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2024-09-24 Council Special MinutesEDMONDS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING APPROVED MINUTES September 24, 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 STAFF PRESENT Frances Chapin, Arts & Culture Program Mgr. Jeff Taraday, City Attorney Scott Passey, City Clerk Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator The Edmonds City Council special meeting was called to order at 5:45 pm by Mayor Rosen in the Council Chambers, 250 5t' Avenue North, Edmonds, and virtually. 2. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION, RCW 42.30.110(1)(I) The Council convened in executive session to discuss pending or potential litigation per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for a period of 30 minutes. Executive Session Extension At 6:15 pm, Mayor Rosen announced that the executive session would be extended to 6:30 pm. 3. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION The meeting reconvened at 6:30 p.m. 4. INTERVIEW CANDIDATES FOR APPOINTMENT TO CITY BOARD OR COMMISSION 1. B&C CANDIDATE INTERVIEW — ARTS COMMISSION Councilmembers interviewed Alexandra Leggett for appointment to the arts commission (responses in italics): I'm thrilled to be considered to be part of this group. I moved back to Edmonds three years ago after living in Shoreline and Queen Anne. We live close to Hickman Park; we went to the concert there this summer Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes September 24, 2024 Page 1 and love the community. I went to UW for interdisciplinary fine art, returned for a photograph certificate and am a full-time photographer specializing in weddings and family portraits. I am interested in the arts commission opening because we have developed a love for the city since moving back and now that we have two kids, are learning about opportunities to participate in things happening in the community. We love to walk around the ferry dock and look at the salmon by the fishing pier. We'd noticed a lot of art installations and have learned about how involved the arts commission is, which led me to the decision to apply. Councilmember Nand was excited Ms. Leggett had a business in the creative field. She asked what she felt the arts commission could do to support other small business owners in creative arts. My business is a little different in that I focus mostly on serving clients rather than creating public art installations. Working with different venues and organizations through the years ofphotographing weddings, I've seen how accessible some communities are. One of the things I wish for is more spaces within Edmonds that are perfectly tailored to host things like weddings. The rebuilt Waterfront Center is gorgeous, I've photographed weddings there and it is a perfect space for weddings. Reaching out to the community about opportunities within the city that would make great venues for variety of uses would be wonderful. I love to be creative on own time, I did the art walk a long time ago when I did photography for fun and thought it was a great way to get to know people and businesses. I hope to be more involved in something like that, getting out on a regular basis and meeting people, interacting and learning more about what people want to see. I want to be a good advocate for the City. Councilmember Chen said he was excited about the artistic and business skills she brings to the position. Councilmember Paine asked what she hoped to expand in Edmonds. With her background with the schools, she asked if she would like to carry that forward. I'm heavily involved in the school district already. Our oldest is in kindergarten, but he has been enrolled with an IEP since his third birthday, so we are familiar with available services and have gotten to know a lot of people in the district and I'm working with some parents to start a special education PTSA. I come from a family of public educators; my mom was an art and PE teacher and I remember her being sad about losing opportunities to continue teaching art as funding was reduced for that program. My mom was a docent when I was in elementary school and I hope to help with art in my kids' school. I am heavily involved in the district, understand the importance of arts to kids. I would love to explore opportunities to increase visibility for what kids can do such as a flyer with summer project ideas to encourage creativity. It's important to involve students in art as much as possible. Councilmember Dotsch commented having a young family, her qualifications and diverse background will bring a great perspective to the arts commission. Her passion obviously shines through; art while kids are younger instills a spark. She is excited to see what she can do on the arts commission. Mayor Rosen advised approval of her appointment will occur at the regular council meeting. 2. B&C CANDIDATE INTERVIEW — ARTS COMMISSION Councilmembers interviewed Robby London for appointment to the arts commission (responses in italics): I've lived in Edmonds for 24 years. I consider myself a refugee from Los Angeles show business. My passion has been in music as a song writer and musician, but trying to monetize that passion made me not enjoy it, so I took a left turn in my youth and became a writer and producer and then an executive in the television business. I was fortunate to have great success and have credits on over 2500 hours of television, won a couple Emmies, 14 Emmy nominations and 14 humiliating defeats. I moved to Edmonds as a lifestyle choice; I had a great situation in LA professionally, but did not feel fulfilled living there. I specifically chose Edmonds and it has exceeded my expectations as a marvelous place to live. One of the things that struck me about Edmonds is the arts community and the artistic vibe. I've wanted to find a way to give back to Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes September 24, 2024 Page 2 Edmonds because I love it here so much, but nothing appealed to me until I read about this opening. I've also worked in a lot of nonprofits related to media and entertainment including chair of the board for one nonprofit and on the board for others. I think my skills and interests are well suited to this commission and a good intersection between something I would enjoy, have something to offer, and hopefully can support the wonderful arts in the community. Councilmember Tibbott said he also enjoys Edmonds and was impressed that Mr. London wanted to bring his talents here. He asked his impression about the musical art scene in Edmonds and how he could add to its flavor. Because my career was not in music, that is not my expertise, but I know a lot about music. My impressions are primarily from the Edmonds Center for the Arts and the free concerts and in general I've been impressed with what exists, with the diversity and quality of the talents, and the offerings without having to spend a lot of money. Porchfest was a wonderful event with wonderful talent. Councilmember Chen commented on Mr. London's accomplished background. He looked forward to what he would bring to the already rich musical and art environment. Council President Olson passed on a compliment to both applicants and to Ms. Chapin, recalling Mayor saying I don't know where Francis finds these people. She relayed her gratitude for their volunteerism, talents and passion and what they bring to the City. Mayor Rosen advised approval of his appointment will occur at the regular council meeting. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the special Council meeting was adjourned at 6:44 pm. cs:� SCOTT PASS EY; CLERK Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes September 24, 2024 Page 3