Evansville Common Council Meeting - April 27, 2026

The Common Council of Evansville, Indiana, met on April 27, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. with eight members present (one absent), establishing a quorum. The meeting included approval of the April 13, 2026 meeting memorandum, adoption of several ordinances and resolutions, and discussion of floodplain management, budget amendments, a downtown public restroom, a rezoning request, and a new economic development area.

Consent Calendar

• First reading of ordinances G-2026-10 (issuance of bonds for City of Evansville Redevelopment District), G-2026-11 (payment in lieu of taxes agreement for affordable housing), F-2026-04 (taxable economic development tax increment revenue bonds for the Republic Project), and F-2026-06 (additional ordinance) were adopted as a consent agenda without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bill Petke (Builders Association) expressed support for the floodplain management ordinance, thanking city legal staff and the DNR for collaborative work. He noted that the updated standards will help lower flood insurance rates for residents and businesses.
• Quentin Kyle (owner of 203 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard) spoke in favor of rezoning his property to allow for short-term rentals, stating his goal is to renovate the historic building and provide accommodations for visitors.
• Adam Trinkle (Downtown Evansville Improvement District) commented on the Portland Loo project, emphasizing its importance as a 24/7 accessible restroom and noting successful examples in other cities (e.g., Grand Rapids).

Discussion Items

Ordinance G-2026-09: Floodplain Management Update

• Josh (staff) presented the ordinance, which repeals and replaces Chapter 16.10 of the municipal code to align with FEMA standards. The update is expected to improve the city’s Community Rating System (CRS) score from 8 to 7, increasing flood insurance discounts by 10–15% for properties in special flood hazard areas. The ordinance was developed over 6–7 months with DNR, county commissioners, the building commission, Morley Engineering, and the Builders Association.
• The council voted to adopt G-2026-09 (8 ayes, 0 nays).

Ordinance F-2026-03 (Amended): Budget Amendments

• Robert Gunter (Controller’s Office) presented two amendments to the 2026 budget:
  1. Transfer $15,000 from ARPA interest to the Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) for the mobile home relief fund serving residents at Oak Hill Road Trader Park.
  2. Use $33,000 from a 2025 Terre Haute casino payment (the city received $900,000 total) for a new downtown Portland Loo (public restroom) adjacent to the METS station. An additional $28,000 from the same source will pay the Downtown Evansville Improvement District for annual maintenance. The restroom is expected to be available 24/7.
• Council members voiced strong support for the Portland Loo, citing dignity for unhoused neighbors, public health benefits, and convenience for downtown visitors. Sarah Dower (Corporation Council) added that the restroom addresses a documented public health issue (human feces incidents).
• The council adopted the amendment and the ordinance as amended (8 ayes, 0 nays).

Ordinance R-2026-07: Rezoning at 203 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd

• Cassie Virgin (Area Plan Commission) presented the rezoning request (APC docket REZ-2026-009) to downzone the property from its current mixed zoning to CO-2 (office and residential). The building, constructed in 1867, has been used as a residence and professional office. The applicant proposes three short-term rental units. The 2035 Future Land Use Map recommends mixed uses, and CO-2 allows residential, office, or mixed use without further rezoning. The APC recommended approval (8 affirmative votes).
• No opposition was received from the public or council. The council adopted R-2026-07 (8 ayes, 0 nays).

Resolution C-2026-15: Republic Economic Development Area

• Colby Jackson (DMD) explained that the resolution establishes the Republic Economic Development Area and removes the project from the existing Burkhart Road Economic Development Area. The Republic Project is a 153-unit market-rate mixed-use development on Vogel Road (bounded by Vogel Road and Cross Point Boulevard). The Redevelopment Commission and Area Plan Commission (8-0) have already approved the plan; City Council approval is the final step. The project’s financing will come before the council at its next meeting.
• The council adopted Resolution C-2026-15 (8 ayes, 0 nays).

Key Outcomes

• Approved meeting memorandum of April 13, 2026.
• Adopted consent agenda for first-reading ordinances (G-2026-10, G-2026-11, F-2026-04, F-2026-06).
• Adopted Ordinance G-2026-09 (floodplain management update) 8-0.
• Adopted Ordinance F-2026-03 (amended) 8-0, authorizing $15,000 for mobile home relief and $61,000 for a downtown Portland Loo and its maintenance.
• Adopted Ordinance R-2026-07 (rezoning at 203 MLK Jr. Blvd) 8-0.
• Adopted Resolution C-2026-15 (Republic Economic Development Area) 8-0.
• Next meeting scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.