Public Meetings - Evansville, Indiana

The Common Council of Evansville met on May 18, 2026, with all nine members present. The meeting covered budget adjustments, two rezoning requests, and resolutions supporting solar energy and Pride Month. Public comments were heard on two items. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the May 11, 2026 meeting as written. - Acknowledged reports and communications, including the Area Plan Commission report for May 2026 and email material for ordinances and resolutions. Public Comments & Testimony - Nicole Chandler (2711 Claremont Ave) spoke in support of the solar resolution (C 2026-20), highlighting the decreasing cost and increasing effectiveness of solar technology, the precedent of solar at CK Newsom Center, and the need for energy independence. - Jacob Delk (31 Adams Ave), president of River City Pride, supported the Pride Month resolution (C 2026-21), thanked the council for its support, and invited everyone to the River City Pride Festival and Parade on June 6, 2026, starting at noon on Main Street. Discussion Items - Ordinance F 2026-05 (Budget adjustments): Robert Gunter (Controller) presented multiple appropriations and transfers for the 2026 budget. Key items included: reclassification of ambulance equipment expenses; $50,000 from ARPA to general fund for the Evansville Wartime Museum; $125,000 grant from the African American Mayors Association for a summer food program (Healthy Play and Pantry Partnership) coordinated through the mayor’s office; $2,200 donation for animal control software; $107,024 carryover for the Blight Fight program from general fund cash; $80,000 for on-call engineering services with local firms; $557,404 from a state grant for Next Level Trails improvements; $2.2 million from the Area Plan Commission fund to cover the city’s share of APC operations, reducing general fund pressure; $29,000 from Terra Haute funds for HVAC repairs at Innovation Pointe; and $90,000 from levee authority fund for pump station repairs. Council requested additional details on some items but proceeded to vote. - Ordinance R 2026-08 (Rezoning 1810/1814 Hooks Drive): Cassie Virgin (APC) explained that three residences and a barn encroach across property lines. The applicant, a family trust, seeks R3 zoning to legally combine the parcels. The property has been family-owned since the 1960s. No opposition was voiced. The applicant, Wendell McKinney, confirmed the family is working to bring the property into compliance. Adopted unanimously. - Ordinance R 2026-09 (Rezoning 6600 Old Boonville Highway): This request seeks R5 zoning for a 216-unit multifamily development. APC recommended approval with conditions, including a use and development commitment (UDC) limiting use to multifamily and including building height caps, screening, buffers, and a traffic impact study. Council expressed concerns about traffic safety on Old Boonville Highway and water pressure. Councilman Hatfield moved to postpone the ordinance to June 22, 2026, and require the applicant to amend the UDC to commit to follow and implement recommendations from both the traffic impact study and the water and sewer department. The motion was seconded and passed; the UDC amendment filing deadline is June 15 at noon. - Resolution C 2026-16 (Police pursuit vehicle lease purchase): Held to June 8, 2026, per Robert Gunter, pending final legal adjustments to the resolution. - Resolution C 2026-20 (Interlocal agreement for solar projects): Sarah Pritchett (Climate Action Coordinator) presented the resolution, which supports an agreement with Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) to install rooftop solar on up to 17 city facilities. EWSU will fund the projects using debt service reserve funds and capture federal tax credits (50–60% of cost). Total estimated cost before credits is $6.4 million; net cost after credits is roughly $2.6 million. The city will reimburse EWSU from energy cost savings over six years, resulting in zero net budget impact. Keith Penny (EWSU Finance Director) noted a July 3, 2026 deadline to commit 5% of projected costs to secure the 50% tax credit. Council members praised the collaboration and cost savings. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution C 2026-21 (Recognition of Pride Month): Council members expressed strong support, noting it reflects the city’s inclusivity. Jacob Delk provided details on the June 6 Pride parade and festival. Adopted unanimously. Key Outcomes - Ordinance F 2026-05 adopted (9–0). - Ordinance R 2026-08 adopted (9–0). - Ordinance R 2026-09 postponed to June 22, 2026, with requirement for applicant to amend UDC to include commitments to implement traffic impact study recommendations and water/sewer department recommendations. UDC amendment due by June 15 at noon. - Resolution C 2026-16 held to June 8, 2026. - Resolution C 2026-20 adopted (9–0). - Resolution C 2026-21 adopted (9–0). - Next meeting: Monday, June 8, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. - Board vacancies announced for Commission on Social Status of African American Males, Evansville Economic Development Commission, Evansville Redevelopment Commission, Evansville Urban Enterprise Association Board, and Affordable Housing Fund Advisory Committee. Applications due May 25, 2026.

On May 18, 2026, the Evansville Finance Committee held a meeting to hear from agencies seeking allocations from the city's federal grant programs (CDBG, HOME, ESG). The committee reviewed recommendations from the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) and the mayor, and discussed the timeline for final allocations, which will be voted on at the June 8, 2026 City Council meeting. Staff explained a new process that gives council members two weeks to review proposals after the first reading and before the final vote, addressing past concerns about feeling rushed. Public Comments & Testimony - Noah Warner, St. Vincent DePaul – Spoke in support of continued CDBG funding, noting that the agency's assistance has increased as economic conditions have worsened. He highlighted the strong return on investment from CDBG funds and asked for the council's support. (Proposal number 12) - Michelle Mata, Voices Long-Term Care Ombudsman – Explained that Voices is the only agency in Evansville providing advocacy for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. She expressed concern that their funding was reduced from $18,000 to $13,000 in the prior year, possibly due to a misunderstanding about duplication of services, which she clarified does not exist. She requested additional funding if available. (Proposal number 24) - Memorial CDC Representative – Thanked the council for continued support and described how CDBG funds support summer youth programs (May 28–June 8, serving over 100 children daily), a youth employment program helping low- to moderate-income families, and the emergency home repair program in partnership with the city's Affordable Housing Trust Fund. (Proposals 53–60) Discussion Items - Colby (DMD Staff) presented the overview of this year's allocation process. He explained that agencies satisfied with their recommended amounts were not required to attend, resulting in a lighter audience—a sign most agencies were content. - Councilman Green facilitated the public comment period, allowing each agency representative two minutes to speak. - Staff clarified funding rules: - For CDBG, the minimum allocation is $10,000 (anything less is not worth administrative cost). - There is a 15% cap on public service activities (proposals 10–34); shifting funds must stay within the public service category or within non-public service categories, but cannot move between the two. - Timeline review: The 2026 grant cycle began with training in summer 2025, followed by proposal submission, CAC recommendations (early 2026), mayor's recommendations (March/April), and now council review. The first reading occurred May 11; final allocations will be voted on at the June 8 City Council meeting. - Councilwoman Taylor praised the department for proactively reaching out to nonprofits that may be unaware of the funding opportunity, and staff noted they are creating a postcard to send to nonprofits that have not previously applied. - Question about unspent funds: Staff confirmed that unspent funds are sometimes repurposed and brought before council via a finance ordinance. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and allowed council members to hear from a subset of funding applicants. - The council was reminded that they have until June 8, 2026, to review proposals and direct any questions to Colby or staff. - Final allocations will be determined at the June 8 City Council meeting (second and final reading).

The Evansville Animal Control and Education Commission met on May 15, 2026, to discuss legal coordination with the county, approve minutes, issue poultry permits, and review the monthly animal control report. Legal Issues and County Coordination - Aaron, legal counsel, reported on plans to contact Ryan Schultz (Vanderburgh County point of contact) to update the county's animal control ordinance to align with recent city changes, particularly regarding stray hold times. - The commission voted unanimously to authorize legal counsel to meet with county counsel to start the process of updating county ordinances, with special priority on matching stray hold times. - Discussion was held on defining and prohibiting exotic animals; legal counsel has not yet received feedback from the mayor's office and will follow up. The commission agreed to invite the circus to the July meeting for input before proceeding. Minutes Approval - The minutes from April 17, 2026, were approved as written by unanimous vote. - The minutes from the April 24, 2026, dangerous dog hearing were approved as written by unanimous vote. Poultry Permit Approvals - Catalina Lopez – 1300 East Illinois Street: Permit approved after inspection confirmed no building department inspection required, waste removal plan in place, and ACO officer approval. Unanimous vote. - Elena Bledsoe – 2161 Jefferson Avenue: Permit approved after inspection confirmed proper distance from dwelling, no roosters, two chickens, and waste removal to a farm. Unanimous vote. - Rex Vance – 908 Tulip Avenue: Permit approved after inspection confirmed compliant coop distance, waste removal, and code limits. Unanimous vote. Monthly Animal Control Report - The April 2026 report was presented. Highlights include a full week with no cats available for adoption due to the community cat program and improved quarantine procedures. Efforts are underway to reduce dog kennel overcrowding through adoptions, rescue transfers, and fostering court-case animals. - Discussion on bond costs: current bond is $150 per animal, significantly lower than other jurisdictions ($450 to $1,000+). The commission is working with the prosecutor to explore increasing the bond amount. - The report noted an increase in animal cruelty and abuse cases, attributed to public awareness campaigns and collaboration with police humane officers. Key Outcomes - Motion passed unanimously to authorize legal counsel to meet with county counsel regarding county ordinance updates (stray hold times priority). - Three poultry permits approved unanimously. - April 17 and April 24 minutes approved unanimously. - Meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.

The Evansville Land Bank Corporation held its regular meeting on May 15, 2026 at 9:00 AM (local time). The board approved previous minutes, reviewed financials, discussed FDIC insurance limits, and addressed several property development and acquisition items. A key focus was the status of properties in the 500 block of Bayard Drive, where the developer TrueVest is behind on taxes and development. Habitat for Humanity provided a status report on its building progress. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the April 17, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. - Financials: The financial report was accepted unanimously. The board then discussed moving funds to stay under FDIC insured limits after learning that the cash is not considered public funds. A motion passed to move $200,000 from the fight blight account at Indiana Members Credit Union (IMCU) to a German American money market account, and to pull all assets in excess of $250,000 from the IMCU business checking account into laddered CDs managed by German American Wealth Management. - Investment Maturation: The board voted to have German American reinvest a maturing investment at the highest rate for a term not to exceed one year. Discussion Items 500 Block of Bayard Drive (TrueVest Development) - Peter Boards (finance) and Ryan (construction) of TrueVest reported on six parcels (504, 505, 511, 502, 506, and 508 Bayard Drive) that are not meeting the development agreement signed in January/May 2025. These parcels have delinquent taxes and weed/trash liens totaling amounts from $225.44 to $1,191.44. - Peter stated that TrueVest is now using internal financing and expects to begin construction on the next lot within weeks. They committed to paying all delinquent taxes and liens by the June 12, 2026 meeting and to provide a development update at the July 17, 2026 meeting. - The board expressed concern about the lack of progress and accepted the commitment, asking for communications through staff. 1513 West Missouri Street (Property Donation) - Property owner Mr. King appeared to discuss donating the parcel to the land bank for eventual sale to Habitat for Humanity. Two outstanding liens were identified: a water/sewer lien ($2,698.00) and a trash lien ($403.50). Mr. King was asked to provide releases for these liens. - The motion to accept the donation was tabled until the next meeting, pending receipt of lien releases and an updated title report. The board noted that the existing structure must be torn down by the building department before the land bank can take title. Habitat for Humanity Status Report - Habitat reported on progress toward its five-year goal of 40 homes per year. For the current fiscal year (ending June 2026), they are on track to build 25 homes. In the Chain neighborhood (Phase 1), 15 of 17 homes are complete (7 on land bank lots). In Glenwood, 5 of 10 homes are started. Next, they will move to Chain/Star neighborhoods with 36 lots (15 in Chain, 21 in Star), with pre-construction beginning and vertical construction by mid-summer. Ten of those lots are pending AHP grant approval. - Habitat is now using modular construction at its Maxwell Avenue volunteer center, saving about $4,500 per build and reducing framing time by three weeks. They also reported a donation of 38 acres on West Mill Road for future development, but remain committed to inner-city neighborhoods. They expect to need 12-15 lots for the next phase in Jacobsville in about 5 years. 413 North Fourth Street (Multiple Applications) - A previous application from a resident at 1020 West Virginia Street to use the lot as a garden was denied by the board (motion passed). A new application from the immediate neighbor at 409 North Fourth (taxes current, property in excellent condition) was tabled to allow staff to obtain bids for removing a tree (but not the stump). The original applicant consented to the change. Expiring Property Listings - The board voted to extend expiring property listings for another six months if the realtors agree. Habitat for Humanity Lot Purchase - Habitat for Humanity applied to purchase three properties (1308 Gabbett Street and 2018/2020 North Fifth Street) for a combined buildable lot size of 50 x 133 feet. The board approved the sale at $500 per buildable lot, per policy. Key Outcomes - Funds Transfer: Motion passed to move fight blight funds and excess checking funds to comply with FDIC limits. - TrueVest Commitment: Developer agrees to clear all taxes and liens by June 12, 2026 and provide updates by July 17, 2026. - 1513 West Missouri Tabled: Donation acceptance deferred to next meeting pending lien releases. - 413 North Fourth: Original application denied; new application tabled for tree removal bids. - Habitat Purchases: Approved sale of three lots at $500 each.

The Board of Public Works met on May 14, 2026, to approve multiple items including contracts for housing rehabilitation, engineering design services for safety grants, right-of-way permits, an interlocal solar agreement, and several event road closures. All agenda items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes from the May 7, 2026 BPW meeting. - Approval of Bills and Payroll: Approved without discussion. Discussion Items - Memorial Community Development Corporation Rehabilitation Contracts: Two contracts for $50,000 each were approved: one for 1562 South Kentucky Avenue (IDIS 5157) and one for 660 Ravenswood Drive (IDIS 5156), both using 2026 CDBG funds. A board member confirmed that both properties would be sold to low-to-moderate income households. - HSIP Grant Design Services: The board approved two task orders with Structure Point: $828,954 for signal backplate replacements and $994,072 for thermoplastic pavement markings. These are funded by a 10%-match grant awarded last year, with the city contributing 10% and paying engineering fees. - Right-of-Way Permit Applications: Approved recommendations on applications 2911-2933, 2935-2939, and 2941-2943 as submitted; applications 2934 and 2940 were excepted (county work); application 2944 was tabled pending additional information. - Solar Project Interlocal Agreement: Approved a contract and resolution with Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) to design, install, and manage solar projects at city facilities. EWSU will front funds, recover federal clean energy tax credits, and set up a 6-year repayment schedule. The project is expected to have zero net impact on the city budget, offset by energy savings. - Event and Road Closure Approvals: Approved five events (subject to a pending waiver for 3): - Juneteenth Celebration (June 19, 2026, 12–9 PM) – closing intersections near Baird Park. - Funk in the City Art Festival (May 16, 2026, 5 AM–8 PM and September 16, 2026) – closing 2nd Street and Adams Street. - River City Slam (June 7, 2026, 7 AM–9 PM) – closing 101 SE First Street (waiver pending). - Volksfest 5K (August 15, 2026, 7:30–8:30 AM) – closing West Maryland Street. - Worship on the Block (June 13, 2026, 7 AM–4 PM) – closing Jefferson Avenue. Key Outcomes - All motions were approved unanimously by voice vote (no dissenting votes recorded). - The board moved to adjourn after completing all business.

This is the regular meeting of the Evansville Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Policy Committee, held on May 14, 2026. The committee approved minutes from the previous meeting, received updates on active transportation projects in Indiana and Kentucky, approved several Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) modifications, adopted an amendment to the I-69 Ohio River Crossing (ORX) project funding, and approved the proposed fiscal year 2027 MPO budget and bills. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously. Old Business: Project Updates - City of Evansville – 3rd Street (Court to Parrot St): Consultant is revising the design contract to phase the project: Court to Walnut (Phase 1) and Walnut to 3rd (Phase 2). - Vanderburgh County – Oak Hill Road (Lynch to St. George): Construction began March 9, 2025; water line installation and utility relocations underway. - Warrick County – Telephone Road (Bell to Fuqueway): Subgrade operations ongoing between Coal Mine and Fuqueway; storm sewer nearly complete on Fuqueway; asphalt except surface, curb/gutter, and drives complete from Bell to Coal Mine; 22 of 25 parcels have had offers accepted. MOT coordination with City of Evansville, INDOT, and hospital ongoing; utility work plans finalized; stage-3 plans at 75% completion; ROW engineering underway. - Kentucky Projects – KY 2183 and KY 1539: Scope includes ROW acquisition for intersection sight distance; KYTC design developing cost estimates for potential acquisition. - INDOT Updates (provided by Rusty): - R 43248: I-64 HMA overlay (east of 41 to east of I-69) – substantially complete. - R 44695: State Road 68 small structures/drains – nearing completion. - R 40551: SR 62 structure replacements (various locations) – closures on 762 west of 161 in early June, then SR 261 bridge around end of August. - B 43972: Thin deck overlays on I-69 over Carter Trailer Ditch and Cypress Creek – single-lane closures each direction; completion expected end of August. - B 43235: SR 68 bridge replacement over Mill Creek – waiting for school to finish; contractor plans to start around June 1. - R 45152: Pavement replacement on SR 62 (Engel to Wabash) including St. Joe and Wabash intersection improvements – starting soon. New Business - TIP Modifications: Since the last meeting, 10 modifications were processed. Two added projects for pavement striping/guardrail on KY 416; five modified by INDOT (including adding a project in Warrick County on I-64 for small structure pipelining); one revised county bridge inspection project in Vanderburgh County (moving all program funding out of FY); two by METS to revise funding for capital assistance and fixed-route bus. - TIP Amendment for I-69 ORX Project (Section 2 – Bridge): Provided more detail on the funding source for construction, which had been listed as “innovative funding.” The amendment identifies Kentucky National Highway Funds, Kentucky Garvey Funds, and federal TIFIA funds shared between Indiana and Kentucky. Approved unanimously. - Fiscal Year 2027 MPO Budget: The proposed budget maintains the same local share amounts (City of Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Warrick County) with no increase since 2024. Federal funds cover 80–100% of projects; special projects total $900,000 (including $348,000 for the new State Road 66 project and $200,000 for the METS COA regional transit project). Operating subtotal remains consistent. Health insurance increased; subscriptions/dues increased due to reclassification of software subscriptions. A 3% cost-of-living adjustment is planned for January 1, 2027. The audit cost is estimated at about $25,000. Approved unanimously. - Approval of Bills: Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Votes: - TIP Amendment for I-69 ORX Section 2 bridge funding – approved unanimously. - FY 2027 MPO budget – approved unanimously. - Bills – approved unanimously. - Next Steps: A rebalancing calculation for local shares is anticipated in FY 2028 or 2029. The next meeting date was not specified; the chair noted that the meeting took place on May 14, 2026.

The Vanderburgh County Redevelopment Commission met on May 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Room 307 of the Civic Center Complex. Four members were present (Jeff Hatfield, Hobart Scales, Bill Nix, Dave Clark); Logan Bitter was absent. The meeting covered officer elections, financial updates, and approval of an economic development agreement for a major project. Consent Calendar - Election of Officers: Bill Nix was unanimously elected President, Hobart Scales as Vice President, and Dave Clark as Secretary. - Approval of Minutes: The meeting memorandum from December 10, 2025 was unanimously approved. Discussion Items - Annual TIF Update and Revenue Analysis (Robert Reynolds, LWG CPAs): Reynolds presented cash flow projections for five Economic Development Areas (EDAs). He highlighted that Senate Enrolled Act 1 will reduce net assessed values for apartments and agricultural land through phased‑in deductions, lowering TIF revenues. The Burkhardt Road EDA could see a worst‑case revenue loss of approximately $765,000 by 2030, but the district has sufficient balances and ongoing growth to cover obligations. The original allocation area expires in 2031; Reynolds conservatively assumed 2030 as the final collection year due to uncertainty in state statute. Other EDAs (Phoenix Commerce Center, U.S. 41/Azteca, University Parkway, St. Joseph Avenue Industrial) showed minimal SEA 1 impact. University Parkway has about $510,000 still owed to the General Fund from prior bond shortfalls, projected to be repaid by 2028. Commissioner Bill Nix requested maps of the TIF districts. - Pass‑Through Letters and Resolution No. 2026‑VCRC‑01: Attorney Craig Emig explained that by June 15 the Commission must notify concurrent taxing units whether it will share excess captured assessed value. The letters state there is no excess value to pass through. A new law requires these letters; otherwise a default 5% would be automatically shared. The resolution officially confirms the determination. Both the letters and resolution were unanimously approved. - Economic Development Agreement – Flats at Old Farm: Attorney Mike Schopmeyer presented an agreement with Parkway Improvements, LLC to reimburse fees and legal costs for the Flats at Old Farm development on University Parkway. The project has been awarded approximately $5 million in READI 2.0 funding. The development will likely be financed through a TIF bond; no tax abatement is expected because the developer may purchase the bonds. Schopmeyer noted that the only pledged revenue is TIF revenue from the project itself, so the county bears no risk if the project fails. Commissioner Jeff Hatfield reiterated the Commission’s role is to evaluate financial viability, while policy decisions rest with elected officials. The agreement was unanimously approved. - New Business: Vice President Hobart Scales inquired about a proposed large distribution warehouse on Petersburg Road near U.S. 41; members indicated they had no information suggesting it would involve the Commission. - Old Business: Scales asked about bond refinancing discussed in December 2025. Robert Reynolds confirmed the bonds were refinanced and closed in February 2026. Key Outcomes - Unanimous election of officers for the coming year. - Unanimous approval of December 10, 2025 meeting minutes. - Unanimous approval of pass‑through letters (no excess revenue shared). - Unanimous adoption of Resolution 2026‑VCRC‑01 regarding 2027 budget year TIF determinations. - Unanimous approval of the Economic Development Agreement with Parkway Improvements, LLC. - Confirmed completion of bond refinancing in February 2026. - Meeting adjourned at 1:56 PM.

The Vanderburgh County Council met on May 13, 2026, at 3:01 PM in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex. All six present councilmembers (Councilmember Raben absent) approved a series of personnel requests, appropriations, transfers, and a new memorandum of agreement for a property tax phase-in with Scannell Properties/Taylor Made Golf. The meeting adjourned at 3:18 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes of April 1, 2026: Approved 6-0. - Personnel Requests: - Circuit Court: Retitle and reclassify Administrative Assistant III; create and fill vacancies for Probation Staff reorganization. - Superior Court: Probation Officer Supplement and Director of Juvenile Drug Courts Supplement. - Area Plan Commission: Fill vacancy for Assistant Zoning Administrator. - Burdette Park: Create temporary position for PT Housekeeper and fill vacancy. - Cumulative Bridge: Fill vacancy for Operator. - County Highway: Fill vacancy for Foreman. - LIT Jail: Retitle two positions to Confinement Officer Sergeant and fill one vacancy (second to be filled later). - Prosecutor - Pre-Trial Diversion: Fill vacancy for PT Finance Manager. - Health Department: Amend hourly rate and fill vacancies for PT Health Officer and PT Medical Director. - Health Department FIMR Grant: Create and fill vacancy for PT Fatality and Special Project Coordinator. All personnel requests approved 6-0. - Appropriations/Repeals: - Circuit Court: $194,994. - Superior Court Repeal: $199,227. - Cumulative Bridge: $105,000 (legal services and Wimberg Bridge design change). - Highway: $15,000 (legal services). - Convention Center Operating Fund: $88,003. All approved 6-0. - Transfers: Clerk, Sheriff, Coroner, Area Plan, Veterans’ Services, Jail, Circuit Court, Cumulative Bridge, Health Department, Highway, Prosecutor (late), LIT-Jail (late). All approved 6-0. - Amendments to the Salary Ordinance: Adopted 6-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - New Business – Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Scannell Properties 788, LLC/Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. (6700 Petersburg Road): Patrick Hickey, Economic Development Director at the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, presented the MOA for a property tax phase-in. He noted the clawback agreement had been approved by the Commissioners with no changes. Councilmembers expressed support; President Montrastelle noted construction is underway. The MOA was approved 6-0 via roll call vote. - Work Release Program Commendation: Councilmember Iaccarino highlighted that the program has averaged 4,000 tons of litter collected, praising Sheriff Noah Robinson and Jean Bailey. Councilmember Hahn also commended the program. Key Outcomes - All motions were approved unanimously (6-0) with Councilmember Raben absent. - The MOA with Taylor Made Golf was approved via roll call vote. - Upcoming meetings: Personnel & Finance Committee on May 27, 2026, and County Council on June 3, 2026.

The Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden Advisory Board held its monthly meeting on May 12, 2026, at 6:15 PM. The board unanimously approved April meeting minutes, received a comprehensive update from Director Beck on attendance, revenue, staffing, animal collection, and upcoming events, and approved four new business items related to capital improvements and pricing. Consent Calendar - Minutes from April 2026 meeting: Accepted as presented with no changes, additions, or edits. Approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Director’s Report (Spring Update): - Attendance & Revenue: 25,371 visitors in April (near a record for that month); March set a record. Year-to-date attendance reached 60,000. Gross revenue via the city was $235,000 for April and $476,000 year-to-date. Gift shop sales in April totaled $54,000 (record of $61,000 in 2023). Concessionaire (Venue Works) sales data for February is still pending. - Staffing: The zoo remains in “dire need” of an animal curator after 4-5 months of searching with no success; strategy is being re-evaluated. Openings for summer camp counselors and year-round part-time education positions are posted on the city website. - Animal Updates: Budgies are out and thriving on a new feeding strategy thanks to Stephanie Sanderson. Sulcata tortoises are being moved out this week; giant tortoises will wait until around Memorial Day. Penguin chicks (including one named Dale) are learning to swim behind the scenes. An African crested porcupine (porcupette) was born in April. Shipments include a kookaburra to Louisiana, a takin to Ohio, and acquisition of a female jaguar from Louisiana, to be picked up on May 13 or 14. - Upcoming Events: - Member Appreciation Night: May 27, 5:30–7:30 PM (after zoo closes at 5 PM). Features food trucks, live music, behind-the-scenes tours, gardening activities, free giraffe feedings and carousel rides. - Zoobrew: June 13 (afternoon), presented by Heritage Federal Credit Union. New partnership with Leisure Distributors (Big Green Egg grills) includes raffles and cooking demos. Capacity increased to 800; tickets go live by May 14 noon. Theme: “Tropical Takeover” (Jimmy Buffett). Non-alcoholic options available. - Wild Summer Lights: Opens July 30, tickets on sale July 1. Runs through October 4, four nights per week (11 added nights). New Africa-themed lantern show created with Tianyu Arts & Culture. Live music and food trucks each night. - Vintage Vines Gala: August 22 at Evansville Country Club; invitations mailed around July 1. - New Business – Requests to Seek Quotes: - Paving & Path Improvements: Annual repair of asphalt and concrete paths. Quotes to be opened at the May 20 parks board meeting. Approved unanimously. - Fencing & Containment Improvements: Annual capital project focusing on older fences, especially in Asian Valley (wood fencing from the 1980s). Approved unanimously. - Painting & EIFS Projects: Rusted steel structures (tiger area, Amazonia), peeling/faded stucco facade, and other painting needs. Approved unanimously. - Birthday Party Package Price Increase: - Guest Services Manager Stephanie Sanderson proposed a $20 increase per package for both member and non-member rates (less than 10% increase, first in 5 years). Packages include 2-hour party, admission for 20 guests, private room, host, carousel rides, and tram service. Add-ons (e.g., animal feedings) unchanged. Approximately 75 parties per year ($15,000 in 2025). Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - April 2026 minutes accepted. - Authorized staff to seek quotes for paving and path repairs. - Authorized staff to seek quotes for fencing and containment improvements. - Authorized staff to seek quotes for painting and EIFS projects. - Approved a $20 increase to birthday party package prices for both member and non-member rates. - Meeting adjourned; next regular meeting scheduled for June 2026.