Pigeon Creek Watershed Development Commission Meeting - April 27, 2026

The Pigeon Creek Watershed Development Commission met on April 27, 2026, at 10:30 AM in the Civic Center Room 301, Evansville, Indiana. Present were members Linda Freeman, Karen Barnhill, and Christy Johnson; Cheryl Musgrave was absent. The meeting covered officer elections, hiring a bookkeeper, discretionary spending authority, conference attendance, website updates, a letter of support for a grant, CD investment decisions, insurance renewals, and updates on the tree swap and aerial mapping projects.

Consent Calendar

• The commission unanimously approved the March 23, 2026, meeting minutes and the executive session meeting memorandum from April 21, 2026, after correcting the executive director's report. The motion included approval of all consent items as amended.

Discussion Items

• Officer Elections: The commission voted to retain the same officers for the upcoming year: Linda Freeman as Chair, Karen Barnhill as Secretary/Treasurer, Cheryl Musgrave as Vice Chair, and Christy Johnson as Member. The motion passed 3-0 after discussion noting that Cheryl Musgrave had previously resigned as Secretary/Treasurer but had not been consulted about the new slate. The motion carried despite the lack of prior communication.
• Bookkeeper Search: Following executive sessions on April 21 and April 27, the commission voted to hire Jimmy Rutherford for bookkeeping services. The contract will be similar to the prior bookkeeper's agreement, with a 30-day termination clause and immediate termination for cause. The motion passed unanimously.
• Discretionary Spending Authority: The executive director requested authority to make small purchases (e.g., office supplies, external hard drive) and pay bills between meetings. The board discussed potential thresholds ($500–$1,000) and legal concerns about pre-approving expenditures without a public vote. The board directed the executive director to bring a formal proposal for a discretionary fund with strict guidelines, to be reviewed and approved at a future meeting. No vote was taken.
• Conference Attendance: The commission approved a motion to allow Executive Director Justin to attend the NAFSIM conference in September 2026, paying for registration ($325), membership renewal ($50), and hotel ($330/night for three nights). The board also discussed paying for Commissioner Barnhill's hotel, but she withdrew her request after the board noted the need for a formal policy on board member training expenses. The motion for the executive director passed unanimously.
• Website Update: The executive director reported that the commission website is under development, with color adjustments requested. A forward-facing email alias (PCWDC info@vanderburghcounty.in.gov) has been established, redirecting to the executive director and chair. The website is expected to go live in two to three weeks. No action required.
• Letter of Support for 319 Grant: The commission voted to provide a letter of support for $15,000 in in-kind contributions to the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for their upcoming 319 grant application for the Pigeon Creek watershed. The motion passed unanimously.
• CD Investment Maturity: The commission discussed reinvesting the maturing certificate of deposit (maturity value $103,082.59 on May 1, 2026). After debate, the board approved two motions: (1) to invest $50,000 in a six-month CD at United Fidelity Bank at 4.20% (subject to rate confirmation); (2) to invest the other half in a three-month CD at 3.60% or higher at an approved institution. Both motions passed unanimously.
• Septic/Grease Trap Dumping Sites: The board discussed the need for notification when septic or grease trap dumping sites are proposed within the watershed. The commission decided to reach out to Randy Braun at IDEM's stormwater division for information on regulatory requirements before considering any formal notification process. No action taken.
• Future Meeting Attendance: Due to scheduling conflicts, the commission voted to move the June 2026 meeting to June 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Civic Center (or an available room with streaming service). The motion passed unanimously.
• Insurance Policy Renewals: The commission approved renewals of the crime and employment practices liability (EPLI) policies from Torian Insurance. The premiums remained the same, but policy fees increased: $50 for the crime policy (now $150) and $100 for the EPLI policy (now $200). The motion to approve and pay the renewals passed unanimously.
• Tree Swap Program Update: The executive director reported that tree delivery is scheduled for May 2, 2026. Approximately 60 trees have been committed, including 30 for Wesselman Woods to replace Bradford pears. Additional outreach was conducted via radio and social media. No action needed.
• Aerial Mapping Project Update: All fieldwork is complete except for a three-mile section that could not be flown due to FAA waiver timing. The executive director has received the aerial tiles and is working with Frontier Geospatial to create larger mosaics for CAD use. The data has been shared with Christopher Burke Engineering. The project is nearly complete. No action needed.
• Work Plan Timeline Concern: The board expressed concern about the timeline for the watershed management plan, noting that the contract ends December 31, 2026, and the draft plan is expected in November. The executive director will communicate with Burke Engineering to request a draft by mid-October to allow sufficient review time.

Key Outcomes

• Officer Slate Retained: Linda Freeman (Chair), Karen Barnhill (Secretary/Treasurer), Cheryl Musgrave (Vice Chair), Christy Johnson (Member) – unanimous.
• Bookkeeper Hired: Jimmy Rutherford for bookkeeping services with a 30-day termination clause – unanimous.
• Conference Attendance Approved: Executive director to attend NAFSIM conference, with registration, membership, and hotel paid – unanimous.
• Letter of Support for SWCD: $15,000 in-kind support for 319 grant application – unanimous.
• CD Investment: $50,000 in a six-month CD at 4.20% (United Fidelity Bank) and $50,000 in a three-month CD at 3.60% or higher (approved institution) – both unanimous.
• June Meeting Rescheduled: To June 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Civic Center – unanimous.
• Insurance Renewals Approved: Crime and EPLI policies renewed with fee increases – unanimous.
• Consent Items Approved: March 23 meeting minutes and executive session memorandum approved with corrections – unanimous.