Evansville Common Council Meeting - June 22, 2026

The Common Council of Evansville met on June 22, 2026, at 5:30 PM (afternoon session). The meeting included routine approvals, several rezoning ordinances, a bond issuance, and public comments on safety and immigration concerns. All council members were present, constituting a quorum.

Consent Calendar

• The meeting memorandum of June 8, 2026, was approved as written.
• Reports and communications (including Ordinance F2026-08, R2026-09 second amendment, R2026-11 second amendment, R2026-12 amended Area Plan Commission report, and Weights and Measures monthly report) were acknowledged.
• The consent agenda, including first reading of Ordinance F2026-08 (appropriations transfers), was adopted unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alison Lewis (Evansville Housing Authority/Advanced Development Corporation): Announced plans to submit a CDBG proposal for Youth Build Evansville and improvements to a community resource center on Edgar Street.
• Thomas Stratton (513 Randy Mead Avenue): Voiced strong opposition to Flock cameras, arguing they are part of a broader surveillance system that threatens immigrant communities and citing state legislation (SB 76) expanding ICE access. He read a poem titled "Flockery" to illustrate concerns.
• Martin Heath (Newburgh, IN): Also spoke against Flock cameras, drawing historical parallels to McCarthy-era blacklisting and urging the council to investigate the implications of such surveillance.

Discussion Items

Ordinance G2026-12 – Cargus Law Project Bond Issuance

• Presenters: Nick Siriano (outside counsel) and John Anderson (AP Development).
• Details: A taxable economic development TIF revenue bond (Series 2026) to support redevelopment of the former Cargus furniture factory at 1501 West Maryland into 12 apartments. The bond is not a general obligation of the city; TIF revenue from the project will pay the bonds over 25 years. Rents between $900 and $1,500, market rate. No affordable housing component. The project is under construction with completion expected in October 2026.
• Council Questions: Addressed developer risk, rent levels, and affordable housing status.
• Outcome: Adopted unanimously (9-0).

Ordinance R2026-09 – Rezoning of 6600 Oden Boonville Highway

• Presenters: Steve Bowleber (attorney for developer Elite Properties/Kenny Reinbrecht) and Jim Morley (project engineer).
• Details: Request to rezone 15.87 acres from M1 to R5 to construct a 216-unit multifamily development with 350 parking spaces, a lake, and amenities. The project is intended to address housing shortages. A traffic study was conducted, finding the need for an auxiliary lane (passing blister or turn lane) on Old Boonville Highway. The developer committed to comply with the study's recommendations. Concerns raised by council include safety, traffic congestion, and the adequacy of a passing blister. Councilman Brickmeyer suggested a right-turn-only exit and moving the entrance to the west end to separate traffic from existing nearby driveways.
• Decision: Tabled until the July 27, 2026 meeting to allow further study and preparation of a conceptual plan addressing safety concerns. Motion by Councilman Green, seconded by Councilman Hieronymus; passed with one nay (Councilwoman Taylor likely? Actually transcript shows one nay on voice vote? Wait, transcript says "Any opposed? And one day." So one opposed, but not specified. We'll note it as one opposed.)

Ordinance R2026-10 – Rezoning of 501, 503, 511 East Walnut Street

• Presenter: Alyssa Nilson (Area Plan Commission).
• Details: Rezone a block from R5 to C2 to allow mixed-use (existing multifamily plus a small commercial office in an existing building). The UDC restricts certain commercial uses (e.g., no liquor stores, pawn shops, bars). No opposition received.
• Outcome: Adopted unanimously (9-0).

Ordinance R2026-11 – Rezoning of 4919 Old Boonville Highway

• Presenters: Attorney (from Denton's Bingham Greenbaum) and Cole Lyle (owner of Lyle Trailer Sales).
• Details: Rezone 0.26 acres from R1 to C4 to expand existing trailer sales business. The lot was recently acquired after being condemned. Adjacent property owner (Mr. Patel) voiced no objection. Ward councilor Truckman expressed support. A UDC will include buffer requirements.
• Outcome: Adopted unanimously (9-0).

Ordinance R2026-13 – Rezoning of 1514 South Morton Avenue

• Presenter: Alyssa Nilson (Area Plan Commission).
• Details: Downzone from C2 to R2 to construct a single-family residence on a vacant lot. Consistent with comprehensive plan. No opposition.
• Outcome: Adopted unanimously (9-0).

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance G2026-12 (Cargus Law Project bond): Adopted 9-0.
• Ordinance R2026-09 (rezoning 6600 Oden Boonville Highway): Tabled to July 27, 2026, on a motion that passed with one opposed vote.
• Ordinance R2026-10 (rezoning 501-511 East Walnut): Adopted 9-0.
• Ordinance R2026-11 (rezoning 4919 Old Boonville Highway): Adopted 9-0.
• Ordinance R2026-13 (rezoning 1514 South Morton Avenue): Adopted 9-0.
• Boards and Commissions: Council nominated Troy Tornada to the Vanderburgh County Economic Development Commission (term ending January 31, 2028) by a unanimous vote.
• Next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, July 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The tabbed R2026-09 will be heard on July 27.