Public Meetings - Evansville, Indiana

The Ansville Fire America Commission met on May 12, 2026, at 4:01 p.m. with four members present (Commissioner Vick excused). The meeting covered approval of minutes, payments for promotional testing and raters, a firefighter update, discipline, promotions, certification of promotion lists, and a discussion about overtime charges from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office. Consent Calendar - Approved previous meeting minutes unanimously. Discussion Items - Payment for Promotional Interview Raters: Approved $1,500 each for raters Hayden, Dowd, and Funk for three days of work. Motion passed unanimously. - Payment for Promotional Testing: Approved $26,600 to ISP (the testing company) for development and administration of promotional tests for captain, inspector, and battalion chief. Motion passed with one commissioner expressing concern about the cost (“That seems like a lot of money”). - Firefighter Update: The first recruit class is three weeks from completing the fire training portion. On May 29, three individuals will move to fire stations (they already have EMT National Registry certification). On June 1, the remaining four will join the next recruit class of nine to begin the EMT portion. - Discipline: Three coachings were given in the last month: one for conduct unbecoming, and two for neglect of duty/loss of equipment. The latter involved a full complement of EMS equipment (oxygen, medical bag, AED) left on a sidewalk after an incident; a passerby stole the AED, resulting in a permanent loss of a $6,000 piece of equipment. - Promotions: Brian Studi promoted to captain (April 18), Mike Wilson to lieutenant (April 18), Daniel Ice to lieutenant (April 22), and Matthew Mastison to temporary captain (April 22). - Social Media Kudos: A commissioner praised the fire department’s social media posts and asked that the person responsible be thanked. - Certification of Promotion Lists: Three eligibility lists were certified by vote: - Captain list (12 candidates): candidate numbers read in order (612, 6386, 5153, 5290, 6249, 4879, 6797, 6934, 5701, 6660, 5838, 6523). Approved. - Inspector list (7 candidates): 2139, 2550, 2276, 2002, 1591, 2413, 1865. Approved. - Battalion Chief list (11 candidates): 4194, 3235, 2824, 3920, 3509, 4057, 3372, 3646, 4468, 2961, 3783. Approved. - Old Business – Overtime Charges for Sheriff’s Deputies: The commission discussed a bill from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office for $270.76 for overtime incurred by two deputies at meetings during the first quarter. The charge is based on meetings lasting past 4:30 p.m. (the meeting ended at 4:31 p.m.). The commission agreed to pay the bill, noted that future meetings may need to end earlier to avoid overtime, and will include the charge in next month’s claims. - Upcoming Meetings: Special meeting on May 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in room 307. Next regular meeting on June 9, 2026, at 4:45 p.m. in the same room. - City Attorney Information: The commission noted that the city attorney will provide information in advance for a presentation/discovery; they have hired counsel for that matter. Key Outcomes - Approved payment of $1,500 each to three promotional interview raters (Hayden, Dowd, Funk). - Approved payment of $26,600 to ISP for promotional testing. - Certified three promotion eligibility lists (captain, inspector, battalion chief) by unanimous votes. - Agreed to pay the $270.76 overtime bill from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and to address timing to avoid future charges. - Meeting adjourned after a motion carried.

The Evansville Common Council met on May 11, 2026, at 11:45 AM (adjourned at 6:50 PM) with all nine members present. The council approved a consent agenda, adopted several ordinances and resolutions, heard public comments, and tabled one item. Consent Calendar - Approved first readings of ordinances and resolutions: Ordinance F2026-05 (appropriation transfers), Ordinance F2026-07 (CDBG and HOME grants), and rezoning ordinances R2026-10 (501-503 & 511 East Walnut), R2026-11 (4919 Old Boonville Highway), R2026-12 (1307 & 1311 Hitting Avenue), and R2026-13 (1514 South Morton Avenue). All passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - A group of students from the Winy community (Briley Owen, Derek Floyd, Samori Wagner, Lab Intensley, Brooklyn Farrow) spoke about unsafe conditions at Van Park, including lack of sidewalks, broken playground equipment, unsafe bathrooms, and illegal activity. They requested city assistance to fix the park. - Luke Bryant (1221 Meadowbrook Drive) urged the council to review and end the Flock safety camera contract, citing privacy concerns, lack of independent evidence of crime reduction, and potential for abuse. Discussion Items - Ordinance G2026-10 (Bond Refunding): Authorized refunding of 2022 Evansville Vision Bonds to release parcels for the Republic project. Interest rate slightly lower. Passed 9-0. - Ordinance G2026-11 (PILOT for Grandview Towers): Approved a 30-year payment in lieu of taxes agreement for rehab of 147 affordable senior housing units (170 units total, 95% occupied). Project includes $17 million rehab, no displacement, added resident services coordinator. Passed 9-0. - Ordinance F2026-04 (Republic Project Bonds): Authorized up to $5 million in developer-backed TIF revenue bonds for a 153-unit market-rate apartment development at 6933 Vogel Road. Developer Shelby Bowen presented. Council discussed financing agreements needing to be filed. Passed 9-0. - Ordinance F2026-06 (HUD Funds): Repealed and reappropriated $200,000 in HOME funds for Memorial CDC's Ravenswood Place rehab (8 units). Also transferred planning funds to youth development. Three council members recused (Hieronymus, Hatfield, Johnson). Passed 6-0. - Resolution C2026-16 (Police Pursuit Vehicles): Proposed lease purchase for 15 police SUVs. Tabled to next meeting pending final lease agreement. - Resolution C2026-17 (Solar Co-op): Supported formation of a solar purchasing cooperative with Solar United Neighbors. Passed 9-0. - Resolution C2026-18 (Affordable Housing Trust Fund): Authorized $250,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for Memorial CDC's Ravenswood Place rehab. Council requested quarterly updates on fund expenditures. Passed 9-0. - Resolution C2026-19 (Regional Trails Master Plan): Adopted the Evansville Regional Trails Master Plan to guide regional trail connections. Passed 9-0. Key Outcomes - All adopted ordinances and resolutions (except tabled) received unanimous or near-unanimous approval. - Ordinance G2026-10, G2026-11, F2026-04, F2026-06, and Resolutions C2026-17, C2026-18, C2026-19 were adopted. - Resolution C2026-16 tabled to May 18, 2026 meeting. - Council directed staff to provide quarterly updates on Affordable Housing Trust Fund expenditures and to file financing agreements for the Republic project. - Next meeting scheduled for May 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM, with a finance committee meeting at 4:15 PM.

The Board of Public Works met on May 7, 2026, and approved multiple routine items including contracts, change orders, permit applications, and minutes. All votes were unanimous. Discussion Items - Minutes Approval: Approved minutes from the April 30, 2026 meeting. A correction was made later because the original mover was not present; the minutes were re-approved. - Human Relations Contract: Approved a $2,000 contract with Heartland Interpretation and Translation Services LLC for interpretation and document translation services. - METS Admin Renovation Change Order 3: Approved $1,208.15 with Danco Construction Incorporated for reworking a fire sprinkler head and adding a raceway for wires. - METS Admin Renovation Change Order 4: Approved $14,885 with Danco Construction for reworking the fire sprinkler system to meet code, including cutting, patching, and repainting ceilings. - DMD Amendment - Youth Build Program: Approved an increase of $10,879.19 to the contract with Advantage Development Corporation for the CDBG 2025 youth build program, new total $60,879.19. - DMD Amendment - Contract Extension: Approved an extension of a $2,800 contract with Advantage Development Corporation to March 31, 2026. A board member inquired about the Vision 1505 project, noting it is under Advantage. - Walnut Phase 3 Change Order 17: Approved a decrease of $1,524,833.24 for final adjustment of actual quantities, new contract total $20,451,909.03. The project came in under budget. - Aegis On-Call Engineering: Approved task order 1 for $32,000 to assist with MOT plan and INDOT permitting for removal of the rail crossing at Green River and Morgan Avenue, using a previously approved $40,000 on-call agreement. - Right-of-Way Permits: Approved permit applications 2888 through 2910 as submitted, with standard conditions. - Bills and Payrolls: Approved. Key Outcomes - All new business items and routine approvals were passed unanimously by voice vote. - The meeting concluded with a mention of the Otters opening season.

The Evansville Tree Board met on May 7, 2026, at 9 a.m. to consider tree removals for the Lloyd Expressway project, a roundabout landscaping resolution, and to review Arbor Day results. All motions passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Mike moved, Gina seconded. Approved unanimously. - Park Tree Removals (Paul Balsman): Removal of structurally damaged trees at Swander Ice Rinks, Haney's Corner, and How Wetlands. Motion by Sarah, seconded by Jean. Approved. - Street Tree Removals: Batch of dead, dying, or structurally weak trees (several ash trees). Motion by Jean, seconded by Sarah. Approved with note that neighborhood associations will be notified before removal. Discussion Items - INDOT Tree Removal for Lloyd Expressway Project: Emily Sprinkle (INDOT) requested approval to remove trees for the Barker Avenue interchange modification as part of the Lloyd for You project. Approximately one acre of trees may be removed; exact count unknown. INDOT committed to a 2:1 canopy replacement, with potential replanting in the St. Joseph area near the new pedestrian bridge. Board approved with that condition. Project completion expected late 2028, with tree clearing starting fall 2026. Ideal planting window November to May. - Roundabout Landscaping Resolution: Mike moved to reaffirm a resolution for landscaping at the roundabout at Indiana and Crosspoint, part of the Lloyd for You project. The resolution calls for landscaped roundabouts with height and structure, similar to Hamilton County. Approved. - Arbor Day Event Recap: Sean reported over 220 trees given away to the public, 50 trees planted at Wesselman Park, and 30 trees planted at Roberts Park. Total of 600 trees planted this spring. Discussion about conducting an audit of tree giveaway success rates; a volunteer offered to help. - Tree Canopy Goal Initiative: Discussion about focusing future planting on Green River Road rather than Cross Point, as the Cross Point area is already well-planted by developers. Board noted that Green River Road is a priority. - Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Update: Emerald ash borer meeting scheduled for later that day; planning a fall twilight tour. - Upcoming Events: Tree pruners licensing seminar on May 12 at CK Newsom Center; additional seminars on August 11 and November 10 at Wesselman Woods Nature Center. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: Unanimous. - INDOT Tree Removal: Approved with condition of 2:1 canopy replacement, with preference for replanting in the St. Joseph area. - Roundabout Landscaping Resolution: Approved unanimously. - Park Tree Removals: Approved unanimously. - Street Tree Removals: Approved unanimously. - Adjournment: Moved by Mike, seconded by Jean, passed.

The Area Plan Commission of Evansville and Vanderburgh County convened on May 7, 2026, to consider three rezoning petitions and a county-wide parking ordinance update. The commission approved a compliance rezoning, a 216-unit apartment complex over community opposition, a single-family subdivision, and forwarded the new parking regulations to the county commissioners. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The April memorandum was unanimously approved (8-0). REZ-2026-010: Hicks Drive Compliance Rezoning Petitioner Wendell McKinney requested to rezone 1810 and 1814 Hicks Drive from R1 to R3 to legally establish three existing single-family homes that cross property lines. The commission found no opposition and approved the petition 8-0, forwarding it to the City Council with a recommendation for approval. REZ-2026-011: Old Boonville Highway Apartment Complex Attorney Steve Bolieber and developer Kenny Reinbrecht (Elite Properties) requested a rezoning of 6600 Old Boonville Highway from R1 to R5 for a 216-unit apartment complex. - Petitioner Position: The development is consistent with the comprehensive plan for the mixed-use area and will include a lake and significant green space. The developer committed to conducting a traffic impact study, installing tree buffers, placing the dumpster compactor near the industrial northern boundary, and developing a detailed Use and Development Commitment (UDC) before reaching the city council. - Remonstrator Position (Led by Cathy Tooley and supported by the Lasher family): The community argued the area is oversaturated with apartments, traffic on narrow Old Boonville Highway is dangerous without sidewalks or streetlights, and the water infrastructure is strained. They asked the commission to deny the rezoning. - Commission Deliberation: Commissioners expressed a desire for more specific UDC protections, including landscaping and fencing, before voting. Commissioners Hooper and Freeman voted no, citing a lack of a pre-application meeting with neighbors and vague commitments. Commissioners Stevens and Nix supported the project, trusting the subsequent site review process. - Outcome: The petition was approved 6-2 (Hooper, Freeman dissenting) and forwarded to the City Council with the expectation of a strengthened UDC. REZ-2026-012: Covert Avenue Residential Subdivision Scott Beadle (Kash Wagner & Associates) and developer Aaron Miller requested a rezoning at 5925/6001 Covert Avenue from PUD, R1, and C2 to R3 for a proposed residential subdivision. - Petitioner Position: The rezoning to R3 is primarily to allow a reduced 20-foot front yard setback for a planned 34-lot single-family and duplex subdivision. Miller committed to a UDC restricting the property to single-family and duplex uses, addressing the drainage issues of the Cold Ditch with county officials. - Remonstrator Position (Led by Kate Combs, Aubrey Wellman, and Casey Burns): Neighbors expressed fears of flooding, the retention pond impacting Price Park safety, increased traffic from soccer events, and the potential for future apartment construction. A petition of 95 signatures opposing the rezoning was submitted. - Commission Deliberation: Concerns about permitting future multi-family development were allayed by the developer's commitment to a UDC limiting the use. The commission noted the developer had met with the county surveyor to resolve drainage concerns. - Outcome: The petition was approved unanimously (8-0) with the condition of a UCD restricting density, forwarded to the City Council. County Parking Ordinance Update Staff presented a proposed update to the county parking regulations, mirroring the recently adopted city version. - Discussion: The ordinance modernizes parking requirements with credits for EV charging stations and reduces minimum parking for many uses. It exempts legally existing parking lots from new landscaping requirements upon a change of use. - Commissioner Petke Concern: Expressed concern that the ordinance had not been properly vetted by commercial development stakeholders, suggesting a delay for further study. - Counterpoint: Other commissioners argued the code is less restrictive than the current one and would spur development. They advocated for immediate approval with the ability to amend later. - Outcome: Approved 7-1 (Petke dissenting) and forwarded to the County Commissioners. Key Outcomes - April Memorandum: Approved (8-0). - REZ-2026-010 (Hicks Drive): Approved (8-0) for City Council. - REZ-2026-011 (Old Boonville Highway): Approved (6-2) for City Council. - REZ-2026-012 (Covert Avenue): Approved (8-0) for City Council. - County Parking Ordinance: Approved (7-1) for County Commissioners. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for June 4, 2026.

The Board of Park Commissioners met on May 6, 2026, to approve meeting minutes, dispose of surplus equipment, authorize multiple projects at Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden, award construction contracts, approve change orders, and receive a departmental report. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: Approved the April 22, 2026 special meeting minutes. - Equipment Disposal: Approved the disposal of a 1997 Land Pride overseeder, a 2006 Toro mower, and a 1999 Ty-Crop Quick Pass top dresser at Fendrich Golf Course. A board member requested clarification on disposal location before the motion carried. Discussion Items - Permission to Seek Quotes for Paving and Asphalt Repairs at Mesker Park Zoo: Ben Payne of Mesker Park Zoo requested permission to seek bids for paving, painting, and asphalt projects covering footpaths, roads, and parking lots as an annual preventive maintenance project. Approved. - Permission to Seek Quotes for Fencing, Shelter, and Containment Projects at Mesker Park Zoo: Request to seek quotes for perimeter and exhibit fencing, part of yearly maintenance. Approved. - Permission to Seek Quotes for Painting EFIS Projects at Mesker Park Zoo: Request to seek quotes for repairing delaminated EFIS coating on the entry building and Amazonia building. Approved. - Award and Execute Agreement with Art Construction for Eigelhardt Splash Pad: Danielle presented the low bidder, Art Construction, for the splash pad project. The anticipated completion date is September 2, 2026 (Labor Day weekend), with penalties for delays. Motion to award and execute carried. - Award Agreement (Not Execute) with Midwest Contracting for Golf Renovations: Danielle requested approval to award the agreement to Midwest Contracting as low bidder, with execution delayed pending language adjustments. Approved. - Approve and Execute Amendment to Concessions Agreement at Helfrich Golf Course: Amendment transfers liquor license responsibility from the Board of Park Commissioners to the concessionaire, Wilson of Evansville (adding them alongside Britt Wilson, who remains personally liable). Needed for license transfer approval. Approved. - Change Order 2 with Midwest Contracting for Fourth and Main Park Project: $37,150.03 to address unstable vaults discovered during excavation, replacing topsoil with geosynthetic material. Approved and to be executed after language verification. - Change Order 4 with Midwest Contracting for Westman Playground Restroom Project: $13,900 to fix drainage issues in the playground adjoining the restroom. Approved. - Change Order 3 with River Town Construction for Next Level Trail: $5,825.41. This item was tabled to the next meeting to allow detailed information to be provided. Key Outcomes - All votes on the consent calendar and discussion items (except the tabled change order) were approved unanimously by voice vote (all ayes, no opposed). - The board approved seeking quotes for three separate zoo maintenance contracts (paving, fencing, painting) and awarded two construction contracts (splash pad and golf renovations) as specified. - The concessions agreement amendment was approved to shift liquor license responsibility to the concessionaire. - Two change orders were approved; one change order was tabled for further information. Departmental Report - Danielle introduced the new Program Director, Catherine Van Hook, who began May 4, 2026, focusing on social media, programs, community connections, and senior programming. She is assisting with pool hiring for the May 30 opening. - Danielle announced the 2026 Movie Nights in the Park series, sponsored by City Council and in cooperation with Evansville Police and Fire Departments: - May 29 – Van Park – The Minecraft Movie - June 12 – 11th Avenue Park – The Parent Trap - July 17 – Stevenson Park – Space Jam - August 7 – Howell Park – Zootopia 2 - Payroll and vendor claims were approved.

The Evansville Board of Public Works met on April 30, 2026, and approved a series of contracts, change orders, event requests, and routine items. All items were approved unanimously by voice vote. Discussion Items 1. Portland Loo Cleaning and Inspection Contract – Approved a $33,000 contract with the downtown Evansville Economic Development District for cleaning and inspection of the Portland Loo public restroom at 119 Northwest 6th Street. The contract includes $28,000 in monthly payments and a $5,000 lump sum for graphics installation. A board member asked if the facility is already in use and expressed excitement about the new public restroom. 2. METS GTFS Real-Time Upgrade – Approved an $11,361 contract amendment with Trapeze Software Group (TripSpark Technologies) to upgrade the transit system to GTFS real-time, integrating with a new digital ticketing app for more accurate bus arrival information. 3. Cemetery Oil Surplus – Approved the surplus of used oil barrels to Casey Sellers for removal at no cost, as the city no longer uses the oil-burning system. A board member asked about the number of barrels; it was clarified that it is used oil. 4. Firefighters Credit Union Rental Agreement – Approved a renewal agreement with Evansville Firefighters Federal Credit Union for $100 per month ($1,200 annually) for rental of space at 312 North Fourth Avenue. 5. Fire Station Renovations Advertising – Approved permission to advertise for bids for renovations at eight fire stations to accommodate EMS staff starting July 1, 2026. A board member asked about the number of stations. 6. Tri-State Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry – Approved a $5,000 amendment (increasing total to $15,000) for the mobile food pantry program, using CDBG 2025 funds. 7. Titan Electrical Ventilation Boots – Approved a $1,107.46 contract amendment for additional work at 1507 South Fairlawn Avenue. 8. Rights Home Preservation Matching Grant – Approved a $25,000 one-to-one matching grant with the Rights Home Preservation Society for exterior cornice work. A board member asked about the scope of work. 9. First Avenue Storm Sewer Change Order – Approved change order 2 for $14,239.73 with Blanken Brothers, including a contract extension to April 30, 2026, for additional work on gas line discovery and traffic maintenance. New total: $311,760.07. 10. Eastside Drainage Improvements Change Order – Approved change order 7 for $83,131.66 with Blanken Brothers for sand boil mitigation and water main/sanitary sewer relocation. A board member noted residents reported the drainage is working. 11. 2026 Mill and Overlay Phase One Advertising – Approved advertising for bids for Project 26-001, with ads on May 1 and May 8, 2026. 12. Surplus Office Furniture – Approved surplus of a vertical filing cabinet and a table from the City Engineers office. 13. Right-of-Way Permit Applications – Approved 16 right-of-way permit applications (2872-2887) with standard conditions. 14. Event Road Closures and Barricades – Approved barricade and road closure requests for multiple events: - Fun Art's "Funk in the City" art festival on May 16, 2026 (5 a.m. to 8 p.m.) - Moe's House First Fridays DJ Fest on May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, and October 2, 2026 (3:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.) - St. Boniface Church Corpus Christi procession on June 7, 2026 (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) - St. Benedict Church Corpus Christi procession (date not specified in transcript) - Children's Museum of Evansville "Way Late Play Date" on May 8, 2026 (4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.) - Evansdale Philharmonic Cinderella presentation on May 8, 2026 (6 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Key Outcomes - All items were approved unanimously by voice vote. - The board approved bills and payrolls and adjourned. No public comments or testimony were presented during the meeting.

The Board of Commissioners and the Drainage Board met jointly on April 28, 2026, at 9:32 AM in the Civic Center Complex. The meeting covered infrastructure contracts, personnel appointments, software licenses, tax phase-ins, a flood hazard ordinance, department reports, public comments, a rezoning, and drainage board business. All action items were approved unanimously unless noted. Consent Calendar - Approval of April 14, 2026 Board of Commissioners meeting minutes. - Approval of employment changes. - Claims voucher reports for April 13–17 and April 20–24, 2026. - Assessor surplus request. - Burdette Park surplus requests for concessions tables and a mower, and a special purchase request for a bucket truck. - Engineer travel request and report and claims. - Authorization for Daughters of the American Revolution historical marker installation at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Coliseum. - Evansville-Vanderburgh Airport Authority District Board of Directors appointment of Rev. Adrian M. Brooks, Sr. Public Comments & Testimony - Shannon Yarborough (7322 Greenborough Drive) reported persistent flooding from three drains adjacent to her property. She requested an update on the planned drainage project. Deputy Surveyor Mike Ward and County Engineer John noted the project is a work in progress, with a pending water line locate and issues with pipes outside the public right-of-way that predate county maintenance ordinances. They indicated the matter will return to the commissioners or drainage board for bidding. - Darlena Lancaster (4600 Detroit Road) described a six-year struggle with a nuisance property at 4612 Detroit Road—a vacant, condemned house with structural collapse, black mold, raccoons, and unregistered RVs. She demanded enforcement action. County Attorney Ryan Schultz responded that a hearing is set for June 3, 2026, and the property will be prioritized. He noted the county is working to set up nuisance hearings and that the building inspector has visited multiple times. Action Items - Engineer – Notice to Bidders VC26-04-02 (Charlotte Avenue Pipe Replacement): Sealed bids due May 26, 2026, to replace a failed storm sewer too deep for county crews. Approved unanimously. - Engineer – Acceptance of Street Improvements (Green River Meadows, Section 1): Streets in the first phase of the subdivision on the west side of Green River Road, south of Kansas Road. Approved unanimously. - Drugs and Alcohol Deferral Services – Contract with Jami Carlson: Carlson will serve as a substance abuse education class instructor at $45/hour, replacing the prior instructor who unexpectedly passed away. Funding from the DADS line item. Approved unanimously. - Computer Services – CivicPlus, LLC Statement of Work Addendum: CIO Vernon Luce explained that eGov is ending web hosting support, forcing the county to move to CivicPlus (also used by the city). A committee (including Commissioner Canterbury) negotiated ADA compliance, a joint city-county landing page with an AI search bot, a discounted rate, and favorable legal terms. Approved unanimously. - Health Department – Health Officer Appointment: Dr. Jason Bredenkamp, an emergency physician and chair of emergency medicine at Ascension St. Vincent, was appointed as Health Officer. His employment begins May 22, 2026, after coordination with county council and insurance. He replaces Dr. Spears, who serves until then. Approved unanimously. - Health Department – Amendment 2 to IDOH Grant Contract 91512: A $14,966 increase (to $104,762) and extension through June 2026 to fund a disease investigation specialist position. A further amendment will extend through March 2027. Approved unanimously. - Recorder – Addendum and Extension with Fidlar Technologies: A five-year renewal for recording and indexing property records, Laredo software, at flat pricing of $117,500/year. County Attorney Ryan Schultz noted improved warranties, remedies, indemnification, and Indiana governing law/venue clauses. The county has contracted with Fidlar since 1994. Approved unanimously. - Sheriff – Indiana DNR Marine Patrol Grant Agreement: $15,000 grant to support river patrol operations on the Ohio River during summer. Approved unanimously. - Superintendent of County Buildings – Professional Services Agreement with Helming Brothers, Inc.: Annual roof inspection services at the Old Courthouse for $2,645 per inspection, including minor repairs and deficiency reports. Approved unanimously. - Property Tax Phase-In with SEZ Holdings, LLC: A seven-year phase-in for real property improvements at 15000 Foundation Avenue. Approved unanimously. - Property Tax Phase-In with PolyRam USA, LLC: A seven-year phase-in for new manufacturing equipment and personal property at the same facility. PolyRam commits to creating 9 new full-time positions with an estimated $710,000 in total annual salaries. Approved unanimously. - Final Reading of Resolution CO.R-04-26-010 (Flood Hazard Protection Ordinance): The second and final reading adopting a flood hazard protection ordinance as Chapter 18.04. Bill Petkey of the Southwestern Indiana Builders Association spoke in support, thanking the county attorney and engineer for working with the private sector to avoid overly restrictive development costs while qualifying for flood insurance discounts. Approved unanimously. Department Head Reports - Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs Biannual Report: Kevin Hinton, Southwest District Service Officer, presented the new state code (IC 10-17-1-9, formerly SEA 433) effective January 1, 2026, requiring briefings to all county commissioners twice a year. He reported that all three Vanderburgh County Veteran Service Officers and two assistants received state accreditation based on 1,000 hours of work per year and key performance metrics. He commended the county office as one of the best in his district. - Vanderburgh County Veterans Services Office Quarterly Report: Veteran Service Officer Tonya Webber reported slightly lower call volumes due to referrals to other Kentucky service officers. She highlighted a major change in property tax exemptions effective July 1, 2026: all veterans with a service-connected disability must file a new exemption form. Veterans rated 100% disabled (wartime or peacetime) receive full property tax exemption regardless of property value; others may see changes. The office is coordinating with the auditor to notify all 9,889 known veterans via phone, mail, and outreach to American Legions and VFWs. A media blitz is planned by the IDVA. Rezoning - First Reading of Rezoning Ordinance VC-5-2026 (Chal Corporation, 5925 & 6001 Covert Ave): Request to change zoning from PUD, R-1, and C-2 to R-3. The motion to approve and forward to the Area Plan Commission for its May 7, 2026 hearing passed unanimously. Drainage Board - Call to Order and Pledge: The Drainage Board meeting began immediately after the commissioners meeting adjourned, with President Canterbury presiding (Commissioners Gable and Elpers present). - Approval of Previous Minutes: Approved unanimously. - Final Drainage Approval – Eagle Point Subdivision: Presented by Cash Wagner for SB Development Group LLC, a 24-lot single-family residential subdivision on Volkman Road. Preliminary approval was granted February 24, 2026. The county surveyor and engineer confirmed code compliance. Approved unanimously. - Ditch Claims: Five claims totaling $1,127 for previously approved contracted work from 2025 and 2026. Approved retroactively. - Informational Items: The Pigeon Creek Watershed Development Commission will meet May 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the same room. An update on the petition to remove an obstruction from a natural surface water course for Mark Norman (8400 Church Hill Court) – staff are still notifying landowners and hope to resolve by the first meeting in May. - Adjournment. Key Outcomes - All action items and consent items were approved unanimously by voice vote with Commissioner Gable, Canterbury, and Elpers voting yes. - Dr. Jason Bredenkamp appointed as Health Officer effective May 22, 2026. - The Flood Hazard Protection Ordinance (Chapter 18.04) was adopted on final reading. - The rezoning for Chal Corporation was advanced to the Area Plan Commission hearing on May 7, 2026. - The public was informed of ongoing drainage and nuisance enforcement processes with specific timelines (drainage project still in planning; nuisance hearing set for June 3, 2026). - Veterans property tax exemption changes take effect July 1, 2026; outreach underway.

The Design Review Committee met on April 28, 2026, to consider a single item: a sign permit application for a blade sign at 424 Main Street, part of The Vault on Main mixed-use development. The project sponsor, Ross Murder, presented the proposal, and the committee unanimously approved the sign. Discussion Items - Ross Murder submitted a sign permit application for a double-sided blade sign on the Main Street side of the building. The sign is aluminum with internally illuminated channel letters for "VAULT" and non-illuminated cutout letters for "ON MAIN" with acrylic backing. Installation is planned for summer 2026. - Committee members asked about the retail spaces on the ground level (approximately 4,700 square feet, divisible into 2–3 spaces, likely 2). Retail tenants are expected to come online in late summer or fall 2026, depending on market demand. The space includes a pre-installed grease trap for potential restaurant use. - Questions about future tenant signage: Mr. Murder noted that tenant signs would be subject to a separate permit process, potentially on the canopy or brick-mounted. The blade sign is the only one possible due to structural steel support. - The sign's color is a matte brass, intended to match the building's color scheme, not a bright white or message board. The committee expressed satisfaction with the design. Key Outcomes - A motion to approve the blade sign for The Vault on Main at 424 Main Street was made, seconded, and carried unanimously with no opposition. The approval is subject to a right-of-way permit from the city engineer's office.