Evansville Common Council Meeting - June 8, 2026
Evansville Common Council Meeting - June 8, 2026
The Evansville Common Council met on June 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM (approximate start time based on transcript) with eight members present, one absent, constituting a quorum. The meeting included approval of minutes, consent agenda items, several ordinance and resolution readings, and extensive public comment regarding the city's Flock license plate reader cameras. Key actions included adoption of HUD grant funding, approval of police pursuit vehicle financing, support for Juneteenth celebrations, and establishment of an economic revitalization area for Uniseal Inc., as well as a development area for the Cargus Lofts project. Appointments were made to three boards and commissions.
Consent Calendar
- Meeting Minutes: Approved minutes of the May 18, 2026 meeting as written.
- Reports and Communications: Acknowledged emailed materials, including Ordinance G 2026-12 and R 2026-14, and Resolutions C 2026-16 amended, C 2026-22, 23, 24, and extended agenda.
- Consent Agenda Adopted: Ordinance G 2026-12 (authorizing issuance of taxable TIF bonds for Cargus Lofts project) and Ordinance R 2026-14 (real estate at 2828 Mount Vernon Avenue) were adopted as a consent agenda.
Public Comments & Testimony
- HUD Funding (Ordinance F 2026-07): No public comments.
- Police Pursuit Vehicles (Resolution C 2026-16 amended):
- Christopher Norwich (2728 Harmony Way) asked about electrifying the fleet, citing lower maintenance costs and climate action plan. Councilman Hieronymus and an EPD representative responded that electric vehicles were considered but rejected due to charging logistics, infrastructure costs, and take-home car reimbursement issues.
- Brendan Dillingham (1825 North Earcoist Drive) questioned the necessity of take-home cars for officers, suggesting funds could be better spent on social programs. Councilman Hieronymus offered to discuss offline.
- Juneteenth (Resolution C 2026-22):
- Chris Farber (12 TN South Roosevelt Drive, provided history and details of the 7th annual Juneteenth event on June 19, 2026, at Bayer Park from 2 PM to 9 PM, organized by Evansville Cultural Experience (501c3). He emphasized economic and community benefits.
- Flock Cameras (Public Comments - after regular agenda): Ten speakers addressed the council about Flock surveillance cameras. All opposed the cameras or called for contract cancellation. Key points:
- Peter Emery (219 Washington Avenue) urged canceling contracts.
- Brendan Dillingham cited security breaches and misuse cases (Robert J. Joseph in California).
- Bryce Pace referenced FBI procurement documents seeking ALPR access, linking Flock to federal agencies.
- Olivia Latham (132 South Bakey Road) argued Flock allows pattern-of-life tracking and expressed concerns about data sharing with ICE, noting EPD stated no plans to restrict immigration-related searches.
- Lori Salamer (1431 Green Meadow Road) highlighted $142,500/year cost and noted Bloomington, IN did not renew its contract.
- Daniel Licklider (2621 Rox Bay Road) read quotes from an online petition with 718 signatures opposing the cameras.
- Jonathan Baker (1915 McConnell Avenue) delivered a poem criticizing surveillance.
- Adam Carey (7699 Meadow Lane) detailed concerns about Flock as an $8.4 billion corporation using law enforcement as salesmen; noted Flock cameras near McGarry and Washington Middle Schools.
- Brett Jarbo (822 East Powell) argued the system doesn't meet security standards; urged reconsideration.
- Susan Blankenship (1108 South Lincoln Park Drive) objected to contract clause Section 11.9 assigning intellectual property rights to Flock.
Discussion Items
- Ordinance F 2026-07 (HUD CDBG, ESG, HOME Funding): Presented by Colby Jackson DMD. Total funds: $3,291,232.92 from three federal grants. Councilwoman Taylor asked if anything changed since first reading; no changes. Note item #48 (Greater Hope) was withdrawn. Adopted unanimously (5-0, with three recusals: Councilmen Hieronymus, Johnson, and Councilwoman Hatfield recused).
- Resolution C 2026-16 amended (Police Pursuit Vehicles): Robert Gunter (Controller's Office) explained the lease-purchase agreement for up to 15 SUVs, financed through Indiana Bond Bank with US Bank (low bidder). Annual payback ~$340,000. EPD representative noted ordering window with GM required early action. Councilman Hieronymus asked about staffing: current officers 269 out of contractual 289, operational strength ~82%. Councilwoman Allen raised concerns about insufficient take-home cars causing maintenance costs. EPD explained need for 40-50 additional cars beyond these 15 to achieve take-home capability. Adopted 8-0.
- Resolution C 2026-22 (Juneteenth): Councilwoman Taylor highlighted the significance and urged community participation. Councilman Hieronymus echoed support. Unanimously adopted 8-0.
- Resolution C 2026-23 (Uniseal Inc. ERA): Confirmed economic revitalization area for properties at 1701-1717, 1803, 1819 N 4th Ave. Corrected a date error from prior resolution (April 1 to December 31). Presented as procedural noncompliance waiver. Adopted 8-0.
- Resolution C 2026-24 amended (Cargus Lofts Economic Development Area): Colby Jackson DMD explained declaratory resolution for establishing Cargus Loths EDA and allocation area. Total incentive cost $6.5 million; project rehabilitation of former Cargus furniture factory into 125 multifamily units with $30 million total investment. Developer: Anderson Partners (also did Central Lofts). Second reading of bonds set for June 22. Adopted 8-0.
- Flock Camera Discussion: After public comments, Councilman Hieronymus clarified council cannot cancel the contract (Board of Public Safety has that authority). He noted Evansville's Flock cameras are only 53 Falcon and 2 Flex models (license plate readers, no video or facial recognition, no AI). He acknowledged concerns about ICE access and potential privacy issues, stating he would advocate for policy limits on data sharing. He also mentioned the contract does not include Condor cameras or AI. No formal action taken.
Key Outcomes
- Ordinance F 2026-07 adopted (5-0): HUD grant funds for community development, emergency solutions, and HOME programs approved.
- Resolution C 2026-16 amended adopted (8-0): Lease-purchase for 15 police pursuit vehicles approved.
- Resolution C 2026-22 adopted (8-0): Support for 7th annual Juneteenth celebration and recognition of the day.
- Resolution C 2026-23 adopted (8-0): Economic revitalization area for Uniseal Inc. approved with amended dates.
- Resolution C 2026-24 amended adopted (8-0): Declaratory resolution for Cargus Loths EDA approved.
- Appointments:
- Commission on Social Status of African American Males: LaVar St. Germain appointed through Dec 31, 2027.
- Evansville Economic Development Commission: Hope Fussner nominated (mayoral appointment) to term ending Jan 31, 2028.
- Evansville Redevelopment Commission: Matt Pruitt appointed to balance term ending Dec 31, 2026.
- Next Meeting: Monday, June 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
- Vacancy: Vanderburgh County Economic Development Commission; applications due by June 14, 2026.
- Flock Cameras: No action taken; council lacks authority to cancel contract; discussion on policy limits ongoing.
Meeting Transcript
The honorable council of the city of Evansville is hereby declared call to order, Madam Clerk. Please call the rule. Councilwoman Taylor. Present. Councilman Hieronymus. Here. Councilwoman Hatfield. Here. Councilwoman Kaler Lindsay. Here. Councilman Brickmeyer. Councilwoman Allen? Here. Councilman Green. Here. Councilman Johnson. Here. Councilman Trockman. Here, there being eight members present, one absent. Representing a quorum, I hereby declare this session of the Common Council officially open. This evening, the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Robert. Are you up for it? He is to the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands. And the visible with the G and Justice Corral. Please join me now in a moment of silence. Fellow counselors and those in the audience, welcome to the June 8th, 2026 meeting of the Common Council. As we move uh forward, I notice that there have been uh a number of slips turned in about uh flock, and we're very glad to uh have you here this evening. What I would ask uh is that among the ten of you that uh put in slips that you consider electing two or three of you to deliver uh your messages if they are similar in nature, if that is all right with you. Um, had some good discussion about this. We definitely want to hear from you, but please consider that um as we move forward. That said, is there a motion to approve the meeting memorandum of the May 18th 2026 meeting of the common council as written? So moved. Second, hearing of first and a second. All those in favor? Aye, opposed, so ordered. Reports and communications, emailed materials, ordinances G, 2026-12 and R 2026-14. Resolutions C, 2026-16 amended, C 2026-22, 23, and 24, and on your desk this evening, extended agenda. Is there a motion to acknowledge the reports and communications? So moved, second. Hearing a first and a second. All those in favor, aye, any opposed, so ordered, special orders of the day. There are no special orders this evening, consent agenda. First reading of ordinances and resolutions, ordinance G 2026-12, and ordinance authorizing the issuance of the City of Evansville, Indiana Taxable Economic Development Tax Increment Revenue Bonds, Series 2026 Cargus Loths Project, and the lending of the proceeds thereof to AP development LLC and AP Cargus Loths LLC, or an affiliate or permitted signee thereof, and authorizing and approving other actions in respect there too. Ordinance R. 2026-14 and ordinance on certain real estate in the city of Evansville, State of Indiana, more commonly known as 2828 Mount Vernon Avenue. Is there a motion to adopt the consent agenda as written? So moved. So move. Second.
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