P.O. Box 1209
Seattle, Washington 98111
www.portseattle.org
206.787.3000
APPROVED MINUTES
COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
September 10, 2024
The Port of Seattle Commission met in a regular meeting Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The
meeting was held at the Port of Seattle Headquarters Building Commission Chambers located at:
2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington. All Commissioners were in attendance.
1.
CALL to ORDER
The meeting was convened at 10:30 a.m. by Commission President Hamdi Mohamed.
2.
EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to RCW 42.30.110
The public meeting recessed into executive session to discuss one item regarding National Security
and Computer Network Security per RCW 42.30.110(1)(a)(i) and (ii) and Potential Litigation and
Legal Risk per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for approximately 55 minutes, with the intention of reconvening
the public session at 12:00 p.m. Following the executive session, the public meeting reconvened at
12:00 p.m. Commission President Mohamed led the flag salute.
3.
APPROVAL of the AGENDA
The agenda was approved, as amended, with Item 8g removed from the consent agenda to be
addressed separately.
4.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
There were no Special Orders of the Day presented.
5.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Executive Director Metruck previewed items on the day's agenda and made general and meetingrelated announcements.
Commission President Mohamed commented regarding the recent cyberattack on the Port of Seattle
and status of Port operations. She thanked all port staff and volunteers who have worked during the
outage to support port customers and restoration efforts.
Digital recordings of the meeting proceedings and meeting materials are available online - www.portseattle.org.
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
6.
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COMMITTEE REPORTS
Commission Strategic Advisor Erica Chung provided committee reports.
Equity and Workforce Development Committee
Commissioners Hasegawa and Calkins convened the Equity and Workforce Development
Committee meeting on August 20, 2024. The committee received two briefings at that time: (1)
regarding the findings from the disparity study with the Diversity in Contracting team; and (2)
regarding equity in business planning with the Office of Equity and Diversity Inclusion.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
• The following people spoke in support of Item 10c on the agenda, related to cruise ships and
measure to ensure greenhouse gas emission reductions: Cassidy Fisher, Maritime Blue;
Jayne Stevenson, Pacific Environment; and Sandy Olsen, Carnival Corporation.
• The following person spoke in support of Item 10c on the agenda and in support of Item 10a
opposing I-2117: Kurt Ellison, Climate Solutions.
• The following people spoke in opposition to Item 10c on the agenda, related to cruise ships and
greenhouse gas emission reductions, and in support of reducing cruise ship sailings:
Peggy Printz, Seattle Cruise Control; and Patrick McKee (written comments also submitted).
• The following person spoke in opposition to south Des Moines Creek business park development,
in support of preservation of green space and tree canopy, against any trail re-routing, and noted
there has been an appeal to the SEPA determination regarding the development: Sandy Hunt:
Defenders of Highline Forest.
[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 August 13, 2024; and Special Meeting
Minutes of August 26 and August 30, 2024.
8b.
Monthly Notification of Prior Executive Director Delegation Actions August 2024.
(memo enclosed - No action, for Information only.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum for information only.
8c.
Authorization for the Executive Director to Execute Contract(s) for Acquisition of
Approximately Sixty-Two Fleet Vehicles, Fleet Equipment, or Fleet Tools for the
Aviation and Corporate Division Fleet Replacement Program in the Approximate
Amount of $3,979,000. (CIPs #C801341 and #C801414).
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 10, 2024
8d.
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Authorization for the Executive Director to Execute a Contract for an Estimated Value
of $2,200,000 for the Provision of Port Restroom Services for the Ground
Transportation Lots, the Cell Phone Lot at SEA, and Other Various Port Locations,
with a Contract Length of One Year with Two One-Year Options for Renewal.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
8e.
Authorization for the Executive Director to Deaccession Nine Artworks from the Port's
Collection.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
8f.
Authorization for the Executive Director to Approve Design Funding in the Amount of
$350,000 for the Waterfront Smart Meters Phase 1 Project for a Total Authorized
Amount of $475,000 out of a Total Estimated Phase I Cost of $2,500,000.
(CIP #C801269)
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
8g 1.
Authorization for the Executive Director to Execute an Interlocal Agreement with the
Washington State Department of Natural Resources to Support a 5-Year Follow-On
Study to Conduct Eelgrass, Kelp, and Sediment Carbon Monitoring and Data
Collection in the Amount of $227,000, for the Smith Cove Blue Carbon Project.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum, agreement, and presentation.
8h.
Authorization for the Executive Director to Execute a Settlement Agreement with
Highline Water District.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
8i.
Authorization for the Executive Director to Execute a New Collective Bargaining
Agreement Between the Port of Seattle and the International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers, Local 46, Representing Seventy-Nine Electricians Assigned to the Port of
Seattle Aviation Maintenance and Maritime Maintenance Divisions, Covering the
Period from June 1, 2023, through May 31, 2026.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and agreement.
1
Item 8g was removed from the Consent Agenda and addressed separately below.
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 10, 2024
8j.
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Authorization for the Executive Director to Increase the Budget of the Air Cargo
Building 167A/B Access Controls Project at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in
the Amount of $500,000, for a Total Estimated Project Cost of $2,500,000.
(CIP #C801288)
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
8k.
Authorization for the Executive Director to Advertise, Award, and Execute a Major
Works Construction Contract; to Execute Related Project Change Orders,
Amendments, Work Authorizations, Purchases, Contracts, and Take Other Actions
Necessary to Support and Deliver the Parking Garage Low Voltage Project within the
Approved Budget; and to Authorize Use of Port of Seattle Crews to Support
Construction Activities in the Requested Amount of $8,344,000 of a Total Estimated
Cost of $12,544,000. (CIP #C800901)
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
The motion for approval of consent agenda items 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h, 8i, 8j, and 8k
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 Execute an Interlocal Agreement with the
Washington State Department of Natural Resources to Support a 5-Year Follow-On
Study to Conduct Eelgrass, Kelp, and Sediment Carbon Monitoring and Data
Collection in the Amount of $227,000, for the Smith Cove Blue Carbon Project.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum, agreement, and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Sarah Ogier, Director, Maritime Environment and Sustainability
Kathleen Hurley, Senior Environmental Program Manager, Maritime Environment and
Sustainability
Clerk Hart read Item 8g into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
The presentation addressed:
• the request to authorize the five-year interlocal agreement to support the second phase on
monitoring of the Smith Cove Blue Carbon Project;
• project goals;
• Phase I accomplishments;
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
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rationale for Phase 2;
Department of Natural Resources responsibilities; and
project schedule.
Discussion ensued regarding:
• lessons learned from Phase I of the project;
• statewide monitoring;
• site monitoring over time;
• Port opportunities for restoration;
• partnership with the Seattle Aquarium;
• looking for ways to have more tribal engagement with children regarding restoration
opportunities, education, and jobs;
• complexity of ecosystems and the potential for learning that the Port did not expect; and
• kelp and eelgrass viability, water quality monitoring, and monitoring for declines.
The motion, made by Commissioner Felleman, to approve Item 8g, carried by the following
vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
10. NEW BUSINESS
10a. Introduction of Resolution No. 3827: A Resolution in Opposition of Washington State
Ballot Initiative Measure No. 2117, Concerning Carbon Tax Credit Trading.
Requested document(s) included an agenda memorandum, resolution, and budget table.
Presenter(s):
Vy Nguyen, Commission Office Strategic Advisor, Commission Office
John Flanagan, Senior State Government Relations Manager, External Relations
Clerk Hart read Item 10a into the record.
The presentation addressed:
• creating a formal position from the Port of Seattle on Initiative Measure 2117 (I-2117);
• other jurisdictions and organizations that have taken a position on opposing the measure;
• the goal of the initiative - to repeal the Climate Commitment Act;
• funding provided by the act that supports Port of Seattle climate goals, including shore power
and the Port's Maritime Fuels Collaborative;
• without the act in place jurisdictions and organizations will have to rely on local funding to
support these goals and initiatives; and
• impacts to the Port if I-2117 passes and budgetary impacts.
Discussion ensued regarding:
• impacts associated with how dollars are spent with fewer resources are available and not
being able to make critical investments;
• incalculable fiscal impacts;
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
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sharing the Port's enumeration information on this topic with K4C cities, the King County
Climate Coalition;
taking a long-term view and protecting climate investments;
championship of the federal government to pass revolutionary investments to update the
nation's infrastructure;
protecting the ability to continue to build towards a carbon-neutral future;
jeopardizing the Port's progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and a
transition to cleaner energy sources; and
taking a leadership action on taking a stance against the harmful actions that I-2117 would
cause.
Members of the Commission waived the second reading of the resolution, for adoption on the same
day it was introduced, without objection.
The motion to adopt Resolution No. 3827, made by Commissioner Hasegawa, carried by the
following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
10b. Introduction of Resolution No. 3828: A Resolution Endorsing City of Seattle Proposition
No. 1, Concerning Replacing Funding for Citywide Transportation Maintenance and
Improvements (the "2024 Transportation Levy").
Commissioners Mohamed and Cho declared their need to recuse from the item due to the nature of
their employment. Commission Vice-President Hasegawa presided over the meeting at this time
and Commissioners Mohamed and Cho exited the meeting.
Requested document(s) included an agenda memorandum, levy data, and resolution.
Presenter(s):
Vy Nguyen, Commission Office Strategic Advisor, Commission Office
Geraldine Poor, Senior Manager Regional Transportation, External Relations
Clerk Hart read Item 10b into the record.
The presentation addressed:
• taking a formal position on the 'Keep Seattle Moving' levy;
• the Port's prior involvement during the creation of the levy;
• protecting investments of the Port of Seattle and the Northwest Seaport Alliance related to
climate change resiliency; reducing air pollution; and increasing sustainable transportation
options through EV charging infrastructure and resources towards equitable implementation
of the levy;
• maintaining important investments in transportation and pedestrian/bike infrastructure and
the transportation of goods.
Discussion ensued regarding:
• sharing details of impact should the levy not pass;
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
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levy focus - in infrastructure for residents and workers in the city of Seattle;
funding that supports pedestrians and bike infrastructure, and supports port freight
operations; and
ensuring that Seattle works for people who work and live in Seattle.
Members of the Commission waived the second reading of the resolution, for adoption on the same
day it was introduced, without objection.
The motion, made by Commissioner Calkins, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Felleman, and Hasegawa (3)
Opposed: (0)
(The meeting recessed at 1:24 p.m. and reconvened at 1:33 p.m.)
Commissioners Mohamed and Cho returned to the meeting room at this time.
10c. Order No. 2024-10: An Order to Require the Executive Director to Consider the
Attainment of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals Before the Renewal of Any Long-Term
Cruise Agreement.
Requested document(s) included an Order.
Presenter(s):
Francis Choe, Commission Office Strategic Advisor, Commission Office
Clerk Hart read Item 10c into the record.
The presentation addressed:
• affirming the urgency of the climate crisis;
• zero and low carbon energy alternatives to support the cruise industry and ensure
accountability for greenhouse gas and other air emissions reductions;
• greenhouse gas reduction goals; and
• continued ban of exhaust gas cleaning system wash water discharge at berth and in the
Puget Sound.
Discussion ensued regarding:
• the progress made by the Port of Seattle in working within the maritime industry and with the
cruise lines to support emission reductions initiatives; collective commitment towards a
green future, and creating a framework for sustainable practices with creation of the green
corridor;
• supporting the fuel transition for the cruise industry;
• providing local economic development opportunities in the region in a sustainable and
responsible way and minimizing impacts on the climate and our communities;
• tools for working with homeported cruise lines and understanding expectations of the Port;
• making meaningful progress and change, and building upon previous port efforts to
accelerate sustainability, climate action, and social justice goals;
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 10, 2024
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partnering with homeported cruise lines to understand the Port's expectations for long-term
berthing agreements;
values of the public shared;
consistently benchmarking progress and goals set for zero emissions from the start;
steps that have been taken along the way to improve the environmental impacts of cruise,
including shore power, and still having a long way to go to reach emissions reduction goals;
being leaders in the industry and setting an example for other ports;
publicizing data on the evaluation of progress made towards meeting these goals and
showing net carbon reductions;
using and sourcing e-methanol for a zero-emissions shipping future in the green corridor
and the feasibility study underway to investigate the dynamics; as well as well to wake
emissions inventory for the corridor; and
operational things that can be done in the short-term like slow steaming, supply chain
efficiency, and cruise ships reducing the number of itinerary stops to also move towards
meeting greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Members of the Commission thanked the sponsors of the Order, stakeholders, Port staff, and the
public for their work and input on the Order.
The motion, made by Commissioner Hasegawa, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Cho, Calkins, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
11. PRESENTATIONS AND STAFF REPORTS
There were no presentations or staff reports for this meeting.
12.
QUESTIONS on REFERRAL to COMMITTEE and CLOSING COMMENTS
Closing comments included a reminder of Latino Heritage Month beginning September 15; thanks
to the volunteers and staff who have assisted during the recent Port network outage; and a reminder
on the opening of the new Ocean Pavilion at the Seattle Aquarium.
13.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m.
Prepared:
Attest:
Michelle M. Hart, Commission Clerk
Ryan Calkins, Commission Secretary
Minutes approved: September 24, 2024
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.