Digital recordings of the meeting proceedings and meeting materials are available online – www.portseattle.org.

1. CALL to ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 10:33 a.m. by Commission President Steinbrueck, who led the

flag salute. Commission President Steinbrueck continued by recognizing June as Pride Month and

honoring its 50

th

anniversary of official Pride Month celebrations in the nation. He spoke regarding

the recent Supreme Court ruling for protections for gay and transgender workers so employees

cannot be fired under federal law simply because of their gender identity or sexual orientation; and

recognized the efforts of the employee resource group that has been active in raising awareness of

social issues at the Port, supporting and advocating for initiatives and programs that pertain to a

diverse cross-section of Port employees, their spouses/partners, and families.

oversight. Commission President Steinbrueck noted that the purpose of the proposed

comprehensive assessment of the Port Police Department is in no way a reaction to any specific

issue with the department, but rather is an opportunity to respond with clear intent during this time of

awakening across the country. The motion speaks to how best practices relate to equity in policing

and how civil rights protections can best align to Port values. Today’s community forum is being held

at the specific request of the Port’s employee resource group, Blacks in Government (BIG), to solicit

further staff and community input on the motion. He thanked the members of BIG who have lead

focus groups and conversations on the topic so that we can gather input, ideas, and perspectives to

inform the motion. The motion would direct a comprehensive assessment of the Port Police

Department, its policies, procedures, and practices, and would establish a task force to assess the

equitable to all persons. He spoke to conversations and accounts he has had with people affected

by inequity, and stated it is important to ensure that the Port Police Department continues to be a

model for police agencies across the state and the country.

inclusive and just society. Executive Director Metruck advised that the Port continues to have an

important role to play in these discussions and call to action; that as a nation, we are asking critical

questions about the role of law enforcement and what we ask of the men and women who have

chosen to serve in the profession, with all its challenges. He stated that the motion is before the

community today because of the leadership of the Commission, the leaders in Blacks in Government

at the Port, Acting Police Chief Michael Villa, and the contributions of many at the Port. “The Port

Police Department has a special and critical role in protecting the traveling public, our employees,

our businesses, and vital infrastructure for trade and commerce.” The motion is an opportunity to

study and recommend ways that we can improve. Executive Director Metruck stated that he fully

supports the motion; is committed to the effort and the call to action; and looks forward to the

Delmas Whittaker, President of Blacks in Government, and Chairman of the Blacks in Government

focus group, addressed the Commission regarding the opportunity to review the draft motion for a

comprehensive assessment of the Port Police Department and the creation of a Commission task

force to lead the effort. He stated that locally and nationally, the call for substantive change,

particularly in regard to policing policies and procedures that disproportionately impact black and

brown people, need to be eliminated immediately. He spoke to the efforts of the Blacks in

Government focus group and opined that immediate actions need to be included for the motion to

be effective. “The collective voices we are here to serve are needed to make these meaningful and

substantive changes.” He emphasized the work of the focus group and the work of this proposed

2. EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to RCW 42.30.110 – None.

3. APPROVAL of the AGENDA

Without objection, the preliminary agenda was approved as presented without objection.

4. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Executive Director Steve Metruck had no additional reports at this time.

Written comments were received and entered as an exhibit to these minutes from the following

individuals regarding Motion 2020-15 (All public comment is listed as Exhibit A):

.

6. UNANIMOUS CONSENT CALENDAR – None.

7. SPECIAL ORDERS of BUSINESS – None.

comprehensive assessment of the Port of Seattle Police Department to ensure alignment

with the highest national standards and best practices related to policing; and to

establish a Commission Task Force to lead the assessment and develop

recommendations for action.

Presentation document(s) included an agenda memorandum and draft motion.