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

APPROVED MINUTES
COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
September 12, 2023
The Port of Seattle Commission met in a regular meeting Tuesday, September 12, 2023. The
meeting was held at the Port of Seattle Headquarters Building, Pier 69, Commission Chambers,
2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle Washington, and virtually on Microsoft Teams. Commissioners Calkins,
Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed were present. Commissioner Cho joined the meeting at
12:09 p.m. and presided.
1.

CALL to ORDER

The meeting was convened at 10:30 a.m. by Commission Vice-President Hasegawa.
2.

EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to RCW 42.30.110

The public meeting recessed into executive session to discuss two matters regarding litigation/or
potential litigation/or legal risk, per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for approximately 75 minutes, with the
intention of reconvening the public session at 12:00 p.m. Commissioner Mohamed was recused
from participating in a portion of the Executive Session. Commissioner Cho was absent and excused
from this portion of the meeting. Following the executive session, the public meeting reconvened at
12:05 p.m. Commission Vice-President Hasegawa led the flag salute.
3.

APPROVAL of the AGENDA

The agenda was approved as amended without objection.
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
4.

SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY

No Special Orders of the Day were presented.
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, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
6.

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

Commission Strategic Advisor, Erica Chung, provided the committee reports.
Audit Committee
Commissioner Mohamed convened the Audit Committee of the Port of Seattle on September 7, 2023,
with Commissioner Cho and Public Member Sarah Holmstrom in attendance. The Committee
approved two motions, one to approve the last set of meeting minutes; and one to approve the 2024
Proposed Internal Audit budget. The Committee also received the Entrance Audit Opening from the
Office of the Washington State Auditor, which is the 2022 Accountability Audit of the Port. The
Auditor’s Office will share the specific areas of review upon completing their planning procedures. In
addition, Open Issues for the Internal Audit Department were overviewed, as was the status of the
2023 Audit Plan. Two Performance Audit Reports and one Limited Contract Compliance Audit
Report were shared with the Committee Members, with management teams providing their
responses to the audits. Three Informational Technology Audits were later presented in non-public
session due to the security-sensitive nature of the items. The next Audit Committee meeting will be
held in December.
Highline Forum
On July 26, 2023, the Highline Forum met with Commissioner Felleman chairing the meeting and
they received several updates. The Forum received an update from the meeting site host, Highline
School District’s Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran, who spoke to the school district’s commitment to a
Culture of Belonging; Innovative Learning; Bilingual and Biliterate learning; and helping students
become Future Ready. Presenters from the Port, the Trade and Development Alliance, ANEW, and
the City of Burien spoke regarding their workforce development program offerings. Forum members
were very impressed with the many offerings and spoke to the need to find better ways to consolidate
all workforce development information and share it with the public. Aviation Director Lance Lyttle
provided the StART (SEA Stakeholder Advisory Roundtable) update from the June 28, 2023,
meeting, which included a presentation by the Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission Chair
and a Federal Policy Update. Discussion ensued regarding progress being made on including StART
priorities in the upcoming 2023 FAA Reauthorization bill. As part of the roundtable sharing,
Commissioner Felleman shared the Port Commission’s adoption of Order 2023-10 on Land
Stewardship, and the Commission’s recent adoption of the authorization for the Sound Insulation
Phase 2 Apartment Program.

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, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
7.

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PUBLIC COMMENT

Public comment was received from the following individual(s):
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The following person spoke regarding having a difference of opinion from the Commission:
Alex Tsimerman (written comments submitted).
The following person spoke in support of Agenda item 10e: Vicky Clarke, Cascade Bike Club..
The following person spoke in support of shorepower, reducing emissions, and benefitting
communities: Sandy Olsen, Carnival Corporation.
The following person spoke regarding advanced wastewater treatment systems on board cruise
ships and in support of continued partnerships with the Port: Renee Lamoge Reeve, Cruise
Lines International Association.
The following person spoke (written comments submitted) regarding completion of the Grand
Coulee Dam project: Mr. Glen Stockwell.
[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 Special Meeting of August 1, 2023, and the Regular Meeting
of August 8, 2023.

8b.

Approval of the Claims and Obligations for the Period August 1, 2023, through
August 31, 2023, Including Accounts Payable Check Nos. 949479 through 949988 in
the Amount of $9,006,164.15; Accounts Payable ACH Nos. 057399 through 058328 in
the Amount of $60,115,377.14; Accounts Payable Wire Transfer Nos. 016120 through
016136 in the Amount of $10,457,885.75; Payroll Check Nos. 208347 through 208788
in the Amount of $170,431.50; and Payroll ACH Nos. 1149070 through 1153808 in the
Amount of $15,361693.56, for a Fund Total of $95,111,552.10.

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

Monthly Notification of Prior Executive Director Delegation Actions August 2023.

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

Authorization for the Executive Director to Advertise, Award, and Execute a Major
Works Construction Contract for the Telecommunication Meet Me Room Fiber Project
at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and to Use Port of Seattle Crews for
Construction Activities, in the Requested Amount of $7,997,000 and Estimated Project
Budget of $21,700,000. (CIP# C800762)

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, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
8e.

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Authorization for the Executive Director to Prepare Design and Construction Bid
Documents for the Utility Meter Networking Project in the Amount of $4,200,000 and
an Estimated Total Project Cost Not-to-Exceed $35,525,000. (CIP# C801240)

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

Authorization for the Executive Director to Execute a Contract for Financial Advisory
Services for Five (5) Years with the Right to Extend for Up to Five (5) Additional Years,
for a Potential Total of Ten (10) Years at an Estimated Cost of $7,500,000.

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

Authorization for the Executive Director to Increase Funding for the Interim Westside
Fire Station Project at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in the Amount of $500,000,
for a New Total of $10,888,000, to Settle All Claims and Close Out the Project.
(CIP# C800876)

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
The motion for approval of consent agenda items 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, and 8g carried by the
following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
10. NEW BUSINESS
10a. (Number not used.)
10b. (Number not used.)
10c. Order No. 2023-13: An Order Establishing the Airport Workforce Conditions Committee
as a Port of Seattle Commission Ad Hoc Committee.
Request document(s) included an order.
Presenter(s):
Erica Chung, Strategic Advisor, Commission Office
Clerk Hart read Item 10c into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
The presentation addressed:
• formation of an ad hoc committee to provide oversight, information, advice, and
recommendations about Port efforts to support SEA workers as part of our mission to
advance economic development and in fulfillment of the Port’s Century Agenda goals; and
• composition of the committee, to include Commissioners Hasegawa and Mohamed.
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, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

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Discussion ensued regarding:
• advocacy for workers rights;
• the roundtable held earlier this year with airport workers – and this committee assisting in
the tracking of issues; and
• affordable/accessible childcare at SEA.
Commission Vice-President Hasegawa recognized Commission Strategic Advisor Erica Chung for
her work on the Order.
Commission President Cho stated that the issues are critical to Port operations and he appreciated
being ahead of these discussions.
The motion, made by Commissioner Hasegawa carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
10d. Authorization for the Executive Director to Execute a Design Agreement and All Other
Documents Associated with the US Army Corps of Engineers for the Preconstruction
Engineering and Design Phase of the West Waterway Channel Deepening Project, and
to Authorize the Preconstruction Engineering and Design Phase of the West Waterway
Channel Deepening Project, Including Execution of Outside Services Contracts and
Service Directives, in the Estimated Amount of $4,000,000 and a Total Authorized Project
Amount of $5,650,000. (CIP# C800593)
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum, agreement, and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Managing Director, Maritime Division
Arthur Kim, Capital Project Manager III, Waterfront Project Management
Clerk Hart read Item 10d into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
The presentation addressed:
• location of the project;
• background of the project;
• partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers;
• the reason for deepening the West Waterway;
• ability to berth larger ships;
• schedule for design completion;
• budget and project authorization; and
• next steps in the project.
Discussion ensued regarding:
• overall health of the harbor;
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, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
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updating the total project estimated cost at a later date;
any available federal funding for the remainder of the project costs; and
if and when additional dredging would be required.

The motion, made by Commissioner Mohamed, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
10e. Authorization for the Executive Director to Proceed with Design and Construction for the
T91 Trail Bridge Removal and Segment Widening in the Requested Amount of $1,475,000
and a Total Estimated Project cost of $1,525,000 (CIP# C801192).
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Kyra Lise, Director of Real Estate Development and Economic Development
Stefan Wynn, Capital Project Manager IV, Waterfront Project Management
Clerk Hart read Item 10e into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
The presentation addressed:
• project location and background;
• the current condition of the north pinch point bridge area and the south pinch point;
• project objectives – to improve public safety and accessibility;
• project scope – removing the existing pedestrian/bicycle bridge and replacing with an ongrade path and widening the existing pinch point south of the pedestrian/bicycle bridge and
upgrading the existing rail crossing;
• project risks and schedule; and
• project estimate.
Discussion ensued regarding:
• broad public interest in the project and in connectivity throughout the waterfront;
• project permitting timelines; and
• private/public partnerships.
Commissioner Felleman acknowledged the work of John Wolfe on the project.
The motion, made by Commissioner Felleman, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
11. PRESENTATIONS AND STAFF REPORTS
11a. Post International Arrivals Facility Airline Realignment Program Status Briefing
(CIP #C801158).
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, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

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Presentation document(s) included agenda memorandum and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Jason Johnson, Senior Manager Airline Affairs & AV Properties, AV Business & Properties
Sean Anderson, Capital Program Leader, AV Project Management Group
Letty Powell, Contractor, AV Project Management Group (In Person)
Clerk Hart read Item 11a into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item.
The presentation addressed:
• project purpose - facilitating the relocation of United Airlines’ domestic only operations from
Concourse A to Concourse B; providing international gate capacity on Concourse A;
associated office and support spaces to support both relocations; ticket counters in the
center of the main terminal will be reconfigured and expanded to support airline operations;
and United Airlines will self-perform the construction of their new lounge on Concourse B
under a Memorandum of Agreement with the Port;
• project location and scope of work;
• design development status;
• sustainability framework application;
• budget and schedule overview;
• key risks and mitigation strategies; and
• schedule for Commission actions.
(Commissioner Cho exited the meeting at 1:37 p.m.)
Discussion ensued regarding:
• how decisions of location are made with respect to the project;
• appreciation for the airlines involvement;
• optimizing location and operations for everyone;
• paying close attention to project completion milestones and accelerating the schedule if and
when it makes sense to;
• providing an updated timeline to the Commission in December; and
• location of employee breakrooms and other facilities.
11b. 2023 Port of Seattle Affirmative Action Program.
Presentation document(s) included agenda memorandum and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Cynthia Alvarez, Senior Manager, Employee Relations, Human Resources
George Gianacakos, Affirmative Action Program Manager, Employee Relations, Human
Resources
Clerk Hart read Item 11b into the record.
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, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

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Executive Director Metruck introduced the item.
The presentation addressed:
• program purpose and highlights;
• 2023 underutilization data;
• non-represented gender and pay grades data;
• non-represented race and pay grades data;
• port demographics vs. county population demographics data; and
• opportunities moving forward.
Discussion ensued regarding:
• reporting data for race vs gender;
• the ability to use metrics to encourage diversity in the workplace;
• equity in salaries;
• the hiring of a dedicated affirmative action resource manager;
• closing equity gaps;
• anticipated timeline for implementing salary range changes and strategies; and
• insights from the women of color study conducted.
12.

QUESTIONS on REFERRAL to COMMITTEE and CLOSING COMMENTS

None.
13.

ADJOURNMENT

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 2:25 p.m.
Prepared:

Attest:

Michelle M. Hart, Commission Clerk

Fred Felleman, Commission Secretary

Minutes approved: September 26, 2023

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