City Council Meeting MAY 20, 2024
City Council Meeting
MAY 20, 2024
5:30 P.M.
AGENDA
| I. | INTRODUCTION |
05-20-2024 Agenda Attachment:
| II. | APPROVAL OF MEETING MEMORANDUM |
05-13-2024 Memo Attachment:
| III. | REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS |
| IV. | SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY |
| V. | CONSENT AGENDA: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS |
A. ORDINANCE F-2024-06 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Approving the Annual Community Development Plan and Appropriating Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Solutions Grant and Home Investment Partnerships Program Grant Funds Sponsor(s): Burton Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Burton Discussion Date: 6/10/2024 4:00pm Notify: Kolbi Jackson, DMD F-2024-06 Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE F-2024-07 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Appropriations, Transfer, Re-Appropriations, Repeals and Additional Appropriations of Funds within the Department of Metropolitan Development Sponsor(s): Burton Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Burton Discussion Date: 6/10/2024 Notify: Kolbi Jackson, DMD F-2024-07 Attachment:
| VI. | COMMITTEE REPORTS |
| VII. | REGULAR AGENDA: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS |
A. ORDINANCE F-2024-05 AMENDED An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations, Additional Appropriations and Repeal and Re-Appropriation of Funds for Various City Funds Sponsor(s): Burton Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Burton Discussion Date: 5/20/2024 Notify: Robert Gunter, Controller F-2024-05 Amended Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE R-2024-16 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 971 E Blackford Ave Owner:Jordan W Milby Requested Change: R2 to R4 Ward: 4 Burton Representative: Matt Lehman, RLehman & Son Consulting R-2024-16 Attachment:
| VIII. | RESOLUTION DOCKET |
A. RESOLUTION C-2024-08 A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana, Accepting a Conflict of Interest for City Administered HUD Funds Sponsor(s): Burton, Allen, Trockman Discussion Led By: Vice President Trockman Discussion Date: 5/20/2024 Notify: Kolbi Jackson, DMD C-2024-08 Attachment:
| IX. | MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS |
A. THE NEXT MEETING of the Common Council will be Monday, June 10, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
B. ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
| X. | COMMITTEE REPORTS |
A. Finance Committee Meeting:
1. ORDINANCE F-2024-06 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Approving the Annual Community Development Plan and Appropriating Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Solutions Grant and Home Investment Partnerships Program Grant Funds Sponsor(s): Burton Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Burton Discussion Date: 6/10/2024 4:00pm Notify: Kolbi Jackson, DMD
| XI. | ADJOURNMENT |
Beware of Unlicensed Tree Companies & Insurance Fraud after storms
Beware of Unlicensed Tree Companies & Insurance Fraud after storms
MAY 19, 2023
In the past, after storms, deceptive contractors from out of town offering tree services have been known to price gouge, perform insurance fraud, and take money from their customers before any work is done and not come back or finish the work as promised. Sometimes unlicensed contractors are also found by potential customers through internet sites that find contractors for them but do not check to see if the companies they represent are licensed. Most established professional businesses are capable of invoicing their customers or waiting to receive payment until the job is done to the customer’s satisfaction.
If someone is going door to door looking for work, or from out of state looking for work in our area, you should be asking; Why don’t they have enough business where they come from? Or, if they are a local established business, shouldn’t they be getting calls from people who need help with storm damage? Don’t assume that local tree services will be too busy to help. There are over 35 contractors listed as licensed by the City of Evansville, Department of Urban Forestry website.
Beware of insurance fraud and deals that sound “too good to be true”. There have been cases in the past where contractors would have their customer sign an estimate form or agreement that had a blank amount and tell the customer ‘not to worry, because they would bill their insurance company for the full amount’. Then, the contractor would bill the insurance for much more than what the work was for, the insurance company would deny the claim, and the contractor would later bill the customer for the difference according to the blank signed form the customer signed that the contractor later filled out. The police may even get involved with an insurance fraud investigation, not just investigating the company, but also investigating the customer. Always get an estimate clearly filled out that describes the work and the total amount to be done. Don’t hire contractors that refuse to write a full amount on the estimate for work claiming that they can’t.
Deceptive contractors are tough to catch, especially if they do not have you sign a legitimate contract. They often claim that they are “licensed and insured,” but are not. We highly recommend that homeowners in Evansville only hire tree companies that the City of Evansville licenses to do tree removals or pruning, which is a requirement for their license. Homeowners can call our office or check our website to ensure they are licensed or visit www.evansville.in.gov/urbanforestry. Ask for a copy of their certificate of insurance followed by a call to their insurance company to verify the policy is still active. Don’t hire companies that will not prove that they are insured. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.
FOOTNOTE: If you suspect a contractor is not licensed by the City, please call our office to let us know at 812-436-5752. Shawn Dickerson, City Arborist, City of Evansville, Department of Urban Forestry
EVSC Foundation Presents the 36TH EVSC SUMMER MUSICAL Mean Girls,
EVSC Foundation Presents the 36TH EVSC SUMMER MUSICAL Mean Girls, High School Version!
TICKETS GO ON SALE MAY 20, 2024
Evansville, IN – May 19, 2024 – The 2024 EVSC Summer Musical, Mean Girls, High School Version tickets will go on sale to the public on May 20, 2024. Show times are July 18-20th at 7 PM and July 21 at 2 PM at the Old National Events Plaza.
Mean Girls, High School Version is a satirical comedy about friendship, loyalty, girl power, and being true to yourself. Based on the hit 2004 film, Mean Girls: High School Version is sure to be “fetch!”
“Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naive newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady and her friends devise a “Revenge Party” to end Regina’s reign, she learns that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.” (MTI)
|
The EVSC Summer Musical allows students to immerse themselves in an intensively rigorous Broadway-caliber production at a professional theater facility—a unique opportunity in our region. Students learn music, theater, and other fine arts skills, providing opportunities to develop their creative interests while growing cognitively and socially. These cognitive and social-emotional skill sets have been identified by community employers across multiple fields as key traits they are seeking: |
|
emotional intelligence, problem-solving and creativity, communication, leadership, and the ability to work with a diverse team to accomplish audacious goals. We rely on community support to bring this program to life each year. Help us celebrate this 36th anniversary of the musical by joining us this summer! |
For more information about this year’s Summer Musical production, Mean Girls, High School Version visit https://evscfoundation.org/summer-musical/.
Ticket Information:
What: When:
Where: Tickets:
Mean Girls, High School Version, EVSC Foundation & EVSC Summer Musical July 18 – 20, 2024 at 7:00 pm and July 21, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Old National Events Plaza I 715 Locust Street, Evansville, IN 47708
Tickets start at $10.00 for students, $15.00 for seniors, and $20.00 for adult tickets. Additional tax and fees may apply. Tickets are required for guests 2 years plus.
Tickets are available at the Old National Events Plaza Box Office (Wednesday-Friday) or Ticketmaster.com.
For more information about the Aiken Theatre, visit www.oldnationaleventsplaza.com. -more-
About the EVSC Foundation
The EVSC Foundation seeks to transform the community alongside EVSC by leveraging community partnerships and resources to support world-class educational experiences that empower all students to thrive. Our vision is to engage, empower, and help students, families, and teachers thrive. The EVSC Foundation is home to over 100 programs supporting public education educators and students in Evansville. The EVSC Foundation is proud to continue the legacy that the Public Education Foundation started 35 years ago. To learn more about the EVSC Foundation, visit www.evscfoundation.org.
About Old National Events Plaza
Old National Events Plaza, managed by ASM Global, is Evansville, Indiana’s premier convention center and largest live entertainment theatre. Housing a spacious 2,500-seat theatre, 38,000 square- feet of column-free exhibit space, a beautiful 14,000 square-foot ballroom, and 12,00 square feet of meeting space, Old National Events Plaza hosts a variety of events. The venue offers easy scheduling, one-stop-shop services, and in-house catering and audio-visual services. For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit www.oldnationaleventsplaza.com.
About ASM Global
ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. For more information, please visit www.asmglobal.com.
Indiana Conservation groups again have record year for conservation practices
INDIANAPOLIS —Indiana landowners, for the second year in a row, set a record in the number of conservation practices to maintain soil health, according to the Indiana Conservation Partnership (ICP).
The ICP, which works with Hoosier landowners to provide technical or financial assistance for the implementation of conservation projects, recently announced its 2024 conservation accomplishments. In 2023, landowners supported by the ICP installed more than 50,000 new conservation practices, up 3,000 from 2022. Last year’s 47,000 conservation practices installed was also a record.
“Year after year Hoosier farmers and conservationists are installing additional stewardship practices and working hard to ensure nutrients and irreplaceable topsoil stay on their fields,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Breaking records year after year is no small feat, and I want to thank the partners in this program and also the landowners and farmers for their contributions and wish them well on their continued success of improving soil health.”
The ICP report showed that over the last year landowners helped prevent over 1.6 million tons of sediment, over 3.6 million pounds of nitrogen and over 1.8 million pounds of phosphorus from entering Indiana waterways.
In the fall of 2022, and emerging in the spring of 2023, Hoosier farmers planted more than 1.6 million acres of living cover, which includes cover crops and winter wheat. Cover crops and no-till practices implemented with ICP’s assistance sequestered an estimated 41,000 tons of soil organic carbon, which is the equivalent to the carbon emissions of more than 30,168 cars.
While the term conservation practices can mean many things, in Indiana, some of the most common conservation best management practices are cover crops, nutrient management, residue and tillage management, conservation cover, early successional habitat development/management and grassed waterways.
“Indiana’s vitality is rooted in the soil. In a time when extreme weather events are inevitable, keeping our soil healthy and productive is of paramount importance,” said Indiana Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Damarys Mortenson. “We are seeing great strides by our Indiana farmers who are working with the ICP to incorporate soil health principles on their land. These producers are increasing their soil’s organic matter, reducing the need for expensive inputs and improving microbial activity — all while harvesting better profits and often better yields.”
Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb congratulates Hoosier farmers and landowners on another record year.
“It is exciting news to share that Hoosier farmers and landowners continue to break records each year on installing soil conservation practices,” said Lamb. “A large key to this success is helpful partnerships, having the right tools available and having willing participants. I want to thank the Indiana Conservation Partnership team for their efforts and of course our farmers and landowners who want to keep their soil healthy and thriving for years to come.”
The ICP is made up of public and non-profit groups, along with landowners, that work together for the betterment of soil health and water quality. ICP organizations include, Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, ISDA, Indiana State Soil Conservation Board, Purdue Extension, USDA-Farm Service Agency and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The Indiana Conservation Partnership is a crucial part of Indiana’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy, this illustrates the continued success and challenges of conservation and serves as a tool to help set watershed priorities and reduction targets, manage conservation resources and to further stakeholder involvement across Indiana.
Perry Central Community Schools Superintendent Recognized by Ivy Tech
Evansville, IN – Tara Bishop, superintendent of the Perry Central Community School Corporation, has been presented an Honorary Associate of Science degree in College and Community Service by Ivy Tech Community College Evansville, during its annual Commencement Ceremony on May 10.
Bishop has served in various roles in the corporation for 25 years. Working with the leadership team, Bishop has helped the school district develop partnerships to bring expanded services to Perry Central, including after school programming, staff/student daycare, school-based mental health services, social-emotional learning supports, Career and Technical Education pathways, Early College, and family engagement initiatives.
Bishop has been active in the school community through service as a member of the Campus Board of Trustees of Ivy Tech Community College Evansville, Board Member of the Indiana Afterschool Network, Founding Member of the Perry County Mental Health Coalition, and District Chair of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents. She also serves on committees of the county’s economic development organization, working to connect education, business, and industry to improve student outcomes and support local workforce development.
Vanderburgh County Commissioners Announce Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Coroner’s Office
EVANSVILLE, IN – The Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Monday, May 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. to mark the commencement of construction for the new Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office. The ceremony will take place on the Vanderburgh County Jail campus at 3500 N Harlan Ave., Evansville, IN 47711.
Spanning approximately 10,000 square feet, the new Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office will significantly enhance the County’s forensic capabilities. Designed to replace the current, outdated building, the new facility, to be located on the Jail campus, will provide upgraded equipment and technology to support the critical work of the Coroner’s Office.
Funded primarily by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) with an investment exceeding $3 million, this project underscores the County’s commitment to leveraging federal resources to address vital needs within our community.
Event Information:
What: Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Coroner’s Office
When: May 20, 2024
Where: Vanderburgh County Jail Campus – 3500 N Harlan Avenue, Evansville, Indiana 47711
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Join Us for Our May 2024 Mutts at Myriad Event: WHS Community BBQ TODAY
Newburgh, Indiana – Mutts at Myriad, the beloved collaborative community event by the Warrick Humane Society and Myriad Brewing Company, is trying something new! This event is taking place this Saturday, May 19th. We invite you and your friends and family to come Grill and Chill with us this coming weekend!
Event Highlights:
● Grilled Goods: Burger, chips, and a drink – $10
Beyond Burger (vegan), chips, and a drink – $10
Nathan’s All Beef Hot Dogs, chips, and a drink – $8
● Doggie Delights: Barkuterie Board – $8
Pup Cup Sundae – $4
Pup Cup – $2
● Puppy Paintings: $10 to paint, $50 to paint and display in our New Shelter!
● WHS Pop Up Shop: Explore our collection of goodies available for purchase, all in support of Warrick Humane Society’s mission.
● Building Hope Information Station: Learn about our Capital Campaign: Building Hope, and discover ways to help us in our efforts to build a new shelter.
● Puppy Snuggles: Cuddle with some adorable puppies for a donation!
Hoosier History Highlights
May 19 – May 25This Week in Indiana History
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Indiana Quick Quiz1. Who won the 1911 Inaugural Indianapolis 500 mile race? 2. What is the name of the winning car at the 1911 inaugural Indianapolis 500 mile race? 3. In 1909, what was the first kind of race at the Speedway? 4. Who was the first woman to drive the pace car for the 500-mile race? Answers Below
For more activitiesin IN
Answers1. Ray Harroun 2. Marmon Wasp 3. Hot-air-balloon 4. Model Elaine Irwin Mellencamp, wife of John Mellencamp NEWSIn memory of Jim Johnson, previous editor of Hoosier History Highlights, we will be featuring weekly Hoosier Quotes. The Hoosier Quotes will serve as a way to celebrate the Hoosier Spirit via quotes from historical figures who represent the very best of who we are as human beings, state citizens, and good neighbors. Last week, we introduced you to Reginald “J.R.” Edwards. Not only is he a notable Hoosier, he is a member of our Indiana Statehouse Tour Office and Education Center staff. With J.R.’s pride of being a Hoosier Native, it was only fitting for him to be a weekly contributor to Hoosier History Highlights. Please send your favorite Hoosier quotes to J.R. for possible publishing. Hoosier Quotes
“Tell the truth and you won’t have so much to remember.” Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States who lived in Indiana 1816-1830
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The south lawn of the Indiana Statehouse has been in bloom with our beautiful State flower, the peony.
New EPA Survey Highlights Wastewater Infrastructure Needs to Protect Waterbodies in Communities Across the Country
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, May 13, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency transmitted a report to Congress outlining clean water infrastructure investments—including wastewater and stormwater system upgrades—that are needed over the next 20 years. Through the Clean Watersheds Needs Survey, states and U.S. territories report on future capital costs or investment needs to maintain and modernize publicly owned wastewater treatment works, stormwater infrastructure, nonpoint source control, and decentralized wastewater treatment systems like septic tanks. These investments are essential to supporting the Clean Water Act’s goal that our nation’s waters are fishable and swimmable.
The 2022 survey represents the most recent comprehensive and robust report on wastewater, stormwater, and other clean water infrastructure needs in the U.S., and shows that at least $630 billion will be needed over the next 20 years to protect our nation’s waterbodies.
“Protecting our nations waterways is vital for healthy communities. They provide sources of drinking water, support farming, power economic opportunity and transport and allow for recreation and fishing,” said Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “This survey is an important estimate of needs that is based on information collected from the communities themselves. President Biden has secured the largest investments in history for water infrastructure, putting America in a strong position to help local systems protect our nation’s water quality.”
EPA has many federal funding resources available for communities and utilities to improve vital drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water infrastructure – with almost $13 billion going to wastewater and stormwater management. EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving fund has supported over $160 billion in infrastructure since its inception in 1987, and EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program has issued over $43 billion in financing for water infrastructure projects since 2018.