Digital recordings of the meeting proceedings and meeting materials are available online – www.portseattle.org.
APPROVED MINUTES
COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING NOVEMBER 7, 2018
The Port of Seattle Commission met in a special meeting Wednesday, November 7, 2018, in
commission chambers at Port of Seattle offices, 2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington.
Commissioners Bowman, Calkins, Felleman, Gregoire, and Steinbrueck were present.
The meeting was called to order at 9:08 a.m. by Commission President Courtney Gregoire, who
led the flag salute.
The commission engaged with executives and staff presenters on the topic of the 2019 Capital
Improvement Plan for the Maritime and Economic Development Divisions.
Request documents included presentation slides and an informational packet.
A report was delivered regarding 2018 community outreach. These activities included outreach
throughout the entire county, participation in existing events, and engagement of young
professionals new to the area. Slightly less than 85 percent of those surveyed indicated that they
would be in favor of levy increases to further port priorities.
Staff review of the Capital Improvement Plan based on the existing funding capacity of $200 million
began in June. This funding is already allocated to obligations such as The Northwest Seaport
Alliance and Central Services Capital Improvement Plan. There are delayed projects in the queue
totaling $210 million.
Staff presented a prioritized project list for 2019-2023. Project evaluation categories are asset
stewardship (maintain capital assets and modernizing the working waterfront); financial
sustainability (investments in maritime industries and long-term funding capacity; and benefits to
community and the environment. Readiness to proceed was also evaluated. The total cost of
identified projects, including a $40 million contingency fund and $24.7 million for small projects and
projects that are already underway, is $348.5 million.
The following highest priority asset-stewardship projects were described:
Terminal 91 Berths 6 and 8 redevelopment. This project will help with readiness for
larger fishing vessels.
Fishermen’s Terminal dock improvements. This project preserves existing facilities for
long-term future use.
Salmon Bay Marina Docks D and E replacement. There is a permit for this project that
will expire if not used. This project would make the facility more suitable for
commercial use.
P.O. Box 1209
Seattle, Washington 98111
www.portseattle.org
206.787.3000
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018
Minutes of November 7, 2018, submitted for review on December 5, 2018, and proposed for approval on December 11, 2018.
Pier 66 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems upgrade. The current
system is at the end of its useful life and an upgrade is necessary for maintaining
operable facilities.
Commissioners discussed balancing financial sustainability and return on investment with other
factors such as community benefit. They emphasized the need to be transparent about
investments. Individual projects will require clear data on return on investment for authorization.
The following highest priority asset-stewardship projects were listed in order of expected return on
investment:
A new cruise facility. There is a strong demand for more cruise facilities in Seattle and
an additional facility would expand the port’s economic impact and financial
sustainability. This assumes a cost-sharing arrangement with private investment.
Terminal 91 Uplands Development. This project would meet demand for maritime
industrial space.
Fishermen’s Terminal Gateway Building. This would also provide needed maritime
industrial space.
Bell Harbor Conference Center Interior Modernization. Refurbishing this facility would
position it for continued future success and protect the revenue stream.
Harbor Mooring Dolphins.
Commissioners asked that revenue to the port from cruise business be looked at more
comprehensively and pointed out that while cruise brings a lot of revenue into the area, it has not
been a large source of revenue for the port. They asked staff to explore leveraging the demand for
cruise facilities to garner more economic advantage. Concern was expressed about planning to
fund a project at such an early stage.
The following projects focused on environment and community benefits were described:
Waterfront Electrification. Bringing shorepower to Pier 66 and other facilities will
reduce emissions.
Terminal 117 Restoration.
Fishermen’s Terminal Maritime Innovation Center. This project would allow for the
redevelopment of one of the port’s oldest buildings. However, staff is also exploring
other locations for the facility.
Commissioners requested that shorepower use be considered as part of lease terms for cruise
operators and inquired about cost-sharing opportunities for the electrification project. They opined
that further exploration regarding expected costs, partnerships, and location options must occur
before moving forward with the Maritime Innovation Center.
The contingency fund was discussed. This fund provides a buffer to handle unforeseen
circumstances. It is available to pay for cost increases, unanticipated needs, new unforeseen
projects, and community benefits. It is distinct from the strategic reserve, which is there for
contingent liabilities.
Commissioners opined that parameters should been put in place for use of the contingency fund
and requested more information regarding past use. They pointed out that capital projects have
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Minutes of November 7, 2018, submitted for review on December 5, 2018, and proposed for approval on December 11, 2018.
their own budgeted contingency funds.
Sources of capital funding and the uses of the tax levy were summarized. Through issuance of
general obligation bonds, a three-percent increase in the tax levy annually over the next five years
would result in an additional $127 million of bonding capacity.
Staff spoke briefly about the mechanics of the tax levy. The levy amount has not been increased
since 2008. Rather than setting the levy as a set percentage of property value, the Port of Seattle
sets its tax levy as a flat rate; King County then determines the millage rate (the amount
homeowners pay per $1,000 of assessed property value). This means that when property values
increase, the port’s levy funding does not increase unless action is taken to increase the amount of
the tax levy.
Commissioners made recommendations for the introduction of the 2019 budget resolution, which
stipulates the port’s tax levy amount, scheduled for November 13, 2018.
There was no further business, and the meeting adjourned at 11:49 a.m.
Prepared: Attest:
Amy Dressler, Deputy Commission Clerk Ryan Calkins, Commission Secretary
Minutes approved: December 11, 2018.
