2024-09-12 Ed! Board Meeting MinutesEd! Board Meeting Sept 12, 2024
Meeting called to order: 8:02 AM
Introductions
Approval of Previous Meeting's Minutes: Aug 8, 2024 moved by Lisa, seconded by Jen,
discussion, unanimous approval
Public Comment: James Cline- Bremerton working on Down Town Affiliate, expressed his
appreciation of how we do things and how we have inspired other cities. Jennifer Combs is their
Executive Director and will be at the Places conference in Walla Walla
Liz-PorchFest Edmonds -feedback form on the website, please give us some feedback and input
and ideas. Ed! Will send the link out to members to solicit feedback.
Board Members/Administration in Attendance: Sheila Cloney, VP ran the meeting, Jen
Lawson, Olivia Brown -Latham, Ricki Bobadilla, Lisa Epstein
City of Edmonds Representative in Attendance: Mike Rosen, Mayor, Megan Luttrell
Guests: Whitney Popa, Liz Morgan (Field), Beth (Ombu), James Cline (Bremerton BID
President), Jennifer Cullin (Paper Feather), Rachel Gardner (Musicology Co), Erika and Jeff
Barnett (Salish Brewing Company), Colby Rutherford (Sound Credit Union), Cheryl Farrish
(Farrish Law), Christine Poirer (Pear Tree Consignment), Edmonds Bookshop,
President's Report: Sheila reported- Jason Arnhill has moved out of the district and so has to
drop off the board, motion to have the remainder of his Treasurer term be filled by Lisa Epstein.
Moved by Jen, seconded by Olivia, discussion, unanimous vote. Liz Morgan is being put
forward as a board member to replace Jason. Moved by Olivia, seconded by Lisa, discussion,
unanimous vote.
City Report: Mayor Rosen- Finances, budget briefing. CPI increases from 2021-2024 21.7%,
State mandated 1 % property tax restriction, additional expenses mandated by state without
funding. Changes to budgeting and expense priority. Also zero based budgeting. Statistically
valid survey to the public to help prioritize. Staff polling, focus groups. All with the goal of more
accurate and effective budgeting. Path forward. Mike took questions. Jen asked if the city has
considered any changes to the relationship with Ed! No plans to change anything at this time.
He expressed his support and recognized value of Ed! Erika asked about an "Adopt the
sidewalk" idea for businesses to do fundraising for improving sidewalks. Mike explained a
couple of ways it could work. Erika also asked about Emergency Management. Volunteer
based emergency management. Businesses and citizens could be part of the system and
places for emergency management. Mike said that it is a part of the plan. Emergency
management happens best in the local neighborhood. HAM radio clubs, etc. Sheila also
expressed interest in business participation.
Megan Luttrell -Budget has been a focus, Todd out of town and back next week. Holiday Market
will be 7 weekends this year.
Treasurer's Report: Presented by Carrie, Up to date through August, Over budget on
assessments by $2,100. Expenses are on track for our budget.
New Businesses Added to BID: Ricky- New businesses- Forgio Technologies, Renewed
Hope Family Councelling services.
Chamber Program: Erika & Olivia Taste recap, went well, some ways to improve, car show
was biggest we have had, Halloween coming up and then Tree Lighting, Chamber Foundation
needs board members with expertise in Fundraising and Events, you do not need to be a
chamber member. Sheila expressed appreciation for Erica Sugg coming by and communicating
well during the car show, problem solving when needed.
Committee Updates
• Admin: See President's report. BID reevaluation project ongoing
• Marketing: Jen-Holidays, trolley is funded by sponsors, we have 12 signed up, so we
are fully funded. Need to figure out how to incent people to only ride once. No ornament
stroll this year. First Dibs is happening Nov 23.
• Communication and Outreach: Sheila- Walla Walla Places conference we will be
attending, Sheila will be there, Olivia attending.
• Appearance & Environment: Cheryl- Umbrellas are good, directional signage project
still in development. $5,000 to spend, trying to figure out what will work. QR Code for
window cling is within our budget. $2,000 for design and printing. Discussion about the
best format for the QR code, ideas are a table tent or more permanent framed/lucite
cube that can be kept at the cash wrap where customers already have their phone out.
Maybe poll businesses about which one they would prefer, cling, card, signage. Erika
suggested that maybe we could collaborate with another group like the Chamber to
implement. Colby suggested a "check in" element.
• New Business: none
• Meeting Adjourned: 9:22 am