Evansville City Council Brief

On Monday, Oct. 26, the Evansville City Council held their meeting at the Civic Center. The meeting began with a roll call – Rita Taylor, Kendra Hatfield, Angela Koehler-Lindsey, Zac Heronemus, Paul Green, and Jim Brinkmeyer were present with Mary Allen, Courtney Johnson, and Ben Trockman absent. Following roll call was the pledge of allegiance, approval of the meeting memorandum, and acknowledgement of reports and communications.

Council completes final step in 2027 city budget

The Evansville City Council approved Ordinance F-2026-15, appropriating funds for the Levee Authority for 2027. City Controller Robert Gunter said the ordinance represented the final step in completing the city’s 2027 budget process. The ordinance passed unanimously among members eligible to vote. Councilwoman Rita Taylor, who participated remotely, was not permitted to vote.

Council approves three rezoning ordinances

Council unanimously approved three rezoning requests:

• Ordinance R-2026-02: Rezoning a property identified as 2713 from R-1 to M-2 with a use and development commitment (UDC), allowing plans for an auto repair shop and storage yard.
• Ordinance R-2026-19: Rezoning property at 3524 Kratzville Road from M-1 to R-2.
• Ordinance R-2026-21: Rezoning 1500 N. Heidelbach Ave., across from Bosse Field, from M-2 to R-5 with a UDC for proposed affordable workforce multifamily housing.

Joint River Patrol agreement approved

Council unanimously approved Resolution C-2026-35, authorizing a cooperative agreement between the Evansville Police Department (EPD) and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) for a Joint River Patrol on the Ohio River. The initiative brings the two law enforcement agencies together to provide a coordinated presence on the river during the recreational boating season. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the patrol is intended to operate every weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day, maintaining a visible law enforcement presence on the water.

The agreement establishes a cooperative approach to marine law enforcement, allowing the agencies to work together on river safety rather than operating independently.

Public comment focuses on youth safety and surveillance

Residents raised concerns about gun violence and youth safety. A Benjamin Bosse High School student, Jordan Payne, called for more safe gathering places, often referred to as third places, where young people can spend time outside home and school. The student also encouraged more conversations about violence and drug abuse.

A contentious discussion also developed over Flock Safety, the company operating automated license plate recognition cameras used by law enforcement. Residents questioned the inclusion of Flock-related funding in the city’s 2027 budget, leading to exchanges with council members. One attendee was asked to leave before the meeting adjourned.

What to watch at the next meeting

Council is expected to consider additional funding transfers, including $47,000 for street maintenance materials and fuel and $30,000 from Casino Funds for removing trash and debris from properties violating city ordinances.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m.

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This brief was developed from meeting notes provided through the Community Power Network by Our Times Recorder Tess Bell. Our Times Newspaper reviewed the information against available meeting documents and source materials.