Regular Meeting of the Indianapolis Airport Authority Board - October 16, 2026

The Indianapolis Airport Authority Board convened on October 16, 2026, and unanimously approved a wide-ranging agenda. The meeting featured public testimony regarding ICE deportation flights and significant deliberation on the approval of the $181.5 million contract for a new centralized baggage handling system, alongside several routine consent items.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved minutes of the September 18, 2026 meeting.
• Resolution 09-2026 (Vet Issuance Policy): Adopted an amended and replaced policy recommended by the Finance and Audit Committee.
• Resolution 10-2026 (Investment Policy): Adopted an amended and replaced investment policy recommended by the Finance Committee.
• Resolution 11-2026 (Asset Auction): Authorized the public auction of IA assets and fire trucks, with delegation to the Executive Director. Staff clarified auctions are held periodically as equipment is accumulated.
• BP 2026-10-04 (Audit Services): Engaged Forvis Mazars LLP for the FY 2026 audit, not to exceed $165,400.
• BP 2026-10-05 & 06 (FTZ Operator Agreements): Approved agreements with Calmar Finland OY (Greenwood, 37 FTEs) and SIVA Contract Logistics (Plainfield/Clayton, 800 FTEs). Staff confirmed the Greater Indianapolis Foreign Trade Zone Board, led by Jeff Gaither, reviewed and recommended the agreements.
• BP 2026-10-07 (Tractor): Approved purchase of a large agricultural tractor from Reynolds Farm Equity for $290,748.11 to replace a 26-year-old unit.
• BP 2026-10-08 (Shuttle Bus System): Awarded a contract to Peak Transit for real-time bus arrival information, not to exceed $312,435.
• BP 2026-10-09 (Parking Signage): Approved a professional services agreement for construction inspection ($168,019) and a design amendment ($12,991) for dynamic parking signage.
• BP 2026-10-10 (Chiller Upgrades): Awarded a single-source contract to Johnson Controls for chiller replacement, $1,675,335.
• BP 2026-10-11 (Ready Return Lot): Approved Amendment No. 2 with Resource International for design services, $234,796.25.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elizabeth Marvin (Indie Resistance Indivisible): Stated an average of three ICE deportation flights per week have operated since summer 2025, marking the 146th flight of 2026 on the date of the meeting. She acknowledged the airport cannot ban flights, but requested: 1) written commitment to transparency including live stream cameras (citing Spokane International Airport as a model), monthly public reporting on passenger counts and fees; 2) ensuring no local funds subsidize or facilitate immigration enforcement beyond strict federal requirements; and 3) using every lawful tool for creative pushback, including safety concerns and public reporting.

Discussion Items

• Centralized Baggage Handling System (BP 2026-10-12): The Board deliberated on the Amended and Restated contract with Messer Construction. The Guaranteed Maximum Price is $181,476,814 ($174.5M base + $7M contingency). The total project budget is $217 million, with $47 million in federal grants already secured. The contract was amended to update diversity language reflecting current federal requirements. Staff emphasized rigorous cost validation through multiple independent estimates (variance under 5%). The system centralizes baggage screening to improve redundancy and allow future self-bag drop. Described as the most complex project since the terminal was built, it requires full functionality during construction. Robert Thompson noted a future amendment to the Airline Use Agreement (AUA) will ensure 100% cost recovery from airlines.
• Board Reports: Executive Secretary reported on the Chelsea Hunter Indiana Chamber Award and the addition of Joe Heron to the Properties department.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Approval: All agenda items received unanimous approval from the Board.
• Next Meeting: The next regular Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2026. A primer on the Airline Use Agreement and baggage system cost recovery will be presented.