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

APPROVED MINUTES
COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 11, 2023
The Port of Seattle Commission met in a regular meeting Tuesday, April 11, 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 10:30 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) and Network Security per RCW
42.30.110(1)(a)(ii) for approximately 10 minutes; one item related to litigation/or potential litigation/or
legal risk, per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for approximately 30 minutes; and one item related to the
performance of a public employee per 42.30.110(1)(g) for approximately 30 minutes, with the
intention of reconvening the public session at 12:00 p.m. Following the executive session, the public
meeting reconvened at 12:09 p.m. Commission President Cho led the flag salute.
3.

APPROVAL of the AGENDA

The agenda was approved as amended without objection. (Item 8g was pulled from the Consent
Agenda, to be discussed separately; and Item 10b was removed from the agenda and rescheduled
to the April 18, 2023, special Commission meeting.)
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
4.
4a.

SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
Executive Director Performance Review.

Clerk Hart read Item 4a into the record.

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

PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2023

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Commission President Cho lead the public review of the Executive Director, noting support for an
‘Exceptional’ rating for performance in 2022. Members of the Commission spoke in support of the
rating and the performance of the Executive Director.
The motion, made by Commissioner Felleman, to adopt Order No. 2023-06, carried by the
following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
ORDER NO. 2023-06
AN ORDER OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION
… providing for an ‘Exceptional Performance’ (4.25% plus 1% lump sum) rating of the
Executive Director based on performance in 2022 - thus increasing the current base
salary of the Executive Director, Steve Metruck, effective March 1, 2023 by $17,757.81
per year and a one-time lump sum award of $4178.31; and providing for the 6% costof-living increase provided to Port Employees in 2023 regardless of performance
increase and effective February 1, 2023, in the amount of $23,650; for a total salary
increase of $41,407.81 with the one-time lump sum award of $4178.31.
5.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Executive Director Metruck previewed items on the day’s agenda and made general and meetingrelated announcements.
6.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Commission Strategic Advisor Erica Chung provided a report regarding discussions held at the Audit
Committee meeting and the Small Business Ad-Hoc Committee meetings held respectively on
April 6, 2023.
Audit Committee
Commissioners Mohamed and Cho, along with Public Member Sarah Holmstrom, convened the first
quarterly Audit Committee meeting of the year, with Commissioner Mohamed presiding. The
Committee received reports on: the results of an Accountability Audit undertaken by the Washington
State Auditor’s Office; the Internal Audit Director’s Annual Communication to the Committee; Open
Issues Status, the Internal Outreach Project Update; and the 2023 Audit Plan Update.
The Committee was also briefed on: Performance Audits conducted on Fishermen’s Terminal; the
Terminal 5 Berth Modernization Project, and Supply Chain Disruption Management. The Committee
also discussed Security Awareness and Skills Training.
The next quarterly meeting will be held in June.
Small Business Ad-Hoc Committee
Commissioners Cho and Mohamed convened the first Small Business Ad Hoc committee. The
Committee reviewed the 2023 proposed work plan and received a briefing on PortGen by the
Diversity in Contracting team. The next meeting is scheduled for May 16, 2023.
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, APRIL 11, 2023
7.

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PUBLIC COMMENT

Public comment was received from the following individual(s):
•
•
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The following people spoke regarding cruise impacts on the environment and communities:
Stacy Oaks; Iris Antman; Robin Briggs; Jordan Van Voast; Abigail Brockway; Lynn GertnerJohnston; Martha Baskin; and Karla Hart.
The following person spoke in support of Agenda Item 10a, Resolution No. 3812, the Equity
Policy Directive: Michael Byun.
The following person spoke: Alex Tsimerman.
In lieu of spoken comment, written comment supporting protection for all of North Seatac Park,
including rugby fields and bike trails, and asking the Commission to state their position publicly
regarding permanent preservation were submitted by: Linnea Westerlind; Rob Bent;
Nicole Pollock; Noemie Maxwell; Scott Romine; Tom Clymer; and Stephanie Bell.
In lieu of spoken comment, written comment opposing large cruise ships in Seattle and
supporting smaller cruise companies was submitted by: Selene Russo.
[Clerk’s Note: All written comments are combined and attached here as Exhibit A.]

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 Regular Meeting of March 28, 2023.

8b.

Approval of the Claims and Obligations for the Period March 1, 2023, through March
31, 2023, Including Accounts Payable Check Nos. 947452 through 947940 in the
Amount of $6,534,720.24; Accounts Payable ACH Nos. 053145 through 054028 in the
Amount of $49,273,319.38; Accounts Payable Wire Transfer Nos. 016007 through
016030 in the Amount of $13,426,365.55; Payroll Check Nos. 206047 through 206490
in the Amount of $190,455.92; and Payroll ACH Nos. 1124399 through 1131010 in the
Amount of $21,553,736.83, for a Fund Total of $90,978,597.92.

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

Authorization for the Executive Director to Execute a New Collective Bargaining
Agreement between the Port of Seattle and the International Brotherhood of
Teamsters, Local 117, Representing Non-Sworn Communication Supervisors at the
Police Department for the Port of Seattle Covering the Period from January 1, 2023,
through December 31, 2025.

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

Authorization for the Executive Director to Execute Up to Two Indefinite Delivery,
Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts for Regulated Materials Management Services to
Support Project, Operational and Safety Needs of All Port Divisions and the Northwest
Seaport Alliance, for a Total Amount Not-To-Exceed $3,000,000, and a Contract
Ordering Period of Five Years.

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, APRIL 11, 2023

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

Authorization for the Executive Director to Advertise and Execute a Major Works
Construction Contract to Replace Elements of Dock-E at Harbor Island Marina and
Increase its Current Vessel Loading Capacity, for a Total Requested Amount of
$3,955,000, and a Total Authorization Amount of $5,000,000.

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum, design approach, and presentation.
8f.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Complete the Design of the Keys for Card
Readers Project at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and to Advertise and Award
a Major Works Construction Contract for its Construction in the Total Estimated
Project Cost of $2,900,000. (CIP# C801185)

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
8g 1.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Approve Additional Funding in the Amount
of $350,000 for Construction Completion and Closeout of the Central Waterfront
Elevator Modernization Project, for a Total Estimated Project Cost Not-to-Exceed
$3,818,000. (CIP# C801016)

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
The motion for approval of consent agenda items 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, and 8f carried by the
following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
8g.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Approve Additional Funding in the Amount
of $350,000 for Construction Completion and Closeout of the Central Waterfront
Elevator Modernization Project, for a Total Estimated Project Cost Not-to-Exceed
$3,818,000. (CIP# C801016).

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
Presenter(s):
Rod Jackson, Capital Project Manager IV, Waterfront Project Management
Clerk Hart read Item 8g into the record.
1

Item 8g 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, APRIL 11, 2023

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Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
Commissioner Mohamed and Members of staff discussed:
• challenges facing the elevator project;
• reliability and accessibility of the elevator;
• water filtration issues from a City project at street level; and
• opening of the Lenora access in May.
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.

Adoption of Resolution No. 3812: A Resolution Establishing an Equity Directive to
Guide the Integration of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging into the Port’s
Practices and Policies and to Move our Work Beyond Compliance and Mandates
towards Long-Term Commitment and Sustainable Systems Change.

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum, resolution and previous 03/28/23
presentation.
Presenter(s):
Bookda Gheisar, Senior Director, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Tyler Emsky, Commission Office Strategic Advisor, Commission Office
Clerk Hart read Item 10a into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
Members of the Commission and staff discussed a package of proposed amendments before the
Commission regarding Resolution No. 3812 and voiced no objection to moving the amendments as
one motion.
The motion, to adopt Resolution No. 3812, was made by Commissioner Hasegawa.
The motion, to amend Resolution No. 3812, was made by Commissioner Felleman.
•

Section 5(B)(3), Line 339, to strike the phrase “for every department,” to read as follows:
“3. The Port shall use an equity in budgeting toolkit, or equivalent
mechanism, in the business planning and budgeting process [FOR
EVERY DEPARTMENT].”

•

Section 5(B)(4)(a), Line 342, to strike the phrase “Commissioner Mohamed, Commissioner
Cho, and” after the word ‘by’ and before the word ‘the’ and to insert “considered for

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, APRIL 11, 2023

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adoption by the Commission in public session” after the word ‘Committee’ to read as
follows;
“4. The Executive Director, or a delegate, shall:
a.
Develop a definition for “equity-related resources” The
proposed definition shall be reviewed by [Commissioner Mohamed,
Commissioner Cho, and] the Equity and Workforce Development
Committee and considered for adoption by the Commission in
public session.”
•

Section 5(B)(4)(c), Line 347, to strike subparagraph (c) and to insert a new subparagraph
in its place to read as follows:
“c. Propose a structure for communicating and executing a pilot for
“equity-related resources” in the 2024 budget to Commissioner
Mohamed, Commissioner Cho, and the Equity and Workforce
Development Committee before the adoption of the 2024 budget. The
results of this pilot shall be considered for further action.”
“c. Propose to the Equity and Workforce Development Committee
a structure for communicating and executing a pilot for “equityrelated resources” in the 2024 budget. The Proposal shall also
be reviewed by the Commission before the adoption of the 2024
budget. The results of this pilot shall be considered for further
action.”

•

Section 5(C)(1)(a), Line 376, to insert a new sentence at the end of subparagraph (a) to
read as follows: “The policy for determining how stipends are administered shall be
developed and proposed in Q1 2024.”
C. External
1.
The Port, with the approval of the Executive Director and
Commission President, will convene cohorts of community advisors as
needed to provide opportunities for dialogue to increase equity in Port
policies, programs, and initiatives that directly affect advisors’
communities.
a.
External Relations and OEDI shall increase
opportunities for community participation by including language access
plans and/or stipends for community advisory activities as appropriate.
The policy for determining how stipends are administered shall be
developed and proposed in Q1 2024.

•

Section 6(3), Line 433, to insert the phrase “outcomes of the” after the word ‘the’ and
before the word “policy” to read as follows:
“3. Internal Audit shall conduct an audit of the outcomes of the policy
requirements outlined in this directive on a periodic basis.”

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, APRIL 11, 2023
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Section 6(3)(a), Line 435, to strike the phrase “as well as the Commission Committee
responsible for oversight of OEDI,” and to insert in its place the phrase “and refer to the
Commission in public session as necessary” to read as follows:
"a. Internal Audit shall present the results of this audit to the Audit
Committee, [AS WELL AS THE COMMISSION COMMITTEE
RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSIGHT OF OEDI,] and refer to the
Commission in public session as necessary.”

The primary amendment, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
The main motion as amended, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
10b 2.

Order No. 2023-05: An Order of the Port of Seattle Commission to Develop a Language
Access Policy and Plan that Ensures Inclusion of Non or Limited English Speakers,
Including those who are Hard of Hearing or Deaf, in the Use of Port Services and
Facilities; and the Portwide Implementation of a Plan Directing Divisions with
Publicly-Facing Public Services to Offer Language Assistance Services Including
Translation and Interpretation.

Request document(s) included an order and presentation.
11. PRESENTATIONS AND STAFF REPORTS
11a.

Diversity in Contracting Annual Report.

Presentation document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Mian Rice, Director, Diversity in Contracting
Emily Ho, Program Manager, Diversity in Contracting
Lawrence Coleman, Women and Minority Business Manager, Diversity in Contracting
Mandela Thomas, Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Analysis, Central Procurement
Office
Commission Clerk Michelle Hart read Item 11a into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item.
The presentation addressed:
• 2016 – 2022 portwide WMBE utilization;
2

Item 10b was removed from the agenda and rescheduled to April 18, 2023.

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, APRIL 11, 2023
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the 5-year goal of 15 percent utilization and 354 firms by 2023;
2022 WMBE utilization by ethnicity breakout; by non-construction;
2022 training and outreach efforts;
status of goal attainment – reaching 351 of the 354 firms goal;
2023 WMBE utilization goals;
establishing construction goals;
leveraging construction;
2023 training and outreach; and
next steps;
o achieve 5-year Diversity in Contracting policy goals;
o address barriers identified from the WMBE Analysis Study;
o recruit key WMBE suppliers and expand number of WMBE businesses utilized;
o provide ongoing training to WMBE/DBE businesses;
o promote Federal DBE Certification on upcoming federally-assisted projects;
o development of an Architectural and Engineering program for small and disadvantage
businesses, veteran, WMBE businesses.

Members of the Commission and staff discussed:
• rationale in goal setting;
• variation in reaching the 15 percent goal in each department;
• challenges at times in forecasting WMBE contract utilization levels across contracts – contract
type is a factor;
• conducting targeted outreach by zip code for PortGen;
• the new Disparity Study – which will include the policy directive recently approved;
• percentage of contractor utilization – the optimal goal the port would like to set;
• holistically approaching diversity in contracting;
• completion of the Barrier Study;
• what the data would show it sorted by project size or subcontractor;
• addressing outliers in non-construction utilization;
• asking departments to include internal plans for utilization/contracting and including lower spend
firms;
• building of an architect/engineering small works roster;
• taking steps to better understand barriers for those who have tried to contract with the Port;
• wanting to see disaggregated data of the kinds of contracts in each ethnic breakdown category;
• rewarding progress and seeing year over year benchmarking;
• how to better incentivize small businesses and labor unions; and
• barriers to certification for businesses and efforts available to assist in the certification process.
12.

QUESTIONS on REFERRAL to COMMITTEE and CLOSING COMMENTS

There were no referrals to committee.

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, APRIL 11, 2023
13.

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ADJOURNMENT

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 3:02 p.m.
Prepared:

Attest:

Michelle M. Hart, Commission Clerk

Fred Felleman, Commission Secretary

Minutes approved: April 18, 2023

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