Indigo board approves ordinance authorizing property acquisitions and a slate of contracts and amendments

The Indigo Board of Directors on June 18 adopted ordinance number 2025-01 authorizing the agency to acquire certain real property interests necessary to construct ADA-compliant bus stops; the board also approved a package of contract awards and amendments for program management, fare implementation support, facility services and systems upgrades.

Ordinance 2025-01: Indigo’s chief legal officer, Bob Fry, told directors the ordinance authorizes the agency to acquire temporary construction interests and permanent rights of way necessary to complete three local bus stop improvement packages that implement Indigo’s ADA transition plan (the board approved the ADA transition plan in June 2021). Fry said the acquisitions are generally small—strips of land measuring one to eight feet—and that the ordinance allows the agency to use eminent domain only if negotiations with property owners fail. The public hearing for the ordinance drew no speakers and the board adopted the ordinance following a roll-call vote.

Contracts and amendments approved

- Fare policy adoption support (Action A4): The board authorized the president and CEO to amend Indigo’s contract with City Strategies LLC to provide staff support for adoption and implementation of a new fare policy. The amendment increases the contract by up to $124,950 for a not-to-exceed total of $219,900 and extends the contract to Dec. 31, 2026. (Action approved by voice vote.)

- Program management support (Action A5): The board approved an amendment to the HNTB contract for program management support not to exceed $2,265,000, bringing the contract total to $9,673,000 and extending the term to June 30, 2029. Staff said the services cover embedded subject-matter experts supporting capital projects including the Purple and Blue Line work.

- Shelter cleaning and maintenance (Action A6): The board authorized a three-year contract with the Shuck Corporation for cleaning, maintenance and repair of bus stops, BRT stations, shelters and other transit amenities for a total not to exceed $4,243,006.

- Janitorial services (Action A7): The board approved multiple multi-year janitorial contracts for Indigo facilities. Contracts and not-to-exceed amounts include R Plus Solutions ($142,267) for 1501 W. Washington Street, Pristine Image ($1,153,152) for the Carson Transit Center (2001 W. Washington Street) and the 6410 North College Avenue location ($72,540), and Well Done Services ($31,843) for the Purple Line terminus at 9255 Rising Road. Staff said some bid awards required substitution of next-lowest bidders after several vendors withdrew; DBE/XBE participation details were not complete at the time of the vote.

- Waste removal and recycling (Action A8): The board approved a special procurement contract with GHW Waste Services for waste removal and recycling for up to $48,000 per year (three-year base $144,000) with options for two one-year extensions.

- Parts washers and paint supplies (Action A9): The board approved an amendment to Safety-Kleen (Safety Clean Systems Inc.) increasing the contract by $145,000 for parts washers and paint supplies, new not-to-exceed total $232,600.

- Government consulting (Action A10): The board approved an eight-month extension for Cardinal Infrastructure LLC’s government consulting services related to the Federal Transit Administration at $96,000, bringing the total not-to-exceed amount to $204,000.

- Electronic fare collection (Action A11): The board authorized a contract with Mesabi LLC to upgrade Indigo’s electronic fare collection system for a three-year term not to exceed $2,165,000 (includes 10% contingency). Staff said the procurement leverages a regional master service agreement and will replace the software platform, on- and off-board validators, inspection devices and mobile app features; Indigo will retain existing ticket vending machines. Staff estimated equipment lead times and targeted implementation around July 1, 2026.

- Insurance renewal (Action A12): Board approved the agency's 2025 insurance renewal for the period July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026, at a not-to-exceed premium of $1,458,499. Staff said the increase in premium reflects an expanded fleet and higher total insured value.

Most motions were adopted by voice vote. The ordinance adoption required a roll-call and was carried. Directors moved to adopt minutes from the May 2025 meeting and accepted the finance report; staff reported May revenue and expenditure variances and previewed the recommended FY2026 budget presentation due in July.

Directors and staff said approvals are intended to maintain ongoing projects and prevent service or project delays. Several awards included multi-year terms and option years; staff noted funding sources vary by project and include both capital and operating budgets.

Votes at a glance

- A1: Adopt May 2025 meeting minutes — approved (voice vote). - A3: Ordinance 2025-01 (local bus stops property acquisition; eminent domain authorization) — adopted (roll call) as presented. - A4: City Strategies LLC contract amendment (fare adoption/implementation support) — approved; amendment up to $124,950; new NTE $219,900; expiration 12/31/2026. - A5: HNTB program management contract amendment — approved; amendment up to $2,265,000; new NTE $9,673,000; expiration 06/30/2029. - A6: Shuck Corporation shelter cleaning/maintenance contract — approved; NTE $4,243,006. - A7: Janitorial services contracts (R Plus Solutions, Pristine Image, Well Done Services) — approved; combined NTE $1,399,802 if options exercised. - A8: GHW Waste Services waste removal/recycling (special procurement) — approved; base NTE $144,000 (three years). - A9: Safety Clean Systems parts washers and paint supplies amendment — approved; amendment $145,000; new NTE $232,600. - A10: Cardinal Infrastructure LLC government consulting extension — approved; $96,000; new NTE $204,000. - A11: Mesabi LLC electronic fare collection system upgrade — approved; NTE $2,165,000 (includes 10% contingency); implementation estimated mid-2026. - A12: Insurance renewal July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 — approved; premium NTE $1,458,499.

What’s next: Staff will execute approved contract amendments and awards and continue project implementation. The board will revisit the fare policy after the public comment period and a scheduled Aug. 21 vote.