Public Meetings - Evansville, Indiana

Date: May 26, 2026 (10:33 A.M.) Meeting Type: Special Meeting Presiding: President Justin Elpers, Vice President Amy Canterbury, Member Mike Goebel The Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting to receive presentations from three entities responding to RFQ 2026-03 for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) coverage in unincorporated portions of Center, Perry, and Union Townships. The current AMR contract expires December 31, 2026. The City of Evansville will launch its own municipal EMS on July 1, 2026, ending AMR’s city contract. The commissioners evaluated proposals from American Medical Response (AMR), the Evansville Fire Department (EFD), and the Vanderburgh County Fire Department (VCFD) based on service capability, ambulance locations, cost, and contract terms. Public Comments & Testimony - Sheriff Noel Robinson (Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office): Expressed support for the Vanderburgh County Fire Department’s proposal, stating that it offers the best guarantee of fast response times with a proven track record, particularly in remote areas where seconds matter. Discussion Items AMR Proposal (Paul Phillips, Regional Director; Lee Turpin, Operations Manager) - Proposed three 24/7 ALS ambulances dedicated solely to the county, stationed near McCutchanville Station 5 (Petersburg Road), McCutchanville Station 10 (N. St. Joseph Avenue), and the University of Southern Indiana campus. - Requested an annual subsidy of $1.875 million, with a quarterly review mechanism that could decrease the subsidy (never increase). AMR would continue service at current rates through the end of 2026 without additional subsidy for that period. - Highlighted 105 years of local service, participation in the CARES cardiac arrest registry (top statewide outcomes), disaster response (Mayfield, KY tornado; January 2026 snowstorm), and proposed co-branding of ambulances with the county. - Acknowledged staff losses since the city’s decision to change EMS, but stated they have sufficient full-time staffing to implement the plan now. Vanderburgh County Fire Department Proposal (Chief Adam Farrar) - Proposed three additional ALS ambulances (plus one reserve) in the same general locations as AMR’s plan, along with a full-time EMS supervisor. - Current VCFD already operates four paramedic ambulances within the Scott Fire Territory (Scott, Armstrong, German Townships; Town of Darmstadt), funded by a fire territory tax (approximately $0.42 per $100 assessed valuation). - Estimated $1.5 million in startup costs for equipment and an annual subsidy of approximately $1.6 million (fluctuating based on revenue). Noted that if townships joined the fire territory, the subsidy could be eliminated and funded through property taxes instead. - Emphasized their 30-year history of ALS transport, signed contracts for whole blood, and willingness to use an AVL-based closest-unit dispatch model. Evansville Fire Department Proposal (Deputy Chiefs Jared Brown and Kane) - Proposed a fully integrated fire-based EMS system using existing infrastructure, requiring no subsidy, no startup appropriations, and no new facilities. - Would deploy six 24/7 ambulances and two peak-hour (12-hour) ambulances (total eight units) from existing city fire stations, plus three reserve units. Estimated response times of ≤10 minutes (80% compliance) for Center and Perry Townships, ≤14 minutes for Union Township. - All 11 new ambulances are four-wheel drive; staffing includes 22 newly hired paramedics and 22 EMTs, with strong recruitment (55 applicants for paramedic positions). - Financially self-sustaining through patient billing; highlighted that over 49% of county residents are on Medicare/Medicaid or uninsured, and their projections account for this payer mix. Offers the RescueShield subscription ($89/year per household) to cover out-of-pocket costs. - Stated they already provide contracted services to Knight and Pigeon Townships. Acknowledged that current priority lies with the city contract, but affirmed that a county contract would receive equal commitment. Additional Clarifications - Commissioners’ Concerns: Commissioner Elpers questioned EFD’s priority being the city limits, but EFD stated a signed county contract would make the county an equal priority. - Staffing: AMR clarified that not all staff departures were due to EFD hiring; some left due to uncertainty about system sustainability. VCFD reported no current staff losses to EFD. - Letters of Support: Multiple letters were submitted for each proposal (e.g., Sheriff Robinson supported VCFD). Key Outcomes - No final decision was made. The commissioners will conduct further negotiations and hold a special public meeting before their regular June 16, 2026 meeting (9:30 A.M.), at which a final vote will be taken. - Criteria for Decision: Service reliability, ambulance locations, cost (including subsidy requirements), and contract terms will be weighed. - Next Steps: Discussions will involve the County Council (members present: Han and Acarino). A final decision is expected by June 16, 2026.

The Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on May 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM (local time). The meeting covered a range of routine approvals, infrastructure projects, economic development incentives, and a zoning change. All votes were unanimous, with Commissioners Gable, Canterbury, and President Elpers present. Consent Calendar - Open Bids VC 26-04-02 (Charlotte Avenue Pipe Replacement): Bids opened; taken under advisement (Blinkenberger Bros: $126,066; Dyke Brothers: $94,609; Coberstein Contracting: $133,656). - Award Bid VC 26-04-01 (Road Resurfacing): Awarded to EMB Paving LLC for $558,222.99 for repair and resurfacing of various county roads, including sections not paved since original construction. - 2025 Annual Operational Report for Local Roads, Streets, and Bridges: Approved. Required submission to the state by June 1, 2026, documenting revenues and expenditures. - Change Order 2, VC 25-05-01 (Broadway Avenue Bridge Replacement): Increase of $6,157.95 for perforated pipes to address excessive groundwater. Bridge project on track for completion by early August 2026. - Supplemental Agreement 3 (Wimberg Road Bridge over Locust Creek): Increase of $24,800 for environmental study revisions and additional utility coordination. - Health Department Facility Rental Agreement: Approved $630 rental with Wilson Woods Nature Center for pre-K program Fall Festival, funded by Foundation for Better Health grant. - Sheriff's Office MOU with Heritage Health Solutions: Approved. Heritage will manage medical claims and administrative services for off-site inmate medical care to reduce expenses; fee per bill, with savings expected. - Courtroom Water Damage Repair (Old Courthouse): Awarded to Sims Painting for $1,500 (low quote). - Professional Services Agreement with Supercuts Lawn Care: Approved for code enforcement lot mowing and debris removal, following nuisance ordinance passed in May 2026. - MOU with Building Authority and County Clerk (Storage Facility): Approved for negotiations regarding third-floor jail space for Clerk's file management. - MOU with Veterans Coliseum Preservation Foundation (Feasibility Study): Foundation to pay $39,360 directly to Baratus for a feasibility study of the Veterans Coliseum. - MOU for Market Street Waterline Replacement: Approved $109,821 total cost, split 50/50 between the county and the Veterans Coliseum Preservation Foundation, to provide adequate fire suppression water pressure for the Coliseum. - Consent Items: All consent agenda items approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Commissioner Gable publicly commended the Veteran Services department for organizing Memorial Day recognition at burial sites, expressing gratitude for remembering the fallen. - During the rezoning hearing, Bill Hunnard (5809 Polo Run), representing Polo Run Home Association, expressed concern that allowing duplexes in the proposed development could lead to rental properties that may not be maintained as well as owner-occupied homes. He requested assurance that only single-family homes would be built. Discussion Items - Old Farm Reserve Development (Resolution CO.r.05-26-012): Chip Alstott and Ryan Lewis (Parkway Improvements LLC) presented plans for a 163-unit residential subdivision, 240 apartment units, and 30 acres of commercial development near University Parkway. The entrance will use a J-turn (no stoplight) for safety. The project is estimated at $130 million. Outside bond counsel Brad Bingham (Barnes & Thornburg) explained the proposed developer-purchase TIF bonds of approximately $10.5 million (par) to provide $10 million net to the developer. These bonds are non-recourse to the county, repaid solely from TIF revenue from the development. The project also qualified for $4.5 million in Indiana Ready2 funds. John Schottmeyer (Redevelopment Commission) noted the site had been vacant for over a decade and that the sewer system was already in place, with associated debt. The resolution was approved unanimously. - Petersburg Road Design/Construction (Resolution CO.r.05-26-013): Craig (Engineering) reported that federal funds had been obtained for the expanded project, reducing the local share. The resolution authorizing use of TIF funds from the Burkhart Road Economic Development Area was approved unanimously. - Ordinance CO.05-26-011 (Off-Street Parking): Tabled for further discussion. - Rezoning VC-5-2026 (Aaron Miller, 5925 & 6001 Covert Avenue): Cassie (Area Plan Commission) explained the request to rezone from PUD, R1, and C2 to R3 with a Use and Development Commitment (UDC) allowing only single-family and duplex units (apartments excluded). The developer intends single-family homes on 34 lots. Scott Beadle (Kash Waggener) stated the aim is to downzone from commercial and PUD uses, and the UDC addresses neighborhood concerns. After remonstrance from Bill Hunnard, the developer reiterated the focus on single-family homes. The final reading was approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All actions received unanimous approval unless noted. Specific votes are recorded as: - Open bids: Motion carried (Gable, Canterbury, Elpers yes). - Award road resurfacing: Motion carried (all yes). - Annual roads report: Motion carried (all yes). - Change order Broadway bridge: Motion carried (all yes). - Wimberg bridge supplement: Motion carried (all yes). - Health department rental: Motion carried (all yes). - Sheriff's MOU: Motion carried (all yes). - Courtroom repair award: Motion carried (all yes). - Supercuts lawn service agreement: Motion carried (all yes). - Storage facility MOU: Motion carried (all yes). - Coliseum feasibility MOU: Motion carried (all yes). - Waterline MOU: Motion carried (all yes). - Old Farm Reserve resolution: Motion carried (all yes). - Petersburg Road resolution: Motion carried (all yes). - Off-street parking ordinance: Tabled (all yes). - Rezoning VC-5-2026 final reading: Motion carried (all yes). - The meeting adjourned shortly after. The previously scheduled drainage board meeting was cancelled due to lack of business.

The Evansville Fire Merit Commission held a special meeting on May 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in room 307 of the Civic Center to conduct an evidentiary hearing regarding the termination of Lieutenant Wes Alexander. The meeting began with the acceptance of the prehearing conference report, a disclosure by Commissioner Dixon Dickinson regarding a conversation with the employee's father, and opening statements from the department's counsel. The hearing then moved into executive session to hear evidence. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the prehearing conference report, with a correction to list Kenneth Jackson as vice president instead of "Salimage Vic." Discussion Items - Commission Disclosure: Commissioner Dixon Dickinson disclosed that after the chief made his recommendation and had a meeting with Lieutenant Alexander, the employee's father Bob called him. Dickinson stated they spoke briefly and he informed the father that further conversation would be inappropriate. No objection was raised by either party. - Department's Opening Statement: Counsel for the department argued that the case is about conduct, not politics or personal beliefs. They stated that Lieutenant Alexander, as a public safety employee, voluntarily accepted a position of public trust with clear expectations and policies. The evidence shows that Lieutenant Alexander repeatedly made statements directed at individuals based on protected status, commented on immigration enforcement in the context of citizens receiving services, and published social media content that calls into question his ability to be impartial. His social media identified him as an EFD employee. The department noted that this was not an isolated incident; Lieutenant Alexander had previously been disciplined for social media conduct and was on notice regarding department expectations. Progressive discipline failed. The department argued that the law does not require waiting for discrimination to occur; it requires reasonable steps to prevent it. They referenced First Amendment case law holding that public safety employees may be disciplined when their speech undermines operational effectiveness, erodes public confidence, damages workplace cohesion, or calls into question impartiality. The department argued termination is justified, reasonable, and necessary to protect the public and preserve trust in emergency services. - Lieutenant Alexander’s Opening Statement: Counsel for Lieutenant Alexander indicated they would wait to make a statement until closing, and did not give an opening statement at that time. Key Outcomes - The commission accepted the prehearing conference report with a correction. - The evidentiary hearing began but immediately moved into executive session (closed to the public) pursuant to Indiana Code 5-14-1.5-2 to hear evidence from both sides. The public was asked to leave. The hearing will reconvene in open session after the executive session. No decision on termination was reached during the public portion of the meeting.

The Loan Administration Board convened on May 22, 2026 to approve previous meeting minutes, discuss loan modifications for three businesses, and review the status of loan funds. Key actions included deferments, interest rate adjustments, and formalizing previously informal payment arrangements. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the February 27, 2026 meeting. (Motion carried unanimously) - Approved the executive session memo from February 27, 2026 meeting. (Motion carried unanimously) Discussion Items - Helponics Update: The business has three loans (EDA loans 136-01-01, 136-01-02, 136-01-03). The first two were interest-only with balloon payments; the third converted to a traditional mortgage. Helponics was pre-approved for an SBA loan to cover the balloon payments but could not secure it due to a change in administration and shifting requirements. The business is meeting sales targets and is exploring a new 90% guaranteed mid-supply chain business loan. They were advised to reapply when 12 months from profitability (expected January 2027). To bridge the gap, staff recommended deferring payments on the first two loans until early 2027 and reducing the interest rate on the third loan to the minimum 4% (from current terms) temporarily through the end of 2026, after which the situation would be reevaluated. The board voted unanimously to approve these changes. - Royal Transportation Update: The business owner went out of business and took on other employment. An informal arrangement was previously made by staff member Christine to reduce payments: $25/month on loan 147-01-01, $25/month on loan 147-02-02, and $50/month on loan 147-02-03. Staff proposed formalizing these modifications to improve EDA reporting (the loans are currently flagged as delinquent). The board expressed concern about the extended payoff timeline (potentially up to 15 years) but moved to approve formalization. Motion carried unanimously. - Gala Cakes Update: The business has been struggling. It partnered with a nonprofit on a program called "Mix of Mission" and received a loan conversion to interest-only after a grant fell through. The deferment ended in January 2026, so payments should have resumed in February, but the owner is having difficulty with back payments. Staff requested a deferral of payments for February through April 2026, allowing her to restart payments in May 2026 (she had already submitted May's payment). The board voted unanimously to approve the deferral. - Loan Fund Status: Most loans are in good standing. Four loans have been sent to collections (mostly CRLF loans: Barks and Rec, Berkerbrew House, and Main Street Wedding). Staff will reach out to these borrowers to check on issues. Key Outcomes - Helponics: Deferred payments on EDA loans 136-01-01 and 136-01-02 until early 2027; reduced interest on loan 136-01-03 to 4% through end of 2026 (unanimous). - Royal Transportation: Formalized modified payment arrangements ($25, $25, $50 per month) with the board's approval (unanimous). - Gala Cakes: Deferred payments due for February through April 2026 (unanimous). - Motion carried unanimously for all actions taken.

The Board of Public Works (BPW) held a regular meeting on May 21, 2026, to consider several contracts, bid openings, and routine approvals. All items on the agenda were approved, with one exception noted on a right-of-way permit. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The May 14, 2026, BPW minutes were approved by a voice vote (all ayes) without discussion. Discussion Items - Contract with Stowned Business Solutions LLC (VPLS Services): The City of Evansville Computer Services requested approval of a renewal contract for VPLS services with Stowned Business Solutions LLC (parent company: Readiate Holdings LP) in the total amount of $673,776. Monthly cost is $18,716, split between city and county based on office assignments. CIO Vernon Lutz noted that quotes from Spectrum and AT&T were considered, but Stowned offered the best pricing and a carrier-diverse fiber ring for public safety units (dispatch, jail, civic center) to improve network resiliency. The motion to approve passed unanimously. - Contract with Hope of Evansville Inc. for Trailer Park Relocation : The City of Evansville DMD requested approval of a $15,000 contract (2026-22 grant) to assist residents of the trailer park at 701 Oak Hill Road with relocation expenses up to $1,000 per resident. Eligible expenses include utility deposits, rent deposits, and moving costs. Funds must be used by December 31, 2026, with any unspent balance returned by March 1, 2027. The motion to approve passed unanimously. - Contract with Assembly Software LLC for Human Relations Commission Software: The Human Relations Commission requested approval of a $4,566 software upgrade. Initially the staff read that $2,283 would come from the EEOC account and another $2,283 from a second EEOC account, but a representative clarified that originally one portion was intended for a HUD account. After discussion, the board recorded that the entire $4,566 would be paid from the EEOC account. The motion to approve passed unanimously. - Bid Opening for 2026 Mill and Overlay Phase One (Project 26-001) : The City Engineers requested approval to open bids. Two responsive bidders submitted: J.H. Rudolph and Company Inc. (grand total $2,018,710.53) and E&B Paving LLC (grand total $2,099,997.10). The city engineer took the bids under advisement. Motion to approve the bid opening passed unanimously. - Preliminary Drainage Plans for River Valley 4: The City Engineers requested approval of preliminary drainage plans for River Valley 4. Traffic Engineer Jennifer Blankenship stated the department had no objections and that final drainage and street construction plans will be reviewed later. Motion to approve passed unanimously. - Advertising for 2026 Pavement Crack Sealing (Project 26-011) : Approved to advertise on May 29 and June 5, 2026. Motion passed unanimously. - Advertising for 2026 Pavement Preservation (Project 26-012) : Approved to advertise on June 5 and June 12, 2026. Motion passed unanimously. - Right-of-Way Permit Applications : The city engineer recommended approval of all submitted right-of-way permits except for Application 2944, which would have moved 12 feet of public right-of-way (an alleyway) and was deemed not in the best interest of the city. Motion to approve with the exception passed unanimously. - Postponement of Bid Opening for Fire Station EMS Upgrades (IFB 011-012026) : Deputy Chief Jared Brown requested moving the bid opening from this BPW meeting to the Board of Public Safety meeting on May 27, 2026, due to addendums. Motion to approve the change passed unanimously. - Approval of Bills and Payrolls: A motion to approve bills and payrolls passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - All contract approvals, bid openings, advertising authorizations, and permit decisions were approved by unanimous voice votes. - The bid for the 2026 mill and overlay project (J.H. Rudolph and E&B Paving) was taken under advisement for further review. - Right-of-way permit 2944 was denied. - The fire station EMS upgrades bid opening was rescheduled to May 27, 2026. - The meeting was adjourned following approval of bills and payrolls.

The Evansville Vandenburgh County Building Commission convened on May 21, 2026, at 7:15 PM under hearing officer Ryan Schultz. The commission addressed multiple enforcement cases involving property maintenance violations, including repair orders, vacate orders, and demolition orders. Decisions ranged from affirmance of orders with timelines to imposition of civil penalties and continuances. Public Comments & Testimony - Property owner CJ Funky (2911 West Franklin St) testified about his retaining wall repairs, claiming over-engineering, while the city requested an engineer's plan. - Jerry and Helen Austinberg (1931 Hathaway Ave) expressed health issues and agreed to repairs but requested time; they stated the shed had fallen and needed removal. - Lauren Tapp (2610 Helmuth Ave) gave lengthy emotional testimony about her grandmother's house, financial struggles, and frustration with repeated complaints, asserting harassment. She agreed to make minor repairs. - Chad Sanders (411 SE 3rd St) represented the property manager, stating financing was approved and contractor would start June 17. Discussion Items - 2911 West Franklin St (CE 25-231): Inspector Allen recommended detailed engineer-stamped plan. Owner argued his specs were sufficient. Hearing officer ordered owner to provide specs within 10 days, continued to June 25. - 1931 Hathaway Ave (CE 26-73): City sought repair of house/garage and demolition of shed. Evidence showed deteriorating conditions. Owner agreed shed needed removal and that repairs were needed. Decision: raise shed approved; repair order affirmed; owner to submit plan within 30 days; next hearing August 27. - 2610 Helmuth Ave (CE 26-51): Coordinator Dauphin listed minor violations (downspouts, missing shingles, boarded windows). Owner Tapp expressed financial and personal hardship. Hearing officer modified order to focus on siding, soffit, downspouts, and missing shingles; windows to be addressed later. Plan due in 30 days; return August 27. - 411 SE 3rd St (CE 26-11): Inspector Lukey cited missing mortar, loose bricks, hanging electrical clevis, and deteriorating rear steps. Manager Sanders stated financing approved, contractor to start June 17. Repair order affirmed; return July 23 for progress. - 312 East Florida St: No owner present. Evidence showed roof holes, structural issues. Repair order affirmed; return August 27. - 1770 Edson St (CE 25-290): No progress; coordinator recommended $500 civil penalty for willful noncompliance. Imposed; return August. - 614 Jackson Ave (CE 25-48): Inspector Lukey noted bricks falling from chimney, no progress since 2025. $500 civil penalty imposed for willful noncompliance despite some siding work. - 1612 S Lynwood Ave (CE 25-133): Owner performed work without permits despite warnings. $500 civil penalty imposed. - 4405 Pickest Road (CE 25-41): Inspector Knox described extensive interior damage, squatters, and owner non-cooperation. Hearing officer ordered interior inspection within 30 days; decision taken under advisement. Key Outcomes - Civil penalties imposed: Two $500 penalties for willful noncompliance (1770 Edson St and 614 Jackson Ave, and 1612 S Lynwood Ave also $500). - Repair orders affirmed for multiple properties with specific timelines and progress hearings. - One structure ordered demolished: Shed at 1931 Hathaway Ave. - One case taken under advisement pending interior inspection: 4405 Pickest Road. - Multiple continuances granted to allow service on new owners, tax sale purchasers, or property improvements. - One case released to voluntary compliance: 4411 Krassville Road. - One case released entirely: 916 West Missouri St (emergency vacate unwarranted).

The Evansville Fire Department Pension Board held a special meeting on May 21, 2026, beginning at 9:41 AM and reconvening after an executive session at approximately 10:28 AM. The board addressed a disability determination for Lieutenant Thompson, conducted an executive session for new hire packets, and approved routine items from a prior meeting. All votes were unanimous. Discussion Items - Disability Determination for Lieutenant Thompson – The board first considered whether Lieutenant Thompson has a covered disability. A motion was made and seconded; all members voted in favor. The board then voted to classify the disability as a Class 3 disability, carrying the motion unanimously. One copy of Thompson’s medical records was retained for the board’s file, and another copy was provided to Chuck Mingle for recordkeeping. - Executive Session – The board suspended the special meeting to enter executive session to review new hire packets. After the closed session, the board resumed its regular session. Key Outcomes - The board unanimously found that Lieutenant Thompson has a covered disability and classified it as a Class 3 disability. - The board approved the previous meeting’s minutes. - The board approved the medical packets for new hires. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 7, 2026. - The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

The Board of Zoning Appeals met on May 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex to hear a variety of variance and special use petitions. The board approved the April meeting minutes, continued one petition from the previous meeting, heard public testimony on several items, and rendered decisions on all remaining petitions. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the April meeting were approved unanimously by roll call vote. - Docket VAR-2026-017 (11216 Walnut Road) was continued to the June 18, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - SPU-2026-004 (16035 North Bolkman Road – Robert Redden III): - Remonstrator Angela Brown (16101 Bolkman Road) expressed opposition, citing concerns about drainage issues, property appearance, and safety of children nearby. She stated the applicant had not maintained a proper culvert and that the area is becoming a residential neighborhood. - Remonstrator John Surratt (3101 East Baseline Road) opposed the recreational use, arguing the property is no longer rural, and highlighted the danger of hunting near children living in adjacent homes. - Remonstrator Joshua Hanniff (3610 East Baseline Road) stated opposition due to young children in the neighborhood. - VAR-2026-013 (711-715 North Fulton Avenue – Evansville Historic Homes LLC): - Danielle Scott (209 West Walnut Street, Fort Branch), artistic and educational director of Evansville Civic Theater, spoke in favor of the gravel parking variance, emphasizing cost savings, structural integrity of the historic theater building, drainage benefits, and accessibility options. She argued paving could cause irreparable damage. - VAR-2026-018 (8900 Baumgart Road – Mount Pleasant Church of God): - Remonstrator Linda Allgood (8925 Baumgart Road) opposed the electronic message sign, citing excessive brightness at night and stating she was not personally contacted by the applicant. She preferred no sign or a dimmed/shut-off sign. - Other items: No public testimony was offered for the remaining petitions. Discussion Items - SPU-2026-003 (4100 Cobert Avenue – Landmark Recovery): This petition for a residential treatment center was continued from the previous meeting because the applicant failed to file a required use and development commitment. The board took no action, effectively continuing it without a formal vote. - SPU-2026-004 (Robert Redden III – private recreational use): The applicant described plans for a 380 sq ft lofted barn for storage and family camping, with no intention to live there. Board members debated hunting safety, building aesthetics, and the need for additional conditions. A motion to approve with conditions (no hunting, commercial site review) failed 3-3. The petition was automatically continued to the next meeting, and the board encouraged the applicant to provide more detailed plans. - VAR-2026-013 (gravel parking at 711-715 North Fulton Avenue): The applicant requested indefinite approval of existing gravel parking. After discussion about indefinite terms, board members suggested a 10-year limit to avoid perpetual review. The remonstrator from the Civic Theater supported gravel for safety and cost reasons. The board approved with a 10-year term. - VAR-2026-018 (electronic sign at Mount Pleasant Church of God): The applicant reduced the sign height request and agreed to dimming and shutoff conditions. The board approved with conditions: dimming from dusk to dawn and automatic shutoff at 8:00 PM. - VAR-2026-020 and VAR-2026-021 (Kenjo Outdoor Advertising nameplate signs): The applicant modified the request from 14 sq ft to 8.5 sq ft. Both were approved with a 4-2 vote, with some members concerned about residential impact. - Remaining petitions (VAR-2026-010, -019, -022, -023, -024, -025, -026, -027, -029): Each was approved with minimal discussion. Public testimony was absent for all except as noted. Key Outcomes - Approved (unanimous): - April meeting minutes. - SPU-2026-005 – Church in shopping center at 1000 North Park Drive (6-0). - VAR-2026-010 – Pole barn at 7805 Chapel Hill Drive (6-0). - VAR-2026-013 – Gravel parking for 10 years at 711-715 North Fulton Avenue (6-0). - VAR-2026-022 – Second driveway at 1241 Shank Road (4-1, one no). - VAR-2026-023 – Library signage at 3001 Oakland Drive (6-0). - VAR-2026-024 – Additional business sign at 7300 East Columbia Street (6-0). - VAR-2026-025 – Barn taller than residence at 3031 Schlinsker Road (6-0). - VAR-2026-027 – Residential addition at 2727 Claremont Avenue (6-0). - VAR-2026-029 – Vehicle storage yard at 2405 South Kentucky Avenue (6-0). - Approved (split vote): - VAR-2026-018 – Electronic sign at 8900 Baumgart Road with conditions (4-2). - VAR-2026-019 – Pole barn at 1241 Shank Road (5-1). - VAR-2026-020 and VAR-2026-021 – Sign nameplates for Kenjo (4-2 each). - VAR-2026-026 – Monument sign height at 2038 Lincoln Avenue (5-1). - Continued: - SPU-2026-003 (Landmark Recovery) – continued to June 18, 2026 meeting. - SPU-2026-004 (Robert Redden III) – continued to next meeting due to tie vote. The next regular meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex.

The Evansville Board of Parks Commissioners held its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The board approved a consent agenda with multiple routine items, heard public comments, and took action on several new business items including property transfers, golf course rate adjustments, ice arena promotions, park improvements, and bid openings. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting minutes from May 6, 2026. - Approved the following consent agenda items unanimously: - Request to approve and execute a Swander Ice Arena use agreement with City Roller Derby. - Request approval to seek quotes for fencing and containment improvements at Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden. - Request approval to seek quotes for various painting and EI/EFUS projects at Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden. - Approve and execute agreements for point-of-sale SaaS for three golf courses (Fendrick, McDonald's, and Health Rec) with T-Snap. Public Comments & Testimony - Gabriel Correjo addressed the board, asking for an updated budget for the Deaconess Aquatic Center for 2026. He was directed to the Controller's Office for the official version. Discussion Items - Quit Claim Deed for 1212 South Garmin Street (TP Park): Officer Cargas explained that a portion of TP Park (a canopy area, parking lot, and building used by a nonprofit) was not officially under Parks Department jurisdiction. The EMSO Redevelopment Commission offered to deed the property to Parks, enabling enforcement of park rules and regulations. The board approved the transfer. - Trail Cleanup and Marching Band Enhancement Project: Lori Van Hoek of the Evansville Area Trails Coalition requested formal approval to conduct trail cleanup for improved safety and visibility on the way to the Marshan Bridge, using grant funding. The board approved. - Winter Rates at Fendrick Golf Course During Sprigging: Kevin, the golf course manager, explained that due to winter kill from 2024-25 affecting Bermuda grass, the course needs to sprig (plant root systems) on the back nine, disrupting play for less than a month starting around June 11-12. To encourage play during this period, he requested lowering rates to winter levels: from $44 to $29 for weekend walking, and cart rates from $15 to $12. A banner will inform visitors. The board approved. Discussion ensued about whether rate changes must always come before the board; staff will look into standardizing the process. - Swander Ice Arena – July 4th Weekend Admission: Nick Perriman, General Manager, requested permission to offer $2.50 admission for public skating, stick time, and free play on Friday and Sunday of July 4th weekend (the arena is closed on Saturday, July 4th). Approved. - Swander Ice Arena – Cool Skate Dollar Days: Perriman proposed a promotion on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday daytime sessions during June, July, August, and September when the heat index exceeds 100°F, offering admission and skate rental for $1 each. Approved. - Swander Ice Arena – Concession Agreement (Solid Grounds): An additional new business item was added to approve a one-year concession agreement with Solid Grounds, renewable for three additional one-year terms, to begin in time for the City Roller Derby event on June 3. Approved. - Change Order 3 – Next Level Trail: Paul Bozeman, Deputy Director, presented a change order totaling $5,344.16 for three small scope changes: removing missed concrete sidewalk ($1,294.92), placing concrete at Lincoln and Vane Avenue to connect to an ADA ramp ($4,405.94), and placing flowable fill over an excavated gas line ($3,643.75) to prevent settling. Approved. - Caldwell Park Site Survey and Site Design: Danielle presented a professional services agreement with 3I for a site survey and site design, the first step before installing a playground. Equipment is ordered and expected to arrive in early August, with installation planned for the second week. Approved. - Open Sealed Quotes – Path and Paving at Mesker Park Zoo: Three contractors submitted quotes for four project areas: Mesker Park Entry, African Panorama Path, Pecary Loop, and Lemur Hill. Quotes were read aloud (ranging from $4,500 to $72,000) and taken under advisement for a future construction agreement. - Open Bids – Casey Newsom Center Renovations: Five contractors submitted base bids and alternatives. Base bids ranged from $573,600 to $703,000. A voluntary alternate for high-RH adhesive for the gym floor was also noted. All bids were taken under advisement. Key Outcomes - All motions were carried unanimously with no opposition. - Approved the quit claim deed for 1212 South Garmin Street, transferring the property officially to the Parks Department. - Approved implementation of winter rates at Fendrick Golf Course during the sprigging period (less than one month), reducing weekend walking to $29 and cart to $12. - Approved $2.50 admission at Swander Ice Arena for July 4th weekend (Friday and Sunday only). - Approved Cool Skate Dollar Days at Swander (June–September, on select hot days). - Approved a one-year concession agreement with Solid Grounds for Swander Ice Arena, renewable for three additional years. - Approved Change Order 3 for the Next Level Trail totaling $5,344.16. - Approved professional services agreement for Caldwell Park site survey and site design. - Opened quotes and bids for Mesker Park Zoo paving and Casey Newsom Center renovations; taken under advisement for future awards. - Approved payroll and vendor claims. Executive Director Report - Danielle announced that the Wesselman Playground restroom is now open and heavily used. - The first movie in the park (Minecraft) will be at Van Park on May 29, around 8 PM, with Kona Ice present. - Howl Mosby Pool and Rochelle Pool will open on May 30 as scheduled. Lorraine Pool is delayed by a couple of weeks due to necessary concrete repairs discovered during liner replacement; the Parks maintenance team is working overtime to complete them. - President Kenny highlighted that the Mayor’s State of the City address featured the Parks Department prominently, and videos are available on WNIN’s Regional Voices series.