Digital recordings of the meeting proceedings and meeting materials are available online – www.portseattle.org.
APPROVED MINUTES
COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 8, 2020
The Port of Seattle Commission met in a regular meeting Tuesday, December 8, 2020. The meeting
was held remotely in accordance with the Governor’s ‘Safe Start’ order and Proclamation 20-28.
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 10:30 a.m. to
conduct an executive session.
2. EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to RCW 42.30.110
The public meeting was immediately recessed to an executive session to discuss two matters relating
to litigation/potential litigation/legal risk (RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)), with the intention of reconvening the
public session at 12:00 p.m. Following the executive session, which lasted approximately 75
minutes, the public meeting reconvened at 12:01 p.m. Commission President Steinbrueck led the
flag salute.
3. APPROVAL of the AGENDA
Without objection, the preliminary agenda was approved without revisions.
4. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY - None.
5. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director Steve Metruck previewed items on the day’s agenda and made announcements.
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Aaron Pritchard, Commission Policy Manager, reported that the next committee meetings would be
held on December 10 for Audit Committee and December 11 for Biometrics Special Committee and
Aviation Committee.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comment was received from the following individual(s):
• Kathy Casey, ADR tenant and ABAAC steward, spoke regarding the elimination of Minimal
Annual Guarantee (MAG), stated that the Port needs to recognize the impacts on
P.O. Box 1209
Seattle, Washington 98111
www.portseattle.org
206.787.3000
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 2 of 10
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020
Minutes of November 17, 2020, submitted for review on December 3, 2020, and proposed for approval on December 8, 2020.
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
concessionaires, and asks that the current MAG waiver be extended through the first
quarter of 2021.
• David Fukuhara, ADR concessionaire, recognized the Port’s efforts in helping all SeaTac
concessionaires through the pandemic, spoke to continued lock-downs, urged approval of
Item 10c, and requested that the MAG waiver relief be extended through the first quarter
of 2021.
• Jean Thompson, Owner, Seattle Chocolate Company and airport concessionaire, spoke
regarding the impact to sales due to increases in Covid-19 cases and extended shut-
downs and asked for an extension of the MAG waiver through the first quarter of 2021.
• Stacey House, Co-owner, Lucky Louie Fish Shack, requested an extension of the MAG
waiver through the first quarter of 2021.
• Daniel Nguyen, Owner, Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen & Bar, thanked the airport staff for their
support and requested additional relief for ADR tenants and extension of the MAG waiver
through March 2021.
• Charles Costanzo, General Counsel and Vice-president, Pacific Region of American
Waterways Operators, supported Item 10a for the Maritime Innovation Center and spoke
regarding the opportunity it presents to the community and maritime industries.
• Peter Terabotcha, President of Seattle Marine Business Coalition and Vice-president of
Elliott Bay Design Group, supported Item 10a, for funds to build the Maritime Innovation
Center.
• Laura Gibbons, volunteer with 350 Seattle’s Aviation Team, spoke regarding Item 11a and
climate impacts, noting that steps to increase and facilitate tourism and increase aviation
is incompatible with the Port’s climate goals. Written materials submitted are attached as
minutes Exhibit A.
• Jordan Van Voast, member of Seattle Cruise Control, spoke regarding climate control,
unsustainable lifestyles, and consumption. Written materials submitted are attached as
minutes Exhibit B.
• Ian McCluskey, Snohomish County Climate Action Committee, spoke regarding Item 11a,
climate crisis, and the Port’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Written materials
submitted are attached as minutes Exhibit C.
• Devi Khadka, Joseph Wallis, Kufa Benta, Stefan Moritz, and Ronnie Lalimo, Unite Here
Local 8, spoke regarding the impacts on airline catering workers paid under the Seatac
minimum wage and in support of implementing SB 6217 for these workers.
• In lieu of spoken comment, Ann Jarris, CEO, Discovery Health MD, submitted written
comments regarding Item 10a and shared her experience on the benefits of providing a
collaborative workspace for maritime focused companies. Written materials received are
attached as minutes Exhibit D.
• In lieu of spoken comment, Jeffrey Utterback, former Port employee, submitted written
comments supporting passage of Item 10a, grant funds for the Fisherman’s Terminal
Maritime Innovation Center and preservation of Fisherman’s Terminal, due to its place in
Seattle’s maritime history. Written materials received are attached as minutes Exhibit E.
• In lieu of spoken comment, Sarah Shifley, volunteer, 350 Seattle’s Aviation team,
submitted written comments urging the Port to amend its federal legislative agenda, Item
11a, to focus on aviation degrowth rather than expansion and noted that biofuels do not
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 3 of 10
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020
Minutes of November 17, 2020, submitted for review on December 3, 2020, and proposed for approval on December 8, 2020.
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
reduce emissions from fuel burned. Written materials received are attached as minutes
Exhibit F.
• In lieu of spoken comment, Aer Parris, Seattle resident, submitted written comments
regarding Item 11a and voiced concerns for emissions from aviation fuels burned. Written
materials received are attached as minutes Exhibit G.
• In lieu of spoken comment, Tyrell Hedlund, Seattle resident, submitted written comments
regarding Item 11a and urged a reduction in air travel and aviation fuels burned. Written
materials received are attached as minutes Exhibit H.
• In lieu of spoken comment, John Birnel, volunteer, 350 Seattle’s Aviation team, submitted
written comments regarding Item 11a urging the Port to broaden its state mandate to
enable it to more freely promote climate stability, as well as a sustainable and equitable
future. Written materials received are attached as minutes Exhibit I.
• In lieu of spoken comment, Sharla Dodd, Seattle resident, submitted written comments
regarding Item 11a urging the Port to pursue legislative and regulatory changes that will
lead to a meaningful reduction in air travel and address climate crisis. Written materials
received are attached as minutes Exhibit J.
• In lieu of spoken comment, Bernedine Lund, member of Quiet Skies of Puget Sound and
volunteer member of 350 Seattle’s Aviation team, submitted written comments correcting
her November 17, 2020, comments. Written materials received are attached as minutes
Exhibit K.
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 the minutes of the regular meetings of November 10 and November 17,
2020
8b. Approval of the Claims and Obligations for the period November 1, 2020, through
November 30, 2020, including accounts payable check nos. 937439-937688 in the
amount of $4,071,810.42; accounts payable ACH nos. 030522-031186 in the amount of
$60,717,829.92; accounts payable wire transfer nos. 015490-015497 in the amount of
$4,726,132.18, payroll check nos. 197491-197664 in the amount of $56,640.57; and
payroll ACH nos. 996763-1001060 in the amount of $11,883,055.22 for a fund total of
$81,455,468.31
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
8c. Authorization for the Executive Director to execute two consulting indefinite delivery,
indefinite quantity contracts for cost estimating services for a total amount not-to-
exceed $3 million and a contract ordering period of five years. There is no funding
associated with this request.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 4 of 10
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020
Minutes of November 17, 2020, submitted for review on December 3, 2020, and proposed for approval on December 8, 2020.
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
8d. Authorization for the Executive Director to authorize $85,000 in design and permitting
phase funding for the proposed underdock utility replacement at Pier 69. This funding
request would increase the total project authorization to-date to $310,000, out of a
preliminarily estimated total project cost of $2,930,000. (CIP #C801102)
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation slides.
8e. Authorization for the Executive Director to execute a contract not-to-exceed $450,000
for consulting services to support a comprehensive review of the Port’s current
compensation program for non-represented employees. The review will assess what
works well and what can be improved, recommend program improvements and a
schedule for making them, and assist the Port in developing and implementing new
or updated compensation program elements. This will be a three-year contract.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
The motion for approval of consent agenda items 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, and 8e carried by the
following vote:
In favor: Bowman, Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Steinbrueck (5)
Opposed: (0)
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None.
10. NEW BUSINESS
10a. Authorization for the Executive Director to (1) Execute an Interagency Agreement with
the Washington State Department of Commerce for the $5,000,000 grant offered by the
Clean Energy Fund Program to fund Fishermen’s Terminal Maritime Innovation Center.
(2) Authorize Construction of the Maritime Innovation Center, which is the condition for
executing the Interagency Agreement with Washington State Department of Commerce.
(CIP #C801084)
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation slides.
Presenter(s):
Dave McFadden, Managing Director, Economic Development;
Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Managing Director, Maritime
Kyra Lise, Director, Real Estate Development
Chris Green, Department of Commerce;
Joshua Berger, Director of ED for Maritime
Mike Jobes, Principal, Miller/Hull
Commission Clerk Michelle Hart read Item 10a into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 5 of 10
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020
Minutes of November 17, 2020, submitted for review on December 3, 2020, and proposed for approval on December 8, 2020.
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
The presentation addressed:
• Seeking authorization to execute an interagency agreement with Washington State
Department of Commerce to support construction of the Maritime Innovation Center;
• No funding requested at this time;
• The project is part of the 2019 – 2023 Capital Improvement Plan;
• Maritime Innovation Center progress;
• The purpose of the center – to support technology acceleration and incubation, and act as
a focal point for maritime sustainability, including, but not limited to, supporting technology
development for maritime decarbonization and electrification;
• State investment and partnership - $5mil commitment;
• Maritime Blue
o advancing innovation;
o innovation accelerator;
• Innovation center strategic objectives;
• Ship supply building – assets for innovation;
• Proposed building improvements;
• Status and certainty of the project;
• Project cost summary; and
• Next steps;
o Complete design work;
o Refine cost estimates;
o Secure permits;
o Secure construction funding;
o Partner with Maritime Blue to evaluate tenant options as facility starts construction;
and
o Achieve Living Building Challenge certification.
Members of the Commission discussed:
• the sequencing of the project – spending the next year completing design and securing
permits during the same period;
• updates to the Commission which will occur during that period;
• the significance of the original structure, while giving it new economic life and applying the
Living Building Challenge;
• receiving a more specific and detailed business plan which would include a projection of
funding sources and tenants, and an understanding of if the project will require additional
subsidy to operate and maintain, or if the Port has secured sufficient commitments to ensure
adequate funds in the long-term;
• the elements of equity that meet the Living Building Challenge;
• securing a historic designation for the building; and
• interest in securing leases in maritime.
The motion, made by Commissioner Felleman, for approval of Item 10a, carried by the
following vote:
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 6 of 10
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020
Minutes of November 17, 2020, submitted for review on December 3, 2020, and proposed for approval on December 8, 2020.
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
In favor: Bowman, Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Steinbrueck (5)
Opposed: (0)
10b. Introduction of Resolution No. 3782: A Resolution of the Port Commission of the Port of
Seattle appointing Lisa Lam, Assistant Director, Accounting and Financial Reporting
Department, as Port Auditor for the Port of Seattle pursuant to RCW 53.36.010 and RCW
42.24.080.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and draft resolution.
Presenter(s):
Rudy Caluza, Director, Accounting and Financial Reporting; and
Lisa Lam, Assistant Director, Financial Reporting Revenue Services
Commission Clerk Michelle Hart read Item 10b into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters, noting that Debbi Browning,
Assistant Director, Accounting and Financial Reporting, has retired after 27 years of service with the
Port. Lisa Lam, Assistant Director, Financial Reporting Revenue Services, upon Commission
approval will be taking the position after 15 years of service at the Port.
Mr. Rudy Caluza reported that Ms. Lam will be appointed Port Auditor by ultimate approval of the
final resolution, pursuant to RCW 53.36.010 and RCW 42.24.080. If this introduction is approved,
final authorization will be before the Commission during the December 15, 2020, meeting.
Ms. Lam spoke, thanking Ms. Browning for her service and the Executive, staff, and the Commission
for supporting her in the position.
The motion, made by Commissioner Bowman, for introduction of Resolution 3782, carried by
the following vote:
In favor: Bowman, Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Steinbrueck (5)
Opposed: (0)
10c. Order 2020-21 an order of the Port of Seattle Commission to authorize additional
adjustments to agreements with tenants and concessionaires impacted by the COVID-
19 pandemic.
Requested document(s) included a order.
Presenter(s): Aaron Pritchard, Commission Policy Manager
Commission Clerk Michelle Hart read Item 10c into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 7 of 10
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020
Minutes of November 17, 2020, submitted for review on December 3, 2020, and proposed for approval on December 8, 2020.
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
Mr. Pritchard read the text of the Order into the record noting that the Order updates the April 1,
2020, directive given by the Commission for short-term pandemic relief for Port tenants and
concessionaires. The Order would authorize the Executive Director to continue to manage
agreements with airport food, beverage, and retail concessionaires and make short-term
adjustments to maintain a sustainable base of key services for passengers using the airport.
Commission discussion ensued regarding:
• the work of the Port and the ability of tenants and concessionaires to come forward to
address the issues;
• receiving more data related to the MAG and requested extension of its waiver;
• giving the Executive Director authority through the Order to implement measures;
• the Order also being applicable to non-aviation Port tenants and concessionaires; and
• supporting the Port’s financial interest in supporting Port tenants and concessionaires.
The motion, to adopt Order 2020-21, was made by Commissioner Felleman.
A primary amendment, made by Commissioner Bowman, to amend Order No. 2020-21, line
10, to add the sentence: “In carrying out this authority, the Executive Director will seek input
from Commissioners on the types of adjustments prior to implementation,” carried by the
following vote:
In favor: Bowman, Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Steinbrueck (5)
Opposed: (0)
The main motion, as amended, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Bowman, Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Steinbrueck (5)
Opposed: (0)
11. PRESENTATIONS AND STAFF REPORTS
11a. Federal Legislative Agenda for 2021
Presentation document(s) included an agenda memorandum, presentation slides, and a federal
aviation and maritime agenda.
Presenter(s):
Ryan McFarland, Federal Government Relations Manager; and
Eric Schinfeld, Senior Manager, Federal and International Government Relations
Commission Clerk Michelle Hart read Item 11a into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
The presentation addressed:
• 2020 Port Successes;
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 8 of 10
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020
Minutes of November 17, 2020, submitted for review on December 3, 2020, and proposed for approval on December 8, 2020.
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
• 2021 Outlook;
• Priority Agenda Items – Portwide COVID-19;
• Priority Agenda Items – Portwide General;
• Priority Agenda Items – Aviation;
• Priority Agenda Items – Maritime;
• Additional Priority Issue Areas – Portwide;
• Additional Priority Issue Areas – Aviation;
• Additional Priority Issue Areas – Maritime; and
• Additional Issues to Monitor.
Next steps in the process include:
• Now through January 12, 2021 – incorporate feedback received;
• January 12, 2021 – ask Commission for adoption in public session; and
• February 2021 – meetings with Congressional offices to distribute agenda and share
priorities.
11b. Internal Audit – Audits Completed in 2020
Presentation document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation slides.
Presenter(s):
Glenn Fernandes, Director, Internal Audit; and
Christina Gehrke, Audit Committee Public Member
Commission Clerk Michelle Hart read Item 11b into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
The presentation addressed:
• Structure and function of the Internal Audit Department;
• 17 audits, one analysis memo, and two summary reports completed in 2020;
• Key themes;
• Highlighted Audits;
• Operational – Cash Controls;
• Operational – Public Health Emergency Leave Program (PHEL);
• Operational – Ground Transportation – Taxi Cabs;
• IT Audits;
• Limited Contract Compliance; and
• 2021 Audit Strategy.
Members of the Commission spoke to the importance of the internal audit process and thanked
Mr. Fernandes, staff, and Members of the Audit Committee for their work throughout the year.
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 9 of 10
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020
Minutes of November 17, 2020, submitted for review on December 3, 2020, and proposed for approval on December 8, 2020.
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
11c. Opportunity Youth Initiative Briefing
Presentation document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation slides.
Presenter(s):
Bookda Gheisar, Senior Director, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion;
Gail Muller, Project Specialist, Tourism Economic Development;
Huan Do, Director, Seattle Goodwill Industries;
Hien Kieu, Executive Director, Partner in Employment;
Jake Bookwalter, Intern, Friends of Georgetown History and Industry; and
Avery Brown, Intern, Friends of Georgetown History
Commission Clerk Michelle Hart read Item 11c into the record.
Executive Director Metruck introduced the item and presenters.
The presentation addressed:
• COVID-19 King County – total unemployment claims by zip code;
• Port’s Response to Community Need;
• Nearly 200 Youth Opportunities Created;
o Seattle Goodwill Industries – 70 youth
o Partner in Employment – 33 youth
o Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle – 76 youth
o Seattle Parks Foundation – 17 youth
• Maritime and Aerospace Focus;
• Environmental Green Jobs;
• Construction Readiness;
• Green Jobs Focus;
• Program Challenges;
• Participant Profile;
• Removing Barriers and Challenges;
• Youth Opportunities with Impact; and
• Youth Feedback.
Members of the Commission:
• thanked Commissioner Bowman for her sponsorship and staff for the presentation and the
work that has gone into supporting and informing the South King County Fund effort;
• spoke regarding the desire to see the program sustained; and
• encouraged a write-up as a case study for a program evolving from the pilot program, to
include the green jobs element.
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 10 of 10
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020
Minutes of November 17, 2020, submitted for review on December 3, 2020, and proposed for approval on December 8, 2020.
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
12. QUESTIONS on REFERRAL to COMMITTEE and CLOSING COMMENTS – None.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There was no further business, and the meeting adjourned at 4:11 p.m.
Prepared: Attest:
Michelle M. Hart, Commission Clerk Sam H. Cho, Commission Secretary
Minutes approved: January 12, 2021.
