Indigo Board of Directors Meeting - November 20, 2025

The Indigo Board of Directors convened to review agency performance, approve new insurance and equipment contracts, and vote on key operational resolutions. The meeting featured recognition of driver and employee safety, announcements regarding a new $14.75 million grant for electric buses, and deliberations on the acquisition of real property for the Blue Line. Board members engaged in discussions regarding fiscal sustainability, including fuel pricing, health insurance costs, and the competitive landscape for nonprofit grants.

Consent Calendar

• Adoption of Board Minutes: The minutes from the October 16, 2025, meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ordinance 2025-02 Public Hearing: No members of the public appeared to address the proposed ordinance for the acquisition of real property for the Blue Line and local bus improvement projects. The public hearing was closed immediately after a call for comments.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 2025-02 (Real Property Acquisition): Chief Legal Officer Bob Fry presented the proposal to authorize Indigo to acquire real property interests via purchase, lease, or eminent domain. He noted that while the agency strives to avoid eminent domain, it is necessary for the Blue Line project if agreements cannot be reached. Director Quirk arrived late and was excused from the roll call but noted for the record.
• Anthem Insurance Contract: Chief People Officer Brett Griffin recommended a contract renewal with Anthem for group health, dental, and vision insurance. A director requested clarification on whether audits are conducted to ensure dependents (e.g., children over age 26) remain eligible; the response confirmed that while claim administrators flag ineligible dependents, employers must proactively audit themselves or hire external vendors. A director also inquired about the difference between "employee and children" and "employee and family" plans, clarifying that the distinction lies strictly in the inclusion of a spouse. The 2026 premium increase for employees was confirmed at 4%, despite an overall plan increase of roughly 7.8%, due to Indigo absorbing part of the cost. Director Griffin noted a rate hold was secured for administrative fees and stop-loss premiums.
• Indigo Foundation Board Appointments: Executive Director Emily Moe requested approval for three new board members: Keith Johnson, Hardik Shaw, and Jeff Pellin. Director Smith disclosed that Hardik Shaw is the husband of a former colleague to ensure full transparency regarding a potential conflict of interest. The board noted that the individuals would serve on different executive committees (Chair and Vice Chair) to mitigate overlap. The appointment was approved unanimously.
• Genfare Fare Boxes: Treasurer John Mann presented a recommendation to purchase 20 new Genfare Fast Fare boxes to replace aging Odyssey models. Staff confirmed that while Odyssey boxes are being phased out, they will remain in service until parts are no longer available, with a goal to replace the entire fleet within the five-year capital plan. The 10-year lifespan of the boxes was noted.
• Brinks Cash Collection Contract: Director John Mann recommended extending the Brinks contract through 2026 to maintain continuity of revenue collection and allow time to evaluate future changes related to the Masabi fare validation system. The cost was noted as $135,000 for the extension.
• Construction Engineering Task Order: Project Manager Rachel Wilson proposed a task order with Burgess and NIPEL for construction inspection services for the Far East Side bus stop improvements. Director Smith questioned whether the 2.4% allocation for additional staff (JQOL, LADS, Project Photo Docs) was appropriate, noting it seemed low compared to the total contract value, but acknowledged the on-call nature of the agreement where total costs across six orders exceeded one million dollars.
• Insurance Brokerage Contract (Aon): Director of Risk and Safety Brian Clinton recommended a three-year contract with Aon Risk Services. Director Smith expressed concern over the year-over-year price increases, noting that multi-year contracts typically lock in costs. Clinton explained that the increase reflects market inflation and that the proposal included a "best and final offer" which resulted in a savings of approximately $40,000 over the life of the contract compared to other responsive bidders. Director Wilson clarified that the Blue Line project was a separate carve-out and did not drive the costs of this specific broker contract.
• Free Fare Days Resolution 2025-09: Chief Public Affairs Officer Carrie Black requested approval for free fare days in 2026, including Trans Equity Day (Feb 4) and Election Day (Nov 3), which are contingent on securing external funding from the Foundation. The other designated free days (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve) would be funded by Indigo's high-ridership budget. Director Smith clarified that the Foundation would report back if funding could not be secured for the first two days, at which point the request would likely be withdrawn.
• Fuel Supplier Contract: Director of Fleet Services Devon Smith recommended a contract with Gresham Petroleum for 1.71 million gallons of fuel at $2.36 per gallon, a slight increase of four cents from the previous year.
• Battery Electric Buses (BEB): Director Smith recommended purchasing two 40-foot battery electric buses (one New Flyer, one Gillig) for $2.8 million as a proof-of-concept study for fixed-route service. The study aims to gather data on range, charging times, and maintenance costs to inform future electrification decisions, addressing previous performance issues with BYD buses on the BRT line. The project is funded 80% by federal grant and 20% by capital budget, with delivery expected in summer 2027.
• Financial Report: CFO Bart Brown presented the October 2025 financial report. Total revenue for the year was over budget by $7.8 million, while total expenditures were under budget by $20 million. Director Smith commended the staff's fiscal management and requested a more transparent breakdown of "miscellaneous" expenses in future reports.
• Indigo Foundation Report: Emily Moe presented the quarterly report, highlighting a $85,000 net from the golf outing, completion of the Near East bus stop tour, and a record 63 grant applications. Moe noted that due to increased competition and the upcoming fare increase in 2026, the Mobility Access Fund will likely not be able to fully fund all requests. She encouraged all board members to donate to the Foundation to maintain credibility during the grant review process.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2025-02 Adopted: The ordinance authorizing the acquisition of real property for the Blue Line and local bus improvements was adopted via roll-call vote (All Ayes).
• Anthem Contract Approved: The contract for group health, dental, and vision insurance was approved unanimously.
• Foundation Board Appointments Approved: Keith Johnson, Hardik Shaw, and Jeff Pellin were approved for appointment to the Indigo Foundation board by unanimous voice vote.
• Genfare Fare Boxes Approved: Approval granted for the purchase of 20 new Genfare Fast Fare boxes.
• Brinks Contract Extended: The cash collection contract with Brinks was extended through 2026.
• Construction Engineering Services Approved: The task order for the Far East Side bus stop improvements was approved.
• Insurance Brokerage Contract Approved: The three-year contract with Aon Risk Services was approved.
• Resolution 2025-09 Adopted: The resolution for free fare days in 2026 was adopted via roll-call vote (All Ayes).
• Fuel Contract Approved: The contract for premium ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel for the 2026 calendar year was approved.
• Electric Buses Approved: Authorization granted to purchase one 40-foot BEB from New Flyer and one from Gillig for the fixed-route proof-of-concept study.