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

APPROVED MINUTES
COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
January 9, 2024
The Port of Seattle Commission met in a regular meeting Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The meeting
was held at the Port of Seattle Headquarters Building Commission Chambers located at: 2711
Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington, and virtually on Microsoft Teams. Commissioners Calkins, Cho,
Felleman, and Mohamed were present. Commissioner Hasegawa was absent and excused from
attendance.
1.

CALL to ORDER

The meeting was convened at 10:30 a.m. by Commission President Cho.
2.

EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to RCW 42.30.110

The public meeting recessed into executive session to discuss two items regarding litigation/or
potential litigation/or legal risk, per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) and one item regarding litigation/or potential
litigation/or legal risk, per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) and performance of a public employee per
RCW 32.30.110(1)(g) for approximately 60 minutes, with the intention of reconvening the public
session at 12:00 p.m. Following the executive session, the public meeting reconvened at 12:04 p.m.
Commission President Cho led the flag salute.
3.

APPROVAL of the AGENDA

The agenda was approved as amended, with Agenda Items 8g and 8i pulled from the Consent
Agenda and addressed separately.
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, and Mohamed (4)
Opposed: (0)
4.

SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY

No Special Orders of the Day were presented.
5.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Executive Director Metruck spoke to 2023 accomplishments, previewed items on the day’s agenda
and made general and meeting-related announcements, and congratulated 2024 Commission
officers to their appointments with action taken later in the meeting.
Digital recordings of the meeting proceedings and meeting materials are available online – www.portseattle.org.

PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024
6.

Page 2 of 9

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Commission Strategic Advisor, Erica Chung, provided the committee reports.
Portwide Arts and Culture Board
On December 19, 2023, Commissioner Felleman participated in the Portwide Arts and Cultural Board
meeting where the board was given a review of 2024 art projects at SEA and non-aviation properties.
The Board then discussed the process of implementing a more robust portwide strategy and
previewed projects for 2024.
Audit Committee
On December 14, 2023, Commissioners Mohamed and Cho convened the last Audit Committee
meeting of the year. The committee received an audit entrance report from Moss Adams for an
annual audit and report on the financial statements for year end, December 31, 2023. The
presentation of audit results is expected in May 2024. The audit will also address compliance related
to major federal award programs and the schedule of Passenger Facility Charge Program receipts
and expenditures and related internal controls. The audit will also look at the schedule of net
revenues available for revenue bond debt service. The committee further received a Construction
Audit Services annual report from R.L. Townsend and Associates; received an update on Internal
Audit’s outreach project; received an update on the 2023 Audit Plan; recommended approval of the
proposed 2024 Internal Audit Plan; and received performance audit reports on the Airport Parking
Garage and separately on Police Department Seizures and the Evidence Room. A Limited Contract
Compliance Audit report for Seattle Air Ventures was also presented. Internal Audit’s 2023 Annual
report will be presented at the February 13 Commission meeting.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
• The following person lost speaking privileges and was removed from the chambers for violation
of the public comment rules: Alex Tsimerman.
• The following people spoke regarding the CLIA Pac-Northwest cruise symposium not being
affordable to the public or accessible in a public broadcast format or recorded: Patrick McKee
(written comments also submitted) and Larry Edwards.
• The following people spoke in support of Agenda Item 8e, the Duwamish River Community Hub
lease approval: Robin Schwartz and Paulina Lopez.
• The following person spoke in support of Agenda Item 8f, regarding Security Access Specialist
shifts and compensation: Matt Ventoza, ILWU Local 19.
• In lieu of spoken comment, seventy-nine written comments in opposition to the Port’s response
to various emails requesting the Port cap and reduce cruise operations were submitted.
[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 December 12, 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, JANUARY 9, 2024
8b.

Page 3 of 9

Approval of the Claims and Obligations for the Period December 1, 2023, through
December 31, 2023, Including Accounts Payable Check Nos. 951273 through 951694
in the Amount of $11,848,100.50 Accounts Payable ACH Nos. 061299 through 062390
in the Amount of $98,374,743.17; Accounts Payable Wire Transfer Nos. 016192
through 016215 in the Amount of $13,410,418.86; Payroll Check Nos. 210258 through
210786 in the Amount of $132,780.40; and Payroll ACH Nos. 1170278 through 1174980
in the Amount of $15,832,048.14 for a Fund Total of $139,598,091.07.

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

Monthly Notification of Prior Executive Director Delegation Actions December 2023.

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

Authorization for the Executive Director to Execute a Testing, Maintenance and Repair
Contract for Elevator, Escalator, and Moving Walkway Services at Seattle-Tacoma
International Airport and Maritime Locations for Up to Seven Years with a
Competitively Bid Port Contract in the Total Estimated Amount of $37,000,000.

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

Authorization for the Executive Director to Approve Lease Extension Options for Up
to Two Years Beyond the Current Lease Expiration Date of June 30, 2024, and to
Negotiate an Option to Purchase the Duwamish River Community Hub (DRCH)
Property.

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum, current lease, maps and images of location,
and presentation.
8f.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding with ILWU Local 9 that Creates an Exception to Existing Collective
Bargaining Agreement Language and Makes Security Access Specialist Shifts
Beginning at 3:00am Eligible to Receive a 10 Percent Mid-Shift Differential.

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and memorandum of understanding.
18g.

Commission Adoption of the Port’s 2024 State Legislative Agenda and Authorization
for Staff to Advocate on the Agenda During the 2024 Legislative Session.

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

1

Agenda 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, JANUARY 9, 2024
8h.

Page 4 of 9

Order 2024-02: An Order Electing the President for the Port of Seattle Commission for
the Calendar Year 2025.

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
28i.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Increase the Project Authorization by
$7,500,000 to Advance the Project Schedule for the Post IAF Airline Realignment
Project at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, with the Total Estimated Cost of the
Project Between $102,000,000 To $140,000,000. (CIP #C801158).

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
The motion for approval of consent agenda items 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, and 8h 8i carried
by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, and Mohamed (4)
Opposed: (0)
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
8g.

Commission Adoption of the Port’s 2024 State Legislative Agenda and Authorization
for Staff to Advocate on the Agenda During the 2024 Legislative Session.

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
Presenter(s):
John Flanagan, Senior State Government Relations Manager, External Relations
Clerk Hart read Item 8g into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
The main motion was made by Commissioner Mohamed.
The motion, to amend Agenda Item 8g, last bullet in the ‘Port Decarbonization, Climate Action,
and Environmental Justice’ section, to strike the last bullet and to insert in its place the
phrase, “Support use of CCA revenue to address community concerns regarding aircraft
noise,” made by Commissioner Mohamed, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, and Mohamed (4)
Opposed: (0)
The motion, to amend Agenda Item 8g, to strike the 8th bullet in the ‘Notable Issue Area 3:
Transportation,’ and to add a paragraph to the end of the section as follows, “Given that SEA
International Airport will continue to experience congestion as the region’s primary
2

Agenda Item 8i 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, JANUARY 9, 2024

Page 5 of 9

commercial service airport, the Commission advocates for continual and renewed progress
regarding the siting of an additional commercial airport or expansion of existing facilities
(other than SEA) to serve as a secondary commercial service airport. The Port supports State
and local efforts to analyze and address the siting issue, including supporting the work of the
Commercial Aviation Work Group (CAWG),” made by Commissioner Mohamed, carried by the
following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, and Mohamed (4)
Opposed: (0)
The motion, as amended, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, and Mohamed (4)
Opposed: (0)
8i.

Authorization for the Executive Director to Increase the Project Authorization by
$7,500,000 to Advance the Project Schedule for the Post IAF Airline Realignment
Project at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, with the Total Estimated Cost of the
Project Between $102,000,000 To $140,000,000. (CIP #C801158).

Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Sean Anderson, Capital Program Leader, AV Project Management Group
Letty Powell, Contractor, AV Project Management Group
Clerk Hart read Item 8i into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
Staff provided a presentation.
Discussion ensued regarding:
• whether or not any work can be accomplished after B gates are moved;
• HVAC system status and project timeline;
• escalating project timeline and efforts inasmuch as possible;
• providing resources to support continuity of operations and accomplish the work in an
expeditious manner;
• providing a seamless experience for travelers when considering timeline;
• changing circumstances if potential additional gates are brought forward and bringing the
discussion back to the Commission at that time; and
• continuing to bring opportunities forward to accelerate timeline.
The motion, made by Commissioner Mohamed, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, and Mohamed (4)
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, JANUARY 9, 2024

Page 6 of 9

10. NEW BUSINESS
10a. Introduction of Resolution No. 3817: A Resolution of the Port of Seattle Commission
Amending Resolution No. 3778 and Prior Corresponding Enacting and Amending
Resolutions through Incorporation, Pertaining to the Commission’s Bylaws and Rules
of Procedure.
Requested document(s) included an agenda memorandum, draft resolution, redline, and
presentation.
Presenter(s):
Aaron Pritchard, Chief of Staff, Commission Office
Michelle Hart, Commission Clerk, Commission Office
Elizabeth Black, Port of Seattle Deputy General Counsel
Jessica Nadelman, Senior Port Counsel
Clerk Hart read Item 10a into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
The presentation addressed:
• mandated review of the Commission Bylaws and Rules of Procedure per the policy directive;
• reasons for conducting the review and update;
• contents of the resolution, including amendments to the rules for public comment; other
proposed substantive amendments, including ethics provisions, executive session
provisions, alternates for committee meetings, sponsorship provisions for Commissioners;
and technical and grammatical clean-up amendments; and
• recommendation from the Governance Committee to adopt the package of amendments.
Commissioner Felleman expressed his desire for an amendment to the dual-reports provision in the
bylaws, to make clear that this process is conducted “in consultation with Commissioners.”
[Clerk’s Note: the amendment will be prepared and brought forward at the January 23, 2024, meeting
for consideration.]
The motion, made by Commissioner Calkins, to introduce Resolution No. 3817, carried by the
following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, and Mohamed (4)
Opposed: (0)
10b. Introduction of Resolution No. 3818: A Resolution of the Port of Seattle Commission
Adopting the Charter of the Governance Standing Committee.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum, draft resolution, charter, and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Aaron Pritchard, Chief of Staff, Commission Office
Michelle Hart, Commission Clerk, Commission Office
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, JANUARY 9, 2024

Page 7 of 9

Clerk Hart read Item 10b into the record.
The presentation addressed formalizing the Ad Hoc Governance Committee meeting, in operation
for over three years, into a standing committee of the Commission. It’s work will continue
permanently until otherwise changed by the Commission to provide oversight of Commission
governance policy. The Governance Committee previously reviewed the charter and recommended
its adoption.
The motion, made by Commissioner Mohamed, to introduce Resolution No. 3818 carried by
the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, and Mohamed (4)
Opposed: (0)
10c. Order 2024-01: An Order Electing the Slate of Officers for Port of Seattle Commission for
Calendar Year 2024.
Request document(s) included an order.
Presenter(s):
Aaron Pritchard, Chief of Staff, Commission Office
Michelle Hart, Commission Clerk, Commission Office
Clerk Hart read Item 10c into the record.
Commission President Cho spoke regarding creating a port of the future and 2023 accomplishments
of the Commission and the Port during his year in the office of President. He spoke to big changes,
including institutional changes; the leadership of this Commission and the Executive, and supported
the Commission’s decision in 2024 to elect its proposed slate of officers.
Commissioners Calkins and Felleman expressed their excitement for the year ahead and spoke
regarding the amazing leadership in 2023 and ahead in 2024.
Clerk Hart read the text of the Order into the record.
The motion to adopt Order No. 2024-01 carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, and Mohamed (4)
Opposed: (0)
Commission President Cho passed the gavel to incoming Commission President Mohamed at this
time.
Commissioner Mohamed thanked Commissioners for their support, spoke to the leadership of her
colleagues and challenging each other in healthy ways, and expressed her excitement in stepping
into her new role. She further presented past President Cho with a commemorative gavel in honor
of his year in office.

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, JANUARY 9, 2024

Page 8 of 9

11. PRESENTATIONS AND STAFF REPORTS
11a. 2024 Federal Legislative Agenda Briefing.
Presentation document(s) included agenda memorandum, agenda, and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Eric Schinfeld, Senior Manager, Federal and International Government Relations
Clerk Hart read Item 11a into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
The presentation addressed:
• 2023 key accomplishments and 2024 outlook;
• overview of draft 2024 policy priorities (infrastructure and transportation; decarbonization
and sustainability; community and equity; and trade, economic development, and workforce);
and
• next steps, including incorporating Commission feedback and bringing the agenda forward
at the January 23, 2024, meeting for consideration of adoption.
Commissioner Felleman spoke to requesting amended language be included in the final document
related to supporting offshore wind industry development, to include workforce, supply chain, and
scientific research while excluding advocacy around siting decisions, to opportunities listed.
Commissioner Mohamed spoke regarding welcoming immigration policies and advocating for
advancing employment authorization card processing to address labor shortages for those prepared
to work.
Discussion continued regarding trade policy and discussions with Asia; if there is anything the
Commission should be doing to advocate for exporters; and difficulties in lowering trade barriers at
the federal level.
12.

QUESTIONS on REFERRAL to COMMITTEE and CLOSING COMMENTS

Commissioner Mohamed acknowledged Commissioner Hasegawa at this time, speaking to their
close partnership in working on the Commission, and her excitement in working with her in 2024 in
their leadership roles.
13.

ADJOURNMENT

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 2:13 p.m.

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, JANUARY 9, 2024

Page 9 of 9

Prepared:

Attest:

Michelle M. Hart, Commission Clerk

Ryan Calkins, Commission Secretary

Minutes approved: January 23, 2024

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