Digital recordings of the meeting proceedings and meeting materials are available online – www.portseattle.org.
APPROVED MINUTES
COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
January 13, 2026
The Port of Seattle Commission met in a regular meeting Tuesday, January 13, 2026. 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. All Commissioners were present.
1. CALL to ORDER
The meeting was convened at 10:33 a.m. by Commissioner Hasegawa.
2. EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to RCW 42.30.110
The public meeting recessed into executive session to discuss one item regarding Litigation/Potential
Litigation/Legal Risk per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for approximately 50 minutes, with the intention of
reconvening the public session at 12:00 p.m. Following the executive session, the public meeting
reconvened at 12:14 p.m. Commissioner Hasegawa led the flag salute.
3. APPROVAL of the AGENDA
The agenda was approved as presented without objection.
4. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
4a. Order No. 2026-01: Adopting the Commission Slate of Officers for 2026.
Requested document(s) included an Order.
Presenter(s):
Michelle M. Hart, MMC, Commission Clerk
Clerk Hart read Item 4a into the record, including the Slate of Commission Officers proposed for
2026.
The motion, made by Commissioner Felleman, to adopt Order No. 2026-01, carried by the
following vote:
In favor: Calkins, Cho, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
P.O. Box 1209
Seattle, Washington 98111
www.portseattle.org
206.787.3000
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 2 of 6
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
Commissioners reorganized themselves at the dais.
President Ryan Calkins thanked the Members of the Commission for the appointment, recognized
outgoing President Toshiko Hasegawa, and congratulated his fellow 2026 officers for their
appointments.
Commission President Calkins presented Commissioner Hasegawa with the ceremonial gavel
commemorating her year in office as Commission President.
Members of the Commission also recognized Commissioner Hasegawa for her achievements in
office in 2025 and thanked her for commitment to the Port and to the community.
5. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Deputy Executive Director Goon previewed items on the day’s agenda and made general and
meeting-related announcements. At this time, Deputy Executive Director Goon recognized
Wendy Reiter for her promotion to the position of Managing Director of Aviation, speaking to the
credentials she brings to the office and her tenue at the Port.
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Strategic Advisor Erica Chung provided the report.
SEAC Committee
Commissioners Cho and Calkins convened the Sustainability, Environment, and Climate Committee
on December 12, 2025. The committee received a briefing on the Pacific Northwest Green Corridor
Feasibility Study, including fuel production, port infrastructure, cruise line capability, and next steps.
Commissioners then received an update on the Sustainable Environmental Framework Annual
Report, sharing the SEF process and how the SEF framework is having positive environmental and
societal impacts associated with Maritime and Aviation capital projects and key operational decisions.
Airport Workforce Conditions Ad Hoc Committee
Commissioners Hasegawa and Mohamed convened the Airport Workforce Conditions Ad Hoc
Committee on December 16, 2025. The committee received a briefing on the SIDA badge request
and healthcare policy for SEA workers. Following the discussions, the committee recommended that
the Port ask TSA for a formal written response to the SIDA badge request; and for the Port to develop
a health care policy that sets minimum health care standards for workers at SEA.
Portwide Arts and Culture Board
Commissioners Calkins and Felleman participated in the Arts and Cultural Board Meeting on
December 16, 2025, where they received a year-in-review by port staff. Staff reviewed the 50 new
art acquisitions throughout the port, primarily at SEA airport and Fisherman's Terminal. It was noted
that Port staff will explore greater collaboration with maritime staff next year, as they hope to evolve
the public art program to a portwide initiative. Following the meeting, Commissioner Felleman
participated in a walking art tour with members of the board on the public side of the airport.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
• The following person spoke regarding the Flight Corridor Program, the preservation of trees at
Mathison Park, and the Statement of Non-Significance issued regarding the park and removal
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Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
of trees through the Flight Corridor Program asking the Port to work with the City of Burien on
an environmental impact statement: Kate Richardson.
• The following people spoke regarding the status of North SeaTac Park, asking the Port
Commission to preserve the park in perpetuity through the sale of the park to the City of Seatac,
or to inform the community of the Port’s plans to preserve the park: Rick Harwood and
Sandy Hunt (written comments submitted), Defenders of Highline Forest.
• The following person spoke regarding the marble-type seating installed outside of the
International Arrivals Facility, noting they are uncomfortable and should be replaced with
seating similar to other seating available throughout the airport: Bennett Haselton.
• The following people spoke regarding the vacating of Salmon Bay Marina, the displacement of
its liveaboard residents, hardships incurred and asked the Port to inform the community what
its plans are with Salmon Bay Marina: Michelle Giarmarco and John Chaney.
• The following person spoke regarding her business and the sale of Veluxe Pods, speaking to
the benefit of having accessible space pods available at the airport for passenger use:
Theresaviane Crossman.
[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 December 9, 2025 and Special Meeting
Minutes of December 10, 2025.
8b. Monthly Notification of Prior Executive Director Delegation Actions December 2025.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum for information only.
8c. Authorization for the Executive Director to Proceed with the Enterprise Asset
Management System Upgrade Project; to Use Vendor Services and Port Staff for
Implementation; and to Execute a Contract for Up to Four Years for Software Hosting
Services and Maintenance Fees Estimated at $1,300,000, and the Requested Amount
for Project Implementation in the Amount of $1,200,000. (CIP #C801383)
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
8d. Authorization for the Executive Director to Execute an Agreement with the Seattle
Tacoma Airline Consortium (STAC) for Exit Lane Staffing Reimbursement for the
Years 2026 and 2027, in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $10,000,000.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and agreement.
8e. Authorization for the Executive Director to Enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Seattle Building and Construction Trades Council and the
Western States Regional Council of Carpenters to Make Apprentices Working on Port
PORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 4 of 6
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
Projects Under a Project Labor Agreement Eligible to Participate in the Port of
Seattle’s Employee Assistance Program at No Cost to the Apprentice or their
Employer.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum and agreement.
8f. Authorization for the Executive Director to Execute a Proposed Partial Settlement
Agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Request document(s) included an agenda memorandum.
The motion for approval of consent agenda items 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, and 8f carried by the
following vote:
In favor: Cho, Calkins, Felleman, Hasegawa, and Mohamed (5)
Opposed: (0)
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no Unfinished Business presented.
10. NEW BUSINESS
There were no New Business items presented.
11. PRESENTATIONS AND STAFF REPORTS
11a. 2024 Flight Corridor Management Project Briefing.
Presentation document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Sabin Mudaliar, Interim Director of Airport Operations, Airport Operations
Robert Kikillus, Development Manager, Airfield Operations
Clerk Hart read Item 11a into the record and Deputy Executive Director Goon introduced the item.
The presentation addressed:
• the purpose and overview of the program;
• environmental commitment;
• boundaries of the survey for the program – determined by taking FAA safety of flight surfaces
to determine the outer limits and elevations limits;
• obstruction identification process;
• 2024 Flight Corridor Management Program tree removal and estimated replacement;
• obstructions on Port property;
• obstructions within the city of Burien;
• Mathison Park and the Port’s work with the city since March 2025;
• Obstructions within city of SeaTac;
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
• options considered related to the obstructions;
• the Flight Corridor Management Program schedule; and
• 2025 outreach, engagement, and communications.
Discussion ensued regarding:
• the Port’s work and communications with the city of Burien to-date;
• the Port’s tree replacement standard;
• trees tagged in Mathison Park, which are not Port trees or Port tags;
• Port staff’s efforts to better delineate Port trees through retagging and signage;
• impacts on other trees around the trees earmarked for removal;
• five trees earmarked for removal, with an additional tree requested by the city of Burien;
• any exposure to the park play equipment due to the removal of the earmarked trees – only
one tree is located near the playground area;
• the types of trees and height of trees used for replacement;
• reasons why topping the earmarked trees is not a good alternative;
• land stewardship principles and who takes responsibility for communication and
management of the land stewardship plan; and
• no control over what the city chooses to communicate to the community and doing what the
Port can to encourage communication – the Port has created its own communication plan.
(Commission President Calkins exited the meeting at 1:37 p.m. Commission Vice-President
Felleman presided.)
Discussion continued regarding:
• the 15-day public comment period provided in the State Environmental Protection Act
process being minimal, and encouraging a longer public comment period;
• gaining clarity on if there are any plans by anyone else to remove additional trees in Mathison
Park, explaining the additional unknown tree tags; and
• why topping of trees is unhealthy for trees and also created a legal liability.
11b. 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda Briefing.
Presentation document(s) included an agenda memorandum and presentation.
Presenter(s):
Eric Schinfeld, Senior Manager Federal and International Government Relations, External
Relations
Clerk Hart read Item 11b into the record and Deputy Executive Director Goon introduced the item.
The presentation addressed:
• 2025 successes and challenges;
• the 2026 federal legislative outlook;
• opportunities for progress;
• areas of concern; and
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026
Minutes of October 27, 2020, submitted for review on November 5, 2020, and proposed for approval on November 10, 2020.
• next steps, including adoption of the proposed legislative agenda at the next Commission
meeting and commissioners’ and Port executives’ participation in Washington D.C.
advocacy.
Discussion ensued regarding:
• two recent lawsuits that have been determined related to federal policy;
• timeline for the FAA’s second noise insulation determination;
• the beginning of D.C. lobbying efforts in March in conjunction with the AAPA Legislative
Summit; and
• additional lobbying opportunities.
12. QUESTIONS on REFERRAL to COMMITTEE and CLOSING COMMENTS
Members of the Commission congratulated Managing Director of Aviation Wendy Reiter for her
promotion to the position.
Members of the Commission spoke regarding the notification of Chief Michael Villa’s upcoming
retirement from the Port.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 2:09 p.m.
Prepared: Attest:
Michelle M. Hart, Commission Clerk Sam Cho, Commission Secretary
Minutes approved: January 27, 2026
Outlook
[EXTERNAL] Prioritize the Immediate Protection of North SeaTac Park: A Community Asset at
Risk
From Sandy Hunt <sandyh@defendersofhighlineforest.org>
Date Tue 1/13/2026 12:46 AM
To Commission-Public-Records <commission-public-records@portseattle.org>
Cc Barbara McMichael <barbaralmcm@gmail.com>; Clare Parfitt <clarep@drizzle.com>; Kate Richardson
<riverchat_kr@hotmail.com>; Stephen Lamphear <stephenlamphear@gmail.com>; Eileen Lambert
<eileen@peakimpactpnw.com>; Rick Harwood <rblake811@gmail.com>; andreaoferrall63@gmail.com
<andreaoferrall63@gmail.com>
WARNING: External email. Links or aachments may be unsafe.
Dear Port of Seattle Commissioners,
North SeaTac Park is a vital green space for South King County residents—providing recreation,
respite, and environmental benefits in a region disproportionately impacted by airport operations. For
years, your community has called on the Port of Seattle to permanently protect this land. And yet, as
of 2026, the park remains in limbo—its future still uncertain; its protection still unrealized; the promise
still unfilled.
Let’s be clear: the community has done its part. The City of SeaTac submitted a $20 million offer
backed by future airport-related tax revenue. Residents have shown up, spoken out, and organized.
The Joint Advisory Committee has met repeatedly. But the Port has not delivered. Your inaction is not
neutral—it is a threat. Every delay increases the risk that this irreplaceable green space will be
chipped away, neglected, or reprioritized. The community is watching, and we will not accept half-
measures or indefinite deferrals.
For the record, we are submitting a recent timeline of Port of Seattle action and inaction on the
preservation of North SeaTac Park. Below that is a table of Commissioner Promises vs. Progress in
preserving the park. Commissioners approved an Order in October, 2024. The community has been
watching, waiting patiently for the promise of that order to be fulfilled. However, Quarter 3 of 2025
has come and went along with Quarter 4 of 2025.
This park belongs to the people. Now is the time to ensure the park remains an environmental oasis
in perpetuity for the health and enjoyment of the community. It is past time for our Commission to
fulfill the promises it made to this community. Prioritize finalizing the legal ownership of North SeaTac
Park in Q1 2026 in a way that protects our green and blue spaces!
Sincerely,
Dr. Sandra L. Hunt on behalf of
1/13/26, 8:40 AM
Inbox - Commission-Public-Records - Outlook
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The Defenders of Highline Forest Steering Committee
(Formerly The Defenders of North SeaTac Park)
Recent Timeline of Port of Seattle Actions
The Port's 2024 priorities included community engagement and environmental
justice in decisions about the park.
The Port's 2025 Joint Advisory Committee held negotiations over ownership, legal
frameworks, and grant strategies.
The Port's 2026 timeline and specific actions to achieve a negotiated agreement
are not known.
Date Action Summary
Oct 8,
2024
Commission
Order
Port Commission approved Order 2024-12 SUB, directing staff to propose
permanent recreational designation for the parkby Q3 2025. $150K
allocated for improvements.
May 13,
2025
SeaTac Offer
City of SeaTac offered $20M to purchase the park, proposing a nonprofit
to reinvest funds into park improvements.
Sep 23,
2025
Commission
Discussion
Port discussed transferring ownership to a permanent trust. City’s offer
acknowledged; net-zero transaction proposed.
Dec 9,
2025
Highline Forum
Update
SeaTac Mayor and City Manager emphasized collaboration with the Port
to preserve the park.
Dec 12,
2025
Com. Felleman’s
Field Notes
Reaffirmed permanent protection as a top priority. Noted progress on
grant support, appraisals, and legal coordination.
Promises vs. Progress
Port Commitment
Status on Formal Port Commissioner
Actions
Approve permanent recreational designation (Order
2024-12 SUB)
Order passed, but designation NOT
finalized
Allocate $150K for park improvements
Funds allocated, but NO confirmed
implementation
Engage with City of SeaTac and community Ongoing via JAC and Highline Forum
Consider City’s $20M purchase offer
Offer acknowledged, but NO decision
made
Explore permanent trust or alternative ownership Discussed, but NO formal action taken
1/13/26, 8:40 AM
Inbox - Commission-Public-Records - Outlook
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Port Commitment
Status on Formal Port Commissioner
Actions
Support grant applications for park protection
Supported King County Conservation
Futures grant
Finalize ownership and legal protection Still pending as of 2026
What the Community Deserves - Final Ownership and Legal
Protections of the Park's Remaining Green Spaces in Q1 2026
Permanent legal protectionof North SeaTac Park from development
Transparent decision-makingthat reflects the substantive community input to prioritize
saving the park's green space and its bog
Follow-through on the $150,000 funding the commissioners promisedin 2024 for
park improvements
Public commitments by each Port Commissioner to guaranteewhatever agreement is
reached with the city, there will be no development of forested land, Tub Lake, and/or
wetlands surrounding the lake (the bog).
1/13/26, 8:40 AM
Inbox - Commission-Public-Records - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/commission-public-records@portseattle.org/inbox/id/AAQkAGE1YmYzYTk0LWE2N2YtNGZmYi05YjgxLTE5MDVjO…
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