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2021-08-18 Economic Development Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING August 18, 2021 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Nicole Hughes, Chair Darrol Haug Jay Hoag Kevin Harris, Vice Chair Scott Merrick Carrie Hulbert Keith Hamilton Kevin Smith Evan Sittauer, Student -Rep COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Charlie Lieu - excused LIAISONS PRESENT: Roger Pence, Planning Board, ex-officio Vivian Olson, Councilmember, ex-officio Bruce Faires, Port Commissioner, ex-officio LIAISONS ABSENT: Greg Urban, Edmonds Chamber, ex-officio GUESTS: None STAFF PRESENT: Patrick Doherty, Director Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator Economic Development Commission meeting conducted via ZOOM and called to order by Nicole Hughes at 6:02 p.m. Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement 1. Roll Call and recognition of absences: Charlie, excused absence. 2. Approval of Agenda: Scott moved to approve the agenda; Jay seconded; motion passed. 3. Approval of July 21, 2021 Meeting Summary: Carrie moved to approve; Darrol seconded; motion passed. 4. Audience Comments: None. 5. City Update: Patrick shared that the local Edmonds Rescue Relief Plan ordinance, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act fund, was approved by Council on July 201h. The City will receive $11.9M, half has been received this year and it can be spent over the next four years. Six categories for expenses have been created: City Expenditures; Household Support; Business Support; Nonprofit Organization Support; Job Retraining Program; Green Infrastructure. The Business Support program will most closely relate to economic development. The Uptown Evening Market will be supported by this program. The City sent approximately 2,500 postcards to every business in the City, in multiple languages, notifying them of the business grant opportunity. Through Friday, August 201h, the City will be accepting grant requests from non-profit organizations. We're executing contracts with Shoreline Community College and Edmonds College to support job retraining programs for working adults. Household grants will be administered by two social service agencies. Patrick clarified that downtown Edmonds is excluded from the business district support category but not from the business support grants. The grants will be offered to businesses that have received less than $5,000 in aid thus far. This requirement can be modified if necessary. The City has held two of three Uptown Evening Markets. The first market was very successful, the 2nd was not as successful, likely due to heat and smoke. The response has been positive thus far. The purpose of the Meeting Summary Economic Development Commission August 18, 2021 Page 1 market is to build community in or near Hwy 99. There has been discussion to continue the market next year and possibly hold it more frequently. Vivian suggested job retraining for the ferry system as they are struggling to staff. The City is discussing ideas to increase public outreach for the Hwy 99 renewal program. Angie Feser, Parks & Rec. Director, had a booth at the Uptown Market to share information about the PROS plan. The City will hold its 3rd Hwy 99 Merchant Meeting next week. Next steps in the Police Chief selection process will likely be announced this week. Nicole asked if there's a way to quantify businesses revenue from the 3rd Thursday of the month to determine the impact of the Uptown Market on the business community. Patrick shared, the quick answer is no. The only level of data we receive is monthly. Businesses are only required to report monthly. The priority of the Uptown Market is really community building not economic building. The budget process is well underway. Decision Package interviews with the Mayor and Department head are currently underway. In the early part of October there will be a Mayor presentation proposing his budget and is required to be approved before the end of the year. 6. Discussion — Idea Pipeline: Nicole led the discussion. She explained new additions to the pipeline. Carrie asked what happened to the idea of the City hosting sports tournaments that was presented to Council in 2019? Nicole didn't recall the item being a work plan item because the City lacks the space for several sporting events. The City could hold petanque tournaments and/or fun runs. Patrick shared that Parks Department works with the County Parks Department to funnel through sporting events. There were two events that came to the City but COVID hit, and the specific events didn't happen but could be held in the future. Kevin Harris began a discussion regarding the walk-on ferry idea; he suggested that the Sounder Train might be able to function in a similar capacity. He suggested speaking with Sound Transit to see what the Sounder runs and other modes of transport planning are in store for Edmonds, given the expected national infrastructure bill. Bruce mentioned that tour boats stop in Kingston, perhaps they stop in Edmonds too. Patrick shared that he contacted American Cruise Line, they stop in Poulsbo not Kingston, they anchor and tender into Poulsbo. They are interested in Edmonds; Patrick has shared some specs of the waterfront and is currently waiting on response. Bruce added that the Port would support some bollards being placed off the fishing pier, however he cannot speak to the viably of it. Nicole asked, if funding wasn't an issue, is there a way to solve the emergency access problem to the waterfront along with the tour boats stopping in Edmonds. Carrie shared that there is rental bike or scooter option idea formulating with the Waterfront Committee. She also suggested thinking about ways to connect the light rail with downtown, perhaps a shuttle from the light rail to downtown. Kevin Smith shared that there is a senate infrastructure bill that includes a rail crossing emphasis; if it passes Edmonds could lobby to solve the waterfront access problem. Keith asked if there is zoning or areas for additional healthcare offices within the Healthcare Corridor and would the zoning support a multi -story building? Roger explains that the Hwy 99 corridor is zoned CG and it would lend to more office space. He further shared that there is no activity center on or near Hwy 99 but could added. He also shared we could identify a future high density business area, but it would be a long-term planning project. Nicole shared the idea of the branded neighborhood signage, for example the hospital district could have branded signage. The area the Uptown Market is being held in could be branded Uptown to identify that business district. Kevin H. shared that the Commission did a lot of work on the health corridor area of Edmonds roughly two years ago; he's happy to share the background offline if anyone is interested. Nicole suggests the Health tech Corridor idea strategy be post COVID. Kevin H. shared that the major healthcare Meeting Summary Economic Development Commission August 18, 2021 Page 2 entities in the area do not typciallyidentify the Swedish area as a separate health corridor/community. Carrie asked for further explanation of what the downtown preservation district is. Darrol shared they've talked about preserving the quaint feeling of downtown but there has not been discussion of how to accomplish it. He shared that Councilmembers and candidates always express their desire to maintain the downtown quaintness. Walkable Main Street could be considered on a permanent level if the City is supportive of it. Roger added that the Planning Board would be interested in discussions regarding this idea. Scott shared that the 4t" Ave Cultural Corridor is a high priority for the Creative District, but they're challenged with getting it off the ground; they could combine the project with the idea of maintaining the quaintness of downtown. Vivian stated there may be concerns about focusing funds on downtown; she feels that other business districts should take priority over downtown. Scott suggests bonding right now because rates are low to fund the 4t" Ave Cultural Corridor. Kevin H. pointed out that the projects that the Commission focus on are challenging, city staffing is limited when focusing on big projects. Secondly, he is curious about the 4t" Ave Cultural Corridor; are there creative ways to leverage the Creative District concept to different areas in the City? Are there other business districts leveraging art around the City outside of downtown? Patrick shared that there is a sub- committee working on the idea of expanding the reach of the Creative District throughout the City. Darrol commented that when we think of district; we think of something small of geography but the Creative District is more of a concept versus a defined area; it's a pull to bring folks to Edmonds. Vivian would like people to think about a location for community center; Esperance park is wonderful triangle in the middle of town; perhaps annex the area into Edmonds; create an international arts corridor; if we can figure out the how to get the Esperance Park into Edmonds; there's a past Edmonds employee that owns a large parcel near the park that could lend to a community/cultural center. 7. Project Committee Updates a. Neighborhood Districts & Business Zones: Kevin Smith shared they didn't meet last month. b. Edmonds Business Booster Portal: Kevin H. shared that he and Scott spent time going through their to-do lists. They're still waiting on the designer's mockup. They're also discussing timing of approaching a group of diverse users to gather more input. He noted that another goal of getting the 2.0 website revised is to be inclusive of under -represented business owners/startups. Patrick shared that the design work had to wait for ARPA funding before beginning the work. He also shared that we've advertised the first iteration of the website in the DJC, on Facebook and the City's website. Patrick continued that we will do a more robust advertising once 2.0 is ready. Kevin H. asked that any creative ideas folks have, please share with the committee. c. Waterfront Center Opportunities: Nicole shared that the group did not meet in August. There are some pipeline ideas that could fall under the committee's work group. Scott will research the walk on ferry idea. d. Parking and Shuttle: Darrol shared that the team met and discussed events that happen in Edmonds and their impact on parking in downtown. They've discussed the idea of surveying different groups parking needs. Jay shared that they do a survey during some of the busiest days in town, during large events get a realistic idea of need during difficult parking days. Darrol added, this shouldn't be done now as the pandemic is still impacting the City. They're doing research on what types of surveys could be done now that are pandemic driven. Nicole clarified that Jay spoke to surveying regarding available parking; Darrol spoke to public opinion. Darrol does not suggest Meeting Summary Economic Development Commission August 18, 2021 Page 3 doing a survey currently. He further explained that they reaching out to the business community to determine their needs. Does parking have a role in helping to develop their business? Nicole suggests a meeting offline, with the parking committee, Nicole and Patrick to do a deep dive in the next week or so. f. Data and Communication: The group did not meet. Charlie and Patrick met a couple of weeks ago. In Charlie's absence, Patrick shared, she would like for the Commissioners to reach out with data needs, and she can assist with how to best gather information or help drill down what your data needs are. Carrie asked about the Walkable Main revenue data; Patrick explained that the data for revenue is two months in arrears. Carrie is thinking bigger than just Walkable Main. Patrick shared that revenue quarterly reports could include business district -level info. 8. Liaison Updates (5 minutes per liaison) a. Vivian Olson (Council) nothing more to share. b. Roger Pence (Planning Board) shared that the wrong Zoom link went out for a public hearing and it had to be rescheduled. They will get a briefing on the buildable lands report that includes the City from the County that will detail lands subject to redevelopment. c. Bruce Faires (Port) shared that Port is in budget season; the preliminary budget will be available at the end of August. The meeting that he attended with Nicole, Bob and Angela generated a lot of ideas. The north marina walkway project is awaiting Federal permitting, they've allowed 3-4 years for the project. The admin building is being replaced and moving across the street. 11. Roundtable Discussion: Kevin Smith, appreciated the robust discussion on ideas today. Darrol is concerned about the timing and scheduling of the committee meetings, maybe we start thinking about how we can work through some of the ideas as a whole. Evan nothing. Keith, apologized for not participating in any committee, his father passed in early July, he's ready to get involved. Carrie, great meeting. Roger, retired from Sound Transit, when the light rail gets to Lynnwood, the Sounder ridership is expected to go down, he suggests to not expect the Sounder services to increase. Jay, sorry for Keith's loss, he'll talk to Nicole, Kevin and Darrol about parking. Kevin H., good meeting, he had a good meeting with his appointer Susan Paine last week, she's excited about the EDC presentation to Council, he encourages everyone to reach out to their appointer and make contact prior to the presentation. Scott, condolences to Keith. Patrick, nothing to share. Megan, nothing. Nicole shared Vivian's comment from the chat the Taste is this weekend and the Arts festival patron party at the Plaza Room is on August 27tn Adjourn at 8:07 p.m. Next regular meeting: September 15, 2021, 6 PM location Zoom Meeting Summary Economic Development Commission August 18, 2021 Page 4 Aug 18, 2021 EDC Parking/Shuttle Sub committee: Summary of discussion key points: 1. We do not think a "standard" parking study will produce any reliable data until the pandemic has run its course and we are truly back to normal. Do recommend for 2022. 2. ANY STUDY SHOULD BE DONE TO INCUDE SOME OF OUR BUSY EVENTS. 3. City seems willing to do some survey work, not costly and can get some information and attitudes of the public sorted out. Suggestions for surveys at end. Edmonds is in the "Attract Visitors Mode" with our Arts, Major Events, and Natural Surroundings. Event Info for the Year Edmonds is host to a dizzying array of festivals and events held annually. We have so much to celebrate! Our fabulous waterfront and parks, our community, the arts and food. Come see what's happening for yourself. (Of course, we all know the pandemic has thrown a kink in things and 2021 likely will have its ups and downs. So whatever event you're interested in, be sure to check with the event host and make sure it's still happening before you make your plans. Makes sense, right?) Year Round Edmonds Art Walk: From 5-8 p.m., on the Third Thursday of every month, the Edmonds Art Walk brings the community together. With over 40 galleries and businesses hosting local and regional artists, we invite you to come enjoy all types of art including fine art, music, dance, theatre, performance art, culinary art, and the written word. With a growing assortment of fun events and activities, you will always find something new to engage your creative mind. Spring Edmonds Garden Market: The Edmonds Historical Museum hosts the spring outdoor market every Saturday May 1-June 12. Downtown Edmonds on 5th Street between Main Street and the Centennial Plaza. Summers Saturday Summer Market: The Saturday Market in Edmonds at the Historic Edmonds Museum runs from June through early October. Downtown Edmonds on 5th Street from Main at the fountain to Bell and east up Bell Street around Centennial Plaza. May Watershed Fun Fair: Come to this fun family event in May and learn why we say "Puget Sound Starts Here"! Enjoy guided nature walks, nature crafts, and activities especially for kids. Exhibits and information about Puget Sound stewardship, stormwater, fish and wildlife, backyard habitat, recycling, energy and water conservation, and other topics. Economic Development Commission August 18, 2021 Page 5 June Edmonds Arts Festival: Run for more than half a century, the Edmonds Arts Festival celebrates the arts and culture of Edmonds with artists booths, music and food. Held on Father's Day weekend at the Frances Anderson Center. July 4th of July Parade & Fireworks: The Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce hosts this event, along with a 5K Fun Run, a children's and community parade, live music and a fireworks display. July -August Concerts in City Park: Since 1990 the Edmonds Arts Commission has been presenting free outdoor summer concerts July -August. These concerts are accessible to persons with disabilities, and open to the public. Check back to this website for the calendar. July Edmonds in Bloom Garden Tour: Edmonds in Bloom Garden Tour is held every July. The Garden Tour is a highlight of the summer, welcoming hundreds of guests and highlighting an array of outstanding gardens in our community August Taste of Edmonds: The third largest festival in the state of Washington and among the "Top 100 North American Festivals", A Taste of Edmonds attracts an estimated 80,000 visitors. The weekend is jam packed with fun for the whole family, from Arts & Crafts and Food vendors and a Beer and Wine Garden, to a Kids Area with rides and entertainment, and three stages of live music entertainment. Classic Car Show Downtown Edmonds comes alive in September with 10,000 spectators "oohing and ahhing" over the 300+ classic cars that fill the streets. This event is for the whole family, from the hardcore gearhead to the smallest child, everyone will have a great time at the Edmonds Classic Car Show. September Puget Sound Bird Fest: Puget Sound Bird Fest is a yearly celebration of birds and nature found on the beautiful shores of Puget Sound. It is listed as one of Seattle's best events on events12.com, the web site of events currently over 12 months in major cities. Our three-day event includes speakers, guided walks, land and water -based field trips, exhibits, and educational activities for children and adults. September Edmonds Art Studio Tour: This free, self -guided tour in September is a once a year opportunity to visit 23 private studios displaying the work of 42 local artists in the scenic Edmonds area. You can purchase finished work, see new art being created, or just visit and ask questions. October Write on the Sound: Held annually in October, this unique and affordable conference Meeting Summary Economic Development Commission August 18, 2021 Page 6 for fiction, nonfiction and poetry writers offers over thirty sessions specifically focused on the craft of writing, information regarding marketing, publishing and industry trends, plus workshops on specialty writing topics. It is a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow writers and presenters from all around the Northwest, U.S. and abroad. October Halloween Trick -or Treat: Trick or treat downtown and join the costume contest. October Edmonds Rotary Oktoberfest: Held online or in person, depending on the state restrictions for gathering, this popular event brings beer tasting and even lessons in crafting cocktails. November Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting: An annual event of the Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, this community gathering includes a tree lighting, Santa, traditional caroling, and more family fun. November & December Edmonds Holidays: Edmonds merchants and community pull out all the stops to create a destination -worthy, small town holiday experience. The holidays just aren't the same without a trip to Edmonds. For many families, it's become yearly tradition to visit the charming seaside town when it's lit up for the season. Come for the free holiday movies in the historic theatr, caroling, a holiday market, and a free ride on the trolley. Of course there's Santa! In addition to the above we have the frequent reoccurring events that attract visitors. Rick Steve's Europe thru the Backdoor Seminars Walkable Edmonds (Early Spring to late Summer) Maybe it will be permenant. Edmonds Art Center Events(Year Around) This year we have a marketing campaign: LOVIN' SUMMER EDMONDS These are events listed on brochures in most businesses all over town. 1. Edmonds Summer Market Sat June 19th - Oct 9th 9-2 2. Stroll and Shop Raffel Thurs July 1 - Sat July 31 3. Edmonds Kind of 4th 4. Family Scavenger Hunt Sat July 3- Fri Sept 10 5. Summer Drink Bingo Sun, Aug 1-Tues, Aug 31 6. Edmonds Summer Wine Walk Sat, Aug 7th 5-8pm 7. Taste of Edmonds Fri Aug 20th-Sun Aug 22nd 8. Edmonds Arts Festival Aug 27th -Sun Aug 29th Meeting Summary Economic Development Commission August 18, 2021 Page 7 Edmonds has several initiatives to attract visitors: List include other natural "draws" to Edmonds 1. Arts and Theater: ECA, Wade James, venue at Firdale? Others. 2. Arts Corridor 3. Creative District 4. Waterfront Parks 5. Fishing Pier 6. Dive Park 7. Civic Park 8. Quint Downtown 9. Old Time Theater With the cities apparent willingness to gather data and opinions via surveys here are some groups who want to use our DT parking and potential areas to survey: Visitors: 1. Where do you live? 2. How far did you park from your destination? 3. How often do you visit DT area? 4. Would you pay to park closer? 5. If you live in Edmonds, would you pay for a permit allowing closer or less limited parking. DT residents: Currently by 800 permits, park in zones, and pay $25/yr. 1. How many cars do you have? 2. How many on -site parking stalls do you have? 3. Do you rely on street parking? 4. Do you buy parking permits? How many? 5. Do you buy guest permits? ($10/yr) DT Business owners: Currently by 750 permits $50/yr. 1. Type of Business? Serviced based? Customer based? 2. Number of employees? 3. Do you provide off street parking? Buy permits? Employee use street parking? Buy permits? 4. Cheap or free park in garage or park and shuttle facility? 5. Do employee survey with similar questions. Tools to "ration or allocate" parking space. 1. Change timing, currently mostly 3 hour 2. Increase enforcement. Current time for enforcement is midnight to 6 pm. Allow time to target ferry traffic. 3. Change price of for permits, could support moving to shuttle lots instead of using street. 4. Charge for street parking. Meeting Summary Economic Development Commission August 18, 2021 Page 8