Public Meetings - Evansville, Indiana

The Evansville Redevelopment Commission met on September 1, 2026, to approve routine items, authorize repairs for downtown fountains, and review a branding proposal for Ford Center concessions. All consent items were approved unanimously. A resolution authorizing fountain repairs passed, and commissioners offered feedback on the proposed concession rebranding. Consent Calendar - Approval of July 21, 2026 Minutes – Approved unanimously. - Approval of August 4, 2026 Minutes – Approved unanimously. - Approval of Memo of Executive Session (July 7, 2026) – Approved unanimously. - Approval of Accounts Payable Voucher Register – Approved unanimously. Vouchers ranged from $12 to $23,000. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Resolution 26ERC26 – Authorizing Repairs for Main Street Fountains Lana (staff) explained that the street maintenance department requested funding to repair two non-operational spray fountains in the 400 and 500 blocks of Main Street (not the historic horse trough fountain). The commission agreed to provide financing; Bungie Associates will perform the work. Work is expected to begin within one to two weeks after issuing the notice to proceed. - Presentation: Ford Center Concessions Rebranding Rachel Wombach of Sprout Design presented a comprehensive branding plan for the Ford Center's concession and bar areas. The concept uses Evansville-themed names and imagery, such as Crescent City Club, Oxbow Bistro, Barge and Barrel Bar, Wheelhouse, Port and Pillars Pub, Bar at the Bend, Riveter Cafe, Assembly Kitchen, 812 Eats, Pocket City Grab and Go, Crossroads Commissary, and Bolt Bar. Each space draws on local history, river references, and industrial heritage. Commissioners praised the designs and requested the addition of explanatory panels to educate visitors about the historical references, including the contributions of people of color. They recommended consulting local historians and using public domain images from the shipyards and wartime museum. The rebranding is part of a larger renovation that includes new kitchen equipment and grab-and-go technology (zip‑in system). Construction is underway, with completion expected in late spring 2027. Some concession capacity will be lost during construction. Key Outcomes - Resolution 26ERC26 was approved unanimously (motion made, seconded, all ayes). - The Ford Center rebranding presentation was received favorably; no formal action was taken, but staff was directed to incorporate feedback on cultural inclusivity and interpretive signage.

The City of Evansville held a public meeting on August 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. to present the 2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The presentation was delivered by Haley Hale, Community Development Coordinator for the Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD). The CAPER covers the program year from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and is due to HUD by September 30, 2026. The meeting outlined accomplishments using HUD funds (CDBG, HOME, ESG), including data on homelessness, public services, housing projects, and neighborhood initiatives. No public comments were made during the meeting, but a 30-day public comment period opened on August 29, 2026. Discussion Items - ESG (Emergency Solutions Grant) Accomplishments: The city received $225,602 in ESG funds, funding nine programs. Seven homeless shelters served over 1,493 people (final data pending). Coordinated entry served 347 people, and Rapid Rehousing served 27 people. Total estimated homeless individuals and families served using ESG was over 2,800 (pending HMIS data). Other notable homelessness efforts included preparations for year-round white flag shelter at UCS and services by Evansville Rescue Mission (anticipated to serve 29,000 people). The Susan H. Snyder Center for women and children did not receive ESG funds. - ESG Performance Measures: Three measurable goals from the Evansville Destination Home Plan: increase exits to permanent housing, decrease chronic homelessness, and decrease homeless households with children. All goals target a 10% improvement by 2030. Preliminary Point-in-Time count data from January 28, 2026, showed 5,192 people experiencing homelessness, compared to 4,860 on January 29, 2025—an increase of about 332 people. - CDBG Accomplishments: Total CDBG allocation was $2,485,311, plus $34,914 in program income, for a total of $2,520,225. Public services (capped at 15%) received $352,000 (14%), serving 27,806 people total (direct benefit 18,471; area benefit 9,335; plus 2,210 from CDBG-CV). Non-public service activities (25 programs) included employment training, owner-occupied home repairs, child care, senior services, public facility improvements, housing counseling, down payment assistance, and permanent supportive housing. Non-housing activities served 811 individuals/households; housing counseling served 299 people. Public facilities served 266 homeless individuals at UCS shelter (direct benefit) and 1,980 (area benefit). Down payment assistance helped 8 households (up to $15,000 each); owner-occupied rehab completed 13 units. Additional projects underway (Memorial CDC and CAPE rehabs, Van Pollock Park playground, Tri-State Food Bank repairs). - HOME Accomplishments: Three completed projects produced 5 HOME units: Hope of Evansville (618 Delaware, 1 single-family home), Gratis Development (Cedar Trace, 71 rental units, 2 HOME-designated), House Investments (Delhaven Estates, 119 rental units, 2 HOME-designated). Tenant-based rental assistance (Aurora) served 14 people re-entering society after incarceration. Six projects allocated HOME funds are underway or planned: Grandview Towers (170 rental units), Phoenix Apartments (40 rental units), Memorial Ravenswood Commons (8 rental units), River City Homes (44 leased-to-purchase units), 521 Madison Avenue (1 single-family unit). Pre-development projects include Vision 1505 (32 units), Jacobsville home buyer rehab, and Memorial Villas (Ten Home Blitz). - Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Updates: DMD attends neighborhood association meetings and United Neighborhoods of Evansville (UNO) meetings. The Focus Neighborhood Council is being revised, with new focus on Central City and Jacobsville. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund (local, $1 million annually) completed 20 owner-occupied home repairs, 2 full rehabs by Community One, 1 new Habitat home buyer unit, and down payment assistance for 18 home buyers (Hope and Habitat, $2,000 each). ECHO received pre-development funding for the Reed Street low-income housing tax credit project. - Funding Process and Other Sources: Grant training held June 24-28, 2024. Citizen Advisory Committee met Jan 16 and Feb 5, 2025; mayor's recommendations; City Council approved allocations and action plan on June 23, 2025. The 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan covers this period. HOME-ARP funds ($2,739,593) are nearly fully expended (1.5% remaining); remaining funds will support acquisition of Grandview Towers and supportive services by Aurora. CDBG-CV (CARES Act) funds fully expended; grant closeout in progress. Key Outcomes - The first draft of the 2025 CAPER will be posted on the city website by the end of the day on August 28, 2026. - Public comment period begins August 29, 2026, and lasts 30 days. Comments can be emailed to Haley Hale at the address provided in the slides. - No formal votes or decisions were taken during the meeting; the presentation served as an information session.

The Evansville Board of Public Works met on August 27, 2026, at 1:31 PM. The board approved a series of routine contracts, grants, permits, and event closures, and declared an emergency for a drainage repair project to expedite contracting. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approval of August 13, 2026, BPW Minutes – Approved unanimously. - Approval to Open Bids for 2026 Mill and Overlay – Phase III (Project 26-017) – Approved; bids opened later in the meeting. - Forward Together GO Grant Agreement with EVSC Foundation – $100,000 for the “Promise to Show Up” attendance initiative. Approved. - EFD Fire Station No. 1 Roof Renovations Contract with Midwest Roofing & Insulation – Short Owner’s Rider and Supplementary Conditions approved. Contract amount approximately $208,000. - CK Newsome Center Asbestos Abatement Contract with Elite Environmental & Safety Services – $54,005 for removal of asbestos floor tiles. Approved. The center will close during work. - Affordable Housing Trust Fund Contract with Southwestern Indiana Land Title, Inc. – Not to exceed $4,000 for short mortgage reports ($150/report plus copies) and updates ($35/report plus copies). Approved. - Dedication of Public Right-of-Way at 209 S.E. Third Street – Accepted from Bowen Engineering Corp. Third Street, LLC for accessibility improvements. - Drainage Plan Approval for Slick City at 5815 Vogel Road – Approved for a new gaming/entertainment venue. - 2026 Mill and Overlay – Phase II Contract with E&B Paving, LLC (Project 26-015) – $201,134.06 for milling and overlaying Eagle Crest Boulevard. Approved. - Appendix A – Right-of-Way Permit Applications (Nos. 3134–3140, 3142–3152) – Approved with no exceptions. Permit 3141 was excluded as work is on private property. - Approval of Bills and Payrolls – Approved. Discussion Items - Dresden Outfall Redesign and Repair Emergency Declaration – The board adopted a resolution declaring an emergency under IC 36-1-12, allowing the city to bypass normal public works bidding requirements. The outfall near Pigeon Creek suffered bank and levy damage from flooding, and rapid repair is needed before another high-water event. The city must still follow responsible bidding ordinances and solicit at least two contractors. Approved. - Event Road Closures and Barricade Requests – Five events were approved (all previously approved by the Board of Public Safety on August 26, 2026): 1. City Church Fall Family Fest – Closing Market Street on Saturday, September 12, 2026, 4:00–9:00 p.m. Approval conditioned on the organization providing updated insurance naming the City of Evansville as an additional insured. 2. FJ Reitz Instrumental Music Booster Club “Drill on the Hill” – Closing multiple streets around Reitz High School on Saturday, September 26, 2026, 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. for a band competition. 3. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Block Party – Closing Sweetser Street between Governor and Elliott Streets on Saturday, September 12, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 4. Evansville Police Department “Cops & Bobbers” – Closing Garvin Park entrances on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. 5. Haynie’s Corner Arts District Association Front Porch Fest After Party – Closing portions of Adams Avenue, 2nd Street, and Riverside Drive on Sunday, September 6, 2026, 2:00–11:00 p.m. The board discussed that the Riverside Drive closure may also be needed for the main fest on Saturday, but the request only covered Sunday; approval was granted as submitted. Key Outcomes - All items on the consent calendar and discussion items were approved by unanimous vote. - For the 2026 Mill and Overlay – Phase III project, two bids were received: J.H. Rudolph & Company, Inc. at $708,259.43 and E&B Paving, LLC at $655,099.63. The board took the bids under advisement for further consideration. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:50 p.m.

The Evansville Building Commission, presided over by Hearing Officer Ryan Schultz, held a session on August 27, 2026, to address approximately 50 cases involving unsafe buildings across the city. Cases ranged from emergency vacate orders for properties without utilities to repair orders for structural deficiencies. Many property owners appeared, and the commission imposed civil penalties, ordered inspections, and set compliance deadlines. Discussion Items - Emergency Vacates: Several properties were ordered vacated due to lack of water, gas, or electric service, including 1403 Cedar St., 221 E. Louisiana St., 709 Ridgeway Ave., and 507 S. Linwood Ave. (where the tenant's caregiver testified about unsafe bathroom flooring). At 1415 N. Elliott St., the occupant claimed water was on, but records showed it inactive; an on-site inspection was ordered. - Repair Orders: Many properties received affirmed repair orders with compliance deadlines. At 1633 S. Grand Ave., the owner cited fixed income and difficulty hiring contractors; the commission connected him with community resources and set an October 2026 deadline. At 2911 W. Franklin St., a retaining wall repair was delayed due to contractor licensing issues; a $1,000 penalty was threatened for non-compliance by October. - Demolition Orders: For 1621 Jackson Ave. (fire-damaged) and 915 N. Fourth Ave. (severely deteriorated and flea-infested), the commission affirmed demolition orders, noting budget constraints for city-funded demolitions. - Civil Penalties: Multiple property owners faced civil penalties for non-compliance. A $1,000 penalty was issued for 1770 Edson St. (no progress after prior $500 penalty). Other properties, like 1307 Cumberland Ave. and 2610 Helmuth Ave., received conditional penalties pending inspections or permit pulls. - Modifications: One case (1303 MacArthur Dr.) was modified from a demolition to a repair order after the owner began renovations. Key Outcomes - Over 20 cases were continued to future hearing dates (September 24, October 22, November 19, December 17, 2026) for progress reports. - Four properties were released from commission oversight due to completed repairs or acquisition by the Evansville Land Bank. - The hearing officer emphasized the importance of hiring licensed contractors and warned of escalating penalties for continued non-compliance. - Several on-site inspections were ordered to verify conditions, particularly regarding water service and structural integrity.

The Evansville Commission on the Social Status of African American Males met on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 3:30 PM in Room 301 of the Civic Center. The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. Commissioners discussed a range of topics including the upcoming Fall Festival booth, a debrief of the Million Father March, strategic planning, police-community relations, community gun violence, and youth outreach. Several community events and initiatives were announced. Consent Calendar - Adoption of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote, with a motion by Commissioner Phipps and a second by Commissioner Randall. Discussion Items - Fall Festival Booth: The commission discussed staffing a booth for the African American Museum at the Fall Festival. Shifts are 10-2, 2-6, and 6-10 on Monday. Commissioners Ruff and Morris were already available for 10-2, and Commissioner McCreary offered to cover 10-2 as well. Commissioner Phipps indicated he could be available all day. The group will send a survey to fill remaining shifts (2-6 and 6-10) and coordinate with the museum. - Million Father March Debrief: Commissioners shared experiences at different school locations. Commissioner Phipps reported handing out 25-30 cards with QR codes at AIS, but noted that administrators seemed unaware of the event. He suggested better communication with new school administrators. At Glenwood, the event ran smoothly with car line greetings. Commissioner McCreary reported a positive response at Lincoln, with a new traffic pattern reducing safety concerns. A Google survey is still being compiled to measure participation. - Strategic Plan Update: The commission’s strategic planning session is scheduled for September 24, 2026, from 3-4 PM. To avoid delaying the meeting, the group agreed to hold the regular commission meeting at 2 PM on the same day, pending room availability. - Police-Community Relations: No new updates were provided; the topic will be addressed during the strategic planning session. - Community Gun Violence: Commissioner Culver reported that in August 2026, there were 29 shots-fired runs, with only 7 generating case numbers (indicating injuries or evidence). He noted that three of those seven were from the same incident. He attributed the reduction to EPD’s targeted enforcement on stolen guns and illegal possession. Additionally, the department launched a first-responder drone on August 24, 2026, capable of reaching any location in less than 70 seconds. The drone is dispatched only in response to calls, not for general surveillance. Commissioner Phipps raised community concerns about privacy, and Commissioner Culver clarified that the drone is not used for random surveillance and that flock cameras are vehicle-only. - Youth Outreach: Commissioner Ruff met with staff to discuss outreach strategies, including recruiting mentors and coaches for the commission. The group discussed filling six vacancies by the end of 2026 and creating a flyer to promote openings. A new appointee, Mr. Baker, was recently sworn in. - New Attendance Incentive: Commissioner Ruff mentioned a new attendance incentive program announced by the superintendent and mayor. It is a district-wide lottery drawing open to all students. Commissioner Phipps noted the program encourages parental involvement and school pride. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimously adopted. - Fall Festival Booth: Shift scheduling to be finalized via survey; commissioners will volunteer. - Strategic Planning: Meeting moved to September 24, 2026, at 2 PM (regular meeting) followed by strategic planning at 3 PM. - Million Father March: Feedback collected; improvements to school communication noted. - Gun Violence Update: Drone program officially launched; crime statistics for August shared. - Youth Outreach: Recruitment efforts to begin; flyer to be created. - Events Announced: - Youth Men Empowerment Summit: October 15, 2026, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM at the Event Plaza, featuring motivational speaker Aaron Green. - Father-Son Lunch: October 17, 2026, at Memorial. - 2026 Annual Dinner and Mayor’s Celebration of Human Rights Awards: October 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM at Old National Events Plaza, keynoted by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber. Tickets $65, deadline September 11. - Adjournment: Motion by Commissioner Ruff, second by Commissioner Randall; meeting adjourned.

The License and Disciplinary Board convened on August 27, 2026 at 3:30 PM. The meeting focused on licensing exam results for construction, roofing, electrical, and HVAC applicants, all of whom passed. Administrative updates included a suspension letter and completion of a new exam. Attendance The agenda listed the following members: Christine Schumacher (Controller’s Office), John Stoll (County Engineer), Karan Barnhill (City Engineer), Pete Rembert (Electrical Board), Matt Pruiett (Construction Roofing Board), Lon Walters (HVAC Board), Johnny McAlister (Building Commissioner), Cathy Evenson (License Clerk), Marc Weaver (Deputy Building Commissioner). Construction and Roofing Applicants All applicants passed their exams with the following scores: - Brian Hamann: Residential Contractor Pt 1: 82%, Pt 2: 80% – Pass - Jacob Bush: Glass and Glazing 72% – Pass - Justin Sullivan: Unlimited Roofing 84% – Pass - Kenneth Henderson: Building Insulation 90% – Pass - Kelvin TerWisscha: Commercial Contractor Pt 1: 78%, Pt 2: 82% – Pass - Melanie Martin: Glass and Glazing 76% – Pass - Nilax Patel: Commercial Contractor Pt 1: 72%, Pt 2: 70% – Pass - Cory Delz: Commercial Contractor Pt 1: 76%, Pt 2: 78% – Pass - Roy Carter: Residential Contractor Pt 1: 72%, Pt 2: 70% – Pass - Waylon Boyle: Residential Contractor Pt 1: 74%, Pt 2: 70% – Pass - Mishell Diaz: Structural Steel 70% – Pass - Shannon Ash: Siding and Guttering 84% – Pass Electrical Applicants All applicants passed: - Darin Heuring: Journeyman 73% – Pass - Bruce Jackson: Master 80% – Pass - Alex Kissell: Journeyman 70% – Pass - Brodey Toy: Journeyman 79% – Pass - Jayden Johnson: Journeyman 74% – Pass - Jackson Sawyer: Journeyman 86% – Pass - Tyler Ritchie: Journeyman 80% – Pass - Torey Chavis: Journeyman 78% – Pass HVAC Applicants All applicants passed: - Eli James: Journeyman 70% – Pass - Jesse Hebner: Journeyman 76% – Pass - Tobia Payne: Journeyman 80% – Pass Old News - Jacob Key was sent a suspension letter regarding his license; his license is on hold for the next three years of his probationary period. New News - The new Residential Contractor exam has been completed. The Construction and Roofing Board members will be able to take the exam to see what it’s like. Next Meeting - The next meeting is scheduled for September 24, 2026, in Room 318 at 3:30 PM. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned.

The Evansville Board of Public Safety convened on August 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Civic Center Complex Room 301 for its 16th scheduled meeting of the year. The board addressed routine approvals, departmental reports, and several community event permits. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Consent Calendar - Old Business – Dumpster Requests: Approved by consensus and ratified two dumpster requests: 1116 SE 1st Street (Ruben Vilchez) and 1607 W Missouri Street (Render Removal). - Road Closures: Approved a lane restriction at 216 SE 3rd Street (August 25–30, rooftop repair at Trinity United Methodist Church) and a road closure for the “Cops & Bobbers” event at Garvin Park entrances (September 16, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM). - Dumpsters in the Street: Approved a dumpster at 620 E Blackford Ave (August 24 – September 15, house cleanout) and another at 212 NW 4th Street (August 27 – September 16, demolition remodel). - Precious Metal Dealer: Approved US Road Show (Mehmet Gundogdu) as a precious metal dealer. Public Comments & Testimony - Hunter Dobbs (Facilities Management Services, representing Mead Johnson Nutrition) requested approval to close a single lane on Ohio Street and St. Joseph Street for about 30 minutes per lane on either September 15 or 16, 2026, for pedestrian walkway window cleaning. The board approved the request pending completion of a road closure application and confirmation from traffic engineering regarding potential conflicts with EWSU’s water line project. Discussion Items - Business with Evansville Building Authority: Dave Rector requested approval of three Certificate of Appointments for Dennis Barr, Ronald Whitler, and Mark Kerney as special policeman/security guards for building authority properties. The board approved unanimously. - Police Department – Updated MOU with EVSC: Captain McQuay presented an updated Memorandum of Understanding (service agreement) with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation for part-time school officers. Legal had already approved the changes. The board approved it. - Fire Department (Deputy Chief Brown): - Mutual Aid Agreement: Approved a mutual aid agreement with Scott Township (Vandenberg County Fire Department) for EMS service, required for Medicare/Medicaid billing. - Station Alerting System: Approved acceptance of a station alerting system from Deaconess ambulance sponsorship. - Battery Extrication Rescue Tools: Approved acceptance of battery-powered rescue tools for west side crews (Ladder 1, Quint 8, Quint 17) purchased using Deaconess sponsorship funds. - Dremel Tool: Approved acceptance of a Dremel tool donated by the Evansville Firefighters Foundation for Rescue One. - Building Commission (Kim Josey): - Contract Amendment: Approved an amended contract with Southwestern Indiana Land Title Inc. to correct the termination date from December 31, 2027, to February 14, 2027. - Demolition Bids: Approved opening bids for five properties: 2508 W Franklin St. (fire-damaged house), 1208 Judson St. (house), 3000 W Michigan St. (house), 750 E Virginia St. (fire-damaged house), 2605 W Virginia St. (fire-damaged house). Bids were received from Demoly Excavating, Velpin, and High Dorn Excavating; the board took them under advisement. - Emergency Demolitions: Approved three emergency demolitions already completed: 423 Washington Ave. (collapsing foundation), 801 N Fourth Ave. (fire), 3320 Mount Vernon Ave. (fire). - City Engineering (Jennifer Blankenship): - Tulip Avenue No Parking Signs: Approved installation of “No Parking Anytime” signs on Tulip Avenue from Heidelbach Avenue to the dead end due to narrow 20-foot roadway width and resident complaints. - Kotter Avenue No Parking Signs: Approved installation of “No Parking Anytime” signs on Kotter Avenue from Old Boonville Highway to the cul-de-sac (30-foot width, commercial-industrial area with semi-traffic). - Special Event Permits (Sergeant Winsett, presented by Curtis): - City Church Fall Family Fest: Approved closing Market Street on Saturday, September 12, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM for a family/church social event with barricades. - FJ Reitz Instrumental Music Booster Club Drill on the Hill: Approved closing Eastside Lemke, northside Hillcrest, westside Ric Davis Way, and northside Edgewood on Saturday, September 26, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM for a band competition with barricades. - Zion Missionary Baptist Church Block Party: Approved closing Sweetser between Governor and Elliott streets on Saturday, September 12, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM for a community event with barricades. Key Outcomes - All motions passed unanimously (voice vote, no dissent recorded). - Pending items: Hunter Dobbs’ lane closure request was approved subject to completing the application and coordination with traffic engineering. - Demolition bids were taken under advisement; no contract awarded at this meeting. - Claims and minutes approved: Claims for the period and the minutes from August 12, 2026, were approved. - Next meeting: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Civic Center Complex Room 301.

The Construction and Roofing Board of Evansville, Indiana, met on August 26, 2026, at 3:30 PM in Room 307. Members present: DG Asay, John Bassemier, Mike Durham, Matt Pruiett, Chris Harmon, Cathy Evenson, and Marc Weaver. The board approved minutes, acted on numerous contractor license applications, approved continuing education courses, and discussed ongoing business including ordinance updates, a compliance officer search, and the rollout of a new online testing system. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved unanimously from the July 22, 2026 meeting. Applicant Decisions - Jonathan L. Arnold – Commercial Contractor: Denied unanimously due to lack of notary on one letter and duplicate letters. - Debra L. Bieber – Excavating/Underground Utility/Wrecking: Approved unanimously. - James G. Buechler – Limited Roofing (Nailed it Roofing): Approved unanimously. - Joshua D. Colbert – Unlimited Roofing (Pro Roofing Solution): Approved unanimously. - Gary M. Collins – Residential Remodeler (Collins Quality Craftsman): Denied pending a second letter of recommendation for the individual (not the company). - Cory W. Delz – Commercial Contractor (Embree Construct): Approved unanimously. - Andre J. Diaz – Drywall Partition (Morningside Group): Approved unanimously. - Jordan Funk – Residential Contractor (All Weather Product): Approved unanimously. - Jason W. Gattis – Building Insulation (Diversified Ins.): Denied unanimously because the two recommendation letters were identical and lacked substance. - Daniel L. Knight – Excavating/Concrete Footing/Flatwork (Concretex): Approved unanimously. - Tyson A. Martin – Residential Contractor (Next Day Access): Approved unanimously. - Kelly J. Ring – Wood Framing (Morningside Group): Approved unanimously. - Michael Rivera – Structural Steel (J and L Constr.): Approved unanimously. - John R. Sloat – Residential Contractor (Lensing Building Special): Approved unanimously. - Roman J. Stoll – Residential/Commercial Contractor (Edge 1 Design): Denied pending letters that recommend the individual rather than the company. - Cody J. Sunderhaus – Commercial Contractor (Arco Design): Initially thought to have only two letters, but a third was found; approved unanimously. - James E. Volz – Siding and Guttering (Volz Seamless Gutt.): Approved unanimously; the notary signature was accepted despite a minor notation. - Richard E. Williams – Commercial Contractor (Triple R Construct.): Approved unanimously. - Stephen D. White Jr. – Brick Masonry Contractor (Staat Inc.): Approved unanimously. - Gongjun Yan – Commercial Contractor (Gold Mountain LLC): Approved pending a notarized third letter. Continuing Education Approvals The board approved the following courses for continuing education credit: - Combustion Class: October 14, 2026, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 3 hours, at Johnstone Supply, presented by Michele Wagner. - Contractors Insurance – Plan and Protect: December 1, 2026, and January 19, 2027, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 3 hours, at Professional Training Institution (2803 B North St. Joe Avenue), presented by Deanne Burden. - Next Generation Tile Installation: October 20, 2026, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 3 hours, at Daltile Corp. (1425 North Collin Avenue), presented by Jason Campbell. - OSHA and Workplace Safety Training: October 29 and November 2, 2026, 9:00 AM – Noon, 3 hours, at Professional Training Institution, presented by Deanne Burden. - QuickBooks Online for Contractors and Trades Owners: November 9 and December 7, 2026, 9:00 AM – Noon, 3 hours, at Professional Training Institution, presented by Deanne Burden. - SEBA Showcase: Approved without further details. Old Business - Ordinance Updates: The board is updating ordinances at the request of the City Council. The changes have been submitted to the board's attorney for review before being presented to City Council; a timeline is not yet set. - Part-Time Compliance Officer: The board is still seeking candidates. One applicant has been identified, and an interview is scheduled for the following week. New Business - New Deputy Building Commissioner: Marc Weaver introduced himself as the new Deputy Building Commissioner, having started the previous Monday. He will also be involved in interviewing compliance officer candidates. - Online Testing System: Bill Pedtke announced that a new online test is ready for board members to try out. A link was sent to members earlier that day with a five-question abbreviated version to test the system (not the code knowledge). The system is open-book (only code books), records the session, and prevents cheating. Results are emailed within a minute. Board members are encouraged to take the test before the next meeting to identify any issues. The plan is to have a formal vote at the September meeting to roll out the test for all newly approved applicants. Existing applicants who have not yet taken the old test may also be eligible for the new test. Key Outcomes - Applicant approvals/denials: 15 applicants approved, 3 denied (Arnold, Collins, Gattis), and 2 approved pending submission of corrected letters (Collins, Stoll, Yan). - Continuing education: All six courses approved. - Next meeting: September 23, 2026, at 3:30 PM in Room 307. - Testing system: Board to trial the online test and vote on full implementation at the next meeting.

The Evansville Common Council and Vanderburgh County Council convened a joint department budget review for fiscal year 2027 on August 26, 2026. The agenda header lists a 3:02 P.M. start; the supplied timestamp indicates 09:15:00 UTC. No minutes were available. The captured discussion consists of departmental budget presentations followed by council and board questions. Discussion Items - Levee Authority District (Mike Herke): Herke presented a mostly flat day-to-day operating budget. A $210,000 line item would update control panels at all 19 pump stations total, excluding the two being completed this year. He said doing all remaining panels together avoids a continuous replacement cycle. - Computer Services (Vernon Lutz): Lutz said the computer services account is essentially flat, with an apparent increase limited to the computer support line for which an RFP was outstanding when the budget was prepared. Excluding the RFP line, the budget showed a 2.30% reduction for 2027 because the original line item was heavy. He said each RFP vendor must include transition costs in year-one pricing. He also said the Trump administration has not yet provided additional funding; if that funding is not continued, it will end. A state agreement costs about $3,000 and is budgeted for next year when it runs out in April. - Area Plan Commission (Ron London): London described the usual rotation of three to four computers per year and a planned purchase of a plotter/scanner for his office and other departments because the current equipment is aging and causing issues. - Legal Aid (Kevin Gibson): Gibson said all line items were zeroed out except for a rent increase for the first-floor office, and he described this as his final budget. - Weights & Measures (Jacob Murphy): Murphy presented a flat budget with no increases. - Animal Control (Missy Mosby): Mosby said the shelter has not euthanized a single animal for space and reported 100 adoptions in July, which she believed was a record. She requested budget support for vaccinations, rescue disinfectant and cleaning supplies, and building repairs and maintenance. She noted the building authority is taking over building upkeep after the department moved out from under the Department of Transportation. ACOs currently lack training or certification, and she plans to pursue NACA and other certifications; Best Friends is providing a full-time employee for six months, with housing paid, to help set protocols. She confirmed housekeeping support comes from the county. Adoption fees are $157 for city dogs and $147 for county dogs, and $127 for city cats and $117 for county cats; the $10 difference covers a city license, and fostering is available. On dog food, she said she reached out to local manufacturers, but some do not sell to the public; she found a local supplier sourcing from one of the local companies. - Traffic Engineer (agenda lists Brian Mundy; transcript identifies Brian Lundy, city engineer, with Jennifer Blinkenship as traffic engineer): Lundy/Blinkenship said traffic engineering was placed under the city engineer's office last year and they were cleaning up accounts by splitting spending into separate line items. They discussed equipment training and safety gear, a five-year truck lease, the need for more than one bucket truck, the absence of a portable message board for traffic alerts, and relocation of traffic signal services from center-point poles. - Building Commission & Code Enforcement (Johnny McAlister): McAlister attributed the major budget increase to vehicle leases, including two additional vehicles next year. He said two positions were approved the previous day in connection with two longtime employees retiring at the end of the year. - Central Dispatch (Carrie James): James said human resources has been helping improve hiring and training practices. The next training class includes emergency medical dispatch and CPR certification. No additional positions were requested; the goal is to reach full staffing of 35 dispatchers. A council member asked whether current staff need additional medical-dispatch training and whether there was an additional cost not reflected in the budget. - Emergency Management (Cliff Weaver): Weaver said no new vehicles were requested, a couple of operations line items increased slightly, and the proposed budget is doable. - Human Relations Commission (agenda: Diane Clements-Boyd; transcript: Diane Clements Floyd): Clements-Boyd/Floyd said the commission hired a full-time education outreach coordinator, a position sought for many years. The position is supplemented by EEOC and HUD federal funds, with the city/county responsible for the remaining 20%. - Purchasing & M/WBE (Dachenae Streeter): Streeter said the department's primary role is to support other departments' procurement processes to ensure good stewardship of tax dollars. Key Outcomes - No motions or votes appear in the captured portion of the hearing; it was an informational departmental budget review for FY 2027, with departments presenting requested budgets and answering council/board questions.