preskey). - Inspector Testimony: Knox testified that six inspections had been conducted since August 12, 2025. The house had damage to wood, gutters, shingles, chimney, windows, and lacked electrical and water service. The garage’s east wall and roof had collapsed; the shed had exposed foundation and risk of collapse. Knox recommended the house be vacated and repaired, and the garage and shed be raised. He stated the house was repairable, but the garage and shed were dangerous. - No owner testimony was presented; Knox had contact with an owner who said they would tear down the garage themselves. Key Outcomes Case 1: 6125 Broadway Avenue - Vacate Order: Affirmed. The house and both sheds must remain vacant. The structure is an impaired structural condition, a fire hazard, a public health hazard, a public nuisance, and dangerous due to ordinance violations. - Raise Order: Affirmed. The house and both sheds must be raised. The demolition deadline is July 7, 2026. If the owner secures a contractor and signs a contract, the deadline may be extended. - Appeal: Must be filed within 10 days (by June 13, 2026) with Vanderburgh Superior Court. Case 2: 4612 Detroit Road - Vacate Order (House): Affirmed. The house must remain vacant. - Repair Order (House): Affirmed. All repairs must be completed by July 17, 2026. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for August 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the same room. - Raise Order (Garage and Shed): Affirmed. The garage and shed must be raised by July 21, 2026. - Appeal: For all orders, owners have 10 days to appeal to Vanderburgh Superior Court.

The Board of Parks Commissioners held a regular meeting on June 3, 2026. The board approved several consent agenda items, new business contracts, and a zero-dollar change order extending a project completion date. Public comment was heard from a resident regarding a claim. Staff provided updates on park programs, pool openings, golf course revenue, and a retirement. Consent Calendar - Approved meeting memorandum from May 20, 2026. - Approved land use agreement for Van Pollock Park baseball field with young and established. - Approved permission to issue 118 hole for CART Golf Certificate for Goose with Catholic Church fundraiser. - Approved Swana Ice Arena use agreement with Bethel Church. - Approved agreement with PASS PEST for various park facilities. All items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony Marcus Horton (2120 West Illinois Street) addressed the board about a claim that he stated was merged with the city government and went through the parks department in 2020. He indicated that he was a victim in Indiana used as an alias for confidentiality reasons and that he has ongoing health issues. He expressed difficulty in getting resolution from multiple departments and asked the board for assistance. Discussion Items - New Business Item A: Approved agreement with Dyke Brothers for paving and path project at Mesco Park Zoo and Botanic Garden in the amount of $99,050, the low qualified quote. - New Business Item B: Awarded Seekret Newsom Center renovation project to Garmong Construction Services, the low bidder. - New Business Item C: Approved change order number three with Midwest Contracting, a zero-dollar change order, extending the substantial completion date for Fourth and Main Park to November 25, 2026. Delays were attributed to discovered vaults/basements during excavation, material delays, and scheduling with Center Point. The ready fund allocation is expected to be spent by September and not impacted. Key Outcomes - All three new business items were approved unanimously. - Public comment was heard; no further action recorded. - Staff reports noted: successful first Movie in the Park (Minecraft) at Van Park; next movie June 11 at 11th Avenue (The Parent Trap). Two pools opened (Howell Mosby and Rochelle); Lorraine Pool delayed to June 19. Golf revenue through May: Fendrick up 35.9%, McDonald's up 30.47%. Retirement of Paul after approximately 32 years celebrated; cookout on Friday. - Payroll approved unanimously; meeting adjourned.