Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners and Drainage Board Meeting – September 29, 2026

The Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners and the Vanderburgh County Drainage Board held a joint session on September 29, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. The Commissioners approved multiple action items including road dedications, storm sewer inspections, speed limit reductions, event agreements, appraisals, and three agreements for a battery energy storage system. The Drainage Board set a hearing date for an obstruction petition, approved a preliminary and final drainage plan for a subdivision, and accepted ditch claims. No public comments were made.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the September 15, 2026 Board of Commissioners meeting minutes, employment changes, claims vouchers for the periods September 14–18 and September 21–25, 2026, the Clerk’s August 2026 monthly report, appropriation and transfer requests, Engineer’s report and claims, a travel request, a letter of support for the 812 Trail Project (railbanking of an inactive railroad corridor in Warrick and Vanderburgh Counties), and an application for abutting property owner to purchase county-owned property at 1004 Edgar. All consent items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up or spoke during the public comment period for either the Commissioners or the Drainage Board.

Discussion Items

• Jeremy Ryan Tighe Memorial Way (Action Item A1): John (Engineer) presented a request to officially name and dedicate a portion of St. Joseph Avenue at Meier Road as “Jeremy Ryan Tighe Memorial Way.” The signs had been installed about five years ago without a formal vote. One sign was damaged, and both needed to be replaced to meet uniform traffic control standards (brown background with white lettering). The traffic superintendent required board acknowledgment to proceed. Commissioners expressed support for an official dedication. Approved unanimously.
• 3D Leasing LLC Storm Sewer Inspection (Action Item A2): The County Highway Department could not inspect storm sewers on Berry Drive due to sinkholes. A contractor (3D Leasing LLC) will perform CCTV inspections. Funding comes from road and street contractual funds. Approved unanimously.
• Temporary Speed Limit Reduction on Oak Hill Road (Action Item A3): A continuation of the 20 mph speed limit reduction between Lynch Road and Bergdolt Road for an additional 30 days. Approved unanimously.
• Annual Update to County Title VI Implementation Plan (Action Item J): The update fulfills INDOT requirements to submit an updated plan by October 1 each year to remain eligible for federal funds. Approved unanimously.
• Burdette Park – Agreement with Concept Sound and Light, Inc. (Action Item B1): The agreement provides and operates a movie screen for the Fright Night event on October 24, 2026. The business changed hands but honored the 2024 price. Park Director Zach Watham noted that tickets went on sale August 19 and sold well, especially after a temperature drop. Approved unanimously.
• Old Courthouse Event Lease with Kraftwerks, Inc. (Action Item D): Lease for the annual craft show on November 14–15, 2026, using public hallway and unrented room space. Approved unanimously.
• Professional Services Agreements for Appraisal of Old County Coroner’s Office (Action Items E and F): Two contracts awarded to Appraisal Consultants, Inc. and Premium Appraisals, LLC. Approved unanimously.
• Elliot Battery Storage LLC Agreements (Action Items G, H, I): Three agreements for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Economic Development Agreement, Decommissioning Plan Agreement, and Road Use Agreement. Mike Chobmeyer (on behalf of the county) presented. Commissioner Gable raised a concern about local labor; the Economic Development Agreement now includes a provision for best efforts to use a project labor agreement with local contractors and employees. Chobmeyer confirmed the BZA had approved the project 5–0. All three agreements were approved individually and unanimously.
• Drainage Board – Petition to Remove Obstruction: Daniel Haas of 8900 N Green River Road alleged Sam Rhodes placed debris in a ditch between their properties. The county surveyor determined an obstruction exists. A hearing was set for October 27, 2026, with notices to be sent by certified mail. Motion approved unanimously.
• Drainage Board – Poet Square Section 5 Drainage Plan: Jim Morley Jr. (project engineer) presented preliminary and final drainage plans for four duplexes on remaining lots. A variance was requested to waive required storage volume for basin two because the basin was not built to public standard. The board approved the plan and variance unanimously.
• Drainage Board – Ditch Claims: 10 claims totaling $18,873.27 for contracted work completed in 2026 were approved retroactively.
• Drainage Board – Informational Items: Upcoming Pigeon Creek Watershed Development Commission meeting on October 26, 2026, at 10 a.m., with a public input meeting at 11 a.m. for final stakeholder comments on the draft work plan. Ivy Meadows storm sewer repairs: a complaint about a flared end section at 5123 Hadera Drive led to a letter to developer Charles Murphy, as required fees were never paid; the developer is responsible for repairs. Mark Norman obstruction update: findings and order mailed to nine parcel owners; removal deadline is on or before August 25, 2027.

Key Outcomes

• Jeremy Ryan Tighe Memorial Way: Officially dedicated; traffic department authorized to replace and maintain signs.
• 3D Leasing LLC Storm Sewer Inspection: Approved, contractor hired to inspect Berry Drive storm sewers.
• Temporary Speed Limit Reduction: Extended 30 days on Oak Hill Road.
• Title VI Plan: Annual update approved for INDOT compliance.
• Fright Night Agreement: Approved with Concept Sound and Light for October 24, 2026.
• Craft Show Lease: Approved for November 14–15, 2026.
• Appraisal Services: Two contracts awarded.
• Elliot Battery Storage: Three agreements approved, including a local labor provision in the Economic Development Agreement.
• Obstruction Hearing: Set for October 27, 2026, for the Haas/Rhodes petition.
• Poet Square Section 5: Preliminary and final drainage plan approved with variance.
• Ditch Claims: $18,873.27 approved for payment.
• Rezoning VC-10-2026: Withdrawn by petitioner.
• Rezoning VC-11-2026: First reading approved; forwarded to Area Plan Commission for October 1 meeting.