Evansville City Council Meeting - August 10, 2026
Evansville City Council Meeting - August 10, 2026
The Evansville Common Council met on August 10, 2026, at 5:35 p.m. with all nine members present. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, a consent agenda for first readings of four ordinances, a second reading discussion on a drone regulation ordinance (G-2026-15) which was tabled, and adoption of an amended appropriations ordinance (F-2026-09 Amended). Public comments were heard on the drone ordinance and on other matters.
Consent Calendar
- Ordinance F-2026-10: Authorized transfers, additional appropriations, and re-appropriation of funds for various city funds. Passed unanimously.
- Ordinance R-2026-16: Rezoned 2003 E Franklin St from C1 to R1. Passed unanimously.
- Ordinance R-2026-17: Rezoned 824 E Blackford Ave from R2 to R3 with UDC. Passed unanimously.
- Ordinance R-2026-18: Rezoned 2453, 2455, 2457 W Franklin St from C1 to R2. Passed unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Mark Murray (7840 East Gum, owner of Evansville Aerial, FAA Part 107 pilot) expressed concerns about ordinance G-2026-15, stating it blurs the jurisdictional line between local and federal regulation of airspace. He argued the 500-yard rule around helipads and events could conflict with FAA authorizations and recommended tabling the ordinance to clarify provisions.
- Christopher Norwick (2728 Harmony Way) argued that existing federal regulations already cover drone operations safely and that the ordinance adds unnecessary burdens. He cited specific requirements under FAA Part 107 and recreational exemptions.
- Ken Colbert (4512 North First Avenue) presented a public records request for contracts related to Flock camera technology, called for dismantling the DEI commission citing Indiana’s merit-based policy, and requested an interview with Councilman Courtney Johnson.
Discussion Items
- G-2026-15 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordinance): Captain Jason Thomas of EPD presented the ordinance, which would restrict drone operations within 500 yards of specific events (Westside Nut Club Fall Festival, Fourth of July fireworks, heliports, airports) during event times. Council members and the public raised concerns about legal authority and potential conflicts with FAA regulations. Councilwoman Taylor moved to table the ordinance until the August 24 meeting after seeking legal clarity. The motion passed unanimously (9-0).
- F-2026-09 Amended (Appropriations and Transfers): Robert Guncher from the Controller’s Office presented multiple items including $2,200 for Fender golf course equipment repair, $2,450 for cooling kits and cots from a Center Point grant, $100,000 from ARPA interest for the Evansville Promise neighborhood program, $343,778 from wheel tax for paving, $20,000 Next Level Trails grant, $477,577 for downtown TIF bond lease, $63,711 for casino fund equipment, correction of $21,000 account number, and $200,000 from Terre Haute casino funds for roof replacement at Fire Station House #1 and animal control shelter. The ordinance was adopted unanimously (9-0).
Key Outcomes
- Ordinance G-2026-15 was tabled to August 24, 2026, pending legal review and research from other Indiana cities (Fort Wayne and Indianapolis).
- Ordinance F-2026-09 Amended was adopted by a vote of 9-0.
- The public records request from Ken Colbert was acknowledged; Council clarified that the council is not an administrative body and does not handle contracting records, but the city clerk would respond within 24 hours as required by statute.
- The next meeting was scheduled for August 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Meeting Transcript
The honorable council of the city of Evansville is hereby called it to order. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Councilwoman Taylor. Councilman Hieronymus. Here. Councilwoman Hatfield? Here. Councilwoman Kayler Lindsay. Councilwoman Kidler Lindsay. Here. There we go. Councilman Brinkmeyer? Here. Councilwoman Allen? Here. Councilman Green? Here. Councilman Johnson? Here. Councilman Truckman. Here. There being. There being nine members present. Zero absent. Representative forum. I hereby declare this session of the common council officially opened. There we go. Um just for the uh record, there being nine members present, zero absent, representing a quorum. I hereby declare the session of the common council officially opened. This evening, the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Ruby, you mind delete us in the pledge? There we go. With liberty and justice for all. Please join me in a moment of silence. Fellow counselors and all in the audience, welcome to the August 10th, 2026 meeting of the Common Council. Is there a motion to approve the meeting memorandum of the uh sorry, the July 27th, 2026 meeting of the Common Council as writ? So moved. Hearing of first and a second. Any uh oppose? I'm sorry, all those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? So ordered. Reports of communications. Email material ordinances F 2026-9 amended. F 2026-10, R 2026-16, 17 and 18 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.
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