P.O. Box 1209
Seattle, Washington 98111
www.portseattle.org
206.787.3000

APPROVED MINUTES
COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
MARCH 14, 2023
The Port of Seattle Commission met in a special meeting Tuesday, March 14, 2023. The meeting
was held at the Port of Seattle Headquarters Building – Commission Chambers, Pier 69,
2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle Washington, and virtually on Microsoft Teams. Commissioners Calkins,
Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed were present.
1.

CALL to ORDER

The meeting was convened at 10:00 a.m. by Commission President Sam Cho.
2.

EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to RCW 42.30.110

The public meeting recessed into executive session to discuss one matter regarding litigation/or
potential litigation/or legal risk, per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for approximately 55 minutes, and two items
related to the performance of a public employee per 42.30.110(1)(g), with the intention of
reconvening the public session at 12:00 p.m. Following the executive session, the public meeting
reconvened at 12:11 p.m. Commission President Cho led the flag salute.
3.

APPROVAL of the AGENDA

The agenda was approved as amended without objection. (Item 4a was removed from the agenda,
to be brought back at a later date, and Item 8l was pulled from the Consent Agenda, to be discussed
separately.)
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
4.

SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY – None.

5.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Executive Director Metruck previewed items on the day’s agenda and made general and meetingrelated announcements.

Digital recordings of the meeting proceedings and meeting materials are available online – www.portseattle.org.

PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023
6.

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

Commission Strategic Advisor Erica Chung provided a report regarding discussions held at the
Sustainability, Environment, and Climate Committee meeting and the Portwide Arts and Culture
Board meeting held respectively on February 21, 2023. She also reported regarding the external
Joint Advisory Committee and the Commission’s Equity and Workforce Development Committee
meetings held respectively on March 2, 2023, and the Waterfront and Industrial Lands Committee
meeting held on March 8, 2023.
Sustainability, Environment, and Climate Committee
The Sustainability, Environment, and Climate Committee convened by Commissioners Hasegawa
and Felleman met on February 21, 2023, and were briefed on proposed tree and forest management
principles, including existing programs and gaps. Commissioners discussed measurements for
benchmarking and consistency purposes. Commissioners also discussed maintenance strategies
for the overall forest and habitat health. The Committee also received a briefing on the SEA Gateway
– North Main Terminal Redevelopment Program and an overview of the project, sustainable
evaluation framework analysis, and recommendations on next steps.
Portwide Arts Board
The Portwide Arts and Culture Board met on February 21, 2023, with Commissioners Felleman and
Cho participating. Several new members joined the board and members were briefed on the purview
and role of the board. The board further received an update from the Senior Art Program Manager
on projected Capital Improvement Program spending on art projects and they discussed the 2023
committee workplan.
Joint Advisory Committee
On Thursday, March 2, 2023, Deputy Mayor Negusse led the first Joint Advisory Committee (JAC)
meeting of the year. Commissioners Felleman and Mohamed were in attendance. The agenda
included updates regarding how the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) is working; an update on the
Municipal Court ILA between the Port and SeaTac; a 2023 legislative session update; and continued
discussions regarding North SeaTac Park.
Equity and Workforce Development Committee
On March 2, 2023, Commissioners Hasegawa and Calkins convened the Equity and Workforce
Development Committee. Commissioners were joined by Economic Development Division staff and
consultants from Intelligent Partnerships, who delivered a presentation on the Port’s WMBE analysis.
This presentation consisted of a preliminary review of the barriers faced by WMBE businesses in
working with the Port, and some suggested options for lowering these barriers. Commissioners
noted the scale of the challenges presented in the analysis and the need to think creatively and
strategically to address these barriers. Staff are still working to finalize the analysis and will distribute
it to Commissioners when it is available.
Waterfront and Industrial Lands Committee
Commissioners Felleman and Calkins convened the Waterfront and Industrial Lands Committee on
March 8, 2023. The Committee received a presentation on real estate near the north harbor and
provide direction to staff.

Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.

PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023
7.

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PUBLIC COMMENT

Public comment was received from the following individual(s):
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

The following person spoke regarding port ethical standards: Alex Tsimerman.
The following people spoke in support of Agenda Item 8l and in support of the tourism funding:
Liz Johnson, Director of International Tourism, Visit Seattle; and David Blandford, Washington
State Tourism CEO.
The following person spoke regarding free speech and addressing government:
Marguerite Richard.
The following person spoke regarding water treatment and maintenance of boilers:
Steven Lindstrom.
The following people spoke regarding Port Covid-19 vaccination policies: James Jennings
(written comment also submitted); Kathleen Moriarty; Gail Abe; and Wiley Duerson.
The following person spoke in opposition to Agenda Item 8l, and regarding her climate concerns:
Dr. Elizabeth Burton.
In lieu of spoken comment, written comment urging the Port not to approve additional tourism
funding through the approval of Agenda Item 8l and environmental considerations related to air
and cruise travel were submitted by Robin Briggs, resident.
[Clerk’s Note: All written comments are combined and attached here as Exhibit A.]

4. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
4a.

Annual Executive Director Performance Review

(This item was removed from the agenda and will be brought forward at a later time.)
8.

CONSENT AGENDA

[Clerk’s Note: Items on the Consent Agenda are not individually discussed. Commissioners may
remove items for separate discussion and vote when approving the agenda.]
8a.

Approval of Minutes of the Special Meeting of February 14, 2023, and the Special
Meeting of March 2, 2023.

8b.

Approval of the Claims and Obligations for the Period February 1, 2023, through
February 28, 2023, Including Accounts Payable Check Nos. 947084 through 947451 in
the Amount of $3,569,951.18; Accounts Payable ACH Nos. 052425 through 053144 in
the Amount of $46,527,068.37; Accounts Payable Wire Transfer Nos. 015995 through
016006 in the Amount of $10,790,274.25; Payroll Check Nos. 205618 through 206046
in the Amount of $238,397.08; and Payroll ACH Nos. 1120043 through 1124398 in the
Amount of $13,484,546.07, for a Fund Total of $74,610,236.95..

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
8c.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Advertise, Award, and Execute a Major
Works Construction Contract for the Communication Enhancement Project at SeattleTacoma International Airport, and to Use Port of Seattle Crews for Construction
Activities, in the Amount of $7,840,000, Fully Authorizing the Estimated Project
Budget of $11,000,000. (CIP# C801161).

Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.

PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023

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Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
8d.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Proceed with a Revised Project to Replace
the Port Badge System and to Execute Contract(s) for Software, Equipment, Vendor
Services, and Ten Years of Software License and Maintenance Fees, for a Revised
System Replacement Scope in the Amount of $4,200,000, and a Total Estimated
Project Cost of $5,000,000. (CIP# C801201).

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
8e.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Execute a Contract for Network Firewall
Support for a Period Not-to-Exceed Ten Years in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $3,500,000
Over the Ten-Year Period.

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
8f.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Proceed with Construction of the SEA
Load Dock Access Control N04456 Project, and to Use Port Crews, as Well as Small
Works On-Call Contracts to Perform Construction Work for the Project, in the Amount
of $325,000, and an Estimated Project Cost of $405,000. (CIP# C801357)

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
8g.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Approve a Budget Increase of $150,000 to
the Existing Small Capital Project at the Marine Maintenance South Office to Expand
Electrical Service Capacity, for a Revised Project Cost Not-to-Exceed $450,000; and
to Use Port Crews to Complete Construction. (CIP# C801088)

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
8h.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Complete Design and Construction of the
Air Cargo Building 167A/B Access Controls Project at Seattle-Tacoma International
Airport, in the Amount of $1,920,000, and a Total Estimated Project Cost of $2,000,000.
(CIP# C801288).

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
8i.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Increase the Project Budget by $1,000,000
for a Revised Total Budget of $3,000,000; and to Prepare Design and Construction Bid
Documents for the Sanitary Pipe Replacement Project in the Amount of $600,000, for
an Estimated Total Project Cost Not-to-Exceed $3,000,000. (CIP# C801239)

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.

PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023

8j.

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Authorization for the Executive Director to Proceed with the Design and Preparation
of Contract Bid Documents in the Amount of $1,360,000 for the Landside Pavement
Program Project Located at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and to Authorize
$3,860,000 for the Construction of Pavement Rehabilitation Scope as Part of the
Widen Arrivals Roadway Major Work Construction Contract, for a Total Amount
Requested of $5,220,000 and a Total Estimated Project Cost of $10,000,000 for the
Landside Pavement Program. (CIP# C801042)

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
8k.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Advertise and Execute a Project Specific
Contract for Design Services, to Develop a Project Definition Document and Progress
the Overall Design to 30 Percent, and to Utilize Port Crews for Enabling Work Related
to the Concourse HVAC Infrastructure Renewal and Replacement Program Project at
the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, in the Amount Requested of $7,000,000 and
the Anticipated Total Project Cost to be Determined During Project Definition.
(CIP# C801265)

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
8l 1.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Approve a Contract with State of
Washington Tourism Designated for Collaborative International Tourism Marketing
Efforts in the Amount of $800,000.

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
8m.

Commission Approval of International Travel Requests – Second Quarter 2023.

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
The motion for approval of consent agenda items 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h, 8i, 8j, 8k, 8l,
and 8m carried by the following vote:
Commissioner Calkins commented regarding Agenda Item 8j, referring to the original approval of the
project - noting there has not been a material change in the project and speaking to preconceptions
of the project and efforts of the mode shift access plan.
Commissioner Felleman commented regarding opportunities to facilitate light rail and moving
sidewalks. He also commented regarding Agenda Item 8k, using the Sustainable Evaluation
Framework to provide a full evaluation, and the opportunity for Commission to review options.
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
1

Agenda Item 8l was removed from the Consent Agenda and addressed separately.

Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.

PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023

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ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
8l.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Approve a Contract with State of
Washington Tourism Designated for Collaborative International Tourism Marketing
Efforts in the Amount of $800,000.

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Dave McFadden, Managing Director, Economic Development Division
Nick Leonti, Director, Tourism Development
Clerk Hart read Item 8l into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
Members of the Commission received a presentation from staff.
Commission and Staff discussion ensued regarding:
• how the Port balances its tourism plan and strategy with its environmental goals;
• transformation of industries to support environmental goals and incorporation of clean fuels;
• how international travelers can participate in the Port’s mission to move people and goods,
the Port’s ‘Good Traveler’ program, and if international travelers are participating in that
program;
• budgeting of tourism dollars;
• partnerships with others statewide for tourism;
• marketing the entire tourism economy;
• hospitality industry benefits from tourism;
• promoting sustainable tourism;
• using Return on Investment as a metric;
• creating the ability for industries to adopt the highest environmental standards, methods,
and practices and for the cost of tourism to cover the cost of implementing those standards;
and
• marketing tourism to Asia.
The motion, made by Commissioner Mohamed, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
10. NEW BUSINESS
10a.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Advertise and Award up to Three Major
Public Works Contracts; to Execute Utility Agreements for the Relocation of Utilities;
to Transfer $527,000 of Budget from CIP# C800862 Terminal Security Enhancements
to Support the Installation of Security Bollards; to Transfer up to $3,860,000 of Budget

Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.

PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023

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from CIP# C801042 Landside Pavement Program to Support Additional Pavement
Rehabilitation, and to Authorize an Additional $73,600,000 for a Total Project
Authorization of $89,500,000 for the Widen Arrivals Roadways Project at SeattleTacoma International Airport. (CIP# C800866)
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Arif Ghouse, Chief Operating Officer, Airport Director’s Office
Heather Bornhorst, Capital Program Leader, AV Project Management Group
Peter Lindsay, Senior Manager, Airport Operations
Adrian Down, Environmental Program Manager, AV Environmental Programs Group
Clerk Hart read Item 10a into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
A presentation was provided to the Members of the Commission. The presentation addressed:
• Century Agenda strategic objectives applicable to the project;
• the Ground Transportation Framework;
• project scope and location;
• project rationale and current project status;
• budget and schedule;
• partnering with External Relations and project communications; and
• requested authorization for additional funding to continue the project.
Members of the Commission and staff discussed:
• a study being conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to model
traffic flows across multiple modes;
• how this project accommodates anticipated volume;
• separate access for TNCs and other ride shares;
• reducing private occupancy vehicle trips;
• how the project impacts stormwater;
• status of Port efforts to coordinate with employers to provide ORCA passes for their
employees and beginning conversations in the Aviation Committee to develop the program;
• additional increases in cost associated with stormwater management;
• measures in place to address additional project cost escalation;
• light rail to terminal access;
• federal funding possibilities; and
• talking with airlines to survey employees regarding their needs for transportation.
The motion, made by Commissioner Calkins, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)

Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.

PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023

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11. PRESENTATIONS AND STAFF REPORTS
11a.

2022 Financial Performance Briefing.

Presentation document(s) included an agenda memorandum, report and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Dan Thomas, Chief Financial Officer, Finance and Budget
Michael Tong, Director Corporate Budget, Finance and Budget
Kelly Zupan, Director, Seaport Finance and Budget
Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Managing Director, Maritime Division Administration
Dave McFadden, Managing Director, Economic Development Division
Hanh Nguyen, Interim Director, Aviation Finance and Budget
Lance Lyttle, Managing Director, Aviation Director’s Office
Commission Clerk Michelle Hart read Item 11a into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item.
The presentation addressed:
• key highlights of the report:
• strong financial performance in 2022 due to prudent budgeting and careful cost management;
• 2022 SEA passenger levels were below budget and 11.4 percent lower than 2019;
• 2022 cruise season had a record 295 sailings and over 1.3 million passengers;
• operating revenues were $43.3M over budget mainly due to higher revenues from Public
Parking, Rental Cars, and NWSA Distributable Income;
• operating expenses were $23.4M below budget mainly due to a $15.6M non-cash expense
credit related accounting for the Port's public pension plans through the Department of
Retirement Systems (DRS) - without the credit, operating expenses were just $7.8M under
budget; and
• Aviation; Seaport; Maritime; Stormwater Utility; Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA); Economic
Development; Central Services; and Portwide division 2022 financial performance reports.
Members of the Commission and staff discussed:
• the financial forecast for 2023;
• separating ‘Maritime’ and ‘NWSA’ from the ‘non-airport revenue category;’
• operational improvements and Shilshole Bay Marina and previous rate increases;
• whether or not there is any cost recovery in the Terminal 5 pile driving joint venture;
• cost recovery from cruise lines for infrastructure improvements made and cruise lease
agreements; and
• accounting of capital projects that go over budget in the capital budget summary.
12.

QUESTIONS on REFERRAL to COMMITTEE and CLOSING COMMENTS

Commissioner Felleman spoke regarding the need to look strategically at options to grow the
Northwest Seaport Alliance.
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.

PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023

Page 9 of 9

The motion, made by Commissioner Felleman, to refer the topic of ‘ferry propellers being
suplused by the Port and how to repurpose them for art’ to the Portwide Arts and Culture
Board, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
13.

ADJOURNMENT

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m.
Prepared:

Attest:

Michelle M. Hart, Commission Clerk

Fred Felleman, Commission Secretary

Minutes approved: March 28, 2023

Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.