MINUTES
Managing Member Meeting
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 9:30 AM
The Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Road, Tacoma, WA
Live streamed http://www.nwseaportalliance.com/about-us/governance
P.O. Box 2985 | Tacoma, WA 98401-2985 | 800-657-9808
The Northwest Seaport Alliance is a marine-cargo operating partnership of the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma.
Commissioners present:
Port of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Toshiko Hasegawa John McCarthy
Ryan Calkins Kristin Ang
Sam Cho Deanna Keller
Fred Felleman Dick Marzano
Hamdi Mohamed (in person until 1:09 p.m. then via Teams) Don Meyer
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9:32 a.m. by Co-Chair McCarthy.
Recess to Executive and Closed Session:
The Managing Members went immediately into executive session pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) to
discuss with legal counsel representing the agency litigation and (iii) potential litigation defined as
litigation or legal risks of a proposed action or current practice that the agency has identified when
public discussion of the litigation or legal risks is likely to result in an adverse legal or financial
consequence to the agency. The executive session lasted from 9:37 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Return to Order
Co-Chair McCarthy called the meeting back to order at 12:02 p.m.
F
lag Salute
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
R
eport by the Chief Executive Officer
NWSA CEO, John Wolfe, provided a summary of the meeting agenda.
P
ublic Comment
None.
W
ork Group / Committee Reports
Commissioner Calkins provided a report from the Audit Committee.
Commissioner Keller provided a report from the Legislative Work Group.
Commissioner Ang provided a report from the Internal Governance Work Group.
Commissioner Cho provided a report from the Environmental Work Group.
C
onsent Agenda
8A. Approve the September 3, 2025 Minutes
8B. Approve the September 9, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes
8C. (1
) A
pprove disbursements totaling $29,084,146.03 on checks 1708 through 1919 and 1921
through 1982 in the amount of $16,922,866.66 and electronic payments in the amount of
$12,161,279.37 issued during the period of August 22, 2025, through October 24, 2025, certified
by the NWSA Auditor.
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(2) Approve disbursement of $9,013.68 on check 1920 issued during the period of August 22,
2025, through October 24, 2025, certified by the NWSA Auditor.
8D. Authorize the CEO or his delegate to execute Auto Warehousing Company Lease and Operating
Agreement Eleventh Amendment is substantially the same form as presented.
8E. Authorize the CEO or his delegate to spend Washington State Department of Transportation
Port Electrification Grant funding in the amount of $850,000 to purchase zero-emission cargo-
handling equipment for use at the East Blair One Terminal in the Tacoma Harbor.
8F. Project authorization in the amount of $100,000 for a total authorized amount of $1,585,000 for
work associated with the PCT Maintenance Dredging Project, Project ID 201114.03.
8G. Dual Action NWSA/Port of Tacoma - Authorize the NWSA CEO and the Port of Tacoma
Commission’s authorization for the Port of Tacoma Executive Director, or their respective
delegates to execute permanent easement 3-09670 located on NWSA Licensed Property granted
to the Washington State Department of Transportation, and further that the NWSA Managing
Members authorize the NWSA CEO, or his delegate, to execute temporary construction
easements, 3-09670 and 3-11242 located on NWSA Licensed Property granted to the
Washington State Department of Transportation all in support of the State Route 167
Completion Project.
Item 8C(2) was removed from consent for separate consideration.
It was moved and seconded (Cho/Keller) to approve the Consent Agenda as amended (Items 8A, 8B,
8C(1), 8D, 8E, 8F, and 8G).
The motion carried by the following vote (taken by show of hands).
Port of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Toshiko Hasegawa – in favor John McCarthy – in favor
Ryan Calkins – in favor Kristin Ang – in favor
Sam Cho – in favor Deanna Keller – in favor
Fred Felleman – in favor Dick Marzano – in favor
Hamdi Mohamed – in favor Don Meyer – in favor
It was moved and seconded (Meyer/Calkins) to approve disbursement of $9,013.68 on check 1920
issued during the period of August 22, 2025, through October 24, 2025, certified by the NWSA Auditor
(Item 8C(2)).
Port of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Toshiko Hasegawa - aye John McCarthy - abstain
Ryan Calkins - aye Kristin Ang - aye
Sam Cho - aye Deanna Keller - aye
Fred Felleman - aye Dick Marzano - aye
Hamdi Mohamed – aye Don Meyer - aye
Actions
9A. 2026 Budget Adoption
CFO David Morrison presented.
Topics covered:
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• Risks and unbudgeted changes identified since the October 24, 2025 budget study session
were presented.
• 2024 actual results, 2025 forecast, and 2026 budget distributable cash were presented. Staff
noted the settlement at Terminal 30’s impact on 2025 forecast and 2026 budget.
• NWSA Memberships over $10,000 include American Association of Port Authorities, Pacific
Northwest Waterways Association, Washington Council on International Trade and Green
Marine.
• Promotional Hosting for 2026 budgeted at $316,050. The statutory limit is $690,710.00.
• The 2026-2030 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) budget is $509,146.00.
• Distributable Cash history from 2016 through 2026 forecast shared.
It was moved and seconded (Felleman/Calkins) that the Managing Members of The Northwest
Seaport Alliance approve:
(1) The 2026 Annual Operating Budget including memberships over $10,000 and Promotional
Hosting;
(2) The 2026-2030 Capital Investment Plan;
(3) Delegation to the NWSA CEO, or his delegate, to enter into an execute the 2026 Interlocal
Agreements for Support Services (Service Level Agreements (SLAs)) with the Homeports;
and
(4) Delegation to the NWSA CEO, or his delegate, to enter into an execute the Interlocal
Agreement for Intergroup Common Issues Among and Between the NWSA and the Port of
Tacoma and the Port of Seattle.
Discussion:
• The budget approach was discussed.
• Commissioner Meyer expressed concern regarding the amount budgeted for staff
compensation considering risk and revenue forecast.
It was moved and seconded (Meyer/McCarthy) to amend the 2026 Annual Operating Budget
item 9A(1) to strike the 7.5% salary increase and authorize a 4.5% total salary increase with
the CEO setting the amounts for merit, recognition and market consistent with the three
budget categories.
Following discussion and debate, the motion failed.
Port of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Toshiko Hasegawa – no John McCarthy - no
Ryan Calkins – no Kristin Ang - no
Sam Cho – no Deanna Keller - no
Fred Felleman – no Dick Marzano - no
Hamdi Mohamed – no Don Meyer – aye
Co-Chair McCarthy then called for the vote on item 9A(1).
Approval of 9A(1) the 2026 Annual Operating Budget including memberships over $10,000 and
Promotional Hosting as presented carried by the following vote:
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Port of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Toshiko Hasegawa – aye John McCarthy - aye
Ryan Calkins – aye Kristin Ang - aye
Sam Cho – aye Deanna Keller - aye
Fred Felleman – aye Dick Marzano - aye
Hamdi Mohamed – aye Don Meyer – no
Discussion continued to item 9A(2) the 2026-2030 CIP:
• The rationale for a conservative approach to the CIP was discussed and investment related
to restoration/maintenance projects at Terminal 18 were described.
• Co-Chair McCarthy highlighted that although funds for a project are included in the CIP, the
project is not automatically authorized to proceed. Managing Member approval is required
for all projects over $350,000.
Approval of 9A(2) the 2026 – 2030 Capital Investment Plan carried by the following vote:
Port of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Toshiko Hasegawa – aye John McCarthy - aye
Ryan Calkins – aye Kristin Ang - aye
Sam Cho – aye Deanna Keller - aye
Fred Felleman – aye Dick Marzano - aye
Hamdi Mohamed – aye Don Meyer – aye
Approval of 9A(3) delegation to the NWSA CEO to enter into and execute the 2026 Interlocal
Agreements for Support Services (SLAs) with the Homeports carried by the following vote:
Port of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Toshiko Hasegawa – aye John McCarthy - aye
Ryan Calkins – aye Kristin Ang - aye
Sam Cho – aye Deanna Keller - aye
Fred Felleman – aye Dick Marzano - aye
Hamdi Mohamed – aye Don Meyer – aye
Approval of 9A(4) delegation to the NWSA CEO to enter into an execute the Interlocal
Agreement for Intergroup Common Issues Amongst and Between the NWSA and the Port of
Tacoma and the Port of Seattle carried by the following vote:
Port of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Toshiko Hasegawa – aye John McCarthy - aye
Ryan Calkins – aye Kristin Ang - aye
Sam Cho – aye Deanna Keller - aye
Fred Felleman – aye Dick Marzano - aye
Hamdi Mohamed – aye Don Meyer – aye
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9B. Terminal 18 Water Main and Valve Replacement Project Authorization.
Erin Light, NWSA Sr. Real Estate Manager and David Jones, Capital Project Manager, Port of
Seattle gave the presentation.
This project will replace water mains, fire hydrants and ship water supply on the east half of
Terminal 18. These are beyond their serviceable life. The repairs are NWSA responsibility per the
lease agreement.
It was clarified that the site map in the presentation materials incorrectly included the tank farm
in the lease area. That is privately owned and should be reflected as excluded.
It was moved and seconded (Keller/Ang) that the Managing Members grant project
authorization in the amount of $3,980,000, for a total authorized amount of $4,330,000,
supporting the design phase of the Terminal 18 Water Main & Valve Replacement, Project ID
No. N99963.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Port of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Toshiko Hasegawa – aye John McCarthy - aye
Ryan Calkins – aye Kristin Ang - aye
Sam Cho – aye Deanna Keller - aye
Fred Felleman – aye Dick Marzano - aye
Hamdi Mohamed – aye Don Meyer – aye
9C. Husky Area A5/A6 Pavement Repairs Project Authorization for Construction
Jim Vo, NWSA Sr. Director, Real Estate and Marcus Van Valen, Engineering Project Manager Port
of Tacoma
This project will consist of repairing approximately 16 acres of asphalt pavement within the East
Sitcum-operated area. The existing pavement has reached the end of its service life and is
experiencing significant wear. Under the current lease agreement NWSA is responsible for
terminal pavement and pavement maintenance.
It was moved and seconded (Meyer/Hasegawa) that the Managing Members grant project
authorization in the amount of $6,775,000, for a total authorized amount of $6,900,000, for
construction work associated with the Husky Area A5/A6 Pavement Repairs Project ID No.
201228.01.
Port of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Toshiko Hasegawa – aye John McCarthy - aye
Ryan Calkins – aye Kristin Ang - aye
Sam Cho – aye Deanna Keller - aye
Fred Felleman – aye Dick Marzano - aye
Hamdi Mohamed – aye Don Meyer – aye
Without objection, Co-Chair McCarthy amended the order of business to hear General Business before
Item 9D.
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General Business
CEO Announcements:
CEO Wolfe announced that due to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) postponement of
the Section 301 tariff, Cosco is planning to reinstate their previously discontinued service by year-end.
NWSA staff will be traveling to Europe to meet with shipping line customers. He thanked staff and
commissioners for their work in support of the inaugural State of the Gateway event that occurred
October 29, 2025.
Commissioner Comments:
Commissioner Calkins reminded everyone that today is election day and encouraged all to turn in their
ballots.
Commissioners Felleman and Hasegawa commented on the success of the October 29, 2025 State of the
Gateway event.
The Managing Members recessed at 1:31 p.m. and returned to order at 1:42 p.m.
CEO Wolfe welcomed a delegation from South Korea including Busan Port Authority President and CEO
Sang-Keun Song and Ulsan Port Authority President Jae-young Byeon. Introductory remarks by the
Managing Members and the delegation were exchanged.
Return to Actions
9D. Dual Action NWSA/Port of Seattle/Port of Tacoma
Memorandum of Understanding Ports of Ulsan and Busan
Steve Nicholas, Sr. Manager, Environmental & Planning Services, gave the presentation.
A brief history of the US-Korea Green Shipping Corridors Project was provided. The goal of the
project is to study the feasibility of accelerating the transition to zero or net-zero marine fuels in
the trade lanes between the NWSA gateway and the Korean ports of Ulsan and Busan.
The NWSA, Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, the Ulsan Port Authority, and Busan Port Authority
have developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening
communication, coordination, and collaboration in the areas of maritime decarbonization and
port emission reduction initiatives; green shipping corridor development and implementation;
standardization of low-carbon marine fuel use and bunkering; related digitization/data-sharing
processes; and associated marketing/business development opportunities. Staff is seeking
Managing Member authorization to enter into the MOU.
It was moved and seconded (Cho/Hasegawa) that the Managing Members of the NWSA
authorize its CEO or his delegate, and that the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma
Commissions authorize their respective Executive Directors, or their delegates, to execute the
“Memorandum of Understanding between the Busan Port Authority, The Northwest Seaport
Alliance, The Port of Tacoma, the Port of Seattle, and the Ulsan Port Authority on Cooperation
Regarding Green Shipping Corridors, Maritime Decarbonization and Accelerated Access to
Alternative Marine Fuels” in substantially the same form as presented.
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The
motion carried for the NWSA Managing Members, and the Port of Seattle and Tacoma
Commissions via Dual Action Vote (taken by show of hands) as follows:
Po
rt of Seattle: Port of Tacoma:
Toshiko Hasegawa – in favor John McCarthy – in favor
Ryan Calkins – in favor Kristin Ang – in favor
Sam Cho – in favor Deanna Keller – in favor
Fred Felleman – in favor Dick Marzano – in favor
Hamdi Mohamed – aye (via Teams) Don Meyer – in favor
Adj
ourn
With no further business before the Managing Members, Co-Chair Hasegawa announced the meeting
adjourned at 2:15 p.m.
John McCarthy, NWSA Co-Chair Toshiko Hasegawa, NWSA Co-Chair
Port of Tacoma Commission President Port of Seattle Commission President
Attest:
Don Meyer, NWSA Co-Secretary Sam Cho, NWSA Co-Secretary
Port of Tacoma Commission Secretary Port of Seattle Commission Secretary
Pre
pared by: Juliet Campbell, NWSA Clerk
