2021-04-21 Economic Development Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING
April 21, 2021
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
Nicole Hughes, Chair
Darrol Haug
Jay Hoag
Kevin Harris, Vice Chair
Scott Merrick
Kevin Smith
Charlie Lieu
Carrie Hulbert
Keith Hamilton
Evan Sittauer, Student -Rep
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
LIAISONS PRESENT:
Vivian Olson, Councilmember, ex-officio
Roger Pence, Planning Board, ex-officio
Bruce Faires, Port Commissioner, ex-officio
Greg Urban, Edmonds Chamber, ex-officio
COMMISSIONERS/LIAISONS ABSENT:
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 6:03 p.m.
Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement
1. Roll Call and recognition of absences: Round robin introductions for the benefit our new Commissioner
Keith Hamilton.
2. Approval of Agenda:
Nicole would like to add an item; 3.a: Announcement of Appointments and Reappointments. Nicole
moved to approve the agenda with the addition; Jay seconded; motion passed.
3. Approval of March 17, 2021 Meeting Summary.
Charlie moved to approve; Jay seconded; motion passed.
a. Announcement of Appointments and Reappointments: Nicole shared that Council President
Paine has reappointed Kevin Harris; Mayor Nelson reappointed Carrie Hulbert; Councilmember
Laura Johnson appointed Keith Hamilton; Councilmember Buckshnis reappointed Nicole Hughes;
and Councilmember Olson has reappointed Darrol Haug. Darrol thanked Vivian. Nicole welcomed
and thanked everyone.
4. Audience Comments: None.
5. City Update: Patrick shared that the City has put out a second Walkable Main Street survey to
solicit additional public input. There've been approximately 500-600 responses to date and will
close on Monday, April 26t". Final decisions regarding Walkable Main Street will be made once the
survey closes and the input is evaluated. The City is exploring parking solutions by leasing all or
some of the Bank of America parking lot. City Hall parking lot could also be utilized; however, the
Saturday Market vendors fill it up on Saturdays. Any expenses incurred by leasing parking lots
would be reimbursable from the American Rescue Plan Act funds. Patrick mentioned that there's
Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
April 21, 2021
Page 1
been a lot of questions regarding the effect of Walkable Main Street on the retailors. The City
gathered data of retail revenue from last year and the prior two years to get a clear picture of the
financial effect. On average during Summer 2020, Main Street retailers were down 15% from the
Summer of 2019. Some were up as high as 165% and some were down as low as 40%. It was clear
that clothing retailers struggled the most. Edmonds does plan to have improved signage to
encourage folks outside of the Walkable Main Street zone. Vivian suggested using some of the
Federal funds to do something to benefit the businesses outside of the Walkable Main Street
zone. She also feels that having Walkable Main one day of the weekend would be more equitable
for patrons and business owners. Patrick shared that the Mayor is holding neighborhood meeting
for north Edmonds on April 29th at 6:30pm. The City is still awaiting the American Rescue Plan
Act funds. Edmonds will be allocated half of the funds this year and the 2nd half next year. Funds
can be used through 2024. EDC has a role in recommending the use of the funds. There are four
broad categories for use of the funds: 1.housing, tourism, businesses; 2. premium pay for
employees; 3. restore cut services; 4. water, sewer, broadband. He asked that everyone generate
ideas for ways to allocate the monies and we can brainstorm ideas once we have the final criteria.
The City is also moving forward with steps to get a satellite City Hall near Highway 99.
6. Project Discussion: None.
7. Project Committee Updates
a. Neighborhood Districts & Business Zones: Kevin Smith led the update. They are primarily
focused on southern Hwy 99; Firdale Village and Perrinville. Per Patrick's recommendation, they
are on hold with Hwy 99 until the community renewal plan starts. Kevin S. is representing the
Commission on the Hwy 99 gateway sign process. They've proposed the southern sign to go on
the grassy knoll near Campbell Nelson. On the north end they're looking at a location near
Toyota's used car dealership. Once placement has been determined, they'll get into the design
phase. Patrick is going to send a friendly letter to the Firdale Village owner to see what the long-
term intentions are for the property. Patrick is also writing a letter to property owner of the
Westgate Goodwill as they are closing, to inquiry about the intentions of the property going
forward. Lastly, they touched on the American Rescue Plan; there is a startup business credit any
new business that started after February 15, 2020 will qualify for a tax credit. It is suggested to
pull business license info and send all eligible businesses a note to investigate it. Carrie shared
that the Committee has been discussing ideas if Bank of America doesn't reopen.
b. Edmonds Business Booster Portal: Kevin Harris led the update. Patrick and Megan sent out a
survey a few weeks ago to small home -based businesses. A facilitated brainstorming workshop
was held on April 19t" with more than a dozen potential content providers. The purpose was to
determine better use of content to maximize the user experience; and practical -creative ideas to
structure the portal. Workshop breakout groups brainstormed ideas; different options to present
services; service gaps; other specific functions; build businesses confidence. This brainstorm was
held two days ago; Kevin H. will compile the workshop notes; the Committee will work with them
in their next meeting, and then share with the Commission.; Feedback from Commissioners
before or during the May meeting would be appreciated.
c. Waterfront Center Opportunities: Nicole shared the update. Tomorrow is the virtual grand
opening of the Waterfront Center from noon to 1pm; it's open to everyone. They have spent some
time looking at the entire waterfront zone, but the focus is the Center right now. They are
brainstorming ideas; pop-up retail; supporting up -starts; lecture series; the writing conference;
cross promote between events at the center and the downtown core. There are cross promoting
Minutes
Economic Development Commission
April 21, 2021
Page 2
opportunities between the Waterfront Center and the different business districts throughout the
City, as well as with potential content providers from the Edmonds Business Booster portal. They
would like to build a relationship The Port of Edmonds.
d. Parking & Shuttle Service: Darrol led this update. The group worked to come up with some
ideas to assist in parking for Walkable Main Street and will share the report after the meeting.
They surveyed the EDC members to outline some additional ideas. They determined that 71
parking stalls will be lost during Walkable Main Street. Carrie shared that Ed! is working on
identifying additional parking areas and potentially partnering with privately owned lots. Darrol
continued that the group has also been working on identifying additional lots that could be
utilized. They've discussed implementing shuttle program of small electric cars that could shuttle
people from lots to the Walkable Main Street. A long-term goal would be to develop a parking
app. Nicole asked if parking structures has been discussed. The City is considering a study next
year to look into a parking structure. Vivian suggested tearing down the 2nd & Dayton building to
make a parking lot. Scott asked about when the streateries will go away. Vivian shared, the
ordinance that approved them was a one-year temp permit.
e. Communication & Info Flow: Nicole is the only member of this group now that Jamie has left
the Commission. She solicited input from the Commission on whether or not it is time to present
an update to Council. Kevin Harris feels it's time. Patrick added that the Council President is ready
to hear from the group. Scott feels there's a lot of activity happening to share. Nicole will work
with Patrick to get the update scheduled on the Agenda.
f. Data Collection & Analysis: Charlie led this update. Charlie shared the EDC Data Request form.
This will be a tool for the other groups to use to request data or analysis needs. Charlie requested
feedback on the form. Kevin Harris suggested presenting this to the groups that are in need and
see if it fits their needs.
8. Idea Pipeline: Nicole shared the idea pipeline list: Children's Museum; City Facilities on Hwy 99;
Corporate Mobile Workplace; Housing in Downtown/Harbor Square; Business District: Firdale Village;
Grants ARPA
9. Liaison Updates (3 minutes per liaison)
a. Vivian Olson (Council) not much to share. Impressed at how professional the Port of Edmonds
meetings are.
b. Bruce Faires (Port of Edmonds) invites everyone to a Port retreat that will focus on the north
boardwalk rehabilitation project. May 12t" from gam — 2pm. Consultants will be present. The
demo of the administrative building will also be discussed.
c. Greg Urban (Chamber of Commerce) receiving a shipment of 7,000 PPE for the hospitality
industry that they'll be able to distribute. 4t" of JUly will likely only be the 5k run. There will be golf
tournament in July at Whitehorse golf course in Kingston.
d. Roger Pence (Planning Board) shared that they had their annual joint meeting with Council this
past month.
11. Roundtable Discussion: Charlie, always impressed with how the group operates; Kevin H. excited
about the great progress, and shared that Brittany Williams of the Port was wonderful at the
Portal Brainstorm; Scott, welcomed Keith, go Mariners; Jay, looking forward to the Waterfront
Center virtual opening; Carrie, welcomed Keith; Darrol, attend Vivian's neighborhood walk and
talk, it was wonderful; Evan, welcomed Keith; Kevin Smith, welcomed Keith; Keith, impressed with
Minutes
Economic Development Commission
April 21, 2021
Page 3
the group and felt them meeting was informative, excited to be involved; Patrick, according the
governor's office they will review COVID case counts every 3 weeks to determine phase for each
county, May 3rd will be the next evaluation.
Adjourn at 8:14 p.m.
Next regular meeting: May 19, 2021, 6 PM location TBA
Minutes
Economic Development Commission
April 21, 2021
Page 4