Evansville Common Council Regular Meeting – May 18, 2026

The Common Council of Evansville met on May 18, 2026, with all nine members present. The meeting covered budget adjustments, two rezoning requests, and resolutions supporting solar energy and Pride Month. Public comments were heard on two items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the May 11, 2026 meeting as written.
• Acknowledged reports and communications, including the Area Plan Commission report for May 2026 and email material for ordinances and resolutions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nicole Chandler (2711 Claremont Ave) spoke in support of the solar resolution (C 2026-20), highlighting the decreasing cost and increasing effectiveness of solar technology, the precedent of solar at CK Newsom Center, and the need for energy independence.
• Jacob Delk (31 Adams Ave), president of River City Pride, supported the Pride Month resolution (C 2026-21), thanked the council for its support, and invited everyone to the River City Pride Festival and Parade on June 6, 2026, starting at noon on Main Street.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance F 2026-05 (Budget adjustments): Robert Gunter (Controller) presented multiple appropriations and transfers for the 2026 budget. Key items included: reclassification of ambulance equipment expenses; $50,000 from ARPA to general fund for the Evansville Wartime Museum; $125,000 grant from the African American Mayors Association for a summer food program (Healthy Play and Pantry Partnership) coordinated through the mayor’s office; $2,200 donation for animal control software; $107,024 carryover for the Blight Fight program from general fund cash; $80,000 for on-call engineering services with local firms; $557,404 from a state grant for Next Level Trails improvements; $2.2 million from the Area Plan Commission fund to cover the city’s share of APC operations, reducing general fund pressure; $29,000 from Terra Haute funds for HVAC repairs at Innovation Pointe; and $90,000 from levee authority fund for pump station repairs. Council requested additional details on some items but proceeded to vote.
• Ordinance R 2026-08 (Rezoning 1810/1814 Hooks Drive): Cassie Virgin (APC) explained that three residences and a barn encroach across property lines. The applicant, a family trust, seeks R3 zoning to legally combine the parcels. The property has been family-owned since the 1960s. No opposition was voiced. The applicant, Wendell McKinney, confirmed the family is working to bring the property into compliance. Adopted unanimously.
• Ordinance R 2026-09 (Rezoning 6600 Old Boonville Highway): This request seeks R5 zoning for a 216-unit multifamily development. APC recommended approval with conditions, including a use and development commitment (UDC) limiting use to multifamily and including building height caps, screening, buffers, and a traffic impact study. Council expressed concerns about traffic safety on Old Boonville Highway and water pressure. Councilman Hatfield moved to postpone the ordinance to June 22, 2026, and require the applicant to amend the UDC to commit to follow and implement recommendations from both the traffic impact study and the water and sewer department. The motion was seconded and passed; the UDC amendment filing deadline is June 15 at noon.
• Resolution C 2026-16 (Police pursuit vehicle lease purchase): Held to June 8, 2026, per Robert Gunter, pending final legal adjustments to the resolution.
• Resolution C 2026-20 (Interlocal agreement for solar projects): Sarah Pritchett (Climate Action Coordinator) presented the resolution, which supports an agreement with Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) to install rooftop solar on up to 17 city facilities. EWSU will fund the projects using debt service reserve funds and capture federal tax credits (50–60% of cost). Total estimated cost before credits is $6.4 million; net cost after credits is roughly $2.6 million. The city will reimburse EWSU from energy cost savings over six years, resulting in zero net budget impact. Keith Penny (EWSU Finance Director) noted a July 3, 2026 deadline to commit 5% of projected costs to secure the 50% tax credit. Council members praised the collaboration and cost savings. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution C 2026-21 (Recognition of Pride Month): Council members expressed strong support, noting it reflects the city’s inclusivity. Jacob Delk provided details on the June 6 Pride parade and festival. Adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance F 2026-05 adopted (9–0).
• Ordinance R 2026-08 adopted (9–0).
• Ordinance R 2026-09 postponed to June 22, 2026, with requirement for applicant to amend UDC to include commitments to implement traffic impact study recommendations and water/sewer department recommendations. UDC amendment due by June 15 at noon.
• Resolution C 2026-16 held to June 8, 2026.
• Resolution C 2026-20 adopted (9–0).
• Resolution C 2026-21 adopted (9–0).
• Next meeting: Monday, June 8, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
• Board vacancies announced for Commission on Social Status of African American Males, Evansville Economic Development Commission, Evansville Redevelopment Commission, Evansville Urban Enterprise Association Board, and Affordable Housing Fund Advisory Committee. Applications due May 25, 2026.