May 19 SM Min
An audio of the meeting proceedings and meeting materials are available on the Port of
Seattle web site -
http://www.portseattle.org/about/organization/commission/commission.shtml
(The approximate point in the audio recording for the specific item is identified by
minutes and seconds; example: 01:30.)
APPROVED MINUTES
COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MAY 19, 2009
The Port of Seattle Commission met in a special meeting at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 19,
2009 in the Commission Chambers at Pier 69, 2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA.
Commissioners Bryant, Creighton, Davis, Hara and Tarleton were present.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The special meeting was called to order at 1:37 p.m. by Bill Bryant, Chair and President.
2. EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to RCW 42.30.110
None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None.
4. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
None.
5. UNANIMOUS CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
Commissioners
Bill Bryant
Chair and President
John Creighton
Patricia Davis
Lloyd Hara
Gael Tarleton
P.O. Box 1209
Seattle, Washington 98111
www. portseattle.org
206.728.3000
Tay Yoshitani
Chief Executive Officer
PORT COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009 P. 2
May 19 SM Min
6. DIVISION, CORPORATE, AND COMMISSION ACTION ITEMS
None.
7. STAFF BRIEFINGS
None.
8. NEW BUSINESS
None.
9. POLICY ROUNDTABLE – BUDGET DISCUSSION
a. (00:02:34) First Quarter Performance Report
Presentation documents: Commission agenda memorandum dated May 19, 2009,
computer slide presentation and Quarterly Performance Report from Michael Tong,
Corporate Budget Manager
Presenters: Dan Thomas, Chief Financial Officer; Mark Reis, Managing Director,
Aviation Division; Phil Lutes, Deputy Managing Director, Seaport Division; Joe
McWilliams, Managing Director, Real Estate and Property Management; and Ralph
Graves, Managing Director, Capital Development Division.
Mr. Thomas provided a Portwide Income Summary for the first quarter of 2009 as well as
a Portwide Year-end forecast and totals of 2009 capital spending for first quarter.
Mr. Reis reviewed first quarter operating results for the Aviation Division as well as the
division’s year-end forecast and capital budget spending.
Responding to Commissioner Tarleton’s question about what areas of operations he felt
to be most at risk due to budget cuts, Mr. Reis stated that he does not really feel any
revenues are at risk, but did note that customer service is being affected on a daily basis.
Responding to Commissioner Hara’s question regarding possible expanded potential
revenues for the future, Mr. Reis commented on the possibility of additional advertising
as well as additional concessions.
Mr. Lutes reviewed details of the Seaport first quarter operating results; the year-end
forecast; and capital spending of the division.
Responding to staff comments on budget results being attributed to timing,
Commissioner Bryant stated that he would prefer budgets being planned out over a
month-to-month basis as opposed to being ‘straightlined’ or equally spread out over the
year.
PORT COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009 P. 3
May 19 SM Min
Commissioner Tarleton stated that she would like to see tracked on a quarterly basis,
trends within the fishing and grain industries.
Mr. McWilliams provided a briefing on first quarter Real Estate operating results; year-
end forecast; and capital spending.
Commissioner Tarleton noted the importance of the Port weighing in on long-term
strategies for the working waterfront and properties that are part of an urban port..
Mr. Graves provided a brief update on the operating results of the Capital Development
Division for first quarter of 2009.
Mr. Thomas reviewed the Corporate Division operating results for first quarter of 2009 as
well as year-end projections.
b. (01:08:46) 2010 budget Planning Briefing
Presentation Documents: Commission agenda memorandum dated May 19, 2009 and
computer slide presentation from Dan Thomas, Chief Financial Officer and Michael
Tong, Corporate Budget Manager
Presenter: Dan Thomas, Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Thomas review an overview of the 2010 budget planning process, including
information regarding:
2010 Budget Challenges
Proposed 2010 Budget Targets
Zero Based Budgeting and Modified Zero Based Budgeting Process
2010 Budget Calendar
Commissioner Tarleton commented on the need to look at strategies other than furloughs
for 2010.
Mr. Thomas noted that budget information available later in the year will be more
accurate than what will be available initially.
Commissioner Bryant stated that he would like to have another discussion of the budget
in June. He also asked that in order to provide adequate time for a thorough review, it
might be possible for Commissioners receive budget documents 30 days in advance of
the budget workshops that will take place later in the budget planning process.
c. (01:41:57) Budget Discussion
PORT COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2009 P. 4
May 19 SM Min
Mr. Thomas provided as background information for discussion, two computer slides
from the 2009 budget and tax levy presentations.
Although there was no further discussion, Commissioner Bryant stated that he hoped to
have a budget discussion at least once a month between the current time and September,
when tax levy workshops would begin.
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:28 p.m.
(A digital recording of the meeting is available on the Port’s website.)
Lloyd Hara
Secretary
