Digital recordings of the meeting proceedings and meeting materials are available online – www.portseattle.org.
APPROVED MINUTES
COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
April 8, 2025
The Port of Seattle Commission met in a regular meeting Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The meeting was
held at the Port of Seattle Headquarters Building Commission Chambers, located at 2711 Alaska
Way, Seattle Washington, and virtually on Microsoft Teams.
1. CALL to ORDER
The meeting was convened at 10:30 a.m. by Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa.
2. EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to RCW 42.30.110
The public meeting recessed into executive session to discuss two items - one regarding
Litigation/Potential Litigation/Legal Risk per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) and National Security per
RCW 42.30.110(1)(a)(i) and the other regarding Litigation/Potential Litigation/Legal Risk per
RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for approximately 60 minutes, with the intention of reconvening the public
session at 12:00 p.m. Following the executive session, the public meeting reconvened at 12:16 p.m.
Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa led the flag salute.
3. APPROVAL of the AGENDA
The agenda was approved, as presented, and without objection.
4. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
No Special Orders of the Day were presented.
5. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Deputy Executive Director Goon previewed items on the day’s agenda and made general and
meeting-related announcements.
P.O. Box 1209
Seattle, Washington 98111
www.portseattle.org
206.787.3000
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 2 of 8
TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Erica Chung, Commission Office Strategic Advisor, presented committee reports as follows:
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee met on March 18, 2025, with Commissioner Calkins presiding and
Commissioner Mohamed and Public Member Sarah Holmstrom in attendance. The Committee
received the Accountability Audit Results for 2023 from the Office of the Washington State Auditor.
Port operations was audited and complied with applicable state laws, regulations, and its own policies,
and provided adequate controls over the safeguarding of public resources. The Committee also
received updates from the Internal Audit Director on the Director’s annual communications to the
committee; the Internal Audit Outreach Program; and on the 2025 Internal Audit Plan. An Information
Technology Audit regarding the Satellite Transit System was provided in non-public session.
Aviation Committee
Commissioners Felleman and Cho convened the Aviation Committee on March 18, 2025.
Commissioners heard a report on the current status and projected finances of major projects at SEA.
Commissioners identified the need to discuss how these projects are prioritized for funding as an
entire Commission (not just in the Aviation Committee.) Commissioners also asked about efforts to
improve the accuracy of the airport’s Automated Parking Space indicators, and staff indicated that
they would reply to the Commissioners with a summary of the work being done to improve the
accuracy of these indicators. Commissioner Felleman asked about SEA’s projected financial metrics,
including future Cost Per Enplanement and Passenger Facility Charge revenues. Staff followed up
with this data.
Portwide Arts and Culture Board
Commissioners Calkins and Felleman attended the Portwide Art and Cultural Board meeting on
March 21, 2025. Tommy Gregory, Art Program Manager, gave the committee an overview of this
year's major aviation and maritime public art projects and upcoming acquisitions. The committee
discussed and approved moving forward with a public art collection monograph; with more details to
be shared at the next committee. Discussion also ensued regarding seeking candidates to fill a
vacancy of a public member on the board.
Sustainability, Environment, and Climate Committee
Commissioners Calkins and Cho convened the Sustainability, Environment, and Climate Committee
on March 21, 2025, with two topics on the agenda. Commissioners received a pre-season update
on the 2025 cruise season and its progress towards sustainability objectives including Carnival
availability and shore power capability of ships at Pier 66 and Terminal 91 to reduce carbon
emissions. Robust discussion ensued on how the biodiesel pilot can offer insights to the regulatory
and operational issues, alternative fuels research happening, and fuels for long-term adoption.
Commissioners were then briefed on the design findings for the South Concourse Evolution, Phase
I, capital improvement project under the sustainable evaluation framework Including staff
recommendations on carbon reduction strategies and HVAC options, including future Cost Per
Enplanement and Passenger Facility Charge revenues.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
Highline Forum
The Highline Forum met on March 26, 2025 with Commissioner Cho presiding. Major topics of the
meeting were an update on the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table’s (StART) first State
Legislative Priorities advocacy efforts in Olympia and sharing the results of the assessment for the
Port’s Sound Insulation Repair and Replacement Pilot Program. The Port’s State Government
Relations Manager John Flanagan shared the five priorities that StART collectively agreed to pursue
at the State Legislature for the benefit of the neighboring communities. The Port’s Noise Program
Manager Ryan McMullan reviewed the results from the assessment for the Port’s Sound Insulation
Repair and Replacement Pilot Program and next steps. He shared that they received over 1000
responses of the approximately 3200 households contacted; conducted field assessment and
acoustic testing of 30 homes; and reviewed studies of the expected useful life of windows and doors,
key findings. Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, as the meeting host city, provided an update on the
many activities happening in Federal Way. Aviation Capital Delivery Director Clare Gallagher
reported on the February 26, 2025, StART meeting and shared that the goal of the upcoming
April 23 meeting would be to identify which priorities should be added to the running list for
consideration at future StART meetings. During the round table sharing, Commissioner Cho
announced the departure of Aviation Managing Director Lance Lyttle for the Greater Orlando Airport
Authority.
Waterfront and Industrial Lands Committee
Commissioners Felleman and Calkins convened the Waterfront and Industrial Lands Committee
meeting on April 7, 2025. There were three briefing items provided: an update on progress with
Forum Mobility; an update on Jack Block Park improvements; and proposed waterfront floodplain
updates by the City of Seattle.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
• The following people spoke in support of Agenda Item 10c, 2025-2026 Economic Development
Partnership Program grant authorizations: Jen David Hayes, City of Issaquah; Nicole Suarez,
City of Kenmore; Chris Craig, City of Burien; Lara Thomas, City of Duvall; and Nathan Daum,
City of Shoreline.
• The following people spoke in opposition to cruise operations and regarding climate impacts:
Jordan VanVoast, Iris Antman, Stacy Oaks, Aimee Phair, and Ric Harlan, of Seattle Cruise
Control.
• The following people spoke regarding the need for a commercial pump out at the Port of Seattle:
Peter Schrappen, AWO, and Russell Shrewsbury, Western Towboat Co.
• The following person spoke in opposition to the Port of Seattle’s rule of procedure with respect
to what can be discussed during the public comment portion of business meetings:
Alex Tsimerman.
• The following person spoke in favor of protected Port industrial lands: Mark Elverston, President
ILWU.
• The following person spoke in favor of Port cruise operations and in opposition to City of Seattle
development of housing in the Port’s heavy-haul corridor: Ron Manwell, ILWU.
• The following people spoke in support of cruise operations and economic benefits to the region:
Lars Erickson, Seattle Metro Chamber and Liz Johnson, Visit Seattle.
• The following person spoke regarding revising travel and cargo projects at the Port: Sandy Hunt,
Defenders of Highline Forests (written comment also submitted).
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TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
• In lieu of spoken comment, written comment supporting reduction in cruise and climate impacts
was submitted by: Linda Carroll; Arun Ganti; Jared Howe; Hoa Pantastico; Camille Baldwin-
Bonney; Shary B; Jim Lieberman; Liana Lang; Scring67@comcast.net; Matt Kolenski;
Rosemary Moore; Peggy Printz; Theo McGillivray; Elana Sulakshana; Betty Brooking;
Jess Wallach; Gabby Connors; Erica Schweizer; and Delia Ward.
• In lieu of spoken comment, written comment supporting the economic benefits that cruise brings
to the region and re-engaging in conversations to build a third cruise terminal at T46 was
submitted by: Bob Donegan, Seattle Historic Waterfront Association.
• In lieu of spoken comment, written comment supporting Agenda Item 10c, the Port’s Economic
Development Partnership Grant Program and related 2025-2026 authorization requests was
submitted by: Doug McIntyre, City of Maple Valley; Chris Pasinetti, City of Enumclaw; and
Julianna LaBrake, City of Federal Way.
• In lieu of spoken comment, written comment asking the Port to balance its cruise operations
with climate sustainability was submitted by: Rick Harlan.
[Clerk’s Note: All written comments are combined and attached here as Exhibit A.]
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 Regular Meeting Minutes of March 11, 2025 and the Special Meeting
Minutes of March 25 and March 28, 2025.
8b. Monthly Notification of Prior Executive Director Delegation Actions March 2025.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum for information only.
8c. Approval of Commission International Travel Requests for the Second Quarter 2025.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
8d. Authorization for the Executive Director to Increase Funding for a Previous Executive
Authorization Approved Contract to Perform Regulatory Dry Fire Suppression
Standpipe System Upgrades in the Satellite Transit System Tunnels in the Amount of
$2,029,000, and an Estimated Project Cost of $4,000,000. (CIP #C801429).
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
8e. Commission Adoption of Order 2025-05: An Order Providing for Performance Rating
for Executive Director.
Request document(s) included an Order.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
Members of the Commission spoke in support of Agenda Item 8e, and the leadership provided by
the Executive Director.
The motion for approval of consent agenda items 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, and 8e carried by the
following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business presented.
10. NEW BUSINESS
10a. Authorization for the Executive Director to Take All Steps Necessary to Complete the
Tenant Airport Dining and Retail Shell and Core Renovations Project at the Seattle-
Tacoma International Airport, in the Requested Amount of $10,073,000, and an Estimated
Project Cost of $10,373,000.
Requested document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Khalia Moore, Assistant Director, Airport Dining and Retail
Randal Anton, Capital Project Manager III, AV Project Management Group
Clerk Hart read Item 10a into the record and Deputy Executive Director Goon introduced the item.
The presentation addressed:
• the request to complete the Tenant ADR Shell and Core Renovations project at SEA;
• background details of the project;
• the goal of the project – aimed to lower tenant costs and remove barriers to entry by providing
future tenants with a cold shell for buildout;
• project scope and locations;
• lease expirations;
• cost breakdown; and
• project schedule.
Discussion ensued regarding:
• creating tenant predictability in the program;
• phased project approach with a phased request for proposals process;
• the process if someone is ultimately not successful in their bid for space; and
• use of spaces remaining the same since the master plan is already complete.
The motion, made by Commissioner Cho, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
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TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
10b. Authorization for the Executive Director to Take All Steps Necessary to Complete the
Concourse A Shared-Use Lounge Project (Club SEA) at the Seattle-Tacoma International
Airport and to Fully Authorize the Project and Execute the Construction Contract, in the
Requested Amount of $24,360,000 and a Total Estimated Project Cost of $30,500,000.
(CIP #C801207).
Requested document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Rick Duncan, Director AV Business and Properties, AV Business and Properties
Erin Gora, Capital Program Leader, AV Project Management Group
Clerk Hart read Item 10b into the record and Deputy Executive Director Goon introduced the item.
The presentation addressed:
• the request to complete the Concourse A Shared Use Lounge Project at SEA;
• current airport lounge inventory at SEA;
• project purpose and justification;
• project location;
• changes to the project;
• cost breakdown and certainty; and
• project schedule.
Discussion ensued regarding:
• operator of the lounge;
• anticipated revenue over life of the asset and passenger modeling used;
• input from airlines into the project; and
• revised forecasting based on actions of the federal administration impacting travel.
The motion, made by Commissioner Calkins, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
10c. Authorization for the Executive Director to Execute Contract Agreements and Implement
the 2025-2026 Economic Development Partnership Program with King County Cities in
an Amount Not to Exceed of $1,900,000 and Authorizing the Executive Director to
Execute Contracts Using Unutilized Program Funding to Advance Regional Initiatives to
Further Equitable and Innovative Economic Development Initiatives.
Requested document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
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Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
Presenter(s):
Annie Tran, Economic Development Program Manager, Economic Development Administration
A Boungjaktha, Managing Director Economic Development, Economic Development
Administration
Rhonda Ender, City Manager, City of Carnation
Michelle Wilmot, Economic Development Manager, City of Kent
Amanda Free, Economic Development Acting Director, City of Renton
Clerk Hart read Item 10c into the record and Deputy Executive Director Goon introduced the item.
The presentation addressed:
• the 2025-2026 authorization request;
• background of the grants program;
• Port funding programs;
• 2024 funding cycle data;
• small business assistance impacts;
• buy local/placemaking impacts;
• tourism impacts;
• local impacts to neighboring cities including Carnation, Kent, and Renton;
• return on investment; and
• 2025-2026 focus areas.
Discussion ensued regarding:
• established meaningful partnerships;
• pushing tourism and economic development out to the broader county through these grants;
and
• demonstrating WMBE utilization and having that demonstrated through these grant projects.
The motion, made by Commissioner Cho, carried by the following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
11. PRESENTATIONS AND STAFF REPORTS
There were no presentations or staff reports provided.
12. QUESTIONS on REFERRAL to COMMITTEE and CLOSING COMMENTS
Commissioner Calkins stated that he would like a follow-up discussion on having a pump out station
in Seattle.
Commissioner Felleman spoke regarding having a robust community engagement around the
recruitment of a new Airport Director and in support of Agenda Item 8e and Executive Director
Metruck’s continued performance; and reported regarding his participation at the Houston Port of the
Future Conference.
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Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
Commissioner Cho spoke regarding his testimony in Washington DC at a public hearing before the
US Trade Representative’s Office on a policy seeking to implement a $1,000,000 fee on all vessels
made by a Chinese manufacturer or operated by a Chinese carrier; noted the impacts of tariffs
announced by the federal government; and spoke regarding the uncertainty injected into the
economy.
Commissioner Mohamed asked that the issue of labor unions’ access to secured areas at SEA be
added to a committee agenda for a briefing. There was no objection to referral of the item to a
committee and the matter was referred to the Airport Workforce Conditions Committee.
Commission President Hasegawa:
• advised that she has made an inquiry with the Executives of the Northwest Seaport Alliance
and with Executive Director Metruck to get an understanding of the legality of the tariffs and
spoke regarding potential constitutional issues with the Congress delegating tariff-making
authority to the President;
• reported that the Port of Seattle has filed litigation against the City of Seattle for spot re-
zoning of the SoDo Industrial Area for housing; and
• acknowledged another impact in the firing of employees in Washington State at the Federal
Maritime and Conciliation Services by the Trump Administration, making labor partners go
from disagreement to strike without an entity to mediate labor disputes, which could cause
significant disruptions in the industry.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 2:48 p.m.
Prepared: Attest:
Sam Cho, Commission Secretary
Michelle M. Hart, Commission
Clerk
Minutes approved: April 22, 2025
