Public Meetings - Evansville, Indiana

September 10, 2026 The Evansville Metropolitan Planning Organization (EMPO) Policy Committee met on September 10, 2026, to approve minutes, receive project updates, consider Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) modifications and amendments, approve the FY 2032 Call for Projects recommendations, and review the FY 2026 Performance and Expenditures Completion Report. All action items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the previous meeting – motion approved. - Approval of bills – motion approved. Discussion Items Old Business – Project Updates (Jennifer) - Status updates were provided on multiple Indiana LPA and INDOT projects, including Oak Hill Road, Petersburg Road, Wimberg Road Bridge, F Worth Road, Oak Grove Road, and several INDOT intersection and pavement projects. Notable milestones: I-64 bridge deck overlays expected completion by end of September 2026; US 41 intersection improvement project moved to April 2027 letting due to incomplete railroad coordination. New Business 1. TIP Modifications (Aaron) – Nine modifications were processed: two for KYTC (Watson Lane, Kentucky 425) reflecting changes from their enacted highway plan; four INDOT projects (funding adjustments and addition of a lighting group project); and three for Hart in Henderson (revised funding for operating, administrative, and planning assistance). Informational only. 2. TIP Amendments (Aaron) – Two amendments requested approval: intersection improvement on State Road 62 at St. Phillips Road, and increased funding for intersection improvement at State Road 62 and Posey County Line Road. Motion approved. 3. FY 2032 Indiana Call for Projects (Aaron) – Six applications received; three recommended: a project in Vanderburgh County, Hoagroad Bridge replacement, and State Road 662/Yorkshire Drive/Frame Road Roundabout in Newburgh. Motion approved. 4. FY 2026 Performance and Expenditures Completion Report (Carrie) – Informational report comparing actual performance to the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). Highlights: 56% increase in website users (6,315), 56% increase in new visitors (6,026), 34 TIP amendments and 49 modifications processed, 528 traffic counts, and transit vehicle assistance provided. Budget $2,293,792; expended $1,700,077; balance $593,000 largely allocated to ongoing studies (State Road 66 corridor study and transit authority study). Report submitted to state agencies. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Staff directed the committee to a QR code and website link for the Indiana Active Transportation Plan survey, encouraging feedback from the region. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of the previous meeting. - Approved two TIP amendments (State Road 62 intersections). - Approved the FY 2032 Call for Projects recommendations (three projects). - Approved the bills. - Noted upcoming meeting: November 12, 2026. - Noted retirement of INDOT representative Rusty Fowler after the November meeting.

The Evansville Board of Public Safety held its 17th scheduled meeting of the year on September 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. The board addressed routine approvals, public comment on surveillance cameras, handicapped parking requests, departmental reports, special event permits, road closures, and vendor licenses. Several items were tabled for further review. Public Comments & Testimony - Barton Heath and Alex Keckner, representatives of DFLOC Evansville, spoke in opposition to the use of Flock automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. They argued that the cameras constitute warrantless surveillance, raised concerns about data collection and potential abuse, and requested the board deny funding and remove the cameras. Board members responded, noting that the Evansville system is limited to license plate reading, governed by contract, and has been used to recover stolen vehicles. The board acknowledged the concerns and stated they would revisit the issue when it comes before them. Discussion Items Old Business – Handicapped Parking: - The board approved a request for a handicapped parking space at 724 E. Powell Avenue. The resident has a driveway but it is too narrow for a wheelchair van; the wheelchair lift requires use of the front of the house. - The board approved a request for a handicapped parking space on the side of the building at 39 W. Columbia Street. The resident's apartment entrance is on Columbia Street, but parking is only available behind the building, creating mobility difficulties. The 30-minute parking sign on Baker Avenue will be relocated to accommodate the new space. Departmental Reports: Police Department: - Captain John McQuay requested approval of an interlocal cooperation agreement for a joint river patrol with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Department. The board tabled the item at McQuay's request for further review. Fire Department: - Deputy Chief Kim Garrett requested to open bids for EMS consumables. The board approved opening the bids, which were then read. Due to the complexity and unclear pricing structures, the board took the bids under advisement for further review rather than awarding immediately. Special Event Permits: - Sergeant Nick Winsett (represented by Curtis) presented multiple special event permits, all of which were approved unanimously. The approved events include: - Kidz Matter Conference Party (Old National Events Plaza): street closure on October 5. - Harrison Marching Band Invitational: street closure on September 26. - Lincolnshire Front Porch Festival and GLNA Block Party: street closures on October 3-4. - Drumstick Dash (Evansville Rescue Mission): charity run on November 7. - Jacobsville Trunk or Treat: street closure on October 30. - Catanese Real Estate Car Show: street closure on October 25. - Hadi Shrine Fall Ceremonial Parade: parade route on November 14. - Amvets Post 84 Second Annual Car Show: street closure on September 26. Consent Section (Road Closures, Dealers): - The board approved a series of road closures by Deig Bros Construction for precast drainage structure installations on various dates in September and October. - The board approved the precious metal dealer license for Road Show Concepts, LLC, though members requested future submissions include the specific location of their events in Evansville. - The board approved the secondhand merchant license for ecoATM LLC at 730 S Green River Road. Other Business: - The board approved claims and the minutes from the August 26, 2026 meeting. - The next meeting was announced for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in Civic Center Room 301. Key Outcomes - The two handicapped parking requests were approved. - The joint river patrol agreement was tabled. - EMS consumables bids were taken under advisement. - All nine special event permits were approved. - Road closures, precious metal dealer, and secondhand merchant licenses were approved. - Claims and August minutes were approved.

The Evansville Fire Merit Commission met on September 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Room 307 of the Civic Center Complex. The meeting was called to order with Vice President Kenneth B. Jackson Jr., Commissioner Chad Fetscher, and Commissioner Ally Ferguson present (quorum via video/audio). The commission approved minutes, paid claims, heard the Chief's report, and discussed upcoming events. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the regular meeting on August 11, 2026, and the special meeting on September 2, 2026, by unanimous voice vote. - Approved a claim of $126.00 to PSHRA for administrative fees for computer-based testing, by unanimous voice vote. Discussion Items - Chief's Report: Chief Garrett provided updates on the recruit academy, noting recruits are performing well. No promotions were initially reported, but it was later noted that Paige Jones was promoted to Lieutenant. Probationary Firefighter Lieutenant John Keester successfully completed his one-year probation, and the commission recommended making his promotion permanent. - Discipline: A member received a three-day suspension without pay for conduct unbecoming and insubordination (violations of policies 103 and 218); this discipline was not contested. Another member received a five-day suspension without pay and a recommendation for termination for harassment and conduct unbecoming (violations of policies 103, 217, and 218); this discipline was contested, and a hearing date was set for October 2, 2026, at 12:00 PM in Room 307. - New Business: The commission discussed potential legislative changes to Indiana merit statutes for the upcoming state legislative session. Members were encouraged to submit recommendations to the commission secretary for crafting proposed language. - Announcements: The 2026 Recruit Graduation was announced for September 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Vector Auditorium. The next regular meeting was scheduled for October 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Room 307. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes and claims as presented. - Made permanent the promotion of Lieutenant John Keester after successful probation. - Set a discipline hearing for October 2, 2026, for the contested suspension. - Adjourned the meeting by unanimous motion. Note: The agenda and transcript list the meeting date as September 9, 2026, but the provided meeting date is September 8, 2026.

The Evansville Tree Advisory Board met on September 3, 2026, at 9:02 AM. The board approved minutes from June and August, authorized removal of 9 park trees at Woodmere Park and 12 street trees at various locations, discussed ongoing INDOT coordination issues, and heard an update on a $145,000 tree planting grant. Public comments from Jennifer Roll highlighted progress and frustrations with tree planting efforts and utility clear-cutting. Consent Calendar - The board approved the minutes from June and August 2026 (July minutes had been approved previously). The motion was made by Sarah, seconded by Jean, and passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Jennifer Roll, a volunteer working with the Westwood Woods grant, provided an update on a $145,000 tree planting grant that must be spent by the end of 2027. She reported that a meeting with the Evansville Housing Authority resulted in a plan to plant up to 200 trees at their multi-family sites. A meeting with Memorial Foundation for tree planting on private property has stalled despite multiple follow-ups. She also expressed strong frustration with CenterPoint Energy’s clear-cutting practices along neighborhood streets, stating she knows they don't need to do what they do and want to be more vocal about it. - Jennifer Roll asked clarifying questions about the city’s authority to plant street trees in certain corridors (e.g., Washington Avenue) and about interdepartmental cooperation during new developments. Discussion Items - Tree & Sidewalk Conflicts: A point of clarification was raised regarding a tree removal approved earlier. The board confirmed the correct address was 400 SE 2nd Street (not 212 Cherry), and a new motion to approve that removal passed. - Evansville Forest Task Force Grant & IU Resilience Cohort: The board noted that Beatrice is still working on her report; a full update is expected in October or November. The Westwood Woods grant-funded inventory has been completed by an intern, with details forthcoming. - Request to Remove Park Trees: The board approved removal of 9 dead or dying trees at Woodmere Park, as requested by the Van Park Neighborhood Association. Parks Department confirmed the trees are hazardous, especially near soccer fields. Motion by Mike, seconded, passed unanimously. - Request to Remove Street Trees: The board approved removal of 12 street trees at these addresses: 1409 Crabapple Circle (structurally weak Basswood/Linden), 907 Ravenswood (dead), 965 Ravenswood (dead), 1125 Ravenswood (dying Oak), 1502 Akin (dying Maple), Linwood & Taylor (2 dying Oaks), 117 Cherry (structurally weak ornamental Pear), and 1322 E. Columbia (dead Ash). Members described these as the worst list of dead/dying trees seen in months. Motion by Jean, seconded by Amanda, passed unanimously. - INDOT Coordination (Old Business): The board discussed ongoing issues with INDOT not mowing to fence lines, creating breeding grounds for invasives. Monthly meetings with INDOT are occurring but the problem may worsen. The board plans to elevate the issue to elected officials for stronger impact. Member Mike noted that this subdistrict does a better job than others, but funding is limited. - Tree Canopy Goal Initiative: Merged with the task force update; more information expected at the next meeting. - Ongoing Removal/Planting on Public Properties: Jennifer Roll’s grant update covered this, including efforts to plant trees at housing authority and Memorial Foundation properties. A potential line of credit from Old National Bank may be used to advance cash flow if needed. - Invasive Plant, Pest & Disease Update: Referenced in the context of INDOT coordination; no separate discussion. - Upcoming Events: Tree ID Hike at Hartman Arboretum (October 3, 9:30am), Weed Wrangle at Northwoods in Igleheart Park (October 17, 9am), Twilight Tours at Oak Hill Cemetery (October 24, 5pm), Tree Pruner’s Licensing seminar at Wesselman Woods (November 10, 6pm), and Tree Planting events in November (dates TBA). Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from June and August 2026 (unanimous). - Approved removal of 9 park trees at Woodmere Park (unanimous). - Approved removal of 12 street trees (unanimous). - Clarified and approved removal of a street tree at 400 SE 2nd Street (motion by Mike, second by Sarah, unanimous). - The board will continue to pursue INDOT coordination via elected officials and a comprehensive approach. - The $145,000 tree planting grant will be spent through partnerships with Evansville Housing Authority and others, with progress expected this fall. - Upcoming public events were announced as listed above.

The Area Plan Commission (APC) met on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 3:25 PM in the Civic Center Complex to consider several rezoning petitions, subdivision plats, sidewalk waivers, and ordinances. Key decisions included recommending approval of a controversial rezoning at 2713 Jeanette Ave (5-3), unanimous approval of a Franklin Street rezone, unanimous denial of a Walmart neighborhood market and gas station proposal on Millersburg Road, and approval of a data center permit deferral ordinance. The meeting included extended public testimony and a birthday recognition. Public Comments & Testimony - Re: 2713 Jeanette Ave (REZ-2026-003): - Right Jarbo (822 East Powell): Expressed concerns about increased traffic on the alley and potential damage to old sewer lines from repeated heavy traffic. - Stephanie Gibson (831 East Powell Avenue, past president of neighborhood association): Argued the property owner shows disrespect for the historically designated area, noted the third unit was built without permits, and stated the neighborhood is not zoned for that density. - Petitioner's representative (Mr. Lehman): Responded that the third unit is currently vacant and not a violation, that all parking will be on-site (4 stalls), and that the site will go through building commission review to ensure code compliance. He stressed the need for housing units in the city. - Re: 2453-2457 W. Franklin St (REZ-2026-025): - Petitioner Constance Nord: Stated the properties have been used as duplexes since 1975 and 1989, and the rezoning to R2 is to bring them into compliance for sale. - No remonstrators present. - Re: 4605 Millersburg Rd & adjacent (REZ-2026-026 – Walmart Neighborhood Market): - Stephen Burgess (4760 Millersburg Rd): Read a list of quality-of-life and property value impacts, including light pollution, noise, traffic, and issues with VA/FHA loans for homes directly across from gas stations. He asked commissioners how they would feel if it were in front of their homes. - Mike Cogswell (4571 Surrey Way): Raised safety concerns for children using the new walkway/bike path across Green River Road, requested a full traffic study before approval, and noted church traffic congestion. - David Devine (4584 Millersburg Rd): Argued the area is residential and agricultural by design, cited already congested roads, and noted existing commercial options like a nearby Dollar General. He opposed converting ag land to intensive commercial use. - Bill Heilman (4523 Millersburg Rd): Lives next to the site; expressed concerns about dumping, drainage, and floodplain issues. He noted his Parkinson's disease and that the property has been in his family for over 100 years. He requested denial. - William Hasty (5235 Millersburg Rd): Moved to the area for rural living; cited increased light pollution from recent developments, and worried about stormwater runoff, sewer infrastructure, and the loss of night sky. - Michael Rust (7345 Shea Drive): Representing Hunter Chase Estates (104 units); stated it is already difficult to exit onto Green River Road due to speeding traffic; opposed the development. - Julianne Paulie (4125 Norwich Place): Emphasized the pedestrian safety impact on the new trail/walkway. - Thomas Rutger (4646 Millersburg Rd): Noted the public notice was not visible from the road and mail notice arrived late. He referenced the comprehensive plan's recommendation to locate commercial near I-69, not on Green River Rd. - Brian Kessler (4708 Millersburg Rd): Worried about precedent setting, potential for further commercial rezoning, traffic lights, and pedestrian safety. - Marie Hunton: Lives diagonally from the site; described past severe flooding, children's bus stop safety, and already dangerous traffic conditions on Sundays. - Pamela (could not hear last name) (8507 ???): Pointed out Pigeon Creek flooding and runoff concerns, and danger to children who play in the area. - Ken Colbert (4512 North First Avenue): Asked what tax incentives or abatements were offered to Walmart for this inappropriate location. (Walmart attorney later confirmed no incentives requested.) - Written remonstrances (read into record by staff): 19 individuals or couples opposed, including Matt Brown, Amy Melchers, Rudy Nodich, Edward Chittenden, Carrie Kashmir, Brad Gelhausen, Samantha Braun, Amanda Mason, Aaron Brown, Thomas Rettger, Linda Goodson, Brian Kessler, Kent Barnard, David Kapler, Kelly Kremlin, Joshua Brewer, Dustin Dyscher, Matthew & Cheryl Schaeffer, Carla Barning Kapler, Laura Evans, and Lori Gelhausen. - Petitioner's attorney Misha Rabinowich: Emphasized that the proposed Walmart Neighborhood Market (not a supercenter) would bring a $25–$30 million investment, 100 permanent jobs at $19/hour or more, and potential donation of the southern 14 acres as green space. He noted the UDC limits uses to a grocery store and fueling station, and offered to amend the UDC to add landscaping commitments and to implement traffic study recommendations. He argued the development is compatible. Discussion Items - Continued Rezone – 2713 Jeanette Ave (REZ-2026-003): Petitioner Ronald Strahl sought to rezone from R-1 to M-2 with UDC. Commissioner discussion noted the third unit was built without permits, but the representative claimed it was pre-existing. The applicant argued the third unit is vacant and will be brought into compliance. Commissioner Philip expressed discomfort with illegal construction. Motion to approve passed 5-3 (Nix, Philip, Stevens voted no; Freeman abstained). The recommendation moved to City Council. - Rezone – 2453-2457 W. Franklin St (REZ-2026-025): Unanimous approval (8-0) to rezone from C-1 to R-2 to legalize existing duplexes. Commissioners noted the properties have been duplexes for decades and the rezoning brings them into conformance. - Rezone – 4605 Millersburg Rd & adjacent (REZ-2026-026): Extensive debate. Commissioner Pedtke opposed, citing decades of private and public investment in the residential/agricultural character of the area (subdivisions, sports park, walkway). He argued the intensity of the Walmart proposal would disrupt existing land use. Commissioner Walters noted other C-4 sites exist on Green River Road and questioned why this site was chosen. Commissioner Stevens said she was not opposed to something else there but not this. Commissioner Green normally supports revenue-generating projects but felt the location was inappropriate. Commissioner Hooper stated they should listen to the suburban neighborhood. Motion to approve (by Walters) and second resulted in unanimous denial (8-0). The recommendation for denial goes to the County Commissioners (meeting September 29, 2026, at 9:30 AM). - Subdivisions & Sidewalk Waivers: - MAJ-2023-004 Milestone: One-year extension to complete basic improvements. Approved unanimously (8-0). - MAJ-2026-008 & WAV-2026-019 Creekside West: Replat to remove non-buildable lot language; conditions added for access restrictions and sidewalk waiver statement. Primary plat approved unanimously (8-0). Sidewalk waiver approved unanimously (8-0) for recommendation to County Commissioners. - WAV-2026-023 Harp-Bob Evans: Sidewalk waiver for a subdivision at 1125 N Green River Rd. Denied 8-0 after discussion. Commissioners noted the need for sidewalk connectivity along Green River Road, consistent with other recent plats. The denial is final. - Ordinance – Data Center Permit Deferral: Approved unanimously (8-0) as a recommendation to City Council. The ordinance establishes a 180-day deferral period for data center permits, starting upon city council approval, to allow evaluation of impacts. - Ordinance – County Parking Ordinance (CO.05-26-011): The APC had previously recommended approval; the County Commissioners rejected it. The APC then voted 8-0 to accept the rejection. A revised ordinance will be drafted and brought back in October for a new vote. - 2027 Application Deadline & Meeting Schedule: Approved unanimously (8-0). Key Outcomes - Rezoning 2713 Jeanette Ave (REZ-2026-003): Approved 5-3, recommended to City Council. - Rezoning 2453-2457 W. Franklin St (REZ-2026-025): Approved 8-0, recommended to City Council. - Rezoning 4605 Millersburg Rd (REZ-2026-026): Denied 8-0, recommended to County Commissioners (meeting Sept 29, 2026 at 9:30 AM). - Subdivision extension (Milestone): Approved. - Creekside West replat and sidewalk waiver: Approved. - Harp-Bob Evans sidewalk waiver: Denied; sidewalk required. - Data Center Permit Deferral Ordinance: Approved as recommendation to City Council. - County Parking Ordinance: APC accepted the rejection; new version to be brought in October. - 2027 Schedule: Approved. - Next meeting: October 1, 2026.

Note: No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary of discussions, decisions, or public comments can be generated. The meeting was scheduled to begin at 09:30 UTC, but no record of proceedings exists in the available sources.

The Rural Vanderburgh County Redevelopment Commission met on September 2, 2026, at 1 p.m. with all five members present. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, a contract amendment for Petersburg Road, and the primary agenda items: a public hearing and two resolutions related to the University Parkway Economic Development Area amendments for the Old Farm development. The commission also heard public comment from a property owner. Approval of July 15, 2026 Meeting Minutes - The minutes from the July 15, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. Contract Amendment for Petersburg Road Design and Construction - The Board approved Resolution 05-26-013 authorizing the use of tax increment funds for a contract amendment expanding the scope of the Petersburg Road project. Additional federal grants will offset the increased costs, and the county’s share will rise accordingly. The road serves a school, sports complexes, and subdivisions. The motion passed unanimously. Public Hearing: University Parkway Economic Development Area Amendments - A public hearing was held for the adoption of the declaratory resolution to amend the University Parkway Economic Development Area, creating new allocation areas coterminous with the 110-acre Old Farm development. No members of the public spoke, and the record shows no remonstrators. Confirmatory Resolution (2026-VCRC-04) - The commission unanimously approved Resolution 2026-VCRC-04, confirming the amendment to the declaratory resolution and economic development plan for the University Parkway Economic Development Area. The Plan Commission had previously approved the amendment on August 6, 2026, and the Board of Commissioners on August 10, 2026. Bond Pledge Resolution (2026-VCRC-05) - Resolution 2026-VCRC-05, pledging certain tax increment revenues to repay economic development revenue bonds, was discussed at length. Key points included: - Financial advisor Bob Reynolds (LWG CPAs and Advisors) explained the tax impact is “immaterial to none” due to the “but for” analysis (development would not occur without TIF), the parcels already being in a TIF, and Indiana’s levy controls. - Commissioner Scales expressed initial concerns about the novel process of having the developer purchase the bonds, but after discussion, accepted that it shifts risk to the developer and avoids county credit risk. - Brad Bingham (bond counsel) and others noted the project leverages a $4.8–$5 million state grant from the Southwest Indiana RDA, requires a local match, and will generate tax base after decades of county investment in infrastructure. - The resolution was approved unanimously. Public Comment - Dustin Beadle (155 Rosner Road) stated he was promised that the Old Farm development would not use Rosner Road for traffic or widen it beyond the development. He expressed concerns about construction traffic already occurring and potential property value loss. Developers Ryan and Chip Austin responded that the widening is only within the 110-acre site and will meet county standards, all development traffic is designed to use University Parkway, and they will work to minimize disruption. Commissioner Nix facilitated an agreement for the developers to meet with Mr. Beadle to address his concerns. Key Outcomes - All three resolutions (Petersburg Road contract amendment, confirmatory resolution, and bond pledge resolution) passed unanimously. - Developers agreed to meet with Dustin Beadle to discuss traffic and road widening concerns. - No new or old business was presented. - The meeting adjourned.

The Vanderburgh County Data Center Research Committee held its kickoff meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM in Meeting Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex. Commissioner Justin Elpers opened the meeting, welcomed and thanked committee members, and outlined the committee's charge: to research and evaluate the potential impacts of data centers on Vanderburgh County and its residents, and to present findings and recommendations to the Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners and the Area Plan Commission. Eleven of the thirteen committee members were present. The meeting minutes record the meeting time as 9:00 AM–10:00 AM local time; the record timestamp indicates 18:30 UTC. Attendance - Present (11): Jason Naab, Scott Ambrose, Tom Shetler, Jr., Lloyd Lamberton, Jenna Richardt, Lauren Lynch, John Bates, John Diekhoff, Jon Robertson, Richard Reed, and Chaitanya Mamidala. - Absent (2): Blair Doneske and Susan Hardwick; the committee agreed to send them the minutes. Election of Officers - Chair: Lloyd Lamberton was nominated by John Bates, seconded by Scott Ambrose, and elected unanimously — 11 yes votes and 0 no votes. - Secretary: Jenna Richardt was nominated, seconded by Lloyd Lamberton, and elected unanimously. Discussion Items - Committee purpose and expectations. Chair Lamberton opened discussion on structuring meetings and research. Members introduced themselves and shared relevant expertise; a small number had toured data centers, while many had not. - Noise and sound. Jon Robertson, a sound engineer, recommended establishing baseline noise measurement standards, cautioning that low-frequency noise can be measured in ways that make it appear permissible when it is not. - Related land uses and property impacts. Richard Reed noted that battery storage, solar facilities, and data centers are often related and can raise concerns for neighboring properties, including potential property-value impacts and setback distance questions. - Community guidance and protections. Tom Shetler stated that the committee should provide clear guidance and rules to protect residents from noise, overcrowded streets, and other issues while remaining "open for business." Lauren Lynch (Evansville Climate Collaborative) said there is "a lot of concern throughout the community" driven partly by uncertainty, and John Bates stressed the importance of clear, consistent guidelines that do not vacillate. - Draft ordinance overview. Ron London of the Vanderburgh County Area Plan Commission reviewed a draft data center ordinance. He described an ordinance development process in which the commissioners forwarded an initial ordinance to the plan commission, which made modifications before the commissioners ultimately approved the final version. London noted the draft was adapted from the county's solar ordinance, that no data center project is currently filed in Vanderburgh County, and that the committee will need to decide whether a data center should require a special use. He offered a list of Indiana case-study ordinances, said he could expand it to other states, and noted that ordinances in Georgia and other locations break topics such as noise, electricity use, and water usage into specific sections. - Research and case studies. Members expressed full support for using case studies as a starting agenda topic, while observing that individual projects vary and that the committee should bring additional research to the table. - Document sharing and transparency. The committee discussed using a SharePoint repository, since Vanderburgh County uses SharePoint; a request will be made to the County for shared access. One member suggested the County provide temporary email addresses so committee communications are retained. Chair Lamberton stated that all committee meetings will be public and that information from any out-of-town data center site visit will also be made public. Key Outcomes - Lloyd Lamberton was elected Committee Chair, and Jenna Richardt was elected Committee Secretary. - The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Meeting Room 301, Civic Center Complex. - The committee will request a SharePoint repository from the County and will send minutes to absent members Blair Doneske and Susan Hardwick. - Tom Shetler set a goal of having recommendations or proposed ordinance amendments in hand by the end of the year. - The meeting adjourned unanimously on a motion seconded by Jenna Richardt.

The Board of Park Commissioners held its regular meeting on September 2, 2026, at 11:55 A.M. The meeting covered consent agenda approvals, new business items including a planting project, tennis court lighting, and a community graffiti wall, as well as public comments and a report on capital projects. Consent Calendar - Item a: Approved parking lot assignments for the Fall Festival: Evansville Parks Foundation (11th Ave West, Mon/Wed/Fri), Wesselman Woods (Tue/Thu/Sat), Greater Evansville Figure Skating Club (11th Ave East, Mon–Sat) with fees ($5 per car until 3pm, $10 after 3pm), and Mesker Park Zoo docents at Casselberry Park ($5 per car all day). - Item b: Permission to trim trees on the Next Level Trail project. - Item c: Approved and executed Land Use Agreement with the Catholic Diocese for Moutoux soccer fields at Moutoux Park. - Item d: Approved Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Evansville and the Board of Park Commissioners for the Vann Pollack Project. Danielle Crook noted the Parks Department is purchasing playground equipment and resurfacing the basketball court, with reimbursement from the Department of Metropolitan Development. - Item e: Permission to donate a City Golf pass (foursome with cart) for the Keep Evansville Beautiful golf scramble. Public Comments & Testimony - Larry Thorbeck (2014 East Columbia): Expressed concerns about lighting from the Wesselman tennis courts reflecting off his house, particularly in winter when leaves are down. He stated that timers on the lights do not always work, noting lights on at 12:00–2:00 AM when no one is playing. He also mentioned a decline in bird life (hawks) since new lighting was installed. Later in the meeting, he raised a maintenance issue regarding an overgrown strip of grass between soccer fields and the reserve center, which he had partially cleaned himself. The board agreed to follow up. Discussion Items - Informational Signage at Wesselman Park Pickleball Courts: Christina Arwood (Wesselman Woods) and Lee Ramon (City Engineers Office) presented plans for three infographics to accompany a large native plant installation on September 26, 2026. Over 1,500 plants will be placed into three bioswales next to the pickleball courts to improve stormwater infiltration, reduce mosquitoes, and provide pollinator habitat. The signs, placed along heavily-trafficked sidewalks, will explain stormwater, watershed, wildlife habitat, and how to create backyard habitats. The board approved the request. - Wesselman Tennis Lighting Project Award: The board approved awarding the contract to Sellers Masonry as the lowest responsive bidder. The execution of the agreement will be brought back at the next meeting. Public comment highlighted light pollution and timer reliability concerns. - Graffiti Wall at the Levee Near Garvin Park: Nick Iaccarino (County Council, CEO of Keep Evansville Beautiful) and Ted O'Connell (Jacobsville Area Community Corporation) proposed a community graffiti wall on the levee wall along the Greenway. The project is led by a New Tech senior student through her organization Artist Ave, financially sponsored by Jacobsville Fine Arts Association. A $30,000 Deaconess Foundation grant over three years has been secured. The wall would be a living art piece, accessible during daylight hours, with posted rules (no obscenity, no political content). The Army Corps of Engineers required a specific primer, which the sponsors will apply. Cameras may be installed if Wi-Fi is available. The board expressed support, noting reversibility and self-regulation by artists. Motion carried. Report: Executive Director's Update Danielle Crook provided updates: - Eigenhearts Splash Pad: Opening tentatively planned for Sunday, September 20, 2026. Testing is underway, with umbrellas, shade structures, benches, and restroom finishing touches remaining. The parking lot will be resurfaced on September 14. - CK Newsome Center: Renovations ongoing; new playground equipment to be installed by end of September. - Caldwell Park Playground: Site work completed; equipment installation beginning September 21; celebration event planned in October. - Vann Pollock Park: Playground equipment expected to be installed by October. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items approved unanimously. - Informational signage for Wesselman Park bioswales approved. - Wesselman Tennis Lighting project awarded to Sellers Masonry; agreement to be executed at next meeting. - Graffiti wall at Garvin Park levee approved. - Payroll and vendor claims accepted. - Meeting adjourned.