Public Meetings - Evansville, Indiana

The Vanderburgh County Council met on June 3, 2026, at 3:05 p.m. in room 301 of the Civic Center Complex, adjourning at 3:47 p.m. Council President John Montrastelle presided. Six members were present (Montrastelle, Hahn, Iaccarino, Shetler, Kiefer, Bassemier); Councilmember Raben was absent, providing a quorum. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation by President Montrastelle (offering prayers for Councilmember Raben’s son who suffered severe burns), and approval of the May 13, 2026 minutes (6-0). Appropriations Riverboat – Commissioners ($54,910): Approved 6-0 for the Coliseum Restoration Project to replace an antiquated water line for the fire suppression system. The Veterans Coliseum Preservation Foundation agreed to fund 50% of the cost. Opioid Restricted – Sheriff ($347,590): Approved 6-0 for contractual services for a mental health contract with Southwestern Behavioral, covering the remainder of the year. Opioid Unrestricted – Commissioners ($50,000): Approved 6-0 for a one-time grant to United Caring Services (UCS) for its Diversion Center, which serves individuals in mental health or substance abuse crisis. Executive Director Ryan Rigg explained the center currently has capacity for seven people and has served 96 people since opening in July 2025. Discussions addressed the sustainable funding of ongoing expenses; UCS uses ARPA funds and is developing partnerships (e.g., Sheriff’s Department MOU, E3 Initiative) to maintain the center. Councilmembers expressed support, noting that about 35% of jail inmates have mental health issues. The opioid unrestricted fund receives sporadic payments (last in July 2025) and is expected to dwindle, but payments may continue through 2038. Transfers All five transfers were approved en bloc 6-0: Circuit Court: $3,402 (Bailiff to Court Administrator) Weights & Measures: $470 (Communications to Travel/Mileage and Training) Health Department: $50,000 (Insurance to Laboratory) Highway: $16,365 (Materials to Road Foreman, PERF, FICA) Superior Court: $1,000 (Bailiff to Other Pay) New Business Board Appointment to Economic Development Commission: Commissioner Justin Elpers recommended Pepper Mulherin for appointment to the revived Vanderburgh County Economic Development Commission. Mulherin previously assisted with AT&T broadband expansion using ARPA funds. Approved 6-0. E-REP Quarter 1 Report: Economic Development Director Patrick Hickey presented. Key highlights: Taylor Made Golf: A $60 million expansion retained 150 at-risk jobs and will leave a 300,000 sq. ft. modern facility, now the county’s most marketable property. Business Attraction: 46 prospective opportunities year-to-date, but only five had suitable unincorporated county sites/buildings meeting requirements. Reinforced need for site development. Business Retention & Expansion: 30 company visits conducted, identifying barriers and opportunities. Old Farm Reserve: A $130 million mixed-use development near University Parkway (110 acres) featuring 400 housing units (163 single-family, 240 apartments), a hotel, and retail. E-REP facilitated a $4 million READI award. Councilmembers noted that TIF-funded sewer/water lines installed years ago will now see returns. Talent Attraction (Belong Here program): In Q1, 10 households (30 people) relocated to the region with an average annual salary of $110,000. High retention rates noted. Small Business Development Center: Served 130 county residents, facilitated $750,000 in capital, supported 6 new business launches, sustained 301 jobs, and created 16 jobs. Discussion: Councilmembers Shetler, Kiefer, and Iaccarino raised concerns about the lack of speculative buildings and the need for a more aggressive site development strategy to compete with other regions along the I-69 corridor. Hickey agreed on the importance of improving site readiness. Personnel Requests Councilmember Kiefer moved to approve all seven personnel requests (A–E). Approved 6-0. Circuit Court: Fill vacancy for Probation Officer (21010000-210126). Area Plan Commission: Reclassify and fill vacancy for Assistant Zoning Administrator (10001240-124124). Area Plan Director Ron London noted the reclassification follows a staff move and will be advertised. Sheriff: Fill two vacancies for Deputy Sheriff (10001050-105085 and 105086) and one PT Paper Server (10001050-199000). Sheriff & COPS Grant: Split salaries for the two Deputy Sheriffs between the General Fund and COPS Grant (81150000-811501, 811502). Jail: Fill vacancy for Clerk III (10001320-132115). Amendments to the Salary Ordinance Approved 6-0 without discussion. Key Outcomes All appropriation requests and transfers approved unanimously (6-0). Board appointment to Economic Development Commission approved. Personnel requests and salary ordinance amendments approved. No public comments were offered. Upcoming meeting: County Council P&F Meeting on June 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.; next regular meeting July 1, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

The Evansville Animal Care and Control Commission held a special meeting on May 29, 2026, to conduct two dangerous dog hearings. The commission found probable cause for both complaints, declared all four dogs dangerous, and imposed restrictions. The meetings began at 3:55 PM and included testimony from complainants, witnesses, respondents, and animal control staff. First Hearing: Dogs King and Nala - Complainant Dwayne Allison of 6517 Old Boonville Highway testified that his sheep "Tinkerbell" was attacked twice by two dogs (King and Nala) on November 30, 2025, and December 30, 2025, and a third time on April 28, 2026. The sheep suffered life-threatening injuries and was later euthanized. A witness, Pat Buckingham of 2540 Pertham Court, testified that the same dogs killed her cat on November 30, 2025. Allison stated he had contacted animal control after the December incident but the dogs were returned to the owner. - Respondent's sister, Robin Dawson of 1316 Keller Street, testified on behalf of owner Cassie Banks (who was ill). Dawson stated the dogs had been around children without incident and she was unaware of the cat attack. Dawson did not know if the dogs were spayed or neutered. - Animal Control Superintendent Heather McDaniel reported that King and Nala have a history of at least five prior impoundments since 2022, are not spayed or neutered, and have not shown aggression toward people at the shelter. - The commission voted unanimously (5-0) to find probable cause and then declared both dogs dangerous. They imposed restrictions including: outdoors must be attended and leashed or in a secured fenced area (items 3 and 4), posting signs (item 7), spaying/neutering (item 9), microchipping (item 10), and fines for noncompliance (items 12 and 13). Additionally, the commission ordered the dogs to be spayed/neutered and vaccinated before release. Second Hearing: Dogs Jade and Bucky - Complainant Jeff Moore of 1501 Larkinwood Lane testified that on April 30, 2026, at about 6:15 AM, two dogs (Jade and Bucky) owned by Jennifer Barnett attacked his Shih Tzu while he was walking her on a leash. Moore sustained a superficial bite on his hand, and his dog had two superficial abdominal bites. Moore described the dogs as extremely aggressive and persistent, following him to a neighbor's home and later to his own driveway. His wife Susan Moore and neighbor Peggy Chastain of 1504 Victoria Green Boulevard corroborated the events. - Respondent Jennifer Barnett of 2301 Kathleen Avenue testified that her dogs are escape artists but not vicious. She disputed the severity of the attack, stating she never saw the incident despite being in the neighborhood. Barnett acknowledged the dogs had gotten out 16 times but said she had been repairing the fence and that the dogs are friendly. She has a voucher to spay them but had not yet done so due to family issues. - Animal Control Superintendent reported four prior loose dog calls for Barnett's address since 2024, and no records of rabies vaccinations. The dogs have not shown aggression at the shelter. - The commission found probable cause and declared Jade and Bucky dangerous (motion by Lisa, second by Linda, all aye). They also determined no serious bodily injury occurred. Restrictions imposed: outdoors must be attended and leashed or in a secured fenced area (items 3 and 4), posting signs at front and back (item 7), spaying/neutering (item 9), microchipping (item 10), fines for noncompliance (items 12 and 13), and a requirement for animal control to inspect the fence. The commission also ordered the dogs to be spayed/neutered and vaccinated before release. Key Outcomes - Both sets of dogs (King, Nala, Jade, and Bucky) were declared dangerous under Evansville Municipal Code Section 6.05.150. - Owners are required to register the animals, notify animal control of any changes, comply with all imposed restrictions, and complete spay/neuter and vaccinations before the dogs can be reclaimed from the shelter. - Both parties have 10 days to appeal the decisions to Vanderburgh County Superior or Circuit Court. - The meeting was adjourned after both hearings concluded.

The Board of Public Works met on May 28, 2026, to approve numerous routine contracts, contract extensions, change orders, and road closures. All items were approved unanimously without public comment. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from May 21, 2026, were approved. - Item A: Contract with United Neighborhoods of America of Evansville Inc. for neighborhood revitalization assistance, not to exceed $48,000. Presented by Christine Schumacher (Finance Department). Approved. - Item B: Authorization for Jonathan CB King to execute an agreement with Washington State to access cooperative purchasing for a new bus. Approved. - Item C: Contract extension with Community Action Program of Evansville and Vanderburgh County (CAPE) for home rehabilitation at 1335 SE Riverside Drive, $21,990. Presented by Lisa Foster (DMD). First extension. Approved. - Item D: Contract extension with CAPE for 820 Ravenswood Avenue, $26,910. First extension. Approved. - Item E: Contract extension with CAPE for 1104 Cody Street, $98,562. First extension. Approved. - Item F: Contract extension with ACE Home Improvements for 1424 S Governor Street, $44,735. First extension. Approved. - Item G: Contract with J.H. Rudolph and Company for the 2026 Mill and Overlay Phase One (project 26-001), $2,018,710.55. Brian Mundy (City Engineer) noted this is tied to a Community Crossings Matching Grant awarded on May 22, with a requirement to have a contract signed by May 29. Approved. - Item H: Change Order 1 with Rivertown Construction LLC for the Main Street project (project 25-007), increase of $3,788.94. Approved. - Item I: Amendment with Jerry L. Chastain Jr. (DBA Chastain Excavating) for Joyce Avenue and Sweetser Avenue drainage project (project 26-010), changing warranty from 3 years to 1 year. No dollar change. Approved. - Item J: Change Order 5 with E&B Paving LLC for 2025 overlay phase (project 25-002), increase of $69,846. Approved. - Item K: Appendix A roll permit applications (right-of-way permits 2970–2979), including a turn lane for Tailor-Made development. Approved. - Item L: Addendum to interlocal agreement with Knight Township to include Advanced Life Support (ALS) responses when Evansville Fire Department takes over EMS services. Presented by Kim Garrett (Deputy Chief Administration). Approved. - Item M: Contract with Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department for EFD to provide EMS and ambulance transport services in Perry Township. Approved. - Item N: Contract with Crosswalk Health Inc. to transfer non-emergent 911 calls to a nurse navigation program, reducing ambulance misuse. Approved. - Item O: Road closures for three events, as approved by the Board of Public Safety on May 27 (but without a quorum, so the Board of Public Works acted): (1) Easter Seals Fantasy of Lights (October 19, 2026 – January 13, 2027), (2) Haney's Corner Pride Night (June 12, 2026, 4–10 PM), (3) Haney's Corner Heavy on Haney's event (June 13, 2026, 4–10 PM). Barricades requested. Approved. - Surplus Assets: Request by Kevin Engel (IT Manager) to send surplus assets to CNI Electronics for crushing. Approved. - Approval of Bills: Routine approval of bills. Approved. Key Outcomes - All 15 business items (A through O) and the surplus assets request were approved unanimously. - The Board acted on behalf of the Board of Public Safety for road closures due to lack of quorum at that body's prior meeting. - The J.H. Rudolph contract was approved under tight deadline to meet the Community Crossings grant condition. - All contract extensions were first extensions to allow completion of weather- and scheduling-delayed home repairs.

The commission met on May 28, 2026, to discuss routine business, community outreach, public safety updates, and future events. Key topics included the Million Father March, strategic planning, gun violence statistics, issues at Garvin Park, the Dust Bowl event, and the transition of the barbershop health initiative. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - Adoption of minutes from the March 26, 2026 meeting: approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Million Father March 2026: Commissioners discussed continuing the annual event. Commissioner Phipps advocated for expanded engagement and partnership with existing organizations to avoid reinventing the wheel. Schools for 2026 include Lincoln, Glenwood Leadership Academy, Lodge, AIS, and Washington. The first day of school is August 7, 2026. - Strategic Plan Update: A contract is working through the process; sessions with advisory boards are expected to start in July or possibly August. - Police and Community Relations: The chair noted a planned event by the NAACP and other organizations, similar to the commission's ongoing discussions. The mayor, police chief, and park director are meeting next week to address issues. Commissioner Phipps suggested the commission could serve as a convening organization to bring community partners together. - Community Gun Violence Update (Commissioner Culver): Reported 56 shots-fired runs from May 1–28, with 17 generating case numbers (actual shootings or evidence). Noted a stolen vehicle incident on May 20 involving two juveniles; one was apprehended. Highlighted ongoing problems at Garvin Park with juveniles, drugs, and guns. - Youth Outreach / Dust Bowl: Commissioners decided not to co-sponsor the Dust Bowl event this year due to a change in venue and planning committee, but encouraged individual commissioners to attend and be visible. Discussed using QR codes on survey postcards to gather community input, possibly with a prize incentive. - Barbershop Health Initiative: The commission transferred the program to the Minority Health Coalition. The first event is June 13 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the same barbershops. Commissioners were encouraged to volunteer. Key Outcomes - The commission will continue the Million Father March in 2026, expanding materials and partner involvement. - No official vote on Dust Bowl partnership; consensus to observe this year rather than co-sponsor. - Commissioner Burris will develop a QR code survey for community feedback, leveraging AI for a short, five-question form. - The barbershop initiative materials and logos were transferred; the commission's logo will appear on marketing materials. - The next meeting was scheduled for June.

This meeting of the Evansville Building Commission, held on May 28, 2026, focused on approving numerous trade license applicants and receiving brief administrative updates. All motions passed unanimously via voice vote (ayes without dissent). No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Construction of roofing (Lucas Cannon): Passed at 88%. Motion approved. - Concrete footing and flat work (Eric Hangling): Passed at 88%. Motion approved. - Underground utilities: Passed at 88%. Motion approved. - Unlimited roofing (Alex Keeling): Passed at 78%. Motion approved. - Commercial building, parts 1 & 2 (Christopher Presley): Passed at 70% and 70%. Motion approved. - Residential remodeling (Chris White): Passed at 74%. Motion approved. - Residential contractor, parts 1 & 2 (Brendan Wilk / Whitman): Passed at 84% and 78%. Motion approved. - Electrical journeyman applicants (multiple): - Poe Persinger: 71% & 77% pass – approved. - Elizabeth Wilson: 71% pass – approved. - Barry Brady: 70% pass – approved. - Luke Elfers: 83% pass – approved. - Joshua Wiggins: 72% pass – approved. - Jacob Will: 80% pass – approved. - Evan Overton: 77% pass – approved. - Jace Groebinder: 80% pass – approved. - Debian Merrimy: 71% pass – approved. - James Dillard: 80% pass – approved. - Ian Pardon: 76% pass – approved. - Bryce Spiker: 91% pass – approved. - Cole Yeton: 76% pass – approved. - Landon Jarus (Landon Derby?): 79% pass – approved. - Brian King: 74% pass – approved. - Breed and Lett: 75% pass – approved. - Blake Reckelhall: 85% pass – approved. - Cal Schmidt: 89% pass – approved. - Justin Adler: 78% pass – approved. - Master electrician / unlimited electrician (Jordan Gibson): Approved. - Journeyman electrician (Christian Head): 78% pass – approved. - Journeyman electrician (Jagger Wolf): 70% pass – approved. - HVAC journeyman (Zach Collins): 78% pass – approved. - HVAC journeyman (Cade Sir): 78% pass – approved. - HVAC journeyman (Ethan Spindler): 80% pass – approved. Discussion Items - Residential contractor exam: It was noted that the residential exam was not yet ready; possibly coming in June or July ("sometime in GS"). No further details provided. - Retirement and new deputy building commissioner: Commissioner Park will retire on July 7, 2026. The board will begin searching for a new deputy building commissioner. - Guest introduction: Chris Hermann was introduced as a double inspector (roles not specified). The board welcomed him. - Safety officer hiring status: The board asked if a safety officer had been hired. The response was "No" and that the position is still under the media department (possibly a reference to a joint arrangement). Discussion included putting the word out to retirees, but one retiree (Mark) declined when asked. Key Outcomes - All listed applicants were unanimously approved by voice vote (aye). No opposing votes or abstentions were recorded. - The board acknowledged the upcoming retirement of Deputy Building Commissioner Park (effective July 7, 2026) and the need to fill the position. - No further action was taken; the meeting was adjourned.

The Board of Public Safety met on May 27, 2026, at 1:06 PM. Due to a lack of a quorum (only two board members present), no votes could be taken on any agenda items. The meeting proceeded informally to hear a presentation from a permit applicant and to open sealed bids for fire station renovations. No other business could be conducted. Consent Calendar - No items were approved due to lack of quorum. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Parking Permit Request – Tydell McNeil (1418 Adams Avenue): Mr. McNeil appeared before the board to request approval of a parking permit for a food trailer in front of his residence. He explained that the trailer was nearly completed and awaiting health department inspection. He estimated the trailer would remain for approximately two weeks. The board acknowledged the request but could not vote; they informed Mr. McNeil they would follow up once a quorum could be assembled. - Fire Station Renovation Bids: Deputy Chief Kim Garrett presented sealed bids for repairs to multiple fire stations. Two bids were received: - From CH Garmong & Son Inc.: Station 1 – $158,500; Station 3 – $51,100; Station 5 – $149,600; Station 6 – $88,500; Station 8 – $83,500; Station 9 – $110,500 (with alternate bid F-1 of $6,700); Station 15 – $80,000; Station 17 – $90,000 (with alternate bid 1 of 2%). - From Midwest Contracting & Maintenance Inc.: Station 1 – $141,700; Station 3 – $47,600; Station 5 – $155,200; Station 6 – $103,300; Station 8 – $90,400; Station 9 – $118,000 (with alternate F-1 of $4,025); Station 15 – $97,600; Station 17 – $100,700 (with alternate bid 1 of 0%). - The board could not take action on the bids; they were taken under advisement for a future meeting. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on any agenda item due to the absence of a quorum. - The parking permit request from Tydell McNeil was deferred. - The fire station renovation bids were opened and recorded but not awarded. - The meeting was adjourned without any formal decisions.

The Human Relations Commission held its monthly meeting on May 27, 2026, at 5:45 PM UTC. The meeting covered approval of minutes, updates on the annual dinner, police community relations, the strategic plan, the director's report, and a discussion on Senate Bill 76 regarding immigration enforcement. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from April were approved with a correction regarding the chairperson calling the meeting to order (identified as Dan Crowwell). Motion by Regina Robinson Ungar, seconded by Commissioner Cabell, carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - Annual Dinner Update: Reverend Barber accepted the invitation for October 2, 2026. The venue changed from the ballroom to the exhibit hall due to a scheduling conflict. The contract is currently with the Board of Public Works (BPW) for approval. Logistics with the speaker's bureau are ongoing. - Police Community Relations: Director reported that the RAN Corporation convening is stalled because the police department lacks funds to cover its share, leaving the commission to pay the full cost, which is considerable. Alternative options include requesting funds from the city council. The commission is at an impasse. - Strategic Plan Contract: The contract with Tad Dickle is in the BPW pipeline. Potential meeting dates for the strategic planning sessions are June 24 (the next regular meeting date) or July 22. Tad prefers in-person sessions, but virtual options may be explored. A survey will be sent to commissioners to determine dates. - Director's Report: - Haitian Flag Day: The commission participated, providing outreach materials translated into Haitian Creole and EEOC information. - Barbershop Health Initiative: The program was transferred to the Community Action Program of Evansville, which will hold an event on June 13. The commission is providing materials and equipment. - IORA Conference: Director will serve as interim chairperson; the conference is in New Orleans from August 16–20. Commissioners were invited to attend. - Caseload: In April, 9 cases were filed, 3 were transferred, leaving 6 new cases. Only 1 case was closed (no probable cause). The commission was busy with the Fair Housing Summit on April 16. - New Employee: A USI graduate with a double major in political science and philosophy (4.0 GPA) will start June 8 to assist with education and outreach. - Pride Parade: The commission will walk in the parade on June 6 at noon. Lineup is at 11:00 AM downtown. Commissioners were asked to participate. - Commissioner Remarks on Senate Bill 76: Commissioner Samantha highlighted concerns about Senate Bill 76, which strengthens collaboration between public entities and immigration enforcement, effective July 1, 2026. She noted community fear, detentions, and the need to protect constitutional rights. She will share resources from the ACLU of Indiana and explore opportunities to discuss with local law enforcement. Key Outcomes - The April minutes were approved as corrected. - The annual dinner date and venue are confirmed; contract approval is pending. - The police community relations initiative is stalled due to funding issues; no decision made. - The strategic planning contract is awaiting BPW approval; a survey for dates will be distributed. - The barbershop health initiative was successfully transferred to the Community Action Program. - The commission will participate in the Pride parade on June 6. - Commissioner Samantha will provide updates on Senate Bill 76 implementation and community resources.

The Design Review Committee met on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, to consider two submissions: signage replacement at the Dream Center and window replacement at a downtown condo building. Both projects were approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Dream Center Signage (1516 North Main Street, Jacobsville): A representative presented a request for new signage on the north and east sides of the building, plus window perforation film on two gym doors for privacy. The proposed signage is the same size as the existing but changes color from white with blue logo to blue with white logo. Materials are aluminum composite with vinyl applique. The existing signage is being replaced with an identical design. No concerns were raised. - Window Replacement at 300 Main Street: David Grimes (Code Shield Construction Group) and Brian Helfrick (Renewal by Anderson) presented a plan to replace windows in four condos (two on the second floor, one on the rear, one on the fourth floor). The new windows are designed to replicate the existing appearance, with simulated divided lights and energy-efficient glazing. The condo board approved the project. Committee members questioned whether the new windows would match the old ones in tint and appearance; the applicants stated that mullions, frame color, and opening sizes are identical, though the glazing may have a slight tint. It was noted that other windows in the building had been replaced previously without permits, but these applicants were following proper procedure. Key Outcomes - Dream Center Signage: Motion to approve, seconded, all in favor (ayes). Approved. The representative received a form to take to the area plan or building commission to obtain permits. - Window Replacement at 300 Main Street: Motion to approve, seconded, all in favor (ayes). Approved. Written approval was provided to the applicants to present to the building commissioner or area plan office for permits.

The Building Contractors Licensing Board convened on May 27, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Members present: John Bassemeyer, Chris Cooper, Matt Pruitt, Pete Winsler, Johnny McAllister, Kathy Evanson. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes, review of numerous contractor license applications, an update on the new online proctored testing system, and a retirement announcement. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the April 15, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote. Discussion Items Applicant Reviews (License Approvals & Conditions) The board reviewed 14 applicants. Decisions are summarized as follows: - Timothy Chewy (Journeyman sign contractor): Motion to approve; seconded; approved unanimously. - Jeffrey Hall (Draw partition contractor): Discussion about letters of recommendation addressing individual knowledge (per previous legal advice). Motion and second; approved unanimously. - Jacob McDowell: All notary dates expired on his letters. Motion to postpone approval pending receipt of letters with current notarization; approved unanimously. - Andon McLeod (Commercial contractor): Motion to approve; seconded; approved unanimously. - Sean Miller (Brick and Masonry contractor): Initially only two letters in packet; board found a third letter. Motion and second; approved unanimously. - Kyle Wayne Page (Residential building contractor): Notary issue resolved (letter notary on front/back). Motion to approve; seconded; approved unanimously. - Charles Reeves Jr. (Fire Sprinkler contractor): All letters addressed to company, not individual. Motion to deny pending receipt of personal recommendation letters; seconded; denied (approved pending new letters). - Bradley Rose (Residential contractor): Only two recommendation letters plus a bond (not a letter). Motion to approve pending receipt of one more notarized letter; approved pending. - Christopher Savaka (Excavating/concrete footing contractor): Initially appeared to have only two letters but third was confirmed in a different packet. Motion to approve; seconded; approved unanimously. - Joseph Stock (Commercial waterproofing): All three letters recommended the company, not the individual. Motion pending three new letters for the individual; seconded; approved pending. - Justin Sullivan (Dan Cole Roofing Services): All three letters with notary. Motion to approve; seconded; approved unanimously. - Kevin Torwiska (Commercial building contractor): All three letters present. Motion; second; approved unanimously. - Burke Watts (Structural steel/residential contractor): Three letters with notary. Motion; second; approved unanimously. - Francisco Fabian Torres (Wood framing, siding, gutter contractor): Three letters with notary. Motion; second; approved unanimously. Testing System Update Bill Petke (Southwestern Indiana Builders Association) provided an update on the new online proctored contractor test. Key points: - The testing and proctoring software integration is not yet complete but making good progress. Payment and registration portals are ready. - Practice tests should be available soon. Code questions are provided; administrative messaging still needs coordination with staff. - Once approved by the board, applicants will receive an email with a link to pay ($175) and a code to start the test. The test is a three-hour timed session; applicants cannot pause and resume later. - The system uses behavioral monitoring via webcam to flag suspicious activity; flagged videos can be reviewed. - Current policy: applicants have one year from application to pass the test. The board discussed possibly setting a retake limit (e.g., three attempts per year) and requiring a code class after multiple failures, but no decision was made. The matter will be brought up at a future meeting. - Bill Petke noted the board has control over retake policy and can adjust as needed. New Business - Deputy Building Commissioner Retirement: Bart Schutz will retire on July 7, 2026. The board will seek a replacement; interested individuals can watch for job postings or contact Johnny McAllister. Key Outcomes - Previous meeting minutes approved. - 14 contractor license applications reviewed: 10 approved outright, 1 postponed (Jacob McDowell), 2 approved pending additional letters (Bradley Rose, Joseph Stock), 1 denied pending new personal letters (Charles Reeves Jr.). - Testing system update noted; no formal action taken. The retake limit policy discussion deferred to a future meeting. - Board informed of Bart Schutz’s retirement and will begin search for a new deputy building commissioner. - Meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.