Evansville City Council Meeting Brief

This week’s Evansville City Council meeting was held on March 30 at 5:30 p.m., with seven members present: Rita Taylor, Kendra Hatfield, Angela Koehler Lindsey, Jim Brinkmeyer, Mary Allen, and Courtney Johnson. Council members Zac Heronemus and Paul Green were absent.

Every item on the regular agenda was approved, except for one opposing vote that was noted. The council moved through the agenda efficiently, approving a new taxi service, advancing zoning and redevelopment projects, and authorizing funding for infrastructure and public safety improvements.

Council unanimously approved Ordinance G-2026-07, granting Raheem Taxi a certificate of convenience and necessity to operate in Evansville. The business plans to begin with one vehicle and expand over time.

Council approved Ordinance F-2026-02, authorizing multiple transfers of city funds, including $558,335 for electrical relocation along the Lloyd Expressway from Ingle Street to Wabash Avenue, $700,421.95 in opioid settlement funding, and more than $1 million for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Councilmember Angela Koehler Lindsey cast the sole “no” vote, citing concerns about the use of casino funds to support EMS operations.

Council also approved Ordinance G-2026-06, previously tabled, allowing for the vacation of a cul-de-sac right-of-way. The measure passed with an amendment intended to prevent potential future multi-family development on the site. The property owner stated there are no current plans for such development.

Council unanimously approved several zoning ordinances. Ordinance R-2026-04 allows a former church and childcare facility at 3027 Mount Vernon Avenue to operate as a preschool and small event venue, with council members noting the continued need for childcare services. Ordinance R-2026-05 rezones 225 W. Morgan Avenue to allow redevelopment of an abandoned dry cleaning building into a contractor shop and storage warehouse. Ordinance R-2026-06 approves plans to convert vacant industrial properties on West Franklin Street into apartments.

Council unanimously approved Resolution C-2026-05, authorizing gap funding from the city’s Affordable Housing Fund to support HOPE of Evansville’s planned $3.7 million acquisition of the Phoenix Apartments, a 40-unit complex.

Council also approved Resolution C-2026-13, authorizing the issuance of a taxable note to fund upgrades to the city’s 911 radio core equipment. The cost will be repaid over several years.

A consent agenda item was approved and will move forward at the next meeting. Ordinance G-2026-08, which would designate the Bellemeade-Bayard Park area as a historic preservation district, remains pending.

During public comments, one resident raised concerns about rising utility costs, noting increases in CenterPoint Energy expenses and encouraging public participation in Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) hearings.

The next council meeting is scheduled for April 13 at 5:30 p.m.