Minutes
Managing Member Meeting – Regular | Port of Seattle Commission - Special
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
9:30 a.m. Closed Session
11:30 a.m. Open Public Meeting
The Conference Center at SEA, 17801 International Blvd. Seattle, Washington
Live streamed on the meetings page at www.nwseaportalliance.com
Commissioners present:
Port of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Ryan Calkins Kristin Ang
Sam Cho Deanna Keller
Fred Felleman John McCarthy
Hamdi Mohamed Dick Marzano
Don Meyer
Commissioners excused:
Toshiko Hasegawa, Port of Seattle Commissioner
1. Call to Order
Alliance Co-Chair, Hamdi Mohamed called the regular meeting of the Managing Members to
order at 9:30 a.m.
2. Recess
The Managing Members immediately recessed for an executive session pursuant to Revised
Code of Washington (RCW) 42.30.110 (i) to discuss with legal counsel representing the agency,
two matters of litigation or potential litigation to which the agency, the governing body, or a
member acting in an official capacity is, or is likely to become, a party, when public knowledge
regarding the discussion is likely to result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the
agency. The executive session ended at 10:43 a.m.
The executive session was immediately followed by a closed session allowable pursuant to laws
and regulations found at 46 U.S.C. § 40306, 46 C.F.R. § 538.608, 46 C.F.R. § 535.701(i)(1) and as
authorized by the Port of Seattle/Port of Tacoma Alliance Agreement (Federal Maritime
Commission (FMC) Agreement Number 201228. The closed FMC session ended at 11:20 a.m.
3. Return to Order
The Managing Members reconvened and NWSA Co-Chair and Port of Seattle Commission
President, Hamdi Mohamed, called the meeting back to order at 11:36 a.m. She announced that
the meeting is also a special meeting of the Port of Seattle Commission for the purpose of a Dual
Action as reflected in the meeting agenda at item 8.C.2. and that all legally required prior public
notice and posting requirements for the special meeting were followed.
4. Flag Salute
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
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Date: February 6, 2024
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5. Chief Executive Officer’s Report
Alliance CEO, John Wolfe, summarized the agenda.
6. Public Comment
Eric Wright, Senior Manager of Business Development at Portland Container. Spoke in favor of
rate offsets by payment deferrals and other means to ensure five business day per week truck
gates.
7. Work Group Reports
A. Internal Governance. Commissioner Keller reported that scheduling conflicts prevented the
Internal Governance Work Group (IGWG) from meeting as a group, however, the IGWG
members were able to review and provide input to counsel on proposed revisions to the
Alliance Bylaws and Code of Governance and Conduct for Commissioner received since the
first readings of the associated resolutions (NWSA Resolutions 2024-01 and 2024-03).
Proposed amendments from first reading on those resolutions were included in the agenda
packet today and are on today’s agenda for second readings.
B. Ad Hoc Offshore Wind Supply Chain Work Group. The Ad Hoc Offshore Wind (OSW) Supply
Chain Work Group met on January 18, 2024, to review a revised study scope and discuss
next steps for the NWSA’s exploration of OSW related cargo business opportunities. Based
on comments from the first OSW meeting, staff returned to consultants to narrow the scope
of the study for half of the originally proposed cost and the Work Group recommends
moving forward with a feasibility study in coming weeks. Travel opportunities for OSW
education were also discussed.
8. Consent Agenda
8A.(1) Approval of the minutes of the December 21, 2023, special meeting
8A.(2) Approval of the minutes of the January 3, 2024, regular meeting.
8B. Approval of checks 712062 through 712239 in the amount of $5,417,119.25 and electric
payments in the amount of $19,485,954.14 during
the period of December 20, 2023, through January 25, 2024, in the total amount of
$24,903,073.39 certified by NWSA Auditor.
8C. Dual Action NWSA and Port of Seattle Commission:
(1) Request Managing Members of The Northwest Seaport Alliance to authorize the Chief
Executive Officer or their delegate to enter into a Second Addendum to Interlocal Agreement
between the Port of Seattle and The Northwest Seaport Alliance regarding the Port of Seattle’s
use of a Portion of Terminal 106 West, to increase the reimbursable cost to the NWSA for
reasonable and appropriate cost to reimburse ConGlobal to move its mobile office trailer in the
amount of $12,000.00, bring the total not to exceed amount to $171,000.00 plus applicable
Washington State sales tax and
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Date: February 6, 2024
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(2) Jointly request Commissioners of the Port of Seattle to authorize the Executive Director or
their delegate to enter into a Second Addendum to Interlocal Agreement between the Port of
Seattle and The Northwest Seaport Alliance regarding the Port of Seattle’s use of a portion of
Terminal 106 West, to increase the reimbursable cost to the NWSA for the reasonable and
appropriate cost to reimburse ConGlobal to move its mobile office trailer in an amount of
$12,000.00, bring the total not to exceed amount to $171,000.00 plus applicable Washington
State sales tax.
(3) Request authorization for the NWSA CEO to enter into the Third Amendment to Lease
between the NWSA as Lessor and ConGlobal Industries LLC as Lessee at Terminals 106 West and
108, to increase the reimbursable cost to ConGlobal for the reasonable and appropriate cost to
move the mobile office trailer in an amount of $12,000.00, bring the total not to exceed amount
to $171,000.00 plus applicable Washington State sales tax.
It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Cho and Calkins, acting in a dual role on behalf of
The Northwest Seaport Alliance and, as to item 8.C.2, on behalf of the Port of Seattle
Commission to adopt the Consent Agenda.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Port of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Ryan Calkins - Aye Kristin Ang - Aye
Sam Cho - Aye Deanna Keller - Aye
Fred Felleman - Aye John McCarthy - Aye
Toshiko Hasegawa – (Absent and excused) Dick Marzano Aye
Hamdi Mohamed - Aye Don Meyer – Aye
9. Actions
A. 2024 NWSA State Legislative Agenda Amendment
Director of Government Affairs, Sean Eagan presented an amendment to the 2024 State
Legislative Agenda. The language is the result of proposed language from Commissioner
Felleman and discussions among Commissioners in the Work Group since adoption of the
Legislative Agenda at the January 3, 2024 meeting. The language was added to express
support of the Climate Commitment Act.
It was moved and seconded (Keller/Ang) to amend the 2024 NWSA State Legislative Agenda
to add, “The NWSA has supported and will support the goals of the Climate Commitment
Act which plays an essential role in the decarbonization of NWSA marine cargo operations
and the state as a whole.”
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Date: February 6, 2024
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Discussion:
• Commissioner Ang supports The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) as it provides
critical funding toward decarbonization and just transition and the funding is
needed for shore power.
• Commissioner Cho added in addition to shore power, as potential green corridors
are explored, there will be a need for infrastructure for the bunkering of alternative
fuels. He encouraged government affairs staff to educate legislature on
infrastructure needs beyond shore power.
• Commissioner Calkins stated that investments available through things like the CAA
that allow for the transition away from a fossil fuel economy toward the green
energy economy, are becoming a business advantage.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Port of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Ryan Calkins - Aye Kristin Ang - Aye
Sam Cho - Aye Deanna Keller - Aye
Fred Felleman - Aye John McCarthy - Aye
Toshiko Hasegawa - (Absent and excused) Dick Marzano - Aye
Hamdi Mohamed - Aye Don Meyer - Aye
B. Second Reading on Resolution 2024-01 Adopting The Northwest Seaport Alliance’s Fifth
Amended Bylaws (superseding Resolution 2022-03).
General Counsel, Dana Henderson, presented proposed revisions based on feedback
received from Commissioners since first reading on December 21, 2023. Including:
• Article VIII, Section 2 regarding how items are placed on the Managing Member
meeting agenda. The proposed language specifies that late-breaking and time-
sensitive matters may be walked on at a regular meeting.
• Article VIII, Section 3 regarding how items are placed on the agenda. The proposed
language provides structure to the process for placing items on the agenda.
• Article I, Section 3 (E) adds new language, formerly proposed in the draft First
Amended Code of Governance and Conduct, requesting that Commissioners notify
each other and the NWSA CEO prior to speaking publicly about the NWSA and other
Commissioners.
It was moved and seconded (Cho/Keller) to adopt Resolution 2024-01 (superseding 2022-03)
and the associated Fifth Amended Northwest Seaport Alliance Bylaws as set forth in Exhibit
“A” attached thereto.
Discussion:
• Commissioners discussed and debated whether the Bylaws should allow waiver of
two readings of leases.
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Date: February 6, 2024
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• Commissioners expressed support for the process of two readings for leases, but
certain commissioners also expressed a desire for the flexibility to advance non-
controversial/simple leases with as little process as possible.
• Commissioner McCarthy predicted that if the rules allow for the waiving of two
readings of leases, the waiver will become the norm rather than the exception.
• After discussion and amendment, the language at Article VI, Section 7 was revised
to strike the language that stated “If both Managing Members consent…” to instead
read “if there is no objection by a Commissioner present at the meeting…” a lease
may be put on for final passage at the first meeting at which it is introduced. This
allows for a single Commissioner to demand a lease be presented for two readings.
The revised language reads in full:
Leases that are being presented to the Managing Members for
authorization shall be presented at two meetings before a vote
is taken. No vote shall be taken at the first reading, but
Commissioners should provide staff with suggestions, input and
feedback on the proposed Lease either in the meeting or before
the second reading. At the second reading, staff shall report on
any substantive changes to the proposed Lease since the first
reading. If there is no objection by a Commissioner present at
the meeting, a lease may be put on for final passage at the first
meeting at which it is introduced.
• With no further amendments offered to the Bylaws as presented, Co-Chair
Mohamed called for the vote to adopt Resolution 2024-01 (superseding 2022-03)
and the associated Fifth Amended Northwest Seaport Alliance Bylaws as set forth in
Exhibit “A” attached thereto.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Port of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Ryan Calkins - Aye Kristin Ang - Aye
Sam Cho - Aye Deanna Keller - Aye
Fred Felleman - Aye John McCarthy - Aye
Toshiko Hasegawa - (Absent and excused) Dick Marzano - Aye
Hamdi Mohamed - Aye Don Meyer - Aye
C. Second Reading on Resolution 2024-03 Adopting The Northwest Seaport Alliance’s First
Amended Code of Governance and Conduct for Commissioners (superseding Resolution
2022-02).
General Counsel, Dana Henderson, presented proposed revisions based on feedback
received from Commissioners since first reading on January 3, 2024. Including:
• Removing the previously proposed section I.B that stated that if a Commissioner is
speaking publicly regarding the Alliance or other Commissioners, including in various
forms of media, the Commissioner should provide as much prior notice as is
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Date: February 6, 2024
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practicable to other Commissioners and NWSA CEO. This provision has instead been
placed in the Fifth Amended Alliance Bylaws.
• Revisions to make clear that in the event of a complaint alleging illegal harassment
or illegal discrimination, the Conduct Committee shall refer that complaint for
outside third-party investigation, and revising related sections of the Code
accordingly.
It was moved and seconded (Ang/Cho) to adopt Resolution 2024-03, superseding 2022-02,
and the associated First Amended Code of Governance and Conduct for Commissioners.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Port of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Ryan Calkins - Aye Kristin Ang - Aye
Sam Cho - Aye Deanna Keller - Aye
Fred Felleman - Aye John McCarthy - Nay
Toshiko Hasegawa - (Absent and excused) Dick Marzano - Aye
Hamdi Mohamed - Aye Don Meyer - Aye
10. Briefings
A. Port Community System (PCS) Update
Presenters: Jeff Bellerud, COO
Zack Thomas, Director, Operations Service Center
Michael Elguera, Manager PCS
Mark Moore, Manager, IT Project Management, Port of Tacoma
The Managing Members were briefed on the NWSA Port Community System including the
capabilities of the system, goals, and historical, current, and future investments in the
system.
Discussion:
• Benefits and challenges of an appointment system for truckers were discussed.
• Commissioner McCarthy commented he supports the goals, but the expense causes
him concern. There must be a return on investment and a measure of success
before investing more money.
• Commissioner Felleman would like to know whether the NWSA sees value in
opening up the Port of Seattle’s CEM property, immediately proximal to Terminal 5,
for a potential queueing area.
B. Grants Update
Presenters: Cassandra deKanter, Grants Specialist
Steve Nicholas, Sr. Manager, Air Quality & Sustainability Practices
The Managing Members were briefed on grant activity since the January 9, 2024 grant
steering committee meeting. Ms. deKanter provided post submission updates on grant
activity for opportunities under Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA), Volkswagen
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Date: February 6, 2024
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Settlement and the Port Infrastructure Development Program. Domestic Preference Waivers
have been submitted for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ)
opportunities. Mr. Nicholas provided updates on four federal grant opportunities in service
to the 2020 update to the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy (NWPCAS) including a
Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) grant award, a Reducing Truck Emissions at Port
Facilities (RTEPF) opportunity, a Clean Ports Program funding opportunity, and opportunities
through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG).
Discussion:
• Commissioner Calkins noted access to Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funds could
potentially be used for the local match requirements of certain federal grant
opportunities.
• Eligible activities under the CFI grant were discussed. Commissioner Calkins noted
his preference that staff look for ways the NWSA can use investments in a
technology neutral and enduring manner and to use the private market to the
extent possible to fund the parts that are not enduring.
• The CFI grant is not port exclusive. Staff anticipates a higher probability of success if
the NWSA’s proposal is embedded in a larger regional package.
• Build America, Buy America (BABA) Domestic Waivers were discussed.
Commissioner Cho suggested advocating for industry-wide BABA waiver extensions
to cover the grant execution period, He noted waivers would for better or worse
lower costs of the associated projects, especially in the area of heavy-duty charging
space.
• Commissioner Meyer stated his priority is a facility that is totally clean in terms of
overall emissions.
• Commissioner Ang noted other entities are taking notice of the NWSA’s success
with grants. The Puyallup Tribe wanted to work with the NWSA on ways to
collaborate on grants that increase economic prosperity and environmental impact
in the South Harbor. Commissioner Ang assumes opportunity for collaboration in
the North Harbor as well. Such opportunities could make the gateway more
competitive and potentially receive more grant funding for both Harbors.
• Conversations regarding external funding for the PCS are taking place with the
planning team.
11. General Business
A. CEO Announcements
• CEO Wolfe introduced Director of Environmental and Planning Services, Jason
Jordan, and Senior Manager of Strategic Projects, Lindsay Wolpa who gave a brief
update on the NWSA’s Clean Truck Collaborative and parking strategies to support
the transition to zero-emission trucks in the gateway.
• CEO Wolfe and Deputy CEO, Don Esterbrook highlighted a recent non-container
cargo operation at Terminal 46. He thanked Customs and Border Protection,
International Longshore and Warehouse Union locals 19, 52, and 98 as well as PCMC
and staff for working through the issues to make that happen.
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Date: February 6, 2024
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• Deputy CEO Esterbrook commented on a successful Southeast Asia trip and the
Vietnam-USA Trade Symposium. He noted that the NWSA was the only gateway
invited.
• Highlights and benefits the NWSA’s Inland Rail Hub Initiative were presented. The
first 10 loads from Wallula, Washington were received today. There are currently
hubs in Minot, North Dakota, Pocatello, Idaho, Portland, Oregon, and Wallula,
Washington. Staff is working toward another in the Tri-Cities area.
B. Commissioner Comments
• Commissioner Cho commented on the success of bringing Terminal 46 on line
temporarily, the possibility of bringing business there permanently and the prospect
of the NWSA operating Terminal 46 on its own. He also commented on key
takeaways from the recent customer trips to Asia.
• Commissioner Keller noted Black History Month and the importance of celebrating
diversity in the maritime workforce.
• Commissioner Ang thanked Commissioner Mohamed for running her first NWSA
Managing Member meeting as Co-Chair. She wished all a happy Lunar New Year and
shared wishes for prosperity and peace and resolution to uncertainty in the world.
• Commissioner McCarthy echoed Commissioner Cho’s comments regarding the
customer trip to Asia. He found them to be productive and enjoyed working hand-
in-hand with Commissioner Cho. He offered congratulations regarding the activity at
Terminal 46.
• Commissioner Felleman noted vessels at anchor waiting for a port of call in
Vancouver and noted if this were a fish opening it would be problematic. He
challenged staff to consider ways to creating an incentive for truckers that would
make the significant financial investment in a ‘clean truck’ worthwhile. Regarding a
potential offshore wind study, it is not clear to him whether unlicensed properties
would be included.
• Commissioner Mohamed thanked CEO Wolfe, staff, Labor and Customs and Border
Protection, and the customer for the successful non-container cargo activity at
Terminal 46. She commented that even a one-time opportunity signals that there is
more that can be done in the North Harbor. She is honored to serve in the role of
Co-Chair.
12. Adjournment
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:08 p.m.
Hamdi Mohamed, Co-Chair Kristin Ang, Co-Chair
The Northwest Seaport Alliance The Northwest Seaport Alliance
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Date: February 6, 2024
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ATTEST:
Ryan Calkins, Co-Secretary Dick Marzano, Co-Secretary
The Northwest Seaport Alliance The Northwest Seaport Alliance
Juliet Campbell, Clerk
The Northwest Seaport Alliance
