Indianapolis Board of Public Works Meeting – June 10, 2026

The Board of Public Works met on June 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Public Assembly Room of the City-County Building. Acting Chair Idris Redman presided. The board approved an amended agenda, adopted prior minutes, and acted on resolutions, bid awards, rejections, change orders, and a professional services agreement. A presentation and public comment session were held on a proposed agreement with Citizens Energy Group (CEG) for the continued withdrawal of excess water from Eagle Creek Reservoir; no vote was taken.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Adoption: The board voted unanimously to amend the agenda by removing item 7b (Final Change Order and Final Acceptance for the Michigan and New York Two-Way Conversion Project, ST-26-054) and deferring it to the next meeting. The amended agenda was adopted.
• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the May 27, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Martin Rich (retired USGS hydrologist, Eagle Creek Park Advisory Committee member): Expressed support for the city’s decision to conduct a bathymetric survey and due diligence study rather than simply renewing the 1971 agreement for another 50 years. Emphasized the need for fact-based decisions to preserve fish spawning water levels (spring high water) and migratory bird habitat (fall mud flats).
• Pike Township Resident (name not stated): Voiced concerns about the LEAP project in Lebanon, Indiana, noting a council member’s statement that the city has annexed property without sufficient water. Argued that the use of Eagle Creek Reservoir water and subsequent wastewater discharge will negatively impact Indianapolis with no monetary benefit.
• Sarah Phillips (Indianapolis resident near Eagle Creek): Questioned how Citizens Energy Group’s contract with Indianapolis allows them to make separate water agreements with Boone County and Lebanon for the LEAP project. Noted that Citizens began pipeline construction (eminent domain) before completing the USGS bathymetric survey, which will take a year. Urged careful consideration.
• Amy Goosman (Pike Township resident, public health nurse): Expressed distrust of Citizens Energy and concern about public health impacts. Cited the lack of studies and transparency, and warned against prioritizing money over health and future generations. Mentioned forming a community group to raise awareness.
• Megan Anderson (Sierra Club, Protect Pike Township): Reported that over 21,000 people have contacted the city about the issue (17,940 via a Change.org petition and 2,806 via Sierra Club). Called for a long-term plan for water supply and discharge at the LEAP site, emphasizing that 25 million gallons per day are already committed. Urged a water quality study, noting the reservoir has no outlet and could see 45,000 pounds of additional phosphorus annually, increasing algae blooms. Requested a public dashboard with metered withdrawal data from the T.W. Moses water treatment plant.
• Jason Hurley (Indianapolis resident): Commented on the timing of public comment hearings, requesting they be held later in the day so more working residents can attend.

Discussion Items

• Agreement for Disposal of Excess Water from Eagle Creek Reservoir (Presentation, No Vote): Brian Kavanaugh, General Counsel for DPW, presented a proposed amendment to the 1971 Eagle Creek Reservoir Agreement. The amendment extends the current withdrawal of up to 12.4 million gallons per day of excess water by Citizens Water for one year through July 1, 2027, with options for successive one‑year renewals through 2031. DPW has begun a bathymetric survey and due diligence study to update hydrologic assumptions using modern data, which will inform a new long-term agreement. The goal is to balance flood storage, downstream releases, and water supply. Board members asked clarifying questions: The current daily withdrawal of 12.4 million gallons is a guaranteed amount, but actual withdrawals vary (often less in wet months). The automatic renewal provision means the agreement will extend each year without further board approval until a new long-term agreement is reached.

Key Outcomes

• Resolutions 17 & 18 (Confirmatory and Bond Resolutions): Approved unanimously. Resolution 17 approves a list of capital projects to be funded by a $40 million bond issuance by the Metropolitan Thoroughfare District. Resolution 18 approves that bond issuance and a refunding issuance of up to $121 million, projected to save $1.9 million in debt service. Both had already been approved by the City-County Council.
• Bid Award – Girls School Road from Rockville Road to 21st Street (ST-29-020): Awarded to Calumet Civil Contractors, Inc. for a not‑to‑exceed amount of $10,374,000 (7% below engineer’s estimate of $11,235,566.50). The project includes a complete streets rehabilitation with pedestrian facilities (1.7 miles of new sidewalk, 1,600 feet upgraded to 10‑foot multi‑use path), lane narrowing, thermoplastic pavement markings, and improved stormwater drainage. Five bids were received. XBE participation goals were met. Approved unanimously.
• Bid Award – Small Structure Rehabilitation at 1350 Stop 11 Road (CL-45-066): Awarded to Yarberry Companies, Inc. for $347,741 (21% below engineer’s estimate of $420,880). Project involves culvert rehabilitation over Churchman Ditch, with substantial completion by March 9, 2027 and final by May 6, 2027. Three bids received. XBE participation was lower than owner’s goals but deemed a good faith effort. Approved unanimously.
• Bid Rejection – Falcon Drive & Eagledale Drive over Falcon Creek (BR-16-075): Rejected because the single bid received ($2,313,232.37 from Cracker’s Demo LLC) was approximately 30% above the engineer’s estimate. The project will be rebid with modified scope and plans. Approved unanimously.
• Change Order No. 1 – Shelby Street & Raymond Street Bridges over Pleasant Run (BM-32-071): Approved for an increased amount of $123,563.06 (new total $4,123,841.72) and 10 additional days to cover removal of unforeseen trolley tracks. Approved unanimously.
• Change Order No. 3 – Madison Avenue Road Diet (ST-32-128): Approved with no change to the contract amount ($13,778,978.75) or completion dates; adjusts quantities for bridge deck work and other directives. Approved unanimously.
• Final Change Order No. 1 & Final Acceptance – Fall Creek Retaining Wall Repair (CH-18-002): Approved for a decreased amount of $55,774.02 (final total $488,659.20) and 52 additional days. Board member Susie Cortey abstained because HIS Constructors is her husband’s employer. Approved unanimously with one abstention.
• Professional Services Agreement – Washington Street Rehabilitation from Lynhurst Drive to Holt Road (ST-30-054): Awarded to Butler, Fairman & Seufert, Inc. for $2,372,712.04 for inspection services. The project includes improvements to street, sidewalks, curbs, traffic signals, and drainage. Substantial completion by February 14, 2028; final by July 30, 2029. The agreement works in conjunction with the adjacent Blue Line transit project. XBE participation included four firms totaling significant percentages. Approved unanimously.