2021-11-18 Ed! Board MinutesEd! Board Meeting 11-18-21
Meeting called to order: 8:02am
Board Members/Administration in Attendance: Matt McCulloch, Cheryl Farrish, Kimberly
Koenig, Jen Lawson, Robert Boehlke, Blake Fisher, Beth Sanger, and Carrie Hulbert.
City of Edmonds Representative in Attendance: Patrick Doherty and Megan Luttrell.
Guests: Jill Hall (Bench and Board,) Vivian Olsen (Edmonds City Council,) and Allison
Sweeney (Coastal Bank.)
Approval of Previous Meeting's Minutes: Kimberly moved to approve the minutes. Jen
seconded. All approved, none opposed.
President's Report: Cheryl reported. Gearing up for holidays. Umbrellas are out. Holiday
items will be going up in the next few weeks. Thanks to Patrick for assistance in helping pass
our budget through City Council. Hope to get a presentation in front of the council in future
years. A couple of board vacancies will open up in April 2022. Any interest, please let Carrie or
Cheryl know. Officer positions will also be available. Cheryl will be moving on from the board
as she has served two terms. Beth will stay on the board. Edmonds Chamber of Commerce is
asking if someone from Ed! would like to speak on Nov 27 at 4pm before the Tree Lighting
Ceremony. Kimberly will speak and highlight what we are doing around town.
Treasurer's Report: Carrie reported. Our balance is $2,000 less than projected at this point.
We cut the budget and have fund balance. $73,500 has been collected year to date. Kimberly
added Ed! is 100% funded by assessments from the businesses within the BID. Board members
are business owners and are very cognizant of how we spent the money. Should have a
$20,000 fund balance at the end of the year.
New Businesses Added to BID: Matt presented. Seven new businesses: Charcoal, KYO
Autism Therapy, Long Bay Enterprises, Life Healing Therapy and Counseling, Bodyworks
Massage, The Weathered Frame Photography, and Practical Therapy of Edmonds.
City Report: Patrick presented. Budget approved last night with a special meeting by City
Council. It was difficult. Two members were not there last. Ed! budget was passed. ARPA is
going out through business grants. Fewer applications this year than last. Household grants are
up to 400 and says that lots of people need assistance in their homes still. Digital collection data
company will be following movement over marketing campaigns. Data will be useful, and
funding is coming from tourism budget. New neighborhood city office will be opening on
Highway 99. Making a commitment to that part of town. Patrick will be retiring at the end of the
year. It has been wonderful over the past 7 years. Public Works Director is resigning, and a
new Development Services director just started (Shane Hope retired.) Streeteries: Thought
Covid would be over by now and their time is expiring. The community and Council will be
considering the extension. Council will discuss on Nov 23rd. On Dec 7, the public will have an
opportunity to comment. Council will discuss passing an ordinance on Dec 14. Washington
Hospitality Association wrote a letter to the city and explained many restaurants were closed
down for a long time and may need continued assistance.
Patrick also shared Dave Turley's, Finance Director, explanation of the city's commitment to
spend the budget overage. The city is required to have a budget balance of 16%, which it does.
There is currently an extra $7 million overage. The city is not like a business — it does not amass
funds. The city should provide services with the overage.
Cheryl asked if the pick-up parking stalls are in or out? She noted that some are gone while a
few remain. Patrick is not sure he remembers if there's an ordinance regarding the stalls. He
will follow up.
Committee Updates
• Communication & Outreach: Matt reported. Requested approval for $500 for Tree
Lighting.
MOTION: Matt moved for $500 for Tree Lighting. Kimberly seconded. All approved,
none opposed.
Admin: Cheryl reported. Board vacancies will be coming up in April. Talked about
presenting the budget in future years to Council. Dave Turley said our budget was
presented at last minute. We have followed our bylaws and will reach out to Dave for
clarification. Currently, our budget must be received no later than Oct 31. Patrick
explained it would be cleaner if the Ed! budget was available when city budget is
presented in early October.
Marketing: Carrie reported. Holiday website is up. It is robust. Still adding new articles.
Trolley is running with Emily the elf. City is running the trolley for two Sundays around
route 99. Ornament stroll is starting. Spend $40 at participating businesses and receive
a free holiday ornament. Festive Drink Bingo will be starting. Church Key is the hub and
will collect bingo cards. Participants will get a new sticker for completion of the card and
will be entered for a drawing of $10 gift card prizes. Holiday window clings are available
for pick up at Rogue. Holiday characters will be scattered around town. Scavenger hunt
will be starting too. Kimberly added gift wrapping fundraiser will be in the basement at
Rogue on Saturday for EWHS seniors. Ed! is hiring Whitney Poppa for copy writing for
next year.
Appearance & Environment: Blake presented. Umbrellas and stands are out. Lots of
new umbrellas to spread around. Carrie sent a press release to the Beacon and My
Edmonds News. Asked for the umbrellas to be returned to the stands after use.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:40am