Item Number:  _7c_motion_ 
Meeting Date:  April 28, 2020 

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4                                                    MOTION 2020-09: 
5                                     A MOTION OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION 
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7                             to  authorize  short-term  changes  to  the  2020-2024 
8                             Capital Improvement Plan in response to the COVID-19
9                             pandemic;  to  provide  direction  for  interim  actions
10                          related to ongoing construction and deferred capital
11                          projects and readiness to aid recovery; and to delegate
12                          authority to the Executive Director to execute change
13                          orders  for  costs  that  exceed  $300,000  related  to
14                          construction  and  enhanced  worker  safety  on  Port
15                          construction sites due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
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17                                                   PROPOSED 
18                                                 APRIL 28, 2020 
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20                                                 INTRODUCTION 
21    The COVID-19 global pandemic is an unprecedented public health emergency that impacts the
22    lives of everyone in the region and state. The Port of Seattle's top priorities during this difficult
23    time  are  keeping  employees,  tenants,  concessionaires,  contractors,  workers,  customers,
24    travelers and residents safe, while simultaneously strengthening our critical aviation and
25    maritime infrastructure to support jobs, small and diverse businesses, and environmental
26    sustainability. 
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28    Port capital projects, as an important part of the essential transportation sector, are authorized
29    to go forward under Governor Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" proclamation. The entire region
30    will benefit by the Port's continuation and acceleration of infrastructure projects despite the
31    challenges of the pandemic. To implement this approach, the Port of Seattle must update its five-
32    year, $3.4 billion capital improvement plan (CIP), and make these capital investments in a
33    responsible, transparent manner that protects worker safety and health, while accommodating
34    increased costs due to worker safety measures. 
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36    The Commission and the Executive Director will continue to evaluate and adjust the Port's capital
37    construction efforts as new information becomes available. These immediate decisions will
38    provide certainty to the Port's partners andsupport regional economic recovery. Long-term
39    capital decisions will be part of the Port's annual budget process later this year. 
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41                                              TEXT OF THE MOTION 
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43    The Port of Seattle Commission hereby provides the following direction to Port leadership: 
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45        1)  The Commission authorizes the implementation of the Executive Director's proposed
46            changes to the 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), as presented during the April
47            14, 2020 study session on this topic, as described in Attachment A to this motion. 
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49        2)  The Executive Director shall regularly evaluate the status of deferred capital projects as
50            appropriate based on funding availability, changes in health and safety guidance or
51            other factors that may allow projects to proceed. The Commission shall be informed of
52            decisions to revise status of projects. 
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54        3)  The Executive Director shall take steps to implement the Commission's February 26,
55            2020 action to create a strategy and determine resource needs to accelerate the sound
56            insulation program, to be ready to resume progress after all phases of the Governor's
57            proclamations are lifted and pending funding availability. 
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59        4)  The Executive Director shall temporarily delay the new proposed Cruise Terminal Project
60            while staff evaluates the COVID-19 Alaska cruise industry impacts, as described in
61            Attachment B to this motion. Staff will return to the Port Commission in Q4 2020 with a
62            report on the status of the industry and recommendations on resumption of the Cruise
63            Terminal Project.
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65        5)  The Executive Director shall work closely with the Northwest Seaport Alliance to
66            consider short-term uses and interim options for Terminal 46 that would serve the
67            region and generate Port revenue. Such uses shall not preclude the option to build the
68            proposed new cruise terminal. 
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70        6)  The Port Commission delegates authority to the Executive Director under Section 4.2.3.8
71            of the General Delegation of Authority to execute change orders on contracts related to
72            enhanced worker safety on Port construction sites due to the COVID-19 pandemic for
73            costs that exceed $300,000... This delegation of authority will remain in effect no longer
74            than 60 days following the expiration of all phases of the Governor's applicable stay-at-
75            home, social distancing, and similar proclamations, orders, and guidance documents that
76            affect construction. 
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78        7)  The Executive Director, or delegate, shall notify the Commission via email of such change
79            orders on a monthly basis. All change orders executed under the authority granted in this
80            motion shall be summarized for review in public session on June 23, 2020 and on
81            September 8, 2020, and once every other month thereafter as necessary. 
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83    The Executive Director shall present any additional changes to the CIP to the Commission as
84    part of the standard 2021 budget process. 
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86                                     STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION 
87    In support of CIP changes 

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88    The Port of Seattle is a major regional economic driver. It owns and operates vital infrastructure
89    for trade and commerce necessary to facilitate recovery across the state. 
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91    On April 1, 2020, the Port of Seattle Commission passed a motion to support and guide the
92    Executive Director's evaluation and prioritization of recovery actions to restore, sustain and
93    maximize our aviation and maritime operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and
94    ensure swift regional economic recovery. 
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96    On April 14, 2020, the Port Commission was briefed on the Executive Director's proposed short-
97    term decisions to proceed with the CIP primarily based on: 
98          1.  Safety, security and regulatory compliance 
99          2.  Alignment with core operational needs 
100          3.  Creating jobs and maintaining employment 
101          4.  Environmental benefits 
102          5.  Grant opportunities 
103          6.  Consultation with other major public owners 
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105    The list of projects in Appendix A reflect the Port's Commission feedback received during the
106    April 14 study session. The Commission will revisit additional adjustments to the CIP as part of
107    its regular annual budget process, which will begin in June of this year.
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109    In support of worker safety 
110    COVID-19 is recognized as a serious health and safety issue for construction sites. To enhance
111    worker safety across all projects, the Port directed contractors to provide updated jobsite health
112    and safety plans to address public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Port
113    temporarily suspended 20 construction projects to review the updated health and safety plans.
114    The Port continues to review safety plan amendments from contractors and track evolving
115    changes to public health guidance and best practices and may take additional actions if
116    necessary.
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118    To maintain jobsite safety the Port has provided additional guidance to apply best practices to
119    make Port construction sites safer. To assist contractors the Port is: 
120        1.      Paying to help contractors stagger shifts 
121        2.      Helping fund a full time COVID-19 safety supervisor for each project 
122        3.      Helping cover the purchase of mobile hand washing stations 
123        4.      Assist with the purchase of additional tools to limit tool-sharing 
124        5.      50% of direct costs related to COVID-19 
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126    Change Orders 
127    The Port recognizes that increased health and safety requirements for jobsites will result in
128    higher costs for contractors. Change orders associated with safety plans, evolving regulatory
129    requirements and the dynamic economic situation are anticipated to deliver essential Port
130    infrastructure and serve the Port's mission. 
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132    Transparency is an important value in Washington State and for the Port of Seattle Commission
133    especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission will continue to receive timely
134    updates on significant change orders and will continue to steward our public funds in a
135    responsible and transparent manner. The public will have the opportunity to review a summary
136    of the change orders in a timely fashion, while also prioritizing safety for our employees, workers,
137    contractor staff, and others on our unique job-sites. 
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139    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ATTACHED 
140    Attachment A: List of Port-wide CIP Changes 
141    Attachment B: Cruise Project Changes 















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