Digital recordings of the meeting proceedings and meeting materials are available online – www.portseattle.org.
APPROVED MINUTES
COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING JANUARY 7, 2020
The Port of Seattle Commission met in a special meeting Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at Port of Seattle
offices, 2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington. Commissioners Bowman, Calkins, Cho, Felleman,
and Steinbrueck were present.
1. CALL to ORDER
Pursuant to Article IV, Section 8, of the commission bylaws, the meeting convened at 11:05 a.m. to
conduct an executive session.
2. EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to RCW 42.30.110
The notice posted during the executive session included one matter related to national security. The
time for reconvening was posted as 12:00 noon, in accordance with commission bylaws and the
public meeting notice previously published. Following the executive session, which lasted
approximately 40 minutes, the public meeting reconvened at 12:05 p.m. in the atrium at Pier 69.
Commissioner Bowman led the flag salute.
Without objection, the commission advanced to consideration of –
7. SPECIAL ORDERS of BUSINESS
and proceeded to consideration of –
7a. Oaths of Office for Commissioners Felleman and Cho.
Commissioners Sam Cho and Fred Felleman took their oaths of office in compliance with Chapters
29A.20 and 53.12 RCW and participated in a public oath of office ceremony in the atrium at Pier 69.
RECESSED AND RECONVENED
The meeting was recessed at 12:25 p.m. and reconvened in commission chambers at 1:00 p.m.,
chaired by Commissioner Bowman, and the Commission advanced to consideration of –
3. APPROVAL of the AGENDA
Without objection, the preliminary agenda was approved without revisions.
P.O. Box 1209
Seattle, Washington 98111
www.portseattle.org
206.787.3000
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Minutes of January 7, 2020, submitted for review on March 7, 2020, and proposed for approval on March 10, 2020.
TRANSPARENCY PLEDGE
Commissioner Bowman announced that all port commissioners had signed an annual transparency
pledge for 2020, a copy of which is attached as minutes Exhibit A.
As noted on the agenda, the commission advanced to consideration of –
7. SPECIAL ORDERS of BUSINESS
and proceeded to consideration of –
7b. Motion 2020-01: A Motion of the Port of Seattle Commission electing a slate of
commission officers for calendar year 2020.
Request document(s) provided at the time of the meeting included a draft of the motion text. The
adopted version of Motion 2020-01 is attached.
Presenter(s): Mike Merritt, Commission Chief of Staff.
The proposed slate of officers was as follows:
• President: Peter Steinbrueck
• Vice President: Fred Felleman
• Secretary: Sam Cho
The motion for adoption of Motion 2020-01 carried by the following vote:
In favor: Bowman, Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Steinbrueck (5)
Commissioner Bowman commented on events and accomplishments during 2019, including
investment for future port operations at Terminal 5, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and
Terminal 46; progress on establishing a maritime accelerator at Fishermen’s Terminal; and a host of
customer service and community engagement successes. She noted especially the growth and
improvements in the port’s internship program, the second largest public agency internship program
in the state.
Commissioner Steinbrueck commented in appreciation of Commissioner Bowman’s presidency in
2019. He welcomed newly elected commissioner Sam Cho to the Port of Seattle and congratulated
re-elected commissioner Fred Felleman on his successful ongoing environmental leadership as a
port commissioner. Commissioner Steinbrueck spoke of the importance of transparency, equity, and
fairness in his dealings with his colleagues and port staff and acknowledged the many changes that
have affected the Port of Seattle’s mission over the past 109 years.
As noted on the agenda, the commission returned to consideration of –
4. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director Steve Metruck previewed items on the day’s agenda and made announcements.
He commented on port accomplishments in 2019. Mr. Metruck asked for a moment of silence in
remembrance of the five crew lost in the December 31 sinking of fishing vessel Scandies Rose in high
winds and freezing spray conditions southeast of Kodiak, Alaska. He read the names of the lost crew:
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captain Gary Cobban Jr., David Cobban, Seth Rosseau-Gano, Arthur Ganacias, and Brock Rainey.
Two crewmembers survived: John Lawler and Dean Gribble Jr.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comment was received from the following individual(s):
• David Goebel, Vashon Island Fair Skies President regarding Motion 2019-14, which
provided for installation of portable noise monitors. Mr. Goebel submitted written materials,
which are attached as minutes Exhibit B.
• Ralph Ibarra, President of Diverse America Network, regarding the chartering of a special
Biometric Committee.
• Laura Loe Bernstein, Share the Cities, regarding expansion of the port’s cruise business.
• David Haines, regarding expansion of the port’s cruise business.
• Jordan Van Voast, 350 Seattle, regarding expansion of the port’s cruise business. Mr. Van
Voast submitted written materials, which are attached as minutes Exhibit C.
• Sherri Stair, Seattle resident, regarding expansion of the port’s cruise business and
environmental impacts.
• Garth Jacobson, Seattle resident, regarding expansion of the port’s cruise business and
environmental impacts. Mr. Jacobson submitted written materials, which are attached as
minutes Exhibit D.
• Joanna Schoettler, Seattle resident, regarding expansion of the port’s cruise business.
• Iris Antman, Seattle resident, regarding expansion of the port’s cruise business and
environmental impacts.
• Valerie Chu, Seattle resident, regarding expansion of the port’s cruise business and
environmental impacts.
• Peggy Printz, Seattle resident, regarding expansion of the port’s cruise business and
environmental impacts.
• Jim Bernthal, Seattle resident, regarding expansion of the port’s cruise business and
environmental impacts.
• Stacy Oaks, 350 Seattle, regarding expansion of the port’s cruise business and
environmental impacts.
• David Kipnis, 350 Seattle, regarding transparency and expansion of the port’s cruise
business.
• Ben Plotke, 350 Seattle, regarding expansion of the port’s cruise business and
environmental impacts.
• Michael Foster, regarding climate apocalypse.
• Barbara Lewy, Seattle resident, regarding lobbying activity by the cruise industry with the
Port of Seattle.
• J.C. Harris, Des Moines Councilmember, regarding requested features on airport noise
data reports.
• Alex Tsimerman, Seattle resident, regarding fascism and political corruption.
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6. UNANIMOUS CONSENT CALENDAR
[Clerk’s Note: Items on the Unanimous Consent Calendar are not individually discussed.
Commissioners may remove items for separate discussion and vote when approving the agenda.]
6a. Authorization for the Executive Director to (1) execute an agreed order with the
Washington State Department of Ecology to complete a sediment remedial investigation
at the port’s Terminal 91 property; (2) procure and execute a project-specific contract to
complete the scope of work required by the Ecology agreed order and future
amendments; and (3) execute a corrective action permit renewal application as required
by Ecology and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the T-91 facility.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum, agreed order, and permit renewal.
6b. Authorization for the Executive Director to execute up to four indefinite delivery,
indefinite quantity contracts for creative services for a total maximum value of $1,000,000
and a contract ordering period of three years. No funding is associated with this
authorization.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation slides.
The motion for approval of consent items 6a and 6b carried by the following vote:
In favor: Bowman, Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Steinbrueck (5)
Special orders of business (agenda items 7a and 7b) were considered previously, and the
commission advanced to consideration of –
8. AUTHORIZATIONS and FINAL ACTIONS
8a. Motion 2020-02: A motion of the Port of Seattle Commission adopting the charter of a
Port of Seattle Commission Biometrics Special Committee to review the proposals of the
Biometrics Working Group and Advisory Group and develop new policies or update
existing policies governing the use of public-facing biometric technology at port
facilities, as needed, for Port of Seattle Commission consideration.
Request document(s) included a draft of Motion 2020-02 and attached committee charter. A copy of
the adopted version of Motion 2020-02 is attached.
Presenter(s): Veronica Valdez, Commission Specialist.
The purpose of chartering a Biometrics Special Committee was summarized. The committee will
review the findings of a working group and advisory group to develop a policy relating to the use of
public-facing biometric identification technology at the Port of Seattle. Commissioners stressed the
importance of public transparency as policy regarding biometric technology is vetted.
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The motion for adoption of Motion 2020-02 carried by the following vote:
In favor: Bowman, Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Steinbrueck (5)
8b. Authorization for the Executive Director to complete design and permitting of
approximately 830 linear feet of concrete pier apron structure at Terminal 91 including
(1) execute a consultant contract to prepare design and construction bid documents and
(2) use port staff for project management, design support, permitting, and enabling
construction activities, all of which in an amount not to exceed $4,000,000 of a total
preliminary estimated project cost between $35 million and $40 million (CIP #C102475).
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and revised presentation slides.
Presenter(s): Kenny Lyles, Director, Maritime Operations and Security; and Mark Longridge, Capital
Project Manager.
The condition of the pier in the affected portion of Terminal 91 requires significant repairs in order to
accommodate moorage needs for cruise and fishing lines of business. With larger size of cruise and
fishing vessels, moorage for the two lines of business increasingly encroach on each other, although
the affected berths are used by the fishing fleet. The effect of new building codes on the design of
the work was described and the environmental implications of removal of creosote pilings and ability
to avoid dredging were discussed.
The motion for approval of agenda item 8b carried by the following vote:
In favor: Bowman, Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Steinbrueck (5)
8c. Authorization for the Executive Director to execute an interlocal agreement in
substantially the form attached with the Washington State Department of Transportation
to formally outline the plan and schedule for payment of the $30 million Port of Seattle
share of local matching funds for the construction of the Puget Sound Gateway Program.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum, draft interlocal agreement, and
memorandum of understanding.
Presenter(s): Eric ffitch, Manager, State Government Relations; and Geraldine Poor, Manager,
Regional Transportation.
The Puget Sound Gateway Program is focused on completion of State Routes 509 and 167, both
vital to movement of people and freight in the region and key to the function of the Port of Tacoma
and the maritime and aviation facilities of the Port of Seattle. The port’s $30 million contribution will
be made in two $15 million installments. Factors affecting contributions by city partners and the
state’s transportation capital planning in the wake of passage of Initiative 976, which threatens to gut
transportation capital funding, were discussed. It was reported that the port’s commitment to the
projects is important in leveraging legislative support.
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The motion for approval of agenda item 8c carried by the following vote:
In favor: Bowman, Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Steinbrueck (5)
8d. [Authorization] to (1) determine that a competitive process is not appropriate or cost-
effective and exempt the contract from a competitive process consistent with RCW
53.19.020; and (2) for the Executive Director to execute a contract amendment with
Robert Watrus to provide expert services for the workforce strategy development and to
continue work on the Aviation Career Pathways Pilot Program for an increase of
$116,235, resulting in a total contract value of $162,735.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum, strategic plan timelines, and
implementation timeline.
Presenter(s): Bookda Gheisar, Senior Director, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; Luis
Navarro, Director, Equity Programs, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; General Counsel Pete
Ramels.
A single presentation was provided for agenda items 8d and 8e. Amendment of the contract without
conducting a new procurement is intended to facilitate completion of work already begun by the
consultant on a workforce strategy and development of an aviation career pathway program. A
detailed timeline for implementing the strategic plan was provided.
A second contract (agenda item 8e) is requested to complete development of a strategic plan for the
recently created Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Community meetings and staff training
engagements were summarized. The request to avoid a competitive process is in the interest of
scheduling. The General Counsel explained that the statutes allow the commission to make a
determination and proceed without competing the contract.
The motion for approval of agenda item 8d carried by the following vote:
In favor: Bowman, Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Steinbrueck (5)
8e. [Authorization] to (1) determine a competitive process is not appropriate or cost-effective
and exempt this contract from a competitive process consistent with RCW 53.19.020;
and (2) for the Executive Director to execute a contract amendment with Tu Consulting
for strategy development planning services for the Office of Equity, Diversity and
Inclusion extending the contract period through October 2020 and increases the amount
by $75,000 for a new total of $98,625.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
Presenter(s): Bookda Gheisar, Senior Director, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; and Luis
Navarro, Director, Equity Programs, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
A single presentation on agenda items 8d and 8e was provided already.
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The motion for approval of agenda item 8e carried by the following vote:
In favor: Bowman, Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Steinbrueck (5)
8f. Introduction of Resolution No. 3769: A resolution of the Port of Seattle Commission
authorizing the Executive Director to sell and convey port personal property in 2020 in
accordance with RCW 53.08.090 with a value not greater than $19,000 and repealing
Resolution No. 3756, dealing with the same subject.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum, draft resolution, and presentation slides.
A copy of the final draft of Resolution 3769 will be made available upon adoption.
Presenter(s): Rudy Caluza, Director, Accounting and Financial Reporting.
Mr. Caluza described the kind of personal property typically disposed of under the Executive
Director’s authority pursuant to the resolution, including mobile devices that are frequently made
available for use by local school districts and other items such as firefighting equipment. The value
limit is per item. Because the state constitution prevents gifts of public funds, conveyance of personal
property follows highly regulated protocols and these items may not be given away.
The motion for introduction of Resolution No. 3769 carried by the following vote:
In favor: Bowman, Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Steinbrueck (5)
9. PRESENTATIONS, REPORTS, and STAFF BRIEFINGS
9a. Federal Legislative Agenda for 2020.
Presentation document(s) included an agenda memorandum, presentation slides, 2019 federal
maritime agenda, and 2019 federal aviation agenda.
Presenter(s): Eric Schinfeld, Senior Manager, Federal and International Government Relations; and
Ryan McFarland, Federal Government Relations Manager.
In 2019 gains on Harbor Maintenance Tax reform and adoption of appropriations policy riders related
to aviation were accomplished. The proposed federal legislative agenda for 2020 was provided in its
entirety as attached. Although 2020 is expected to be a challenging year to accomplish legislative
goals, items of note on the agenda include continued advocacy for Harbor Maintenance Tax reform,
funding flexibility for aviation infrastructure development, expansion of sustainable aviation fuel,
opportunities to further secondary noise insulation when initial noise insulation packages reach the
end of their serviceable life, and a number of environmental projects that have suffered due to lack
of federal action. Commissioners commented on orca recovery in Puget Sound and continued
vigilance regarding defense of Alaska’s Bristol Bay fishery.
10. QUESTIONS on REFERRAL to COMMITTEE – None.
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11. ADJOURNMENT
There was no further business, and the meeting adjourned at 3:36 p.m.
Prepared: Attest:
Paul J. White, Commission Clerk Sam Cho, Commission Secretary
Minutes approved: March 10, 2020.
