The Special meeting scheduled for 2020-01-28 at Sea-Tac Airport

Transcript

The Special meeting scheduled for 2020-01-28 at Sea-Tac Airport

Good afternoon, everyone
Thank you for being here
I'm Peter Steinbrueck, President of the Seattle Port Commission, reconvening this special meeting of January 28, 2020
The time is now approximately-- who's got the time?-- 12:10
Thank you
We're meeting at the conference center at SeaTac Airport
Present with me today are Commissioners Cho and Felleman
We're expecting Commissioner Calkins to arrive anytime soon
Commissioner Bowman has been excused for today
This meeting is being digitally recorded and may be viewed or heard at any time on the port's website and may be rebroadcast by King County Television
I'd like to take a moment and start this meeting by recognizing that the Port of Seattle operates on ancestral lands and waters of the Duwammish and the coastal Salish peoples-- and other coastal Salish peoples--, and that these communities continue today in their contributions across Kent County to our economy, our culture, our vitality and our environment
As we start our meeting today, I would like us to keep in mind these legacies and values of these communities so that we can make informed decisions to advance our mission here at the Port of Seattle
And now please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance
[The Pledge of Allegiance is recited .] [Mumbling] Well, we'll talk about later
OK
All right
Excuse me just a minute here
Commissioners, we are now at the order of approval of the agenda
Are there any motions to rearrange the orders of the day or request to remove items from the consent agenda? We have..
Just a second here..
We have a request to lay agenda item 6A on the table and a request to consider agenda item 7B immediately before item 7A
Are there any other revisions? Is there a motion for these changes? I don't see a 7B
OK
Oh, that was Larry? OK
OK
Yes, that's that
That's what it is
Ok
Are there any other revisions? Is there a motion? Is there a motion for these changes? So moved
It's been moved
Is there a second? Second
All those in favor say Aye
Opposed, Nay
No
So
The preliminary agenda as revised is approved without objection
Now we'll turn to the Executive Director's report
Commissioners, I'd like to begin our meeting this afternoon by noting that just over one week ago, our nation celebrated the life and work and legacy of DR Martin Luther King Jr., a man whose vision and leadership changed our country and continues to inspire generations
There are many lessons to take from DR King's philosophy
His message that every single person deserves respect is needed as much today as it was then
The practice of demonstrating respect for all individuals is not universal, but we still have to actively model what it means to truly show respect to each other
One of the ways the Port is modeling this behavior is through our welcoming Port Policy Directive passed by the Commission a few years ago
As you may have heard, the media continues to report that the administration is considering an extension of its visa restrictions policies to include additional nations
In light of this news, we have been in communication with the staff of federal and state elected officials and community partners to remind them of our practices and policies to be a welcoming organization here at the Port of Seattle
Staff is prepared to respond in case of the Executive action
Now, moving on to announcements
Commissioners I'd like to share a few brief announcements
As many of you know, in the public--- our concern--- well the spread
Well, we know from the news that many are concerned about the spread of the Corona virus
What steps the Port of Seattle is taking to respond
So if you'd just indulge me, MR President, I'd like to go through a few items related to this
Sure, thank you
I want to assure everyone including our passengers at SeaTac Airport, employees, that our staff is working closely with our federal partners and airlines to do everything possible to protect the public and our workers
Based on our best information, there is no cause for alarm and it's safe to travel through SeaTac
A team of senior Port staff from Customer Services, Operations, Health and Safety, Emergency Management, and External Affairs is up and running to focus specifically on protecting passenger and employee health
At the same time, everyone traveling through the airport can and should take some commonsense actions to protect your own health
The CDC has been conducting enhanced screening at airports that receive direct flights from Wuhan, China, with all flights now canceled
And then CDC officials have announced that they will transition to monitoring at 20 airports with quarantine stations, likely including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport but there's no word on that right now
According to officials, public health staff will monitor for signs of ill passengers who present signs and symptoms of disease
The screening builds on established infections, infectious disease protocols, which include reviewing information received from pilots, flight attendants, or crew who are trained to spot and report symptoMS We are directing our janitorial staff to step up cleaning of high touch areas throughout the airport like elevator buttons, escalators, restroom doors, and baggage carousels, and other locations
At the international inspection areas and other areas, we are widely distributing hand sanitizers
Signage with signs and symptoms for passengers' self-awareness are posted at arrivals and passenger check-in
As I mentioned, we are in close coordination with federal, CDC, TSA, and Customs and Border Protection, and state and local health authorities
Most importantly for the traveling public, self awareness is the best thing that you can do to protect yourself from possible infection
Like all infectious diseases, including flu and measles, wash your hands frequently
Be aware of your own health, such as fever or other flu like symptoMS If you feel ill
Contact your health care provider immediately
We're committed to updating the Commission, the public and our employees regularly
As new information becomes available and we anticipate to send out another report this afternoon
In other news over the weekend, the pedestrian walkway for the International Rivals facility was successfully lifted into place
This major milestone has been years in the making
You'll be briefed about this in the project later in our meeting
For now, I just want to congratulate the entire joint team for this major milestone and accomplishment
[Applause] As you know, the Commission biometrics motion makes it very clear that we will not implement any new biometrics at Port facilities until after formal policies are passed
I do want you to know that as part of the Port's biometrics policymaking process, I've authorized the release of a request for proposals of facial recognition cameras for international--- up to 30 international passenger departure gates at SeaTac
This RFP will go out to the vendor community explicitly asking how they would be able to meet the commission's biometric principles after the commission completes its biometrics policy making process this year
We'll use the results of the RFP to help us make final decisions about our policy recommendations to the commission, which are due by March 31st
I want to emphasize that this RFP will not result in actual procurement without a Commission authorization
We're also ensuring that our external stakeholders are kept up to date on this topic, both through the external stakeholder advisory group meetings as well as through the ports website, which now has a public biometrics project page with all relevant materials posted
We'll work with you to identify the appropriate time for next Commission action on this topic
Another announcement, communities in Burin, Des Moines and SeaTac will soon enjoy new and expanded environmental projects benefiting high school students' p arks and gardens as the Port of Seattle awards its fifth round of grants provided by the Airport Community Ecology or ACE Fund
Earth Corps, Environmental Science Center, Friends of Saltwater State Park, Key Tech Labs in North Hill Elementary School PTSA are the grant recipients for this round of funding
Turning back to the airport, I'd like to highlight the launch of the new SEA airport brand identity for a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, an effort spearheaded by Aviation Managing Director, Lance Little and Julie Collins, Director of Customer Experience and Branding
This effort is aimed at improving airport customer experience with a promise to create a passionate service culture and elevated travel experience that is inspired by the original nature of the Pacific Northwest
Lastly, Commissioners, as you know, we've been engaged in state legislative session on a proposed bill relating to setting wages for airport related workers
There was a hearing in Olympia yesterday and we will continue to be engaged in this matter
Commissioners, just moving to today's meeting, I want to highlight four items on the agenda: Continuing with the theme of customer service, item 6H on the unanimous consent calendar, is a request to provide additional customer service staffing to help travelers navigate the Port
This is in response to continued growth in the number of passengers
Item 7A is our annual update on the port's anti-human trafficking efforts
As you know, January is National Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Month
The Port has a unique role to play in stopping human trafficking, not only because of our moral obligation to protect residents and visitors and King County, but also because of our role as a large employer and as a manager of significant trade and travel facilities
As you'll still be learning during this presentation, staff have the implemented nearly all aspects of the Port's anti-human trafficking strategy
Item 8C seeks your final adoption of Sustainable Evaluation Framework Policy Directive
This will identify sustainability actions to be considered early in capital project development and operational decisions in order to reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts
And finally, item 9B is a briefing on the sustainable aviation masterplan
Staff will provide you with the results of the updated forecasts for growth in passengers and flight operations
I know that was long, but there's a lot of things happened here at the Port, Commissioners
So thanks for your time
All right
Thank you, D irector Metruck
With that, we'll move on to the public comment
I also want to recognize highlight yesterday was the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz
And the fact that we have a Holocaust museum in Seattle is news to me
And I really recommend that
We actually have one of the oldest Sephardic population of Jews in the country, which was news to me
And and in fact, one of the great factoids that MR Steinbrueck would take particular amusement by, my understanding is some of the first fishmongers at Pike Place Market where Sephardic jews
Who would have known
Jack's Fish Market
Jack? No, that was another one
So, yeah, you're right
Great
Thanks
So back to public comment
I should mention that any written materials can be given to the clerk for inclusion in the meeting record
If you wish to speak, please sign in
And we have several
And identify the specific item you are addressing
We will limit public--- the comment t ime to 30 minutes
Excuse me, not 30 minutes per person
That's the total time for now
But we actually have just a short number
So we'll ask that you limit your speaking points to two minutes
With that, the first speaker signed up is Ronnie Lalimo
Dear Board of Commissioners, my name is Ronnie Lalimo and I work at LSC Skies
We have come to many times to tell you our stories
We are doing everything in our power to win a better future for our families
Over the last few weeks, my my coworkers and I have signed cards asking for your help
Hundreds of us have signed it
Our message is simple to our elected officials
We are calling you to support us as a headline catering workers
we wash their dishes, cook the food, back the carts, and transport the food to the planes
We w ork 24/7 and contribute to the success of SeaTac Airport
This year the airlines earned billions and the Port earned millions while we live in poverty
We deserve to be equal to all other [inaudible] workers and make the same minimum wage
We feel invisible and we refuse to be treated unfairly
We are counting on you
We will find a solution
We'll find a solution
We bring you this card to show you this name of the people who lives in your [inaudible]
You can help make better
We are doing everything we can, please do everything you can
All we want is for our work to be respected
All we want is to be equal
Thank you
Thank you, Ronnie
The next speaker is Stephan Moritz
Ok, we'll take a minute and accept these cards
Thank you very much
OK
Oh, well, OK
Thank you very much
All right
Stefan
Thank you, commissioners
Thank you, Ronnie
So to the point that Ronnie was making, I think you have an opportunity with Senate Bill 6217 and House Bill 2715, legislation in Olympia that Executive Director Metruck was referencing earlier in his comments
You have an opportunity to make a difference and you have an opportunity by--- to make a difference by joining us in working with the state legislature to clarify the legal framework that you're operating under in order to have the ability to make a difference in this crisis for workers
There's hundreds of families that will be impacted by that
And I think what is going on in the state legislature and the opportunity we have is going to be one of the most meaningful things that you can do in in your career as elected officials, because it will have a direct impact on hundreds of workers and their family members, on thousands of people
And so
We know that there is some details to be worked out
Right
And we are ready to work with your team in the state legislature to figure out those details
But the core issue of creating clarity so we actually have a chance to address this problem here at the airport is so important to so many people
And we hope that we can move the Port from having questions to actually supporting workers in finding a solution
So I'm looking forward to seeing you all in Olympia over the next few weeks and I'll be working with your team to figure out the details that need to be figured out
Thank you
Thank you, Stefan
Next speaker is Tom Barnardt
Then please restate your name with your comments
Hello, my name is Tom Barnhardt
And happy to be here
Commissioners, Port Director Metruck
I would like to make a comment on the proposed cruise terminal at T46
I listened recently to the video of the meeting where this project was first laid out
Noting all the pro-business positive logic, the cheerleading about the wonders of economic development
Soon to follow yet more cruise ships
Unfortunately, reminded me of a comment by Greta Thunberg, who when speaking at the U.N
recently, said we are in the beginning of a mass extinction and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth
Commissioners a climate emergency exists now globally and locally
I'm sure you're aware of the recent story on how ocean acidification is damaging the shells of young Dungeness crab in the Pacific Northwest
We know the orca pods are dying
We know the population of certain species of salmon is collapsing
Yet we proceed with infrastructure that will bring more cruise ships with their voluntary, quote unquote commitment to shore power while they use open loop scrubbers to wash their exhaust gases
Yet a major study found that along major shipping lines, sulfur dioxide emissions from ship scrubbers can further ocean acidification with a rate that is two fold
With respect to that's caused by carbon dioxide emissions
I understand your difficulty with grasping the situation we are in
The Port of Seattle is an economic development agency
And you're here to grow it
I get that
The logic underlying this is that economic growth is primary and we just need to do some environmental mitigation
For instance, a new cruise terminal will have shore power
Even though you're not willing to compel any ships to use it
Commissioner, it is that kind of thinking, these kinds of practices that got us where we are today
It is time to flip the equation
The first question is not-- should not be-- economic growth
It's whether the targets of lower emissions and reducing the temperature and acidification and pollution of the oceans, or reducing the air pollution that our residents breathing can be met
Any economic growth model needs to fit inside these parameters
Any other-- I'd like to quote Greta again it's: "...just to pretend that this can be solved with just business as usual and some technical solutions." I urge you to kill this project
Thank you
Thank you, MR Barnhardt
Next speaker is Jordan Van Voss
Please state your name for the record, Jordan
Good afternoon commissioners and director
My name is Jordan Van Voss
I'm the co-president of the Dharma Friendship Foundation
One winter's evening on the Salish Sea, I heard orcas coming down from the north
It was pitch black out with barely a breath of wind so dark I couldn't even see the water as I launched my kayak
Soon the pod was breathing all around me
I saw nothing with my eyes, but I didn't need to
In their presence ego separation melted away, my heart awakened to something much bigger than I'd ever known in the colonized, materialistic confines of American thought
Another time a gray whale swam underneath me and looked up at me with her gigantic eye
She spoke to me that night in a dream
You must do whatever you can to save the oceans and the world from disaster
She, like many, could not be here today
So I speak on their behalf
The five of you commissioners have a historic decision to make
You can chase the illusion of economic progress and happiness measured in dollars and cents, and vote for a global sized theme park for cruise ships that will continue to kill the magical abundance and diversity of nature
Or you can reflect deeply on the truth that the harmful impacts of more giant cruise ships are too great for the climate emergency we face or for Mother Earth to bear
Let us learn to live in connection with all life
Listening, not domination, being humble, compassionate, truthful, looking seven generations into the future when making decisions of great consequence
Please cancel the T46 project
We are all related
Thank you
Thank you, Jordan
Next speaker is Jan von Lake, I think
Please read your name for the record
Thank you, commissioners and executive staff
My name is Jan Vonlake
I'm a retired nurse living in Seattle for 40 years, volunteering with 350 Seattle and my church's Sacred Earth Ministry
I'm speaking today in concern of your draft resolution number 3768 , which is the 8C agenda item
I think this framework should be truthful and consistent with your commitment, transparency and yet in the sections number 32 through 37 it speaks to negotiating the purchase of renewable natural gas that will get us to our 2030 goals in 2020
This is, at minimum, misleading from the science that we know from the IMO, the New York Times, our own Sightline Institute, that methane, which is how we get renewable natural gas, has multiple problems, mostly leakage
And it's not just at the point of combustion that we need to be considering the greenhouse gas emissions
So I urge you to amend this draft resolution to remove that language so that it is based in science and moves us to a true measure of greenhouse gas emission reduction
Thank you so much
Thank you
The next speaker is Stacey Oaks
Please state your name for the record, Stacy
Hi, my name is Stacy Oaks
I'm an organizer with 350 Seattle
And I'd like to thank you for your land acknowledgement that you offered today to start the meeting
So I want to talk to you again about the planned expansion of the cruise ship industry at T46 and specifically how it relates to an agenda item that you have today, the Sustainable Evaluation Framework Resolution
So just to give an idea, here's a few of the quotes that I really noticed from that resolution
"We strive to be the most greenest and most efficient Port in the nation.", "The climate crisis drives us, drives the need for the innovation, for innovation and far reaching solutions.", "The Port of Seattle's focus on equity issues obligates the Port to consider its impact on society and collaborate with communities to promote equity." None of those three statements can coexist with expanding the cruise ship industry as it currently exists today
It can't
So a huge flaw I see with this resolution is that the framework it brings in doesn't start until after a project, after a capital investment is decided and then we use this lens
This lens needs to be used when we're first talking about making capital investments
We can't just invite it to dessert and skip asking it to dinner
We're not going to be able to hit our goals that way
So I'm asking you to reconsider not only the T46 expansion, but to also think deeply about the resolution you're passing today and how to make this something that's invited into the discussion when it needs to be
When we're making those key decisions
Thank you so much
Thank you
The next and final speaker who signed up is Bernadine Lund
And if anyone else wishes to speak, we still have time
So
Good afternoon, commissioners, I'm Bernadine Lund, I'm a resident of Federal Way and I'm speaking here about something from 9B, the Sustainable Airport Master Plan
During the presentation, I wondered if you could ask a question or more specific examples of the additional analysis that is planned for the environment
On Slide 4, one of the bullet points is additional technical environment analysis in response to the scoping comments
[Inaudible] I mean, it's allergies, not a cold
So I thought you could ask the staff what extra analysis they want to have
And I'm not sure I'm going to stay for the whole meeting, but I'm going to go home and listen to you to see what happened here
The other thing I'd like to recommend is that you expand the area, that you do the testing to areas outside of the immediate airport area
I'm thinking something like a 12 mile radius around the airport
Twelve mile radius would encompass Federal Way so I have a personal interest in that and I think it would also cover Vashon
Vashon Island has been really impacted lately
And I think it would cover them as well
All right
Thank you very
And I want to say separately that I full heartedly support the union efforts to get better wages
When I worked at Fred Hutchinson, we were under a federal contract
And sometimes they said, well, this is the salary you can have for certain wages, for certain jobs
We actually did a market analysis of what it was like in Seattle and got extra money for those people
There are ways to do it
And I full heartedly supported this $12 in Seattle, is not the same as $12 in, say, Arkansas, Mississippi
Ok
Thank you
Is there anyone else wishing to speak? Ok
Hearing none
Can I--? Oh, sure, yeah
I just wanna make sure no one else is--
I'd just like to thank you folks for showing up, and the flight kitchen workers, we are clearly working to find a solution for you and collaboration is going to be key to that
So we'll keep up the communication and thank you for all the time you spend coming to hearings as well as coming to this
So appreciate that
It's a real problem and you put a real face on it
So thank you
I also just want to quickly note that there has been no decision on the cruise ship terminal, that this is an EIS process
Your input during the scoping is being incorporated into the analysis so that when you make declarations that we're not going to require a cold on air, things like that, these things are not based on anything other than conjecture
So wait until the EIS is done before making such determinations
And finally, with regards to renewable and natural gas, this methane is being produced regardless
If we put it to use
It's certainly far better than that
And as far as the sustainable framework that we will be discussing, it's been four years in the making
This provides the transparent analysis of the alternatives that we are considering
Whether or not we do the best thing or not will be disclosed transparently in that review
So
We have goals
We state the goals
We review projects and you'll see on the amendment number two that we are making sure that that analysis occurs at 30% design so that it's not wagging the dog as was suggested
Thank you
Commissioner Felleman
And I'm sure that we will have more to say on the item under our agenda for the resolution on sustainable valuation framework policy
So with that at this time I will entertain a motion to approve the consent calendar covering item 6B through 6J
Is there a motion? So moved
Is there a second? All those in favor say Aye
Aye
Nay? The consent agenda i tems are approved unanimously
Commissioners, I understand that to Commission, Calkins is with us now
Ok
Greetings, Commissioner Calkins, are you on the airwaves? Thanks, Sam
We're enroute to, we should be there shortly
Well, we'll wait for you
But we'll, continue
OK
Thank you
We'll still be here
We'll still be here
Commissioners the next item is under special orders 7B: Adoption of a proclamation honoring MR Larry Gosset for his decades long work and the impact he has made on King County
Commissioners this Wednesday we'll be holding an event to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., at pieS 69
We're excited to have Larry Gosset join us for that event and recognizes many contributions to our community
Our Senior Director for Equity Diversity Inclusion Mokda Guystar will brief you about this proclamation, which we intend to present to MR Gosset on Wednesday
Thank you
Executive Director of Metruck
Good afternoon, Commissioners
The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Employee Resource Group Blacks in Government are co-sponsoring an event tomorrow, Jan
29 at Pier 69, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m
to honor the legacy of council member Larry Gosset for his achievements of over 40 years of advocating on behalf of communities of color in King County and Washington State
We hope that everyone here is able to join us
We plan..
we would like to present council member Gosset with a proclamation
And I'm here to ask for your approval of this proclamation and for Commissioner Steinbrueck to present this proclamation to Council Member Gosset tomorrow
Would you like me to read you the proclamation? Yes, please
Why don't we take a minute or two? He deserves that
Yes
Yes
Thank you
Honoring MR Larry Gosset
Whereas MR Larry Gosset, whose 50 year legacy of advocating for the personal and political well-being of marginalized communities across Seattle and King County
And whereas MR Boxset, who was instrumental both as a student and an employee in transforming a University of Washington's campus culture into one that is inclusive of students and faculties of color, needs and interest
Whereas MR Gosset was integral in chartering and founding multiple successful black led organizations and movements in Seattle was a fierce ally with fast cultural and multicultural coalitions and served in leadership capacities for community based organizations and committees
And whereas in order to disrupt any remaining association King County had with its former namesake and to solidify its commitment to equity and social justice, MR Gosset led successful efforts to change King County's simple symbol from that of an imperial crown to the silhouette of DR Martin Luther King Junior
And whereas for the last twenty five years, MR Gosset has served humbly on the King County Council, striving towards the enactment of policies that would radically transform Seattle's justice and housing system
And whereas the Port of Seattle is hosting a celebration to honor their life and the work of DR Martin Luther King and the impact it has on our nation
Now, therefore, the Port of Seattle Commission hereby honors council member Larry Gosset for his decades long work and the impact it has on King County proclaimed by the Port Commission on this twenty eighth day of January 2020
Thank you very much
And I, for one, have known MR Gossett admired and respected him for a good part of my life
My mom, as a social worker, worked at the Central Area Motivation Program, which he directed at one time in my youth, and I admire his tenacity, his courage, his strength and his under scoring and epitomizing the principles of non violent protest
But she has consistently followed where appropriate where injustices wherever have occurred or are occurring
He has stepped up to the plate and fought for truth and justice and rights
So I'll be very pleased on behalf of the Port Commission, the entire Port of Seattle to present to MR Gosset this proclamation tomorrow night
And thank you very much
We appreciate it
You know, I-- I just want to say real quick that I've had the privilege and honor of campaigning alongside Councilman Gossett during this last cycle
And I will tell you that every time I ran into him at an event, he was just filled with so much wisdom
And as, you know, as a person of color, I feel so indebted to the work that he did
I feel in part the reason that I'm here sitting at this table today is because of the work that he did in his youth and throughout his career in public service
And so, first, obviously he's not here, But I just want to thank Councilman Gosset for all his work
But we also know, if anyone knows Larry Gosset, we all know that he's not going anywhere
Right
And so even in his retirement, we fully expect him to show up and to continue fighting for justice and social justice in our community
And so I am personally looking forward to continuing to work with the councilman in battles going forward
And so I just want to say that
Ok
Thank you
Commissioner
Felleman
Well, I had the honor of serving with him on the Transportation Committee of the Puget Sound Regional Council a couple of years ago and was on the same rubber chicken reelection campaign circuit with Commissioner Cho and had the pleasure of seeing him quite regularly during that time
One of the things that really strikes me about its contributions, although many, is the multicultural aspect of them
He was the big tent and the work that he did with Bernie White Bear and others, it's a-- it was a true-- lifted all the boats
And I think we need more folks like that and more than happy..
We're also joining, I think, the King County and the city
Who've also passed such motions
And I don't know whether the state has declared a Larry Gossett Day yet, but it shouldn't be soon behind
Thanks so much
Thank you so much
Thank you
I hope we'll see all of you tomorrow
Thank you
Ok, with that, we'll move on to item 7A
I believe you want to take a vote on that
Oh, I'm sorry
Yes, we need to take a vote on this, do we
I would so move that we support and sign off on motion 7B
A resolution in support of recognizing a councilman Larry Gossett
And I would second
It's been moved and seconded
All, those in favor say Aye
Aye
Oppose? The motion carries and the item is approved
Next item is 7A
We took those out of order, so
Annual progress report on Port-wide human trafficking strategy implementation
Commissioners, January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
In January 2018, the commission passed a motion directing staff to finalize and implement a Port wide strategy to combat human trafficking
Staff will provide you an update on our efforts to date and the next steps
The presenters are Tracy Patterson and Chad Aldridge
Please continue
Good morning Commissioners, Chad Aldridge, manager here, at SeaTac Airport
And Tracy Patterson, manager Development and Diversity Human Resources
Commissioners, this next slide here just reiterates
Just wanted to restate what our focus areas are and what our culminating goals are and have been for the Port wide strategy
In this slide, commissioners, we just-- just another reminder what motivated the Port to step up and begin to do more in our efforts and establishing the strategy as we move forward
These are the reasons
When we talk to our partners in the community and around the state, in the nation, we identify these reasons why, as a Port, we have stepped up to do more in our area within the transportation industry
Today with the launch of our Human Trafficking Awareness Training, we are completing all original deliverables and the original strategy and motion
However, our strategy continues to evolve as we continue to move forward
We're working with our local partners around the region, and the state, and nationally
And this slide is some examples of signage that we have deployed across our spaces
The safe space sign here, this was deployed across SeaTac Airport and the bathroom stalls around the airport
The bottom sign is what us and our partners with King County and City of Seattle and Sound Transit deployed during the human trafficking awareness campaign that we began last January
These signs are still being utilized across King County, on King County Metro and King County Parks
King County has allotted $25,000 for the 2021 human trafficking awareness campaign that will continue to work with our partners to revamp the signage, to bring it up to current dates
The Ports to Freedom sign here, this is a this is a public facing multilingual poster that is being placed in public spaces throughout Port properties, airport, seaport and parks
This multilingual sign comes from suggestions from the community and from within our Port to have a multilingual poster
We've also, from suggestions from the community, we've updated the safe space signage to reflect that sexual assault is a crime anywhere
Commissioners, if I can just point out something
Can you go back one slide? I think just to call out, if you look at the one in the upper left hand corner here is the positive-- I would say this is a positive social-- This is media, social media
The positive comments on this, I think it's something that really to point this out of the encouragement for that I think adds-- really adds to the value of the sign and anyone who could be in a circumstance
So I just want to point that out for everyone of how what a positive message this is from other travelers to those that could be impacted
Great
We are so excited to also begin training our employees
I just want to acknowledge various partners who've been a part in bringing this to our 2,100+ folks
So including businesses ending slavery and trafficking who were involved in the public awareness campaign last year and recently produced for us a number of training opportunities for our folks
So I want to recognize Marv Ratman, who is the CEO of Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking
And again, appreciate their contributions
It makes a big difference
So we-- with training we have just launched this month, require training for all Port of Seattle employees
There's a number of ways, number of options for completing this required training
One, there will be online training so folks can log on from a computer, a Port computer through our LMS to complete the training
Two, we're also offering classroom based training
Part of the work with Best was to create a curriculum for our Port employees to spread the word to their teams and provide a deeper learning experience than what we provide in the online learning
So, more conversation, interaction, opportunities to expand
I also want to highlight that we initially planned to do one e-learning module and classroom based training
In assessing the needs and how human trafficking takes place in Port context, Best found that there was a need to look at airport context as well as seaport context, that we see different kinds of activity in different contexts
So that means we have two fantastic trainings
One, Ports to Freedom with a maritime focus
The other is Lights to Freedom with an aviation focus
Employees will be assigned the trainings according to which groups they're in and they have the opportunity to complete both
Let's see, new employees who aren't-- over the year will be assigned the training beyond the current rollout, and we expect to have every couple of years a refresher, required refresher for all of our employees
I want to call out one thing about the training that I think is particularly important and effective, that we're looking at giving our folks some understanding of, one, what human trafficking is and how to intervene in situations that they're concerned about by looking at behaviors
So given the current focus of the Port on equity, right, that our training makes a point in helping the learners distinguish between a situation of bias where they may see someone of a race or religious orientation that may make them uncomfortable
The training distinguishes, right? You don't judge people by who they are, you judge what's going on in their interactions
So just want to appreciate again the partnership of Best as well as the Port's current focus on equity
Because I think that makes the work much more effective
Commissioners this next slide regards to our role as a national leader
I cannot stress that since passing this motion in 2018, we have become recognized across the transportation industry, within aviation, seaport, and at U.S.D.O.T
as a national leader in spearheading the way with our strategy and what we're doing here at the Port across all of our facilities
With that, these are just some snippets from receiving requests for our products, asking for our best practices
Over the last year, I represented the Port as a member-- as an appointed member of the Protocols and Policy Subcommittee for the U.S
D.O.T
Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking
We were heavily referenced in the final D.O.T
report as a best practice
Most recently, I was invited by U.S
D.O.T
to the Transportation Research Board conference to participate as a panel member for combating human trafficking and transportation and a follow up gathering with the research board as they look at potentially standing up a research committee on how to do better in the transportation industry and preventing human trafficking or interdicting it
I am regularly contacted myself and the other partners here at SeaTac and the Port by other airports and seaports asking for our strategy, our policies and our signage that we have developed during our implementation of the of the initial strategy
I have also over the last-- since October of last year have been participating as an industry partner with Washington Alliance for Better Schools aviation team, guiding the teachers on this team as they develop a high school lesson plan on human trafficking initiatives where they are engaging students to think critically about how to prevent human trafficking in schools and the community
And here we're going to show you a couple of clips from both Flights to Freedom and Ports to Freedom
I also want to call out that we have some of the support materials you've received
There are cards which are resource cards folks can offer them to folks who may be in need of assistance, but in an unclear circumstance, there's also posters promoting the training
I'm happy to share those with folks in our audience today as well
So our first one is maritime and it features this clip features Russ Reed, our maritime security lead
At our facilities on the waterfront, sometimes we have people that have interaction with our security guards and they're attempting to come on the facility
In this particular instance that we had, we had three women that were in their mid 20s and they're coming on the facility about 11:00 at night
Our security guard has been trained, if we see something that looks unusual, report it: see something, say something
And that's exactly what they did
They noticed the behavior was not appropriate
They didn't have appropriate protective clothing on
They didn't have hardhats, visible vest for being on industrial property
And so they reported that to our Port of Seattle police and let the people know that something's not right here
That led to a little more investigation to find out these women were there for the people on board the ship
It took me a really long time to realize that the problem actually was the buyer
And that's what ended up really getting me out because I was so tired of them touching me
You know, just the conversations, the lies, the manipulation and being exploited by them
Even though I didn't realize that's what it was, you know, I just knew it wasn't OK
Sex buying drives demand for sex trafficking victiMS Without sex buying, there would be no victims coerced into the sex trade
So if we want to prevent sex trafficking, we need to reduce sex buying
The security guard was probably witnessing a sex buying situation that could have involved sex trafficking
If the potential victims were alone, he could have asked them, are you OK? And let them know that there are services available
But if he observed that there was a person, male or female, who is controlling the group or speaking for that group, that was very likely the controller
In that case, he would need to call 9-1-1
I'm going to move to Flights to Freedom in the aviation realm
So I'm from Bangladesh, from a very poor family in a village
There was a white gentleman that came to the village and befriended my parents, told my parents that we could come to America, have a better life, better opportunities, get an education
And my parents were hesitant about it for some time
And as he, you know, built my family a new home, gave us, you know, all this food and clothes
And my parents said, OK, you know, we can come to America
I was seven years old and there were family that was the age of-- my niece, was three years old to my brother, who was 17
Here's a white man in his late 40s with nine brown children who do not speak, read, write English, have no control of our passports
We're not able to speak at all for ourselves
And when we were traveling through the airports, we were told specifically to always look down, to not make any eye contact with anybody
We were in fear
We were scared
We looked down
We weren't acting like normal kids
Kids look around
They find joy in everything
And there was none of that with us
But really, our reality was we were brought to a very rural, small community and we were actually enslaved on a 65 acre farm and forced to work from sunup to sundown, could not leave, did not have the freedom to leave
Lived in constant fear, threats, beatings, starvation
And we were forced to work herding cows, sheeps, lambs, doing any agriculture work
So he profited from our slavery because he was able to sell the meat, but we got nothing in return
My 14 year old cousin actually committed suicide on that farm and we ended up getting help from authority
And actually two weeks later that detective would come back to the farm and remove all the children because he felt like something in his gut just wasn't right
I hope that makes you want to complete the whole training
Those are very gripping personal stories that really drive home the importance of this area of concern
Thank you
Commissioners, that concludes our brief subject
To your questions
Questions
Commissioner Cho? I don't have any questions, but I did want to take a minute to commend both the Port staff and more the people at Best who put this together
And I think it would be remiss if we didn't mention that the genesis of this was really when my predecessor, Gregoire, brought this issue up
And so I just want to acknowledge that, you know, this is all the fruits of a lot of her labor and that, you know, we shouldn't steal too much from it
But also, I think that there are natural next steps, that this work is finished
And that, you know, for me, at least, the natural next step is to go beyond just Port staff and training Port staff and looking into how we can get buy-in from our industry partners so that all across our footprint we are making an active effort in combating human trafficking
So I'm excited to work with you all as our staff, but also with Best and making sure we get this done
So thank you very much
Sure
Felleman? Following on that, I have had people send me photographs of the bathroom door signage, and I do love those affirmative signs and stuff like that
However, we obviously-- first of all, I don't see them in the men's room, nor do I see them in the airplanes
And so to the point about, you know, making sure we have industry partners
I mean, that sort of signage seems to be appropriate
And these little business cards that you have also
I mean, the fact that they could be dispensers or something like that
I think it's great
Thank you for your work and finding the airline partners to help with us
We'd only go that much further
And I, too, wish to express my tremendous appreciation to our former Commissioner Courtney Gregoire for her-- she was a driving force behind this effort that will continue long after
I'm sure we have much more work to do, and it's probably premature to ask what outcomes have been achieved thus far as we have organized this effort around these key strategies and worked with trainings
I think what resonates particularly for me is the "see something, say something." And so we all can can take part in this effort whenever we're in areas where there may be international travelers at our seaport and at our airport
That's something we can do individually
So be vigilant and observant and report it and call for help if it appears that that's needed
I wanted to ask about one of the efforts on the long list of undertakings here with this is to work with the Northwest Seaport Alliance because obviously Port of Tacoma is a very significant gateway as well
And so what work has been undertaken there? Commissioners, we have reached out to them and we are in the same boat as we begin to offer this training to our tenants on our facilities to incorporate them into that offer as well, to work with them, to get them more engaged with us as a partner
All right
I'll definitely, as excuse me, as co-chair of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, I will follow up and see that we can get some of these efforts implemented across the organizations here
That will be much appreciated and may help spur that motivation on that as well
I'll see to it
Thank you
And Commissioner Felleman
I'm sorry
I was just going to add that the training is available to Port employees on our internal learning management system
It's also available through Best's learning management system
So we will begin promoting it to our customers and looking at a strategy of engagement
But just to say you can spread that word and send people to Best's website to take measure
To that end, this was the day that all three of us got our badges renewed and there were no questions on the test
Which we could add
Commissioners are educable as well
And I think we could have a little reminder there as well
And I just wanted to really say that one of the things about the initial briefing that we got on this, the level of collaboration, the number of different organizations that have been committed to this for so many years to see the Port is part of that as the portal to so many worlds that have-- need this attention
I just want to thank you for all that work and keep it up
Okay
Well, thank you very much for that presentation
And we'll move on now to Item 8 on the authorizations and final actions
Agenda Item 8A: Authorization for the Executive Director to one, use existing job order contracts or removal of current and future flight path obstructions from non Port properties and associated replanting of replacement trees
Two, advertise and execute construction contracts for replanting of replacement trees
Three, pay fees to the Washington State Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions for them to perform replanting for certain obstructions removed from their properties
Four, execute agreements with public agency and private property owners as needed for purposes of obstruction management
And five, acquire those property rights reasonably necessary for obstruction management and preventing future creation or establishment of airport hazards
The total cost estimate for this request is $5,895,000 for a total estimated product cost of $8.5 million
Commissioners, this project will enable the airport to remain in compliance with FAA regulations to protect flight operations from obstructions
Staff will describe the project, including our plan for planting replacement trees and vegetation
The presenters are Mark Cotes, Marco Milanese, and Chris Coulter
Commissioners and Executive Director Metruck
We are before you here today to provide the Commission with an update on the flight corridor safety program and to formally request Commission authorization for a series of actions connected to the program's next cycle of work in 2020
My name is Marco Milanese and I am the Community Engagement Manager here at SeaTac Airport, part of the external relations department
With me today is Mark Cotes, Senior Manager from Airport Operations
And Mark, can provide greater detail about the FAA requirements that necessitated this program and why the Port has been able to significantly reduce the number of trees requiring removal
Also with us today is Chris Coulter, Capital Project Manager from the Aviation Project Management Group
Chris can discuss scheduled budget risks in greater detail in the actions that we are requesting authorization on today
Also, to help answer questions that might arise, we have staff from Environment and Sustainability with us today to assist
So in summary, the asks are: using existing contracts and advertising and executing new contracts for removing and replanting trees; approving the agreement with WASHDOT regarding the trees on their property; executing agreements with other public agencies and private property owners on removing and replanting trees on their property; and acquiring property rights for obstruction management
Total request is $5,895,000 and that includes tree removal, site restoration and the purchase of permanent easements
Total cost for this project is $8.5 million
To sum it up simply the Flight Quarters Safety Program is an ongoing Port effort to remove and replant trees around SeaTac Airport that have grown or will soon grow into FAA designated flight surfaces
Removal of obstructions will ensure the airport's compliance with FAA regulations, state laws and the airports operating requirements
Wherever trees have been removed, the Port has instituted environmental best management practices that include planning lower height trees and native shrubs on site
And if that's not possible, we identify sites nearby that don't have height restrictions
The Port has replanted more than four times as many trees and shrubs on Port property as it removed and is on the second year of monitoring the success of these new plantings
And that's part of a five year commitment
To date, 783 trees have been removed on Port property and 3,684 trees have been planted in their place
Could you repeat that, please? That's again
Seven hundred eighty three trees have been removed on Port property and three thousand six hundred eighty four trees have been planted in their place
And that's more than four times as many trees as removed
Excuse me for just a moment, MR Milanese
I'd like to point out to the Commission you've now lost well
Is Brian still on the phone? To MR Calkins? Are you on the phone? I am here
Please excuse the interruption
Keep going
Stepping back a bit, specifically, we're going to look back at the Fall of 2016
After hearing from the public at a Commission public meeting that was focused exclusively around this issue, the Flight Quarters Safety Program, and I believe Commissioner Felleman, you were the only Commissioner present at that meeting who's with us here today, the Port Commission called for more community engagement to help inform the plan for the Port properties just south of the airport
These properties were selected because there's a higher concentration of mature trees on those property and they were adjacent to some residential neighborhoods
Based on that request from the Commission, Port staff held a separate public workshop and developed an online open house and at the separate public workshop and through that online open house, what we heard from the public as they had a strong desire to see fewer trees removed
That desire ultimately informed the finalized removal and replanting approach for those Port properties
Port staff briefed the commission at July 25th, 2017 meeting on that approach
And on November 14, 2017, they received Commission authorization for the work
And that was the last time we are in front of Commission on this issue
Removal and replanning work on Port properties is now nearly complete
The Flight Corridors, Safety Program's next cycle of work on non-Port public property and private property, which we are seeking authorization from you today, is scheduled to begin this year
The Port's approach for tree removal and replanting for this cycle of work is strongly based on that public supported approach for removing fewer trees
To get to that fewer number of trees, the Port beginning back in 2018 underwent a comprehensive re-analysis of the airspace in consultation with the FAA
The reanalysis led the Port to modify its guidelines for tree removal to emphasize surfaces impacting primary flight operations, rather than emphasizing every surface subject to FAA obstruction guidelines
That reanalysis concluded that 174 trees required removal on non-Port public and private property
That's a significant decrease from the initial number of trees that were identified by the Port and shared with Commission
This is something I believe the community will find very encouraging
Going forward, though the next phase of work-- though the next phase of work will be almost exclusively on non-Port property, which means there's a patchwork of different jurisdictional requirements and standards, the Port is still committed to the same environmental best management practices
The Port will ensure that removal and replanting plans are carefully executed and consistent with the specific environmental characteristics at each location
The Port will also continue to meet and exceed all federal and state environmental laws and regulations and will substantively comply with all tree replacement standards
Also, though, not part of the Flight Quarter Safety Program, the Port's Airport Community Ecology ACE program, which you just heard about earlier today in MR Metruck's introduction, which supports environmental projects and programs in the cities of SeaTac, Burien, and Des Moines, has distributed over $285,000 to 22 organizations for 33 unique environmental projects
And again, that's within the cities of SeaTac, Burien, and Des Moines
It's funded [inaudible] Green Partnership Program to develop 20 year urban forest management plans for Burien, SeaTac, and Des Moines
And it's led to the hosting of numerous volunteer restoration events that have planted hundreds of trees and leveraged the support of hundreds of volunteers and that includes last Saturday's event just south of the airport, where about 60 participants planted roughly 350 native trees and shrubs on Port property that was previously, previously overtaken by blackberries and English ivy
A big thanks to Commissioner President Steinbrueck for taking part and being involved in attending the event on Saturday
For the 174 trees that are part of the next cycle of work, you can refer to the map in front of you
Nine trees are north of SeaTac, you can see them identified there by the blue arrows and the rest, for reasons mainly having to do with topography, are south of the airport
The nine trees north of the airport are all on private property
The 165 trees south of the airport are mainly on WASHDOT property and primarily on the future right away for the S.R
5 0 9 extension
In fact, nearly 60 percent of all the trees identified for removal in this cycle of work are on WASHDOT property
To break it down, 26 trees are on Highline School District property, and those are primarily on or near the former Maywood School site, which is south of the airport
Twenty trees are on city of SeaTac property again, all south of the airport on city right away
Eighteen trees are on eight private property parcels both north and south of the airport
And six trees are on Port property south of the airport
And as I mentioned previously, a hundred and four are on WASHDOT property and those are all south of the airport
The 174 trees are primarily within the city of SeaTac, though we have seven in Burin and just one in Des Moines
The Port conducted an environmental review, which included a two week public comment period that ended on December 16th
The Port of Seattle CEPA determination concludes that the program's environmental impacts are not significant
Leading up to that CEPA process, the Port engaged in a comprehensive outreach and communications plan to reacquaint local communities with the program
The program's next cycle of work and how and where members of the public can provide comment within that CEPA process
Information was spread well in advance through the use of the airport's newsletter, Air Mail
A hardcopy newsletter reached ninety five thousand residents in the airport communities
We used airport specific list-serves, Connections, which is the port's e-mail newsletter, a media advisory was sent out, and we developed a project-specific online open house that summarized the program's work to date and what will occur next and verbally through venues like the Highline Forum
For those directly--
Excuse me a second, Marco
When you said we had, basically a DNS determination of non-significant, wasn't it really an MDNS because we end up having this 4 to 1 planting
W asn't a mitigated determination of non-significant? I am hearing the answer is no
But we did have a mitigation plan associated with this, correct? Right
So that
I'm just-- you know, the net result is probably the same
It's just, to suggest that we didn't think it had an environmental impact, we wouldn't have done the 4 to 1 match
And I am-- h ere's Steve Hribal, who's the Aviation Environmental Manager who can speak to this
We did issue a determination of non-significance, even though mitigation was built into it
But we did not issue a mitigated determination of non-significant officially
Would it be-- is this a difference without-- Is it really? Anyway, the net result is that we had this four to one match
The only thing that I've asked was maybe for, by the time this is done, that the net greenhouse gas analysis for the whole cumulative project is, I think, calculable and that we have such a broader replanting schedule, although the sequestration will take longer to get there
I think the net result is likely to be beneficial
But I think in terms of, like, when we're going to pass this framework, this sort of transparent disclosure, I think would be valuable and I think the net result will be positive
And this is unfortunately a necessary evil of running an airport
But I thank you for the work that you put into this and actually in the extra effort
And I'll let you finish your thing, but extra effort you've been doing with community outreach and something that is greatly appreciated and even the planting process has been incredibly thoughtful and engaging
So
But I'll let you finish first
So those directly affected by the program's next cycle of work, the Port has worked hard to keep those individuals and property owners informed about the program throughout the process and this includes WASHDOT
For the highest concentration of trees are the Highline School District, the cities of SeaTac, Burien and Des Moines, and private property owners
The Port has contacted all private property owners, either by phone, by mail or in person or some combination of the three
And lastly, the Hillgrove Cemetery Association, which I know many of you know about
The Port staff has met several times with board members and are in the process of developing an agreement that should lead to some improvements within the cemetery and we're actually going to meet with them again on Thursday
The Port will coordinate directly with all property owners before any work commences on the property
Port will also negotiate with each private property owner on securing a permanent easement on the property should any trees require removal in the future
The goal always be to secure agreements and easements voluntarily
However, condemnation will be pursued if those efforts are unsuccessful
And I want to be clear that there is no signs Up to this point, I have suggested the condemnation process will be required wherever it's a tool that the Port should have ready if needed and a resolution of condemnation will be introduced at the February 25th Commission meeting
Port staff's intent is to make their best effort to remove a limited number of trees, having the highest potential to impact flight operations prior to March 1st, beginning of the bird nesting period
Most trees, though, will begin being removed after the end of the bird nesting period, which happens on July 15th with all removal work complete by the end of the year
Barring any adverse weather conditions, trees and shrub replanning work would begin happening on all sites once the trees are removed and the site prep work is complete
The Port expects to conduct similar obstruction removal replanning work roughly every five years, and as the work commences in 2020, we'll be sure to keep the Commission informed through written updates and Commission meeting presentations regarding the progress to date
Thank you
And we are now able to take any additional questions
Felleman
Once again, I do want to express my appreciation
This is not an easy undertaking
The one thing is, you know, I'm glad folks are [unclear] collaborative
And in fact, my understanding is that some folks feel their trees need trimming or removal so it's actually we're providing a service in the process of dealing with some of these challenges
But the-- when the rubber hits the road, when it comes down to actually securing easements and that sort of stuff, we'd like to be able to have reports about it
In fact, if there are challenges when when it comes to signing on the dotted line and obviously my extra sensitivity about the cemetery
There are unique options there that I would love to stay abreast of
But you guys are doing yeoman's work
And thank you so much for that
Great
We will certainly plan regular updates on this program to Commission
I want to make a few comments and I do have a question
First of all, this has been an incredible outcome
More from where we started
And it's been several years
I think Port step have worked extremely hard to minimize the direct impacts, if you will
And I'm not talking about through the legal sense of impacts, but to the area
Whenever we talk about tree removal, that hits me at a visceral level
When we talk about obstruction management, that's a visceral level for me, when it comes to trees because trees give so much and ask for so little, as we know, and I think having participated this weekend in the Des Moines Creek community effort to replant some 700 trees and shrubs, I saw the incredible spirit of love and passion that people had in the community, including many of our own Port staff who were out there
You as well, Marco and Kathy and her daughter-- son was there
And I just, there's something that we-- there's a connectedness that we have
And it's particularly true for our natural environment here in the Northwest that we love trees and to talk of removing some thirty six hundred trees around the airport, actually, it's hard to understand how that could be determined to be not significant
It is significant
It was significant
That order from F.A.A
And we've we've done the best we could, I think, with this program
And actually, it's resulted in 10 percent of the original, I think, correct me if I'm wrong, Marco
That's correct
The original thirty six hundred was brought down to 10 percent and approved by F.A.A
So that's a remarkable turnaround in itself
So we've made the best of this
We've done what-- we are doing, what we have to do here
And I think there is a silver lining in that we're engaging community in this effort
I learned a new term "rescue tree" from Marco, I think it was
Have you heard of that? Of rescue tree? Trees that were rescued from the airport corridor that were identified as problematic and then replanted in the Des Moines Creek Woods there by community members
So a new term, but it's positive one
We rescued some 70 or so young firs and ceders
I replanted some of those
It was a great thing to see
So I'm grateful for the effort that has been undertaken here
I did want to ask with regard to the other properties in question that are not within our jurisdiction, WASHDOT, the various jurisdictions
Will the same commitment, I think, of 1 for 3 be applied in those areas in terms of replacement? The requirement is up to 4
But Chris, if you have more details about, for example, what's going on at WASHDOT and those discussions
Yeah, I think we're working with the jurisdictions and I think with, correct me if I'm wrong, but with regard to Des Moines and City of SeaTac, that that will be at a 4 to 1 ratio, I believe
Nodding yes, sure
But with regard to WASHDOT, we're still in discussions with them about it
However, they're going to abide
They have indicated at this point they're going to abide by their own policy on tree replacement
And are they responsible themselves for removing them? So there's some trees-- it's complicated
There's-- What isn't these days? There's some trees that fall within an easement
Some of the WASHDOT parcels fall within an easement that makes them responsible for it
There's some parcels that don't
Approximately 70 percent of the trees on WASHDOT property they are indicating they'll take responsibility for
And I think with regard to understanding the WASHDOT replanting ratios, it looks like four to ones in the sweet spot for where we could try to have some dialog with them and get them there
So I think it's good news
And I would I would just acknowledge that when we talk about 4 to 1, these are young saplings that may not quite yet reach that value, the importance of a significant mature tree
So in time they will grow in and they'll be better placed and they'll be done in a way that respects the native environment also of what we have
So we're restoring habitat as well in the process, pulling out invasives, ivy and blackberries, and restoring a more native like environment with the species that are being planted
So all good
Yeah
Okay
Commissioner
Yeah
So I would like to be kept abreast
We asked that question before about WASHDOT's policy and we can talk to WASHDOT if there's an impasse there
Also, in keeping with Commissioner Cho's point of remembering the shelters we all stand on this, The ACE fund was an initiative of Commissioner Crayton that I was happy to be a second on
And we continue have some funds to spend and we're working on the legislation this session to make the 3 to 1 match go down to a 1 to 1 so that the community can better access those resources as we'll be doing with the South King County fund at large
So anyway, I just wanted to
I think we should always remember the folks that come before us
Most definitely
Okay with that, I think
Well, thank you again
Move on to item 8B
You, this would be an action item, Commissioner
Oh, I'm sorry
We need an action
I'm sorry
I was so engrossed-- So, I move that we support Item 8A Flight Quarter Safety Program, 219 contracts, agreements and real property interests
I will second that motion
It's been moved and second
All, those in favor say Aye
Opposed? The motion carries
And thank you again
And I would ask the clerk to remind me not to miss a call for motions
OK
I can agree to do t hat
I get engrossed in the subject and I forget that we've got a job to do here
So
I do have a request for clarification
Did Commissioner Calkins vote on that last vote? I didn't hear a vote
Commissioner Calkins, Are you still worth us? Hoo hoo? [Laughter] Well, maybe you had to turn his attention elsewhere so it does not include-- the record, does not reflect a vote from Commissioner Calkins
Thanks for that
Ok
On to the next item
Item number 8B: Authorization for the Executive Director to one, execute a construction contract with the low, responsive and responsible bidder for the baggage optimization Phase 2 project at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport not withstanding the low bid exceeding the estimate, at time of bid by more than 10 percent
And two, authorize an additional $190,737,800 for Phase 2 construction and Phase 3 design for a total program authorization of $540,050,000
Commissioners, in this briefing, you'll get to understand the market conditions and other factors that have resulted in construction bids that have exceeded our estimates
And then further, we're requesting additional funding to continue the project as scheduled and the presenters on this on this item are Wayne Growthyear and Ed Whites
Good afternoon, commisioners, I'm Ed Whites, program leader and I'm here with Wayne Growthyear
So
We'll discuss various items we have listed on the agenda that you see on the slide above and just dig right into those
So as you know, the Port of Seattle is currently working with the TSA to optimize the outbound baggage handling systems here at SeaTac Airport
TSA is currently funding $93 million, though, of the funding for this program
So the new system will replace the current six outbound conveyor screening systems that are in place and that graphic on the left is designating the different colors, showing you the six different systems that are currently in place
The graphic on the right is showing you that we're gonna have it integrated, fully connected when we get this project done
So the new system will ensure reliability, flexibility and efficiency for airlines, passengers and TSA allowing any bag to be conveyed from any ticket counter to any gate while saving energy, shrink bags, meet federal TSA or screening requirements, and are safe the load on aircraft
So here are some some aiport facts for you guys for growth facts
And so originally when we put this project together, the airport was serving 33 m illion passengers, we had projected at that time that we would not hit
Forty five million annual passengers until 2027
Currently, we've well exceeded that
We're well over 50 million today
And with that, I've got some details of the different systeMS So one of the things I want to point out with the building, this new system is we're doing that in existing space in an operating system
So
So next slide shows just a graphic of where in location overall we are with the phase one and where that is inside the main terminal
So currently we installed a majority of the screening system in Phase 1 and we're getting near completion with that
The next slide shows the Phase 2 and the areas that we're gonna be doing work
So phase two systematically will be removing 4 of the outbound screening systems, adding a new rotation system, connecting the ticket counters and the makeups to the new centralized screening system
So we add some more capacity, that centralized screening system and basically the graphic's just showing you all the areas that will be impacted and, kind of, overlaying over the top of our phase one
So with that, I'd like to also point out there's two elements to that scope of work
There's main terminal and south satellite
So those are two separate items that we'll discuss a little bit further in the presentation
So this slide represents all of the 10 miles of conveyor that we're taken out and replacing
So it's a graphic design--
Mind boggling
Yes
It's multiple floors and multiple levels with-- underneath the ticket counters, the concourse level all the way through the airport and how it's all interconnected
Who's the genius behind us? There's many geniuses, right, Rube Goldberg
There you go
Many, many
We have many engineers helping out
Well, I can imagine
So the next slide just represents what we've competed to date
So we've previously been before you and voiced our concerns about exceeding our overall program budget, but not near the magnitude of what we're seeing with this bid
So our team worked really hard to try to market this project to make sure we got competitive bids in this construction environment
So let me explain to you a little bit about the market conditions
So currently there's five manufacturers in the world that could do this job
These manufacturers also do e-commerce and automated material handling systeMS So e-commerce is Amazon, FedEx, U.P.S., car manufacturers
So they do a lot of work there
So initially when we marketed this, we had four of the five were interested in doing the project
So one of the examples is the current manufacture that we have on our phase one is Jarvis B
Web and their overall business, it's only one third of their business is actually baggage
So we we did a peer review with couple of their airports and they didn't suggest any changes after we went through and met with them on our approach contract strategy
They looked at our budgets and our estimates
And we've also briefed the airlines
So basically, how I'm going to explain this, so we're going to start on the left under "bid item" and so there's two main elements within this bid
So as you look at the column on the left, there's main terminal and south satellite
So if you go across the main terminal, basically it's significantly higher than our engineers estimate
And this represents the two bids that we did receive
And then the next, if you go to the left, come down to south satellite, that scope work is significantly less than our engineer's estimate
So, and this slide basically represents a variance and shows the market conditions and that they're 9 percent apart between Hensel Phelps and Siemens Logistics
With that, let's see, slide 9..
So we're going to contrast that-- basically the contrast between our engineers estimate and where our bids came in
With that, I'll go the next slide
So this slide represents the overall bid amount and it'll start on the left
And then just go down the column on the left and what makes up our-- we have a hard dollar bid amount, then we have tax, construction contingency, project oversight
One of the things that we're recommending with this moving forward is we do an executive director reserve of 10 million and that will address the airline requested changes, design changes, those kind of things
This makes us be able to react quickly to changes
And then as we go across, basically it shows you the variance in the total increase
So any questions on that? It's always a concern when our estimates might be considerably off, but there's some complexity to this that's perhaps unique and maybe there's a deeper explanation
Yes
And I'll get into that
OK
All right
And I can address that for you
Any more questions on this? I'll just go to the next slide
So basically, this is a overall budget that shows phase one we actually, we're one hundred thirty five million is what we started out
We're going gonna complete that at about one hundred one million
Then projecting our phase two across that, the four twenty five
And then what we're also requesting in this is that we do-- with this authorization we include the design of Phase 3 that gets us to the total of five hundred forty
So with that, unless there's questions, go to the next slide, start digging into the details
So here's what we learned
We sat down with our contractor and we did an evaluation with them
We met with them a little bit
But this is an extremely complex project
It's got 64 sequencing steps
It includes 2,000+ shut downs
A significant part of that work can only be done in a two hour, 45 minute timeframe and that's when all of our baggage systems are not operational
As you see, there's a number different factors that drove that difference between the contractors bid and our estimate: low bid guarantees, the costs material
But it puts the liability on the contractor, too
And that associated cost and risk, if the system is impacted and the operation doesn't come back up, that is put in the contract
The contractor has to deal with that
So one of the things is the contracting committee came back and said that we didn't allow enough contract time
So we ended up adding an extra year to the contract time so that we could get two bids
So they, of course, include risk, labor increases, escalation on materials, and it's-- can be--- the inefficiency for this long duration project
So with those-- the 64 steps we went through and we helped-- we sat down with the airlines and their airline technical reps and develop those with the airlines
So phase one in comparison, we did phase one and we got a very favorable bid because it didn't impact the operation
So the-- one of the things I want to draw on is that the Phase 2 component of that, or the South Satelite, excuse me, is a separate element of work and that scope of work is actually going to-- as soon as I.F
completes and the facility is moved over to I.F
We actually shut the South satellite down, we go in there, the contractor is going to get a 24/7 time slot to actually do the work
It's limited operational impacts at that point
And they have laid out space
There's high risk and inefficiencies which made this an unattractive project
And that's why we only got two bids
They don't-- we don't have laid out space in the main terminal
There's nowhere to actually put the material
They have to actually rent a warehouse offsite within 10 months of the airport, they have to pre-assemble their equipment, and build that, bring it in nightly, put it up on the scaffold, put it in place
And at the end of that shift, they've got to take that back to the warehouse
So we just don't have any room inside the footprint for a contractor to actually be efficient with that
So risk is pretty expensive, continuous operations are pretty expensive
So what I mean by that is if the system doesn't come back up the next morning, the contractors get to supply all the manpower to actually physically move those bags off the conveyor, to deliver those to the airlines
So they have to account for that
So one of the other things that we came up with, too, is we've talked to some other airports and they say the way that they deal with this is they have space
They take out gates, then they'll build a temp facility, they'll put a temp facility in, feed that system, they'll take down the area and rebuild it and then get it back online
So that-- we actually don't have any space to take gates out of service to be able to do that
So with that, I'll go to the next slide
So it's just a comparison for you
Basically, I think I've talked about this
This is the the south satellite work versus what we have to do in the main terminal
That's not a live operating system in the south satellite
That came in right on what we estimated that at, or actually below our estimate
So, and that work is very similar to what we receive for phase one
So
So I'll go through this
So you've identified 13, or three alternatives, not 13
We have a full explanation and all the details of the alternatives in the appendix and the Commission memo
There's significant downsides to do alternative one and alternative two
And I'll just touch on a few key points to that
Alternative one is basically we rebid this project, we package this into a phase two and a phase three, and we'd go out and hire a general contractor/ construction manager type contract
We'd get them in early
We would work through a design and then go out on the street and do that
The second alternative would be de-scope this phase two work and rebid it
And then basically we're recommending proceeding with the construction of Phase 2 as bid
That's the market pricing
And then we've also requested additional TSA funding
The letter has been sent, they acknowledged that they received the letter
They're working in-- they're working on the details of that currently
How much have they committed to thus far? So currently, $94 million dollars of the program
So, significant chunk
Can you remind the public of where these revenues come from on the airport side? So these revenues are, I believe these are facility charges, rates, and leases, if I got that right
Wayne Growthyear
Essentially all of these revenues that that funds come from the airlines
So if we don't do alternative three, that's going to impact other major projects that we are trying to get done around the airport, and I'm just gonna highlight two
So I'm going to talk about the C1 building and the other component that I'm going to talk about as the airlines requested that we accelerate some makeup that we're gonna trying to do out in south satellite
And so that got moved from phase three into phase two
So that impacts us being able to add that work in
This is currently out for airline MIA, Majority interest approval
We're expecting that back by February 9th
This project is also regulated by TSA and it's required
And also, if we delay or don't do move forward with it, then it doesn't help us get any more TSA funding in the future for other projects
With that, I'm going to turn it over to Wayne and talk about some lessons learned on estimating
Thank you
And thank you Commissioners
Obviously, when we have an estimate that is this far below what ends up being a market price from two bidders, we have to look very hard in the mirror and look at our processes and look at how we put our estimate together and how we work with the Commission on this
And think about how we would do this differently
What lessons do we learn from this going forward? So I'd like to go through the items that are listed here
First is when we have a large project like this, the estimates actually put together by our designer working with our estimating manager
What we will now do, and we are doing this right now for the C1 building project, is use another independent estimator to have a second estimate for large and complex projects
This was actually an idea that came out of our recent airport peer review
Second, is making key project risks transparent to you when we come to you for a major or a high risk project briefings [coughs], excuse me, or authorizations
An example of that fairly recently was when we came to you last fall for the checkpoint one project relocation excuse me, checkpoint one relocation project authorization
We were quite explicit about the risks
Here, frankly, in retrospect, an obvious risk that we should have pointed out right from the start is that there are five firms in the world that can supply this kind of baggage system
Third, reviewing projects with other airports and other airlines
We, as Ed mentioned, we did that on this project and the other airports did not suggest that we do anything differently
But an informed second or third set of eyes can add great insights to difficult projects and we will do more of it
Fourth is looking at our contracting method as we go through phased projects
For the first phase of this, we did design bid build
At the time, that was essentially TSA's requirement
Over time, TSA has become more flexible
We need to look harder as we get to phase two and we will certainly, excuse me as we get the Phase 3 of this project, and certainly do the same thing in any other phase project of always look at what is our best contracting method and potentially use outside advisors to help with that as well
State law does, as you know, allow us to use different contracting methods for construction subject to your authorization
Finally, notwithstanding the construction market locally, which, of course, is-- continues to be very strong
Our projects are getting harder to do
As airlines grow, as passenger traffic increases, and as we strive to meet customer service expectations while doing quite extensive construction
Projects getting harder to do means more risk and higher costs
So the idea of historically looking at, for complex projects, how high have we been over our initial cost estimate, get some outside expertise, say should we adjust those those cost estimates in some way to account for that is the idea and the fifth bullet
So with that, we're requesting authorization to execute the contract with the low response of bidder and increased total program budget to $540 million
Commissioners, questions or comments? I have a quick question-- By the way, we've been rejoined by Commissioner Calkins
Thanks for being here
Kind of going back to lessons learned, I'm wondering just on a broader level, if we ever leverage RFQs to get a better sense of cost projects
RFQs for project in the public works--
Requests For Quotations
Yeah
No, thank you
Thank you for clarifying
And how that's different from-- So that's requesting-- for doing actually public works construction, that's essentially what we did here was to actually request a hard bid
There are certain-- there are different construction methods that we can-- construction contracting methods we can use
And essentially, that's what we did here was ask bidders for what would it cost to do this
But I apologize Commissioner Cho, I think you're missing something--
The distinction I'm trying to make is that if we put out an RFP, it would get proposals, then we need to essentially make a decision on those proposals, whereas if we get a quotation we can just look at those numbers and see and help inform the costs of some of these projects prior to making it-- putting out a plan for an actual proposal
Does that make sense? Right
Yeah
Yeah
Thank you for clarifying
It's something frankly, I don't know that anyone's here from our procurement office
I think it's a better off-- a better question for procurement office to address in terms of just what state law allows and doesn't allow for a contract
I would love a briefing on that
OK
We will follow up
Probably note that Director Metruck has been undertaking in an effort to reevaluate our procurement methods for more efficient and reliable delivery on our capital projects
And we'll be getting a report on that some point, I expect
Yes
Commissioner, if I could, just to add to that is that especially in these lessons learned, and appreciate some of these that Wayne has brought up here or some of the ones that we're looking at, you know, we're doing that analysis of how do we do , you know, is this is a great example on things where there's less complexity and straightforward, where you're not interrupting operations
We're pretty good on estimating it
And then when you get it in the complexities and anticipating that, and then in this case, there were other the market factors that developed from the time as this project matured
But I think we've got to continue our analysis as we look at that's our capital delivery system to kind of carve these out
Do our analysis of that
But in these specific cases, can we anticipate, you know, and one of the things that Wayne brought up is getting those two independent bids
So there's a bunch of things
And we'll look at that, talk with you, Commissioner Cho about that
But I think that's part of these complexities
How more can we can we get better at these estimates for these mega projects, these large scale projects, which, you know, is-- if you look around the country, though, other people have encountered the same problem with complexities and market forces, which can be changing rapidly
But there's-- I think there were some good lessons learned out of this one for us that we'll incorporate to our overall approach to these larger projects
And we will give you a report on that progress on that effort
When looking at the discrepancy between our initial estimate and we're being asked to authorize today, after having received a briefing on this drill down into it, it does seem to me that the the suspicious number, let's say, is the estimate and that it appears as if you all have identified that in the sort of hindsight analysis, recognizing that doing a second-- having a second firm come in and provide guidance on that estimate number, I think is a great idea moving forward on these mega projects
Because it does not seem as if we're getting fleeced on this bid
It is just a very expensive project in a very constrained environment for a type of contractor that's very rare
So it's going to be expensive to do
That said, I do support these initiatives by staff to make for a more robust initial estimate
And I'm appreciative of Executive Director Metruck's efforts to ensure that
As we quote numbers at various stages in project development, we're very clear about the certainty around those numbers
And I know that often the first number that's cited, even if it's an early guess by an outside consultant, somehow becomes gospel, that that will be the final number that we're using
I think we're all going to be really cautious about how we quote with these things, especially as we look ahead to other projects around the Port
Oh, and I do have a question
So what happens if that, I believe it's a two hour and 45 minute work window that we're going to have on many nights when the only time during the night when we can shut down the the current system and be able to work in, on, and around it
What happens if that work window widens a little bit so that the work teams would have access to for a longer period of time? Do we save money or time? So we actually go back There's some opportunity in the contract to go back and ask the contractor if they actually get a wider work window that we can receive a credit on that
So we have to work that out with our construction manager team, and the contractor
So if we do get some flexibility, we can go back in and receive a credit
Not that you're going to get dollar for dollar potentially, but we would hope fully be able to accelerate schedule, too? Potentially, yes
If we can do that, we will
At any any opportunity again
Great
So
I think, you know, we've been down this road a little bit before in that there seems to be a certain amount of boilerplate that we could say for almost any project at the airport
And, you know, it's
Operating at the same time, constructing is difficult
To b e on a tiny footprint is even more ridiculous
Doing things that have very few people in the world that can do the work
I mean, these are all knowns and it's known for almost everything
And if it involves vertical transport, which is the new term of art for me, elevators and escalators, it's even more ridiculous
So we just know those are always constraints of-- what I guess what we have a challenge with is trying to enumerate how much of a premium is that to the company doing the job
And that would probably also vary about, you know, what other work they have in line
So it is a-- it's a known
But how much of it is attributable seems to be the big gap in our ability to get to that
And hopefully multiple bids will help us with that
But it seems almost gonna be like contractor specific kind of a question
The the only other question I had-- the question I had was with regards to this obligation to be able to, you know, shuttle bags manually if they can't do it
I mean, the idea of having, it's like an oil spill response, like, all of a sudden you're gonna have to cascade 100 people to go start watching rocks
I mean, how, what is the consequence of not being able to do that? You know, it's like a huge burden to be able to, all of a sudden be-- So part of the part of what we developed with our shutdown procedures is the contractor has to present us with an entire document that says, here's how we're gonna shut this down
Here's the contingency plan
Here's the staffing that is going to be onsite to be able to deal with if I've got an outage and I need to move bags, where were they providing those bodies for? So we have a very detailed plan that we've developed with-- that they have to follow
And if they don't follow that, then with a contingency plan that we don't let them shutdown so they can't do the work
So we will-- we evaluate that on every single shutdown we do
There's quite a process that we go through before we'll approve that process for them to actually proceed
So if we think that there's some risk there, then they won't be allowed to do the work
And again, I appreciate that
That's assuming that we have control of the situation, correct? Right
So some widget breaks and--
And we do run into these issues on occasion
And then that's what our contingency-- that's what our fallback plan is
And then we'll get the resources we need to make sure that we can shuttle those bags through the system and get them there
So I'm just wondering
So let's say they just can't meet their contingency plan requirements
What is the-- Some of the backup plans that we've used before is we'll call Port Construction Services to assist us
We'll get our field crew in
So if there's things like that pop up, sometimes we'll ask for assistance by the airline to help shuttle those bags around
So we'll go to the next level
I'm asking a different question, right
There's a premium we're paying for them to be able to do this
Yeah
And so it's let's say somehow it's their fault that some unanticipated thing happens
We're shut down
They now have to do the manual shuttle and they can't meet the contingency that we held them to
What the consequence of not doing that
I think we would look at that to say, you wanting to-- what's the penalty for failing to be able to execute their contingency plan? I mean, they're holding that as a premium over our head, what is the pressure that we have-- Let me call Chris Sherwood up and see if he can-- Is it a planning standard or is that a requirement? Good afternoon, Commissioners
Chris Sherwood here, construction manager for the program
We don't have, really, a contingency plan or a penalty on a case by case basis
But if the contractor does have a series of these and are late on the overall schedule, then we do have liquidated damages that will be enforced
So not on a night by night basis, but on the overall contract duration basis
I could be a very bad night for some people
Yeah, I think
I think the point is, Commissioner, just, you know, I understand you're train of thought of this
But I think the thing is that you wouldn't allow them to go forward unless they had you know, the plan is one thing
But it sounds like they have to have the resources in place as well
You know, if the resources aren't in place I think that's the insurance policy to backstop it versus just a penalty, because I think that's a better, actually
I'll just comment on that without looking at this
That's a better solution, because sometimes if the penalty is not high enough, it may make sense to not do that, to pay the penalty versus getting the work done
I understand I understand what you're saying
But the other point I'd make just briefly is that the plans are quite specific to the individual shud own
So it's not just, to come up with a plan of how you would deal with this over the next four years
The plans are quite specific for each shut out that we do so, which could require a major response
So there-- we're going through that step many, many, many numbers of times
Thank you
Let me also add, we want them to succeed as well
Right
I think if the contractor fails then we've all failed on this because the passengers and the airlines are the ones who can take the biggest hit
So we're going to work with them as best we can develop the original plan, the contingency plan, maybe a secondary contingency plan and help make sure that everybody's successful on each of those shutdowns downs
I'd like to offer a few comments here
It's just a design build or bid build procurement-- this is one where I'm particularly interested in the area of method of procurement for the range of projects that we undertake
This one is a unique project
I think it's fair to say and it is more complex than just about anything else I could think of at SeaTac Airport
I also think it's unique to SeaTac Airport, the challenges that must be undertaken in replacing the old system
It's-- I think it's not unlike a surgeon with no elbow room operating on multiple organs, more or less, at the same time while keeping the body alive
It's something as complex as that and difficult
And I think that makes it particularly difficult to provide a guaranteed price, you know, in this manner
There's so many unknowns
And from the estimator's side, on the owner side, us, there's no handbook to refer to here
You could find the motors and the equipment and conveyors and all that and price out those things
But pricing out or estimating the intricacy of, I'm speaking out on the construction side, there's nothing else to compare it to
Even another airport with a baggage system that's being-- our airport is unique
It's confined, it's growing extremely rapidly
And yet the public doesn't see much of this one when it comes to the 10 miles plus, maybe they'll be fewer miles in this new system
I would expect
It's the same, actually
Is it? Well and maybe some energy efficiencies as well? But I would point out that the public sees almost none of the system
I've taken a tour down below, and it's just it's almost incomprehensible how, you know, challenging it must be to replace the existing six system mechanisms while maintaining the airport
I think Alaska still guarantees 15 minutes
Or is it 20 that your bag will be delivered to the carousel
And we take for granted, you know what it takes to get that bag where it's supposed to be within a limited time frame
So I think when we're looking at lessons learned, we have to also consider
Well, I think I put high attention on the procurement method at the beginning, first of all, and we have now a track record in that regard and there's ever evolving procurement methods and so forth
And the progressive design build that method, which I guess underwent proved to have its challenges
But that being said, I think what we-- the estimator invariably has a degree of optimism and which I think some of these challenges from the contractor side are overlooked
And the risk taking that as part of this type of procurement is huge
And I think that's why we only got two bidders for a half billion dollar project, basically, and there's only five in the world to this kind of work
So there's a lot of very difficult constraints and factors that go into making this project particularly unique and challenging that, you know, but we still can always do better with regard to the estimating side
And I think we've-- I appreciate the transparency in which our staff has evaluated this project and looked hard and been very open about the potential lessons learned that can be carried forward
And so I think we absolutely need this system and we need not lose time in terms of delivering it
I think we're probably already, you know, is the IAF going to be served by this new system? So that's currently a separate system within the--
It's entirely independent? Currently
And it will be remain independent or it will be connected? In phase three we'll go down and connect that in
So is there any issue in terms of delay with regard to integrating with the new IAF? Not currently
Well, that's a program that--- we've got our teams worked pretty intently with the IAF, I mean their baggage
We've got that pretty well dialed in
Ok
So I think we're doing all we can and we're putting the effort in to do better in the future
I think we're always-- seems like we could always do better
And I think we're intent on doing better in the future as well
So I think
Thank you
Yeah
Thanks so much
Just to add to that, as we look at phase three, there's different complexities and risk with Phase 3
So we'll be taking lessons learned and thinking about them as we look, as you know, as we lean towards that design and looking towards phase three, OK
Any further comments, questions, commissioners? All right
Thank you
Is there a motion? [Unclear] Is there a second? Seconded
It's been moved
And I said as that the year the big number, but you should think hard about that and feel confident
So, and I do
So it has been moved, it has seconded
all those in favor? Aye
All those opposed, nay
The motion carries
The motion is adopted
We are now onto item 8C
Thank you
Commissioner
Adoption of resolution number 3768 as amended
The Resolution of the Port of Seattle Commissioner Establishing a Sustainable Evaluation Framework Policy Directive
Commissioners
There are four amendments on the desk
Commissioners, this resolution is the result of work through the Energy and Sustainability Committee
This framework will be applied to all capital projects and key operational decisions to advance the port's sustainability goals
One amendment was adopted on November 19th and there is, as the Clerk has said, Paul said, there's four additional amendments to consider today
And Aaron Pritchard is presenting
But in the meantime, I'd like -- I think we could take all of these amendments in a single vote
Is that possible? MR Clerk, if that-- if there are no objections? We could speak to each of them
But I think we can vote on them all together unless somebody wants to vote them individually
All right
Let's proceed
Thanks
Good afternoon, commissioners and executive director
Today, I bring before you the adoption of the Sustainable Evaluation Framework Policy Directive
I also have four non-controversial amendments that I'll review
For the public, the primary purpose of this policy is to require the application of a sustainable evaluation framework to all capital projects and key operational decisions to advance the Port's sustainability goals and other social objectives
A secondary outcome of the policy, but no less important, will be to ensure that decisions associated with the application with the framework are documented in a manner that is transparent to the public, commission, and to Port staff
The sustainable evaluation refers to a set of criteria recommended and adopted by the Commission back on December 19, 2017, to assist the Port in achieving it's sustainability goals
The framework criteria are: to reduce GHG emissions, increase resilience, protect health and the environment, support local economic development, advance innovation, leverage partnerships, and advance equity
The slide in front of you shows the project-- the progression of a project to completion
You'll note some green leaves, I think they're green in statuses 1, 2, 4 and 6
Under the framework, these are new touch points for the Commission
Under the framework
I'll also- so you see, I think, status one in the second box: Identify the sustainability theory
You'll see a little leaf there
And that's sort of a new element that's been added by this framework
Then again, under status two about halfway down: environmental compliance, Sustainable design approach
So that's sort of one of the new elements that will be brought within design
Then again, in status four Energy and Sustainability committee reviews sustainable design strategy at 30 percent and so on through this
Two others that I also wanted to show was that Commission will see the sustainable design approach when they approve the design
And again, that's status four when you approve construction
And this document in particular focuses on sort of the aviation processes
But really I think Commissioner Felleman asked that this slide would be shown today to just highlight how this will be integrated into the overall process to sort of quote our executive director that this isn't become a bolt on process to what we do, but going-- part of how we do our work here at the Port of Seattle
And the second, there's a second slide here that-- procedures for sustainable project framework
This slide takes the elements of the sustainable evaluation framework in isolation outside of how we do, go through the other project, capital projects, steps
So each of the steps here, project intake, planning/notebook, design, construction, and close out shows where the sustainable evaluation framework will be plugged into our processes
So finally, I do want to note, as we move into our committee processes this year, we have the opportunity in the Energy Sustainability Committee's draft work plan to follow the C-1 planning process
I believe that the authorization for design for C-1 will be coming forward in Q1, maybe in March
And the Energy Sustainability Committee will sort of a get a peek behind the scenes to see how the the framework is applied throughout that process
A little more than we would on a usual project in the future but because it is implementation
We're gonna get a peek behind the curtain here
C-1? That's right
Correct
What the? Define
Well, I don't necessarily--
It's a new project at the airport that's going to be coming down for approval within the next-- in March
So I'll pause here and jump into the amendments if there aren't any questions on the framework itself
Sure
I just wanted to point out that my desire to see the the incorporation into the construction planning with the green leaves, I think in one part was it the question that was asked from the audience immediately said, "So when does this come in?" You know, and I guess the other point is, you know, having an Executive like Commissioner, Steve Metruck, who wants to see that's folded into the system these leaves are not the critical thing as much as for the future
And, you know, I think previous executives perhaps wouldn't have looked to the leaf in the course of construction
So I just feel that this is a way to institutionalize what I would feel, it doesn't need to be, you know, a stick to be beaten on now
But we're looking for a future
Future sticks to beat
All right
Thank you
Excellent
So I'll go through each of the amendments in order here
Amendment 2 as offered by Commissioner Felleman is probably the most substantive amendment to the operation of the framework
This amendment adds a step to the design process where the executive director will consult with the Energy and Sustainability Committee on the Sustainable Design Strategy at 30% design
Essentially as they begin to design the project, the team that is working on the sustainability elements will come back and say, "here's where we are and here's what we've seen" regarding sort of new sustainability elements
This gets particularly as expressed by Commissioner Felleman to ensure the Commissioner receives appropriate visibility of alternatives early in the design process
The amendment also affirms that the commission will receive a review of key sustainability decisions, where there are significant sustainability, GHG, or cost market implications
This amendment has been reviewed by the Executive and his team, and they've agreed that the amendment is a reasonable step in the process and won't add any significant administrative burden or delay to the design process
All right
Amendment 3 Offer by Commissioner Steinbrueck provides a suggested definition for resiliency as Executive Director Metruck takes up the effort to incorporate resiliency into the framework
Amendment 4, offered by Commissioner Felleman enhances the "Purpose" section of the framework elevating the century agenda goals, the Port wide nature of the policy, highlights the GHG reduction, and the transparency framework will bring to the public on how we incorporate sustainability
And finally, Amendment 5 is an administrative amendment that gives the senior director of engineering environment sustainability, otherwise known as Elizabeth Leavitt, the flexibility to delegate responsibility to review changes in the state of design after construction authorization
It's pretty routine element to allow somebody to delegate that responsibility
That's the evidence we have for today
Commissioners, questions? Comments? Well, I'll make one
Oh, no
I was just going to move it
No, I think this is a remarkable achievement
And the-- and expresses the values that-- of Port wide values under our Century agenda and our commitment to doing things differently than have been done in the past in terms of the planet, people, and the economics of this
I think all of these things will be examined through new lenses when it comes to major construction capital projects
I don't know of another organization or governmental entity that has this level of screening early in the process of delivering a major capital project
Certainly there's been a considerable ramping up and commitment to green buildings to, you know, to achieving a certain standard under LEED and other sort of certification systeMS But this is more comprehensive, in my view, and it should be
In the world we live in today, these considerations reflect and the screening process here with specialized knowledge in each area, expert knowledge within our capabilities of our Port staff, I think will ultimately deliver a much better product that is responsive to a range of our environmental concerns and social equity concerns, financial concerns
So, and also resiliency, as has been mentioned as an additional component of this
And you know, we're in a world of climate change where we're seeing extremes both here and all over the world, all over the country
We don't need to really convince anybody of that
We should be building for a future with some of these uncertainties and exigencies as well
And so I appreciate the effort that's gone into this
I know it's been years in the making and Commissioner Felleman has been integrally involved, as has the Energy Sustainability Committee, and we all should be involved
So from that standpoint, I would entertain a motion to approve
Unless there are further comments
I had-- The one thing that I guess in the course of doing this that I think become very apparent to me is that there's a latent desire at staff level to come up with really clever ideas
And this is this is really, I see this as like an authorization to go forth and be smarter than us and tell us how we can more cleverly skin the cat or two birds with one seed or whatever it might be
So I really think that there's a a latent desire to do justice
And this is just a clear way in which you can show us how it should be done
So I thank you all for your help in doing this
And I would love to move item 8C
Excuse me
I need to interrupt
Oh, we we have a question I think on the amendments first
Yes, we have
We will move the amendments, which would be second through five
Is that it? Two, three, four, five, two, three, four, five
Is there a motion to approve the amendments? Two through five
It's been moved
Seconded
A ll those in favor say-- Oh, sorry, you want to...? Just a quick question for legal counsel on the amendments in particular
And just more generally, we are becoming intimately familiar, as Commissioners, with the processes that are required under state and federal law to conduct environmental reviews of particularly capital projects through Yays or EISes
I want to make sure that we're not creating an internal system that trips up any of those required external environmental review requirements
So I'm hoping our legal counsel can speak to that and assure us that we aren't
Since there are moments in this process now where their staff is soliciting input from commissioners, which at times during environmental review is explicitly prohibited
Can you speak to that? Yes
I'd be happy to, and it's not a question I've given thought to
But this internal process is something that's being built into the Port by its own motion and resolution
And so I think these are standards that we can follow independently without being influenced or having to follow on state or federal overlays
So I'm not concerned
I guess we could give it more thought
And if we saw a problem we needed to solve later, we could
But I don't see any reason not to move ahead now
I guess I'm just imagining that we will need to make sure that there is very clear communication between Elizabeth Levitt and whoever the official is in charge-- the staff person in charge of the environmental review to make sure that we're not having-- we're not providing input on our project that's in the environmental review, even if it's through something as official as the ENS committee doing this designated role
I mean, I think this policy definitely calls for coordinated communication throughout a lot of layers in the Port
So this is project definition
I mean, this is not what's being subject to environmental review
We're defining the project at this phase that will then be subject
So far as I'm concerned, this is a transparent decision about, like, how much do we want to do and then whether or not there's more needed or whatever, that's the environmental analysis
So, I think we're well before us running afoul of CEPA or NEPA
And that makes sense
These are design decisions, essentially, what our proposed project would be
So, most of these inputs from Commission would pre-date the review
Effectively, yes
This is a thought on this
Well, I just think they're complementary processes
So as the staff begins thinking about projects that are coming up, they'll be analyzing what tier project is it? If it's a project with lots of opportunity, it'll make it into this process
The project will go through environmental review, understanding what's required in terms of mitigation
And then on top of all of that, this process would be layered and it could be that you decide you wanted to do more: put a solar panel on, invest in wind energy
You know, there's lots of things that could happen here that are really additional to the environmental review
So I see them as complementary and I don't think that the direction we'll get from you, will do anything but inform much more informed environmental review processes
And just to be clear, I'm very pleased with this process and extraordinarily grateful to Commissioner Felleman in particular for the amount of time and effort he's put into creating this new framework for the Port and also to Liz and her team for working through what it's like in a large organization, too
What I think our hope is that this will inculcate the kind of environmental culture that we aspire to
And if, as we've seen with just the presentation today of around human trafficking, when we do this well, people emulate us
And so I'm really looking forward to the knock on impacts of this work, s o good effort
Thank you for that and I would add the project management teams of both maritime and aviation have been a huge part in bringing this as well as project sponsors
So we're the front people, but there's a lot of folks behind us that have really helped us get to this point
Ok, and we have a motion and it's been seconded to approve the amendments 2 through 5
Is there...? All those in favor? Aye
Oppose? Motion carries
Now we're onto the main amended motion
I would like to move that we accept motion 8C request the adoption of resolution 3768 as amended, a resolution to the Port of Seattle Commission establishing a sustainable evaluation framework policy director
Second
Yes, that's been moved and seconded
All those in favor say Aye
Aye
Oppose? Motion carries and we are on to item 8D
Thank you
Good work
Authorization for the Executive Director to enter into any local agreement with the University of Washington Green Futures Lab in substantial the form attached to fund and provide support for a continuation of the bio barge pilot project in an amount not to exceed $45,000
Commissioners, is this is a very exciting and innovative project that advances our goal of improving and restoring green habitat in the Puget Sound
This also addresses our desire to assist with orca recovery efforts
And we'll talk about the way forward on this as well
With that, the presenter is John Sloan
Thank you
Executive Director Metruck and Commissioners
Good afternoon
My name is John Sloan
I'm a senior environmental project manager-- program manager with Maritime Environment Sustainability
Here to talk about an innovative research project with the University and to request authority to sign and enter local agreement that will enlist their continued support by providing forty five thousand dollars in funding
See if we get the presentation..
The Maritime Environment Sustainability Group worked with UDub in 2019 with funding from King County to explore the usefulness of floating wetland islands also called bio barges, which are compact rafts of wetland plants that provide habitat for juvenile salmon while also improving water quality
Between April and July of 2019, four of these units were deployed and studied at Terminal 105 and 108
The study included support for Marine Maintenance Division, Global Diving and Salvage, one of our tenants, UDub Faculty, Students, Port staff, and Port interns
The work was funded by King County and the Rose Foundation, primarily
Through the first year of the study, we determined that the bio barges were successful in providing habitat and water quality improvement to the study sites in the Duwammish River, however, they proved to be somewhat not durable
They suffered physical limitations from vessel wakes, currents, and weather
As such, we're proposing to enter into an inner local agreement with the U[niversity] with the Green Futures Lab to supplement funding for a second year of study, where we'll evaluate a rebuilt version of the first generation bio barges with a heavier built second generation that you see in these photos
Under the inner local Port and UDub staff, including students and interns, we'll collect data, compare the two prototypes and generate a final report with recommendations for further improvements
In addition, the inner local will also provide funding to support continued community involvement in the project
We had 33 community scientists, primarily from the Duwammish Valley, participate last year and we hope to increase that number this year
If you approve the inner local, the executor director will sign it in early February and will commit the funding to the University
The public outreach will get underway in late February and the study will begin in March
By entering into this agreement, we're supporting important research which will determine whether floating wetland islands or bio barges can be scaled up to contribute to our salmon recovery and orca recovery goals
With that, I thank you for your time and happy to answer any questions
Questions? comments? Well, this is a very comfortable little project in terms of dollar amount here
I think it's going to meet with strong support
But I want to just mention that the the Green Lab at the University of Washington, Green Futures Lab that it's called, the built environments, is doing extraordinary work around green space, open space, parks throughout the city-- cities and King County
And I think they will be an exceptionally good partner
It's a bit of a unique project
But what I know of-- what little I know of history regarding such floating gardens goes back to the Aztec times in Mexico City
Two villages in particular, pardon me if I misstate these in terms of pronunciation
But Caio Coyula Card and Zovko Melco are part of the Aztec canal system by which they actually use floating farms basically on rafts to provide the region with its corn
And I'm sure that it also had the added beneficial qualities which this will which is a bio remediation of polluted water, which I think is the central objective here
So but I just wanted to point out that this is not a new concept, but it's being brought back
And I think it's very exciting
And we should look at it in terms of a model to be studied in terms of effectiveness, like some of the other great innovations we're doing around eelgrass and at Smith's Cove and producing, you know, sequestration of greenhouse gases there
Carbon that is
It's great that we can do this as a public organization to do these kinds of innovative projects
And I think it will demonstrate its worthiness in time
So thank you very much for that
Commissioner Felleman
All for aquatic vegetation
Not to suggest we're vegetative here, but the, I think one of the great things about it is the collaboration with King County
I when I met with Dow, he was very proud of that
I saw other commissioners, a councilman touting this project in particular, and Jeannie Caldwells was very proud of this effort
And the fact that the Rose Foundation funds this is a little funny given where they get their money from
But I like that
I think it's a very positive thing
And the fact that the interns are engaged with this is particularly good
And I'm hoping that our outreach with the tribal kids, we'll be able to engage this effort in particular
So I think it's fantastic and the more the merrier
Also, the fact that global diving and salvage is basically donating their resources and, with the vessels to move things around
All good
And what a great aquatic habitat for our salmon
And the fact that the Duwammish is a significant Chinook salmon place, I mean, that this is refugia for smolts and things like that
It's remarkable
Like the top four Chinook producers in the Salish Sea
So clearly killer whale bait is good
Thank you
I think just in our briefing of this earlier, I was discussing of how the science feeds into this
You know, some of these were-- there's a lot of science going into this to make sure that you're getting those primal small-- and eliminating the predators
I thought it was really impressive on some of those efforts to do that
So
And then the scalability of this, which is-- that's where we want to take it, just not beyond this program, but into a scalable program beyond that
You know, the fact that the the the Duwammish is such a hardened shoreline that we are doing our part with our pocket beaches and restoring little places that we can
But here we are sort of creating habitat where there's, you know, rip rap
I think it's fantastic
Okay
Any further questions or comments? I'll entertain a motion
It's been moved and is there a second? Second
It's been moved and seconded
All those in favor, please say Aye
Aye
Opposed? Motion carries
Thank you
Thank you
That concludes our authorization and final actions, I believe
And we're on now to presentations, reports, and staff briefings
Item 9A International Arrival Facility Progress Briefing
Ok, commissioners, obviously there's a lot of interest in this
Yes there is
We've had some exciting news also from the weekend
Over the weekend, Commissioner, we reached a significant milestone with our international arrival facility with the raising of the pedestrian aerial walkway, which, at 780 feet long as the longest structure over an active runway lane, taxi lane, in the world
Here to provide updates on the progress, the facility, is Dave Swanky
And obviously he's, I think he's got a number of presenters here
I don't know if they're all going to talk, Dave, but he's got a long list here, but includes from Clark Construction, Bill Calhoun from Washington, D.C., and then Brian Ahearn, the project coordinator here
Thank you very much, Steve
Yeah, we're excited today, commissioners, to be here
First, let me express just a, in maybe two minutes of remarks before we go forward, I want to say kudos to Clark in the SOM Design Build team and all the subcontractors and suppliers for getting the overhead pedestrian walkway moved from the cargo area to its final position, eight stories above the taxi line between Concourse A and South Satellite
Many key team members are in the room today, and we will log them during the presentation
That overhead walkway visibly changed the face of the airport and an aesthetic and exciting way
And when the program's fully complete, it's going to help your airport staff provide service and a warm welcome to international arriving guests
What are we going to cover today? Today, we're going to cover an update on the requirements that were set early in the beginning of the contract for small business contract requirements
And we've moved a step farther on giving you an update on goals, not contract requirements, but goals regarding women, minority business participation and other participations
We're going to cover the status of the baggage installation, the Grand Hall construction, and how our building meets environmental goals that were set when we got this contract underway
And of course, you're going to hear personally from our design builder and be able to celebrate their achievement of lifting that overhead walkway into place
A couple of great videos are going to cap off today's presentation
And I want to say that the design builder has overcome some mighty challenges so far, and they have an intention of finishing strong and delivering this program for the Port
Two comments
First, it takes many teams, prime building firms, suppliers, subcontractors, project managers, inspectors, labor, airfield teams, the FAA and many other Port teams to pull this kind of thing off
There's often one forgotten team that rarely ever gets a mention
I'm going to take this moment to do that
Surveyors are often forgotten
They come in early, our Port teams that surveyors set controls
Nothing's ever straight or level without them
Once the controls are in place, our contractor's expert surveyors take over from our Port expert surveyors and they have done an excellent job in making sure the fit of that particular overhead walkway's done
Kudos to all involved
Second, I'm continuing to feature various excellent Port staff in each of our I.F
briefings to you
That gives you a chance to get to know them and it gives them a chance to grow and understand how their great careers are progressing
They'll introduce themselves as we get underway
I'll now turn over to Steve
Good afternoon
Good afternoon, Commissioners and Executive Director Metruck
My name is Steve McCabe
I'm one of the I.F
program managers
My focus today will be on project cost and schedule status
Before I get going, I, too, would like to acknowledge a core group of our I.F
team here
The program control staff
If I could, as I say, your name Doug Grimm is our program controls manager right there
Jeff Straughn is our cost estimate
Dave Jones is our cost engineer and Pete Galloway is our program scheduler
These guys do a lot of their work behind the scenes
They're really the engine that provides a lot of data and analysis that we use for our reporting
They are a tremendous support resource for our team, for our project managers, REs, CMs, and really give us essential information and analysis for us to makes sound decisions
So this is a tremendous group and key members of our team
So thank you
Jumping into the report itself here on the cost side of things here
Why don't we just work our way from the top left and go counterclockwise around here
Looking at just the cost metrics of where we are on the Port side, this is our internal costs
You can see that we're still below budget, comfortably below budget
The one thing of note there in that blue hatched is the management reserve
So I think it's sort of key interest here and importance that you see the the management reserve that we've set aside is untapped
OK
So that's a key indicator for the health of the project
And save that for the big party at the end! Correct, at your place
Below that is the GMP portion
So this is where the clerk's responsibilities really kick in
You can see where those actuals are compared to the overall unspent there as well
Again, a nice general metric to the health of the project and take those two and stack them looking at the total program budget
We're a hair under 74 percent
That tracks well with the percent complete in general
Top right
You see, we've given t his a, on our dashboard here, an o n watch
The only reason it gets that is because while we do forecast being within the contracted budget, we do think at some point we will be tapping into that management reserve
Digging down one layer here
Still within the GMP
There are these contingency and allowance budgets
You can see the percentages of allocated versus unallocated here
Again, there's a general alignment between those percentages and our percent complete
So that's a healthy indicator
Again, the only reason here, similar to the previous slide that it's on watch, is that we do forecast an exceedance at current currently of the Port allowance
And that's where we would be tapping into that managers reserve
Switching gears to the schedule side, just to sort of land land ourselves here on the data date and what it means
This is all based on Clark's November update
That type of generally 60 day lag is typical in these reporting cycles
The contractor provides the update mid-month after the work is completed and then there's time for analysis and falling into these reporting cycles
So we just want to make sure no one thought there was something unusual about that data date
Currently, Clark is now forecasting beyond the contractual substantial completion date which is the dotted line there
That's actually early June, 6/6 of 20
And they are now forecasting to go out to the end of August 2020
You can see beyond that in the sort of patched red, our forecasts based on our analysis, looks looks to be a little bit to the right of that
So we're out about 30 days beyond what Clark is currently projecting
Last thing I'll point out on this slide here is that all of this I'm providing you from the project's perspective
That's essentially when we look to hand the keys over
Charles, Getkin will be reporting to you a little later on the presentation with regard to the activation of those facilities and all the effort that goes into actually getting the facility open and operating
All right
Let's see if I can use my
Fantastic Four s tretch your arMS Well, while you're while you're doing that, in terms of the constructive schedule right now, in terms of the-- Congratulations on this bridge accomplishment and all but we supposed to be able to get planes under it within a week of this time, it's that-- are we able to be able to be doing that? What I can tell you is the contractor has been afforded 168 hours from the moment they impact the air field operation till those impacts are to be discontinued and were suppose to be reopened to unobstructed use of the airfield
So that is still the plan
All right
I think I'm set
Hello Commissioners, My name is Miam Rice and I'm the director of the Diversity in Contracting Department
And real quick
I did want to acknowledge you
I would like to acknowledge a couple of people as well and is from Clark Construction
Is Vicki Bombo here? U nable to hear
But Vickie and Ralph Ibarra from diverse American network
And then also we've already acknowledged MR Doug Graham
All of them were worked really hard on this particular project in terms of really helping the small businesses out, seeing the numbers that you hear today
So as we move forward here, prior to your wonderful policy directive, the diversity and contracting policy directive that was established, we're now in 2020, we're saying
about 2018 when the policy directive was established focusing on women minority participation
Prior to that, we had a small business program and that small business program encompasses all sizes of small businesses
But also we mostly focused on what they call small contractor and supplier businesses, S-E-S, businesses, SES businesses are half the size standard of this federal Small Business Administration size limit
So as example, if a painter's threshold for SBA criteria is a million dollars
The SES program would be, our threshold would be five hundred thousand
So when this project kicked off, C lark and the Port of Seattle, our department worked really hard in terms of identifying what is a good requirement for establishing the SES number, as you see on the left hand side of the chart
And you see here
$25.6 million was the dollar threshold that we're really trying to get for those SES businesses as a requirement
The middle, as you see, what is currently going on right now is what has been awarded and awarding businesses equates up to $33.6 million
So as you see, what the requirement was versus what it's awarded is much higher
So we're doing really well from those businesses that actually have been awarded
And I thought it would be more transparent to really show not only just the requirements and the awards, but also to this point in time, the snapshot in time and day is, who has been paid
I mean, not who, but how much has been paid to this point
So what you see from the SES perspective is the full picture of awards versus pay versus the goal
Similarly
On the right hand side, you'll see the general SBE participation
There is the same format
We are well above the goal versus the requirement
Regardless of that, the awarded businesses, the businesses that have been awarded have really shown to be quite significant in this regard versus also the pay
That's, we're talking about $8.7 million dollars
To small businesses, and that's fabulous
So as you see, thus far, in this point in time, this is a good news story
And this presentation is all good news
So just want to let you know about that
Yeah, please
Commissioner
How much is really great? How many is another question? Right? Yes
That's the next slide?
All right
And the other thing was, like you said, over time
So I was just wondering in terms of for the life of the project, do you show like where these folks come into the project? And right now, it's classic exploitation
Right
Yeah
Where did all this money that haven't been paid-- Right
Right
That's exactly right
And so, you know, I don't want to misspeak here, but as in any construction project, there's different phases within the actual schedule
And so essentially, a lot of these scopes will come towards more of the, if I had to guess, the tenant improvement types areas
A lot of the smaller SES businesses, that's where they flourish
So comes towards the end
Toward the end
Makes sense
Now
Although
Although not required, we are tracking, with the help of Clark and Ralph Abair, and crew, we are tracking those, when he visits, we want to see what it looks like from those woman and minority participation
And if you look at the box to the right where it says current findings
As of today, 44 woman and minority businesses have been paid and together, we're looking at $104 million for this project and we're still going
Right
So this is this is fabulous and--
Probably unprecedented, I would think, in terms of local achievement in that regard
It's..
it's a good one
And these are distinct firms, right? These are distinct firms, they're not overlapping
There's no double counting whatsoever
And diverse American network with Ralph Abair
We've had-- doing a lot of double checking and making sure that there is no double counting as we move the ball forward
Lastly
We get more sunshine
Can I ask a question? Sure
I'm noticing this-- but it says the ethnicity was not tracked
It was not a contract requirement for the IAF
Nope
But Diverse America Network did validate each certification
So I'm wondering if we can go back and disaggregate that data and see, even if they didn't report it, if we can go back and look and see how that distribution was on a more granular level
Absolutely, Commissioner Cho, you bring up a very good question
Good afternoon, commissioners
Executive Director Metruck
For the record, my name is Ralph B
I'm president of Diverse America Network and I have resided in King County for four years-- or 40 years, excuse me
And I'm here in my capacity to fulfill services as the IAF Diverse Business and Manpower Acquisition, Consulting and Reporting member of the project team under Dave Swanky
One of my deliverables is to engage with the appropriate functionaries from the Port of Seattle and Clark Construction Group to confirm specific subcontractors and suppliers awarded contracts on the IAF
I, in turn have verified and validated the business classifications and status of the individual firms awarded contracts on this project using a variety of criteria
That is to say, certifications by the King County Small Contractors and Suppliers Program, The Washington State Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises, State and Federal Programs, The Federal System for Award Management, and other verifying sources
Now specific to your question, actually, we have been in the process of identifying the ethnicity of the individual firms that are on the IAF project
That's not reflected in these particular slides, but with Doug Grim's assistance, as well as the various data and details that Clark Construction has been providing and that we have been augmenting to get a better picture and to get more granular, that information is available and will become part of the reporting
We can easily provide what we have now
Great
Looking forward to it
Thank you
All right
So lastly, just for some of the folks in the audience or some Commission members, this is just a breakdown, the top chart where it says WNBE and this is different various categories for the federal certified disbands businesses, women small businesses when businesses better known and so forth
So that is just kind of it
Just in case you were curious about that breakdown and how much each side of-- each one of those areas folks have been paid
There it is
That's for your edification
Lastly, we have the apprenticeship utilization where you'll see the total apprentice hours, we're talking about 20 percent for minority, thirty two point six percent of labor, all labor hours here, which is doing great
But I think there's some room for improvement in the female area as you see, that comes up to 4 percent
So with that, that concludes the small business portion of my presentation
Any questions before I move on? Thank you for your hard work and attention here, it's a great achievement
So overall
Thanks Commissioner, sir
We often hear that the price tag is big, but the benefits are huge
That's right
That's right
Mm hmm
Hello again, Commissioners, Executive Director Metruck
My name is Chris Sherwood
I'm a construction manager for the Port of Seattle and I also support this project on the baggage portion
I will take you through the slide here and show you some of the progress we've been making on baggage
Starting out on the photograph on your left
That's a photograph of the CBRA
The CBRA is a TSA acronym that stands for Checked Baggage Resolution Area
And this is a room that TSA officers might perform a secondary search on your bag
The progress of the CBRAs is about 75 percent complete
Some of the remaining work includes installing the TSA electronics that support this room
The photograph in the middle there, the second photograph is a photograph standing on the ramp level, looking from north the south at our in-bound system
Now the in-bound system here is really straightforward
It takes bags from the ramp level, it routes them up through the floor, and deposits them on to one of seven baggage claim carousels
The photograph's a little bit busy, but I'd like to draw your attention to the yellow in that photograph
That's the really heavy duty crossover and catwalk system that we 've installed in the project
And that allows our aviation maintenance folks to safely trip over some of these very precarious locations and clear bag jams and perform routine maintenance on the system
The inbound portion of the project is about 70 percent complete
Some of the remaining work includes installing the remaining two baggage claim carousels and then hooking up the feed conveyors to those carousels
Now, the third and final photograph there on the right is a photograph of the outbound portion of the system, and that is our most complicated portion of the system
It's sort of the meat and potatoes, if you will
If you are a traveler coming to Seattle and Seattle is not your final destination
Then you will be rechecking your bags at a ticket counter within the IAF
And from there, Conveyers is going to take your bags down through the floor to a TSA explosive detection system
And assuming that they clear that, they'll get on conveyers, just like the ones you see here in the photograph, or they'll end up on one of four makeup devices
Those four makeup devices are all installed at this point
From there, the baggage handlers will make sure that your bags get from the makeup device to the correct gate and then hopefully on the correct airplane
I am pleased to announce that at this point there's about two weeks left of installation on the outbound system
Then we'll be fully installed from a mechanical standpoint
I would say the hard work starts at that point
We've got several months after that of testing and commissioning of the system to make sure it gets certified to TSA standards and meets our own standards that can eventually be opened up for use
And that concludes my portion of the presentation
I'm happy to field any questions
Good afternoon Commissioners and Executive Director Metruck
My name is Tyler Symbol
I'm a construction manager for the Port of Seattle
My focus on the project is over-arching Contract Management and the construction of the actual IAF building itself
I want to spend a couple of minutes talking about a couple of slides showing progress of the IAF
building itself and then conclude with just a quick update on LEED
So in late November, early December, the IAF now has its permanent power to the facility
The picture on the left is subcontractor, Vally Electric, doing the final connections inside the main distribution room throughout the IAF
Shortly after that was energized, permanent powers had been pushed to the major distribution panels and to the vast majority of the baggage handling system
The picture on the right is our mechanical room number one
It has now received all utilities that it needs
Steam, domestic water, and other utilities to become activated so we can start up the air handlers and start the HVAC system to bring heating and cooling to the building
Pre-functional testing will begin in February
I'll talk a little bit about finishes
Contractors method of working through the building has kind of been from a north to south kind of perspective
The picture on the left is the CBP Trusted Traveler area
This is where, one of the only public areas of the building that, folks can go to to get global entry entered into that program
From this, you can see that ceilings are starting to go in, flooring is starting to go in, and we're starting to see final paint on walls
The picture on the right is the TSA checkpoint area
The [inaudible] is complete
Starting to install column covers, painting is complete
And we're getting ready for the TSA equipment
The automated screen lanes do start being installed in late March
This slide is a picture of our Terrazzo
It was a major accomplishment in something that both the Port and Clark worked diligently on to make sure that we could install all hundred and forty five thousand square feet of this throughout the project timeline
As of right now, the contractor is about 75 percent complete
These pictures up here show the different stages of the nine step process to install
On the bottom left, you can see the black material, which is a pre level material with the architectural dividers
Moving onto the pictures on the right of the folks putting in the actual terrazzo mix
Finally, it'll get ground and polished in place and give us that exposed shiny aggregate that we're used to seeing throughout the airport
My next slide is a very interesting one, it shows where we were in August and where we were at the start of July
In the Grand Hall, January, excuse me, inside the IAF
In this picture, you can see the production of the terrazzo has started from the north, moved all the way throughout the south
Five of the seven baggage claim units have been installed
And also in the middle of the picture, you can see these white frames and columns
That's the art support and we're getting ready for the artists to come in to install in late March, start of April
So really shown some progress inside of the the IAF Grand Hall
These are the only slides that I have for the progress inside
Before I go to lead, is there any questions? [Inaudible] Correct
It's the posts and columns inside each of the baggage claim units and the art will be put in by the artist on on top of those supports
Nothing hanging from the ceiling? Not in this area
There's two kinetic sort of mobiles that will be installed by a different artist
One of them was back in the CBD
Ah, excuse me
In the TSA area
There's one
There's gonna be one probably right where the camera took the picture
And they're also on schedule to come in March and April
And the vantage of the camera? Is that space that we have flexibility on how to use now? Correct
Yes, it is the area right on top of the escalators
And has the decision been made about another photo platform? Not that I know of
Charles? Yeah
So Commissioners, Charles Getkin
We are looking at that mezzanine level that you're talking about where the APC kiosks were gonna go
We're still reviewing that with terminal operations as far as a customer service counter or some additional seating
So we have not finalized those plans yet
Somebody had mentioned and, I don't know, I thought was really clever, folks with like kids with strollers or wheelchairs or people that needed extra handling
Was that something that was being discussed as a as a staging area? Or? No
Not that I'm aware of, no, not in that-- not from that vantage point
That vantage point is the mezzanine level before you take the three escalators going down into the baggage claim area
Commissioners, Jeffery Brown, Director of Citizen Capital prograMS I think it's best given the concerns that we have with biometrics we haven't resolved yet that we reserve decision in that space
I think at that time is ripe for us to make a decision so for right now, I think let's hold off on that space
Ok
Now move on to a quick slide on LEED
Currently, the project team is working and on track to the LEED silver certification
Some of the highlights you'll see here: Infrastructure, the purple pipe's been installed for future rainwater reuse
We have increased daylight throughout the facility and the contractors diverting a large percentage of their construction waste from lands from, excuse me, from landfills
The project team is going to continue working with Port Environmental and Clark to obtain this LEED certification
This, you know, we are very proud of our amount of glass gazing at the views of Rainier and all that good stuff
I mean, are there like, you know, all sorts of coatings and stuff like that you put on glass? I mean, are there are multiple tiers of glass, I mean, when it was determined
I mean, I'm just wondering what the decision making process of is this triple pane, is this
Whatever
How is that determined? I've been on the project for about a year
I can't answer that question
We can take a look back into it
But I know that we do have blinds and shades that go in there
Also, the actual type of glass, I do not know
Just one of the bigger energy considerations
Okay
Ok
Thank you very much
I'll turn over to Charles Goodkin
Good afternoon, MR Metruck, Commissioners
My name is Charles Getkin and I'm a senior manager for ORAT: Operational Readiness And Airport Transition
We are responsible for making sure that all staff and employees are ready to operate in the IAF when it opens
So our goal for activation of the IAF is to ensure that all tenants, airlines, and vendors operating in and around the IAF are fully prepared for opening day operations
That entails many things from familiarization tours and orientations through the facility, making sure tenants on Concourse A know how to get out to the new load dock that's being built on Concourse A, to training on new systems and elements within the facility, operational trials that we'll do on escalators, elevators and other areas, passenger flow simulation, and making sure that everybody's familiar with new standard operating procedures and contingency plans
We'll also be collecting risks and issues that our various stakeholders have to make sure that we implement proper countermeasures and mitigation tactics before opening
So what you have on the slide here, activation generally breaks down
What can you do before substantial completion? And we'll be doing, we've been doing lots of familiarization tours
We've done over 300 familiarization tours, mostly with Customs and Border Protection, since they are the primary tenant of the IAF, but also with our airlines, customer service representatives, and other various stakeholders
We're also developing S.O.P.s with all these stakeholders, contingency plans based on the risks that we're seeing as we walk through the facility and identifying different areas they need training that the contract is not covering
So this is what you do before substantial completion
Once we get into substantial completion and we get hot and heavy, that's when the activation period begins
We'll be doing more refined familiarization tours with frontline staff, going through emergency egress routes, rally points, as well as doing operational trainings
And now we're actually going to get to use the new system's equipment, walk through the facility without hardhats and do a lot of the training that we've been talking about for the past few or several months
We'll also be putting together the operational trials
That's how we verify that the frontline staff actually received and retained that training, making sure that they can actually perform in the IAF with all the new equipment in the facility
Talked a little bit about the public simulation
So that's a passenger flow simulation to try and stress the noon peak and actually put public participants through the facility with checked baggage
And then we'll get into move and relocation efforts
So what can we move from the old FIS and the South Satellite into the new IAF ahead of time and what needs to be moved overnight as we then get into the actual opening transition from one night in the FIS at the south satellite to now all passengers and staff are working in the IAF on opening day
After we open up, then we've got post openings support
Typically, we're checking in frontline staff and their supervisors, making sure that everything's performing the way it was supposed to, that SOPs are actually being followed the way we had we described with our stakeholders and management
If there's any makeup training that's needed, we'll be coordinating that
We'll be working through lessons learned and collecting all of that from our different stakeholders, frontline staff, lots of talking with them and actually being out on the floor with the staff during operations to actually capture what went well, what didn't go well and what needs to be fixed
These lessons learned will then be used as as we did at North Star Phase 1A, use those for the next the next opening that we have, the next new facility
So that's some that's kind of an overview of activation coming up for the IAF
I got a couple of questions here on the subject
This is sort of the softer side of the delivery and operational side at some point, I presume, in all of this
There's a full and careful inspection of all-- of the entire building and all of the mechanical systeMS And then that would be followed presumably for maybe up to a year
Building, commissioning, is that part of the--? We have a third party commissioning agent that's verifying commissioning all of the systems and there--
Post construction, post activation, Right? Hopefully all systems are commissioned before substantial completion
Oh, they would be? Yeah
So what what's the timeframe for all of this? It's usually, my understanding with projects like this, it would be a period of-- more extended period of commissioning post construction
Yeah
Not to confuse the two
Commissioning is all about making sure the systems and equipment are fully operational, activations about making sure the staff and the people are ready to operate
You're right, like distinguishing between those, OK? Absolutely
All right
Commissioner
Yeah
MR Merritt
Commissioner Steinbrueck
This is Brian Ahearn with Clark Construction here
The commissioning scope of work is in the design build subcontract
And currently we've started planning for the commissioning process three or four years ago
The commissioning plan has been in place
It's been approved and we're currently implementing it as we speak
We'll start a very aggressive building systems commissioning process within the next month in March, and that'll continue through the substantial completion
And that'll be coordinated with the activation team and the training of the staff to move towards the successful opening of the IAF facility
Okay, there's quite a bit that will occur or maybe entirely before opening
Absolutely
Every system will be tested
Every system will be commissioned, every system will be, will go through extensive maintenance on it, training, getting the end user familiar with it prior to winning, prior to even substantial completion
That's good
I was recalling the pre-opening of the Alaskan Way tunnel
You remember when they ran the exhaust system to flush it out? It blew the doors off the elevators
It was so powerful
We won't be blowing any doors off of anything.[Laughter] And Sheet Rock, too Yeah
Good
Any other questions about activation before I turn it over to Brian? Thank you all very much
Thank you
Commissioners, Executive Director Metruck, thank you for the opportunity to address the Commission here today on behalf of Clarke Construction
I'm here along with Clarke Construction's Vice Chairman of the company, Bill Calhoun, and he will address the Commission as well
I'm here really today to talk about a very exciting milestone that the IAF project has recently achieved
Many of you have probably seen in the media, I know Commissioner Steinbrueck has personally seen it and been out there and we appreciate that
But we've truly achieved a significant milestone in raising the pedestrian walkway bridge, which ultimately connects the South Satellite to T erminal A and to ultimately the new international arrival facility
This is no standard milestone, no standard dry milestone or completion of steel
This is truly an amazing feat by an amazing group of people and was truly a collaborative effort
You know, this is the largest and longest clear band bridge over an active taxiway in the world, and that's here at SeaTac Airport
I want to take this moment to recognize the entire bridge team
It was a truly collaborative effort
There's approximately 400 different entities that are involved, companies that are involved in the IAF project, and many of them have pieces and parts of this pedestrian walkway in this bridge
And it truly took a collaborative effort
So we have many of the experts here in the in the audience
And I want to take a moment to recognize a few key individuals as part of this
Can we have you stand up, please? So let's give them a little bit more
Let's have you stand up
I'm going to introduce them by team
I want to start with the Port of Seattle
This truly could not have been done with without such a great owner by our side
Dave mentioned it before, but this is an active airport and we did this work in and around active planes with minimizing operations, or minimizing impacts operations as a priority
And truly a feat working in and around aircraft and the port of Seattle's leadership under Dave Swanky on the air side
Eileen Francisco, we had Mark Cotes, Steve St
Lewis, Sarah Mitchell, Jermaine Murray and Mattie Mackenzie
And I can't name everybody, but those were key players involved in the bridge
On the Clarke side, led by our bridge team, led by Brad McDermott, our superintendent, Jeff Nyeblack, our general superintendent, Michael Tavarez, J
Hastings, one of our lead engineers, Trevor Jerod, and Brian Peterson, were key members of the Clarke side again
Truly a collaborative effort
We had the best engineering firms in the world involved in this with SLM and KPFF
And I specifically want to recognize Jacob McCann and Jordan Deluthe who are here, who are the structural engineers of record who pulled off this engineering feat with our team
And then our contractor, our craft workers, the contractor here, TEC, The Erection Company
I want to specifically mention J.C
Hating, excuse me, J.C
Hayden, the project manager
And we have Jeff Glockner here, our general superintendent, who are in charge of hundreds of dedicated craft iron workers who are out here working in the rain and in tough conditions, but doing it in a safe manner
So I want to congratulate the TEC team, Supreme Jeff Jensen
We have the team that actually did the lift, a specialty firm called Mamu, who was a huge part
I want to specifically recognize a independent engineering expert, renowned, world renowned, who came out and has been here ever since the beginning of the lift
And a huge part of this in Caseys, the name of the company, and Alan Killchalmer is the engineer, and also want to recognize the third party testing agency who has been a huge part, ensuring that we're meeting code and doing the welds and getting the inspections with the Mays testing
Mike Mays and Jim Kay have been a huge part of that team
So I just want to give that group an extra round of applause
Thank you
Yeah, it was a truly remarkable achievement and very exciting to watch as well
After a few hours, it got a little cold out here
As this thing was inching its way up, you know, but it's really exciting
I had my son out there at midnight on Saturday, Friday night
I think it was
But you guys have pulled something off
That's truly a remarkable achievement
And for me, I think about the likelihood of millions of people walking across that bridge as they arrive, many for the first time to the United States, let alone, you know, the great Northwest here
And that's going to be a really exciting experience, I think, for arriving travelers
And they will remember that I'm sure of it, as their first, you know, view upon their arrival
The excitement will be unending there
So once again, thank you so much for a tremendous achievement, Clarke and all of our Port staff and everybody else, all the subcontractors and the engineers and technical folks
Remarkable
Absolutely
You know, though, the one thing that I'm most proud about is, you know, we had a lot of trials and tribulation, but we all had a commitment to do this safely
And that took priority at all times
And these experts and the culture we built related around safety and doing this right and minimizing any impacts to operations
I'm proud of that team for that
So thank you again
So with that, I wanted to give a quick update on some of the sequence of the construction, including the V Piers
These pictures here show just the complexity of just building the V Piers structures
We have to mirror image V Piers structures
One is on the Concourse A side as seen over here and the other on the left in the far corner you could see at the South Satellite side
And as you can see from this vantage point, we are working directly adjacent to active airports and active airplanes which made this even more complex
These next three pictures show some of the critical equipment, lifting equipment, we used
These are called Strand Jacks
Mamu installed these strand jacks along with TEC on top of the V piers, which ultimately were the lifting mechanisms that allowed us to do this complex lift and this complex engineered pick
These three pictures are the center section itself, which was prefabricated in fully clad and roofed in cargo two
It's approximately three million pounds and the size of a football field
And we put it on wheels
Now, I've done a lot of aviation work in my career and I've walked on a lot of runways at night doing a lot of typical utility relocations and runway paving work
But I can say at midnight on Thursday was the first time I walked down the runway alongside a three million pound bridge leading the way, effectively moving two point nine miles from cargo all the way over to its final point of erection at the between the South Satellite and Terminal A
So pretty, pretty unique experience here
And again, another feat that this team here pulled off
Including repairing a flat tire
Right? Yeah, absolutely
As part of that process, luckily we had two hundred and twenty three other wheels, but we ran into a flat tire
And again, kudos to this team and the planning
We had every contingency plan thought through as it relates to what could go wrong
And so we had several spare tires, several spare motors, several spare pieces of equipment that we could use in case something were to come up so that we wouldn't end up getting stuck on your center runway there and be able to open it back up
So, Jack
At the end of this presentation, I'm going to show a few videos which will highlight what we were able to pull off
But I did want to talk through two more slides related to the International Arrivals Facility Overall Project
This is a billion dollar mega project and it does have its challenges and its complexity
I'm proud to say that this team has overcome one of the biggest challenges and one of the most complex engineering feats on the project
But we still have a few challenges left ahead, especially with the pedestrian walkway, you know
In terms of safety, we took that as a priority, but the schedule now, the back end of the walkway is an aggressive schedule to achieve
And we'll be accelerating trades on the back end, on the schedule
And that will be a challenge here that we'll continue to face as we move through the rest of this project
We need to make sure that we're focused and this team is truly focused on continuing to attack these challenges and in a similar way that we did this bridge
We still have other things to resolve related to the facial recognition and some of the outbound baggage completion as part of the substantial completion date
We're currently working in a collaborative manner with the Port to achieve the best facility opening day and working with the team hand in hand
On the activation process so that we can come to a mutually agreed upon opening date and working collaboratively towards that
So
Really, that gets into my next slide of the opening
The big question is what is the opening day for the project? And that is something that we are going to work together with the airport
But it does depend on several different factors that are, that need to be resolved here that we're working diligently towards
The first is our design build schedule
The second is the IAF program team, the Port operations and maintenance team, the Customs and Border Protection
We have several key agencies who have to bring in their technology, move into the facility and activate the facility so that it's a smooth and effective opening similar to what Charles was saying and that's CBP, TSA and then working hand-in-hand with the Port, and the airports, ORAT team, and activation team to make this opening a successful opening
Yeah
So that, again, hats off to a remarkable accomplishment
And and obviously still a daunting schedule ahead of us
The near-term question is really what? Just getting back to operational on the on the field and this one week window is-- we're feeling confident that we'll be able to start getting planes across the under the bridge? So as Steve McCabe alluded to, there's a 168 allocated period for opening the taxiway, which would open it on Friday
We have some critical milestones that we're currently experiencing
The first one of those is to remove the Strand Jacks this afternoon
And the team here needs to go immediately out there to make sure that we do that safely
But we will at the end of today, we will know much better where we stand with that
Currently, we still are on target for that
Again, opening the taxiway is going to be dictated by safety
We're going to open the taxiway when it's safe to open
We're currently working around the clock
We have 80 welders, or 80 ironworkers, who 40 on each shift working day and night trying to make that happen
There's several key welds that need to get tested and approved as part of this process
And as long as all of that goes smoothly, we will be opening the taxiway on Friday as planned
So with that, I'm going to play here a video of the engineering feat that this team accomplished here
I got a question for you
There was a one inch tolerance on each side
Right? How close was it within the tolerance, the bridge structure? Matter of fact, there was actually a little bit less than an inch, but we had 16 major connections to make and for the most part, most of those connections, we were dead on within tolerance
We had a amazing field engineering survey team working with us
There were some connections where our structural engineering team here, KPFF and Casey and Allen, Killchimer
We had to make some minor adjustments, but we were prepared for those
We understood the nature of these tolerances, so we worked in a proactive manner to come up with contingency plans in case we had tolerance issues
But for the most part, all of the connections were within the tolerances that we needed
And a few we had the contingency plans really already worked into place for the fixes to make sure that we were within tolerance
How many of those Mamu tractor's do exist in the world? Is that just like built for, you know, do they just have multiple uses for those sort of things? So Mamu is a-- moving things is what they do
They're specialized in moving heavy objects, everything from nuclear submarines to bridges down a runway
They go around the world moving heavy, complex iteMS And that's their bread and butter business
And we sort of identified, you know, five years ago that this was a critical activity
And we went out as part of our team and got the, you know, got the specialty firms we needed to achieve this type of left
So they do have SBMTs that they use for different types of moves
They are at a premium
And they were, you know, we planned this, you know, years in advance to have as part of this operation
Yeah
Any further questions or comments? Commissioners
We are.
Ok, yeah
So I want to let Bill say a few words on behalf, of Clarke, and we'll wrap up our presentation
Very good
If there's any other questions, feel free
Good afternoon Commissioners and Executive Director Metruck
This is my, I want to say third or fourth time in front of you, and it's great to be here today
It's gotten better with each visit
And I'm certainly glad that we're on the tail end of a huge success that Brian just described
It would be a very different meeting if we weren't celebrating today
I want to thank Brian
We didn't stop and thank Brian and all of the individuals and that's just not the design build team, but it's the entire Port team
And it took everyone here in full collaboration
But Brian was the team leader
He was the coach
He had the vision
And he, like the entire team, had many sleepless nights and had the contingency plans, if you got to see behind the curtain and see the contingency plans in the playbook, flat out amazing
There's no surprise that we succeeded
David, Swanky mentioned the many hurdles and he said the design build team and I don't want to correct David, but I want to expand David's comment
It was the entire team, including the Port team, and there were many hurdles of all types
But the planning is what, was the reason for the success
And so I want to congratulate and thank Brian in front of everybody, because he certainly deserves it
So he deserves a round of applause
It's hard to follow the comments and the success that's just described
But I do have just one or two quick things to mention to you
I want to reiterate the gravity of the feat that's been accomplished so that we all have that in our mind, one of a kind in the world that's been accomplished
I think as time goes on, it will be the standard
People will come, they will talk to you all, they will talk to us
They will talk to this design and build team
And there are many questions about the planning and the engineering
And this will become an icon bigger as time goes on, in my opinion, and we will all refer to the accomplishment that we had here
And I think it will be the standard of accomplishment and planning that others will look to
And I'm very proud to have been part of that with this entire team
I want to take everyone back
I want to say it was a year and a half or more
Actually, I should take everyone back when we bid this project
This bridge was always the special part
And we began planning before we bid the job
Can we do it? How would we do it? And so this is probably five years or thereabouts in the planning
And of course, as time went on, the intensity has grown
With, with focus on what we have to do
So this is really the culmination of many years of planning
I will say that I take us all back to, maybe it was a year and a half or so, when I first appeared in front of you
And the then apparent issues caused you all and Executive Director Metruck to Commission the executive review panel and you we all hit the reset button together and Director Metruck's message to us was clear and it was one team, one mission
And here today I think represents that we have lived that direction as we pledged to at that time
I certainly pledge to
And this team meant it w hen we said we would do that one team, one mission and we've heard collaboration and having seen some of the making of the sausage, I can attest to
We could not have done this without the full collaboration
So I think Director Metruck, you, and your team for creating the vision and giving us the charge and we all marched to that vision
And we're here today to say we've gotten what is the most visible and probably physical, the biggest physical hurdle out of the way
And I want to pledge the continued corporate commitment of the Clarke organization, not only our Seattle office, this team, but our entire corporation
This is a very critical and important project to us, and it will remain so
You've got my personal commitment to stay with this project
I think the continued success, Bryan had a slide that had challenges
None of those challenges are unique or a surprise to a project of this complexity
But nonetheless, they have to be reckoned with
And I think the the basis of collaboration that we've established with this success is a great indicator that we can all build upon because we're gonna need to continue this collaboration as we get into the activation, the commissioning, the activation, the turnover, the startup and then the opening
And there's a lot to be done
And we're going to call on the strengths that we have gained in this history together
And I think the secret to the success of the successful completion and opening, which is what we want, projects success here, is going to be this continued collaboration as we work together even more than we have in the past
So you've got our commitment, my pledge, this team's pledge
And I thank you for the opportunity here today
Thank you
Commissioner-- Thank you as well, Bill, Brian, Clarke Construction
Thank you very much
If Director Metruck-- Thanks, Commissioner
And if I could just add a couple of things
Bill, I want to thank you in the leadership, and Robin, and Brian, and the whole team
But I do also want to say, you know, if I can reflect back, it's not quite two years
I started in February 1st, but
But it's almost two years
But two years ago when we were here, I can reflect
The weather was very common like it is right now
We were looking out
It was basically just a big mud puddle when we're looking at things
So we talked
We did gather at that short period of time after that, those first couple of weeks and talked about this project and really moving ahead
I think we only envisioned where we would be today with this with a big milestone that we have here
And as you said, I think continuing to work and work together collaboratively with those hundreds of different companies and things that it's going to make this happen is important for us
I think, for the Commissioners to reflect
You know, we can see, we're talking just last night, but we can see the finish line in sight
And now we just have to get there
And I think it's important to have Lance and his team here, because it's not really it's not the completion of the construction, but it's the opening of the of the project
Putting it into operation is the finish line for us
And so but I appreciate and Clarke
So I'm realizing that that's where we're going to do that
But but I have to say, just to, we've called everybody here and I think it's all appropriate
But for what for me is that Dave Swanky, the commitment that he's done to this, I want to call him out personally and recognize him, Dave, because we wouldn't be in this position
I think
And just saying, so typical of Dave in that fashion, but I wouldn't, we wouldn't be here
None of us would be here
So thank you, Dave
Peter, can I? Absolutely
My remarks will mostly echo what's been said
But for me, I recall a book called The Pillars of the Earth, which I imagine some folks in the room will have read about the building of a cathedral
And as we've gone through this process, if you'll recall from this wonderful story in which as a child, reading it, I felt like I wanted to be an engineer or an architect afterwards because it just really painted the picture of what it takes on the ground from every worker and manager and anyone who's putting resources into a project like this
And recently I was asked about the project
Somebody had seen a video on social media of the bridge moving down the runway
And they asked me, well, why didn't you build that tunnel? And my inclination was just to answer the sort of dollars and cents question
All would have been more expensive, actually, surprisingly to build the tunnel
But I actually responded, "Why build a tunnel when you can build a bridge that allows everyone who's coming into Seattle for the first time these glorious views." And in fact, as I was driving in today, I was dropped at the departure level, which meant that I could see the entire IAF
It is a gorgeous building
For the folks from Seattle coming to the airport
It's this new look that we get to show off
And so I congratulate everyone on the team for building this contemporary cathedral that is truly an engineering marvel
And as I shared an email to the leadership team, I cannot wait
In fact, I think I'm going to book a flight as soon as I can out of the country to come right back in and be able to walk across that bridge
So thank you all
Ok
Sure
Given the trials and tribulations all the way, I think it's really wonderful that we built the bridge in many ways in the course of constructing this project
So thank you so much for having us come together on what is truly been a phenomenal accomplishment
Thank you, sport
OK, with that, I think we'll close this presentation
I will say that if there are no motions--
There is one additional on your agenda
Ok
And we do have a four o'clock also after this
So agenda item 9B Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-term Project Environmental Review
Briefing, Forecast, and schedule update
Commissioners, this briefing will provide an overview of the results of the forecast update conducted to meet future airport travel demand as well as provide insight on environmental review and current schedule and presenters are Lance Little, Arlene Purcelle, and Steve Rybolt
Thank you, Executive Director Metruck, Commissioners
So today we will update you regarding the latest work on the Sustainable Airport masterplan, or SAM
As part of the environmental review, we have reviewed the forecast and updated it accordingly
We have also updated the schedule for the environmental review and we will share the information on these topics with you today
The SAM proposes facilities that can improve the level of service at SEA and continue to serve regional demand
Despite the spike in growth of the past few years, the airport can continue to accommodate more passengers
The level of service those passengers would experience will decline without the type of improvements included in the SAM near term projects
We will need to keep investing at SEA to serve passengers with an improved level of service and so that we are not a choke point to the region's economic performance
At the same time, we are a part of a regional conversation regarding the future of airports in our region, including the Puget Sound Regional Council's capacity to study and the state's aviation coordinating commission
The SAM environmental review of the near term project is a very important next step in meeting demand at SEA
However, even as we continue our environmental review, we continue to invest in our current facilities to address existing issues
We have nearly 100 terminal projects currently underway to improve efficiency and customer experience from the parking garage, and security checkpoints, to Terminal C, and restrooMS Before handing over to Arden
I would like to reiterate that it is important for us to make the necessary investments to meet the needs of the region
However, it is also important that we address the impact of this growth on the neighboring communities, and that is why the work of the environmental review is so important
Now I'd like to ask Arlene Purcell and Steve Rybolt to present the latest information
Thank you, Lance
Good afternoon Commissioners and MR Metruck
I'm Arlon Purcell, Director of Aviation Environment and Sustainability
As Lance said, our interest is in understanding the potential community impacts accurately
We were last in front of Commission in early 2019 where we briefed you on the results of scoping and as discussed then we are back to share with you one of the first key pieces of our work
We received scoping comments expressing concern about capturing growth at the airport
Given that the airport has experienced strong growth since the time the approved SAM forecasts were prepared, we took those scoping comments seriously and conducted a thorough review which led to the development of an updated demand forecast and what are known as constrained growth scenarios
These scenarios represent the more limited growth that is likely to occur at the airport due to lack of gates and aircraft parking, both without and with the proposed near-term projects
As a reminder, we're currently in the federal part of the environmental review work where FAA is the lead, but we'll be using this information for both the federal and the state environmental reviews
Now I'm going to turn the presentation over to Steep Rybolt Senior Environmental Program Manager to walk you through the details
Good afternoon Commissioners and Executive Director Metruck
This presentation will update you on the forecast and schedule, both of which are related to action we've taken to incorporate feedback that we've heard during the environmental scoping process
There are total of five slides
The first two slides will discuss the demand forecast and the last two slides will provide an update of the S AM Near Term Projects Environment Environmental Review
Commissioners, there are a lot of numbers on this slide
I want to first briefly walk you through our collaborative approach with F.A.A
and then discuss what these numbers represent
As part of the environmental review process, and based on comments received during scoping, the Port and the FAA reviewed the existing forecast and determined it needed to be updated to better reflect current and anticipated future conditions
We began the update of the band forecast following scoping and it was approved by the FAA on January 10th of 2020
The updated and unconstrained demand forecast is 5.1 million more passengers than originally forecasted for 2027 conditions
As a result of the updated demand forecast, gate and aircraft parking constraints will likely limit significant activity at the airport beyond 2023
In collaboration with the FAA, we developed constrained operating growth scenarios that more realistically reflect future operating conditions with and without the near-term projects
For the no action, or if the airport does not build the near term project, this is approximately 2.1 million passengers greater than originally forecasted for 2027
For the proposed action, or if the airport builds the near-term projects, this is approximately 3.2 million passengers greater than originally forecasted for 2027
The airport, under these constrained scenarios, is the most likely-- is the most realistic view of demand that can be served at SeaTac
The constraints scenario numbers will be used for the S AM Near Term Project's environmental review analysis
This slide is a visual representation of the updated demand forecast and the constrained operating growth scenarios
In this diagram, the dark blue line represents the updated demand forecast
The Green Line shows a no action alternative, or without the near-term projects
If the airport does not build the S AM Near Term projects, SeaTac will be limited by gates and places to park aircraft
Not building gates or aircraft parking will limit growth at SeaTac
However, the airport would still see minor growth since airlines will find ways to squeeze additional operations into the facility
The light blue line shows the proposed action, or with the near term projects
Around 2027, you see an increase in growth when gates and other projects come online
However, not long after the second terminal and North gates open, the airport will be in a constrained environment with minimal growth
As mentioned in the previous slide, the constrained operating growth scenarios for the no action and proposed action will be used as the basis for the S AM Near Term project's environmental review analysis
The key takeaway related to the updated demand forecast and the constrained operating growth scenario is that new numbers more adequately reflect current and future environmental conditions
The forecast update and other scope changes have resulted in an extension of the schedule
Many of these changes are a result of feedback received during scoping
The primary reasons for the updated schedule include: update to the demand forecast and development of the constrained operating growth scenarios, continued coordination with planning to better understand and validate assumptions made during stamp and identify where additional planning is needed to support the environment review, in response to public comment, additional technical analysis
This analysis include air quality, human health, environmental justice, noise, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation
The schedule was also extended as a result of the separation of the NEPA and CEPA processes and documents
We will also continue our extensive stakeholder engagement and community outreach with the release of draft documents for agency and public review
The additional analysis and schedule extension will also add additional cost to the environmental review
The updated schedule is delayed approximately a year from what we showed you in February as part of the scoping report briefing
The gray dots represent items that have been completed, that includes scoping, updating the forecast, and a draft refined purpose in need
The green dots represent key milestones
The blue dots represent milestones where agency and community engagement occur
Looking forward, key updates to the schedule include: agency and public review of the NEPA Environmental Assessment, or NEA, in the fall of this year
A decision from the FAA on the NEPA EA in the spring of 2021, the release of the SIPA Environmental Impact Statement, or EIS, for public in agency review in late spring of 2021, and a decision from the Port on the CEPA EIS in the fall of 2021 concluding the environmental review process of the S AM NTP
The environmental team will continue to conduct an objective environmental review with a thorough analysis to identify any potential environmental impacts of the near-term projects
If there are any additional impacts to the schedule, we'll continue to keep you updated
Lastly, we will be coming back to you next month asking for additional funding to complete the S AM near term projects
Environmental review
This concludes our briefing
Questions commissioners? Yeah
I'd like to ask a quick question about the additional technical environment analysis
Do you, have your identified specific parameters of those projects or are they still high level? Can you give some more detail on that? And how does it fit within the extended schedules? I'm not seeing it on here
Yeah
So we initially had anticipated to be releasing a draft NEPA environmental assessment around this time
Because of the extension of the schedule and the detailed environmental analysis that we're doing, we've delayed it and we'll be doing that impact analysis that will be completed around June of this year
So we've extended it, more or less, greater than six months
That more detailed analysis includes dispersion modeling under air quality, better understanding ultrafine particulate matter, and doing a detailed human health study which includes the risk associated with known air quality impacts, a robust stakeholder based investigation for environmental justice, for noise, a review of current knowledge on aircraft noise exposure, and greenhouse gas emissions will be taking an enhanced comparative assessment
And then our transportation area is much larger than we originally scoped out
Thank you
Commissioners questions? Do we have
Is there any potential for other delays to affect the schedules, such as after the draft document is released and there's another public comment period there from late? What other potential delays could there be to this schedule? So we are in the process now of identifying, completing our alternative screening process, looking at existing environmental conditions and doing our environmental consequences, or addressing what are our impacts-- potential impacts of the project
And as we get into those analysis, it may be that we have to go into-- dig a little deeper, which may take more time
We do have an extensive outreach plan and engagement that we've already accounted for, which is similar to what we did under scoping
So, yes, there may be additional time, but we're gonna do everything we can to stay within the boundaries that we've shown you today
And just to add to that, we've built in a substantial amount of time to respond to comments on the draft EA
And we're hoping to learn from those comments as we publish the EIS for public review
So we have built in less time, relatively speaking, to deal with those comments
But if there should be some large amount of additional comments that we hadn't had before on the CPA, draft CEPA EIS, yes, that might also be a factor that extends the schedule
Ok
Other questions or comments, Commissioners? What is-- Does the one year extension also result in a one year delay and any anticipated construction projects? I'm guessing it does
We'd like to turn to Jeffrey Brown to answer that question, please
Jeffrey Brown, Director of Covert Programs and Facilities at the airport
Currently, if we stay on schedule and if we continue to design at risk, we will not, we should not see an impacted schedule
However, if there is a further three month delay in the branch review process, or for whatever reason, we can not continue to design at risk
Coming back to you next there for additional authorization
If we can't continue design, then it'll have some impacts
If we have to wait until the C EPA EIS is released in July, July 2021, then we probably have a one year delay in construction
I want to ask a question, which I'm guessing there's no answer to
What happens after 2027? I think you said there would be little or no continued growth at that point due to constraints
So the S AM includes a long term vision and we have decided at this point to focus only on environmental review of the near term projects
In order to proceed with development beyond that, we would need to do additional planning, including an airfield airspace study with the FAA to determine what the next steps might be
So what happens after 2027 would depend, in part, on the outcome of that
I could add to that
I'm not sure if you were on the Commission at the time, but when we completed our planning in 2018 and we did a briefing to you, we identified three constraints: airspace, airfield, and financial
For those reasons, we could not pursue the long term vision
So in 2027, or before, we have to address those constraints, if we can implement that long term vision
So as I understand this, clearly the planning horizon is 2027
We have a vision beyond that, but our updated demand forecasts of unconstrained demand would indicate that 2027, or approximately there, growth is very likely to slow or stop
Is that what I heard? To be constrained, I think is the terminology that we're using today
It will be constrained, growth will be constrained for, in this case, it would be a lack of gates on the airfield
Without another set of projects carrying for ward, presumably or alternatively, another airport
Who knows what? I think part of the story is what Lance said when he introduced the topic is the work that we're doing on the airport site and study
I mean, it is a regional issue and it has to be addressed regionally
And the SAP plan itself, once environmentals are completed, at that point, I presume there is some sort of approval process? Yes
The review is on the proposed action, the ultimate alternatives to the action, then Commissioners, I'm not sure if legal should be answering this
But the Commissioners would have to take actions for those couple of projects per year
So, does the Commission actually approve the SAM itself? As a plan for moving forward, in addition to the individual projects that would be under SAM? That will be a choice that you'll have, that you'll be able to exercise at that time
That's all I wanted to know if we have that option of exercising that
So there will be no work regarding the future beyond the planning horizon currently until we reach that point or we'll work in terms up from a planning point
What would work on planning beyond 2027 proceed at some point for Phase two if there is going to be a Phase two
I think that's a decision that the Commissioners would have to make
OK, a stop in consultation with the Commission--
It's just not on a continuing path--
Yeah
Yeah
We have identified possibilities, but it's not up to--
Okay, that's helpful
I understand
I'm trying to look at the future and see what what might, what it might entail
So
Commissioner Felleman
And the future is so easy to predict
So
And so I don't envy you none trying to have to plan for it
But
Obviously, from the community's perspective , the question of cumulative analysis, you know
So if you if the planning horizon is 2027 , that's some nine thousand additional flights with the-- above what the constraint
Right
Well, I guess that would be the additional flights of the-- with the new forecast
And then we could be another 18000 with the updated forecast in 2032 from the-- in comparing the new constraints
So I'm just wondering if let's say we were to look into the future, we're not committing you to anything, post-2027
That would become like the new baseline
Would that be the case? I mean, this would be a whole nother analysis starting again
That's correct
So we will have done whatever mitigation or whatever necessary to get us to 2027
And that's our planning horizon for now
That's correct
Any further questions? OK, with that, I think we will now recess
Thank you very much
To executive session to continue discussion of one matter related to litigation and legal risk
The commission will not reconvene afterwards
Thank you and have a good evening.

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