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2024-03-19 Council Special MinutesEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING APPROVED MINUTES March 19, 2024 ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT Mike Rosen, Mayor Vivian Olson, Council President Chris Eck, Councilmember Will Chen, Councilmember Neil Tibbott, Councilmember Michelle Dotsch, Councilmember Susan Paine, Councilmember Jenna Nand, Councilmember 1. CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE STAFF PRESENT Frances Chapin, Arts & Culture Program Mgr. Scott Passey, City Clerk Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator The Edmonds City Council special meeting was called to order at 5:59 p.m. by Mayor Rosen in the Council Chambers, 250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds, and virtually. 2. INTERVIEWS FOR APPOINTMENT TO A CITY BOARD OR COMMISSION B&C CANDIDATE INTERVIEW — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Councilmembers interviewed Doug Trost for appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission (responses in italics). Mayor Rosen invited Mr. Trost to share a little about his background. I'm a history teacher at Edmonds- Woodway High School. I've lived in Edmonds for 20 years. I'm interested in seeing Edmonds' history preserved and seeing everybody represented in all historical timeframes and ensuring everyone's voice is heard. If we don't know where we came from, we don't know where we're going. Councilmember Tibbott asked him to talk about the subject he teaches at Edmonds-Woodway High School and how it might apply to the commission. I have been a teacher for 25 years. I teach IB History 11 which is American History, World History Honors, and I have a degree in history and anthropology. My general knowledge base will be important, being able to decern what is valuable and needs to be preserved as well as the needs of modernity and progress and keeping things that cannot be replaced. Councilmember Eck commented she was also a history major and has a child at Edmonds-Woodway High School. She asked how he envisioned taking what he learned from the HPC to the classroom. I could apply the commission's work in the classroom, share with the students how to preserve the local community. Students often need volunteer hours; I've proposed to them in the past volunteering at the museum or local Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes March 19, 2024 Page 1 historical agencies. Students have suggested the idea of a walking tour using a smartphone to involve youth. It will also model the idea of service to the community to students. Councilmember Chen referred to his opening comments about having all voices represented and asked as the demographics evolve and change in Edmonds, did he see a gap in representation in the current setting, and if so, how did he plan to have voice heard and everybody represented. I believe there is a gap, but it can be resolved. Given Edmonds' overwhelmingly homogeneous past, it's important to find linkages. For example, former Senator Shin's involvement with the International District on Highway 99 to tell the story ofpeoplefrom various backgrounds and ensure everyone is represented. It is important to ensure all voices are heard and I will need to figure out how to go about it. Councilmember Paine commented on the opportunity to explore historical aspects related to uses that may not be preserved in architecture. For example, the genesis of auto dealerships on Highway 99 and Senator Chinn's work on Highway 99, redlining and other historical aspects, not just the architecture, but the cultural history. She was also interested in tribal uses of Lake Ballinger. Often as much can be learned by what is no longer there versus what remains. Often it is related to having enough power to preserve and other things get swept aside and no longer exist. Those are important discussions to have, identifying what no longer exists and telling that story. It is the job of historians tell the story, analyze, interpret and come to their own conclusions. Councilmember Nand commented the City does a good job with historical and interpretive signs in the downtown area and she wants to spread that to neighborhood business districts. That is primarily handled by Frances Chapen in the economic development, but she welcomed his research or interest in that. She asked if there were opportunities to identify historically significant trees and spaces relevant to indigenous heritage. I am not very familiar with that, but it is a slim possibility those exist in Edmonds given so many old growth forests no longer exist. Council President Olson commented his background in history and anthropology will be enriching to the HPC. Councilmember Dotsch asked since he has lived in Edmonds a long time, did he have a particular historical style he liked and/or a particular time in Edmonds' history that interested him. I don't have any particular style, I tend to prefer things that are significant in the development, culture and background of Edmonds andplaces that tell us where we've been so that is not lost. Ifind all times in history interesting, each has a story and speaks to different people, from the rich history ofprohibition in Edmonds to Native American heritage to the 1930-1960s and people who can help tell those stories. Mayor Rosen advised the commission appointments are on tonight's Consent Agenda. 2. B&C CANDIDATE INTERVIEW — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Councilmembers interviewed Karen Engelhart Brown for appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission (responses in italics): Mayor Rosen invited Ms. Brown to share a little about her background. I have a very mixed background both educationally and culturally, mostly because I've lived many differentplaces. Edmonds is where Iplan to stay. I have taught in the field of anthropology overseas where I learned the students' culture. I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to learn about other cultures and the process gain a feeling of humility for what we have here. Coming to Edmonds after living in northern California was a positive change, although I miss being a curator of a museum based on the history of a small, rural county in northern California whose history consists of the indigenous population which was wiped out by Asians and European Americans, an attitude that filtered into the community. My goal was to change that; the first Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes March 19, 2024 Page 2 thing I did was change the exhibits and tone of the museum. It taught me that change can be good, very difficult and very necessary, while not losing the continuity and connections of the history. The most difficult part of balancing that was getting people interested in the past and to see how it affects their present and use that knowledge to change the future. Most of the buildings in the community had been destroyed by fire on multiple occasions, but enough were left to get people interested in how history affected them financially and culturally. I was involved in gathering that information which was used to write a book. The HPC is an advisory committee, not a policy making which is key. Continuity is important but is not possible without being educated about the community. I view the role of the HPC as educational, gathering as much data and information as possible. I do not have a lot of knowledge about Edmonds' history, but have the advantage of my daughter having a business in a historic building in Edmonds. Councilmember Paine was glad to see both candidates for the HPC have a cultural background. She appreciated the work she has done in the past putting a museum back together again so it represents the entire community. There may be an opportunity to partner with Write on the Sound to capture the history of Edmonds. Edmonds also has a museum. I have not been involved with the local historical society yet. Historical societies usually want to affect policy. Councilmember Nand referred to the HPC ordinance and Section G Powers and Duties that includes participate in, promote and conduct public information, educational interpretive programs pertaining to historic resources. That sounded similar to the community outreach she did in northern California. She asked if she had any ideas for the HPC related to community outreach. I don't know how active the indigenous population is in Edmonds. One of my interests is the division between the history of the downtown/bowl versus Highway 99. I'm interested in being involved in information gathering. Councilmember Eck said she was impressed with her background and appreciated her willingness to bring her talents and experience to the HPC. She liked what she said about keeping the indigenous history in mind and sharing, educating, and providing information. Mayor Rosen advised the commission appointments are on tonight's Consent Agenda. 3. B&C CANDIDATE INTERVIEW — ARTS COMMISSION Councilmembers interviewed Ute Christian Freund for appointment to the Arts Commission (responses in italics): Mayor Rosen invited Ms. Freund share a little about her background. I've lived in Edmonds since 2004. In 2009 I was offered position at the Berlin University in Germany and returned to Edmonds in 2019. I was considering retiring and doing a little private teaching but Covid impacted my ability to sing and to teach singing. I'm just starting to teach again in Edmonds and building a studio with 6-8 students. My education was originally in music and opera performing and music instruction. I became an opera soloist and met an American and moved to San Francisco. After working in Switzerland, we returned to Washington. I enjoyed my career on stage and like the combination of drama and music, but also enjoyed teaching in San Francisco. I enjoyed the ten years I spent teaching music and drama to college students at the Berlin University. When I lived in Edmonds between 2004 and 2009, I organized Christmas with the Classics concerts and music for the Thursday night art walks. Since then, the arts have blossomed in Edmonds. I am excited to offer my experience to the Arts Commission. Recognizing her rich background, Councilmember Eck asked the main thing she hoped to gain from serving on the Arts Commission. On an organizational education level, I would love to involve young artists in projects. I come from the classical music field. I can imagine organizing concerts with young artists and support existing artists. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes March 19, 2024 Page 3 Councilmember Tibbott commented the council has discussed the need for more performing arts venues in the City. He asked about venues in the City for smaller performances. The Graphite Arts Center is very interested in having events, and there are spaces at the Edmonds Waterfront Center. Small groups such as spring quartets often don't have many opportunities to perform. Councilmember Chen thanked her for applying and contributing her talent, noting her background is fascinating and the community is lucky to have her volunteer. Councilmember Nand thanked her what she has done for the community in organizing art walks and local education. She loved the idea of expanding music into private spaces as there are some areas of City that do not have public venues spaces. She invited her to ask the council for assistance. Councilmember Paine anticipated Ms. Freund would be excited about the other members of the Arts Commission which include talented musicians, writers, artists, etc. She was excited to see art practitioners like her volunteer on the Arts Commission. Often in places like Edmonds there are a lot of visual artists and musicians, but sometimes they do not know each other. I would like to create a roster of musicians who could accompany singers. Councilmember Dotsch recognized her rich background and liked her background in education and bringing different mediums together as well as her organizational skills. Mayor Rosen advised the commission appointments are on tonight's Consent Agenda. 4. B&C CANDIDATE INTERVIEW — ARTS COMMISSION Councilmembers interviewed Katie Leute for appointment to the Arts Commission (responses in italics): Mayor Rosen invited Ms. Leute to share a little about her background. My background is in graphic design, I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in visual communications and design. I am a military veteran, I joined the Marines Corp right out of high school, served four years and then went to college. I have a long, varied background as most visual artists do. I started my career as a graphic designer working in an ad agency, then started my own business and built the brand from the ground up and then sold the business. I currently work as a creative director and marketing manager for a credit union based in Seattle. A lot of my career has been threaded through with art and storytelling. I've done a lot of work with brand building, both with other organizations and my own business. I saw an opportunity when my family moved to Edmonds four years ago, the idea of what is Edmonds becoming, its identity as a city, being the first city in the state to have a Creative District, and the excitement around arts and culture. I'm excited about being part of that, contributing my background and experience and also learning and growing by interacting and collaborating with others. Councilmember Eck commented committing to volunteering on the Arts Commission can be enriching as well as giving back to the community. Being able to effectively tell a story in a visual way is unique and will be an asset to the Arts Commission. Council President Olson expressed appreciation for her application which showed a lot about her abilities, style and work. Councilmember Paine asked what excited her most about the potential to work with the Arts Commission. I'm excited to learn more about Edmonds. There are opportunities to find avenues where art can become more a part of daily life in Edmonds. There is already a foundation of art in Edmonds including gorgeous galleries and performance and event spaces. I'm interested in more avenues for art where people live their Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes March 19, 2024 Page 4 daily lives. That energy and momentum has already begun, and I want to be in a in position to shape and nurture that toward fulfillment. Councilmember Nand said she was excited about her background as a small business owner and the business aspect of art because those are the type of businesses in the Creative District. Having someone who understands that could enhance the recognition and regional pull of the Creative District. The ordinance forming the Arts Commission states one of the powers of the Arts Commission is to engage in long term cultural planning and implementation as well as review city plans for the purpose of integration of arts elements into city planning including education, public finance, community services, etc. Do you have any ideas you would like to share about that? My family moved to Edmonds in 2020 during the pandemic, so we are just beginning to learning what Edmonds is about. I hear a lot about the bowl and downtown Edmonds and am beginning to hear more about other neighborhoods and what community identity means to them. It would be interesting to explore the idea of community identity and neighborhoods whether that is events, showings, public art, or something that hasn't been thought of yet, to recognize what makes the community unique and what identity means. Councilmember Chen said he felt a sense of her artistic background from her application. He was especially excited about her background in marketing. The Arts Commission and the arts industry has done a tremendous job attracting tourists and promoting positive economic impact. How do you see you can enhance that with your skills? I've talked informally about how arts and culture are interwoven with economy and commerce, especially in a city like Edmonds where a lot ofpeople come from outside the area to experience what the city has to offer. The foundation of good marketing is good storytelling, helping people understand if Edmonds were a person, who they would be, and telling that story so it becomes person/place%xperience that people want to get to know and come back to. Mayor Rosen advised the commission appointments are on tonight's Consent Agenda. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 6:51 p.m. Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes March 19, 2024 Page 5