2022-01-19 Economic Development Commission Packet1-7c, Is 9 V
AGENDA
Edmonds Economic Development Commission
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
6 — 8 PM Zoom Info below
6:00 P.M. — Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement: "We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the
Sdohobsh (Snohomish) people and their successors the Tulalip Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished,
gathered, and taken care of these lands. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their
sacred spiritual connection with the land and water." - City Council Land Acknowledgment
Call to Order
1. Roll Call and Recognition of Approved Absences (5 min)
2. Approval of Agenda (2 min)
3. Approval of December 15, 2021 Meeting Summary (2 min)
4. Audience Comments (3 minutes per person)
5. Introductions and Liaison Changes
6. Discussion: Economic Development Idea Heatmap w/Breakout Discussions
(45 min)
7. City Update (5 min)
8. Liaison Updates (5 min each)
a. City Council
b. Port of Edmonds
c. Chamber of Commerce
d. Planning Board
9. Roundtable Discussion (10 min)
10. Adjourn
Next regular meeting: February 16, 2022 6PM
Zoom Information:
https:Hzoom.us/i/98696685791?pwd=RytOZ*VuK3ZCNON4Q1RrM HZgSWPvQT09
Meeting ID: 986 9668 5791
Passcode: 901513
CITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING
December 15, 2021
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
Nicole Hughes, Chair
Darrol Haug
Kevin Harris, Vice Chair
Jay Hoag
Scott Merrick
Carrie Hulbert
Kevin Smith
Charlie Lieu,
Keith Hamilton
Evan Sittauer, Student -Rep
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None
LIAISONS PRESENT:
Roger Pence, Planning Board, ex-officio
Bruce Faires, Port Commissioner, ex-officio
Vivian Olson, Councilmember, ex-officio
LIAISONS ABSENT:
Greg Urban, Edmonds Chamber, ex-officio
GUESTS:
STAFF PRESENT:
Patrick Doherty, Director
Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator
Susan McLaughlin, Development Services
Director
Economic Development Commission meeting conducted via ZOOM and called to order by Nicole Hughes
at 6:02 p.m.
Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement
1. Roll was called, and no absences noted.
2. Approval of Agenda: Darrol would like to add an update from the Parking Committee under Item 8.
Darrol moved to approve the agenda with this addition; Jay seconded; motion passed.
3. Approval of November 17, 2021, Meeting Summary: Kevin Smith moved to approve the meeting
summary; Carrie seconded; motion passed.
4. Audience Comments: Susan McLaughlin, Development Services Directorforthe City, introduced herself
to the group and let them know she would be stepping in while Patrick's position is vacant.
5. Discussion: Streateries: Nicole gave some background details of the streateries ordinance. Kevin H.
explained the intent of the discussion, focus is on creative dining ideas. What can be down outside of the
downtown core, in other neighborhoods? Kevin H. handed the floor over to Vivian to share her thoughts
on the topic. Vivian asked what problem we are trying to solve. As we move forward to propose change,
we need to be delicate in how we approach the streateries topic. She is hearing and accepting that there
is a desire to have a dynamic outdoor eating experience. However, Council has been receiving negative
emails for the past 6-8 months, 2-3 times a week. In the past month Council has received more balanced
support for and against streateries. She would like to have a responsible, all stakeholder discussion about
the downtown core regarding streateries and Walkable Main. She also makes the point that this is not
just about downtown core, Firdale Village could lend to some outdoor dining in the parking lot, or
Perrinville, or 5-Corners. She also suggested food truck events in parks. From her perspective the
streateries are not being well utilized the day during this rainy season. She proposes a Task Force to do a
DRAFT Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
December 15, 2021
Page 1
deep dive into the topic to propose recommendations for the future. She further proposes that the EDC
lead this endeavor and to propose recommendations to Council and/or the Mayor. Patrick clarified for
the group that the Ordinance is scheduled to sunset at the end of December. The Council discussion,
scheduled tomorrow, is to decide whether to extend the ordinance and if they do, for how long. Nicole
clarifies that we want to focus the discussion on a long-term vision for outdoor dining, are there models
that we want to explore and recommend to the city for future use and implementation. Is there an
economic impact that this makes it a win -win for the City and businesses? Keith suggests researching facts
of the impacts, negative and positive. Kevin S. supports the notion of the EDC being involved in the
discussion. He's wondering how the demand of the streateries is affecting the restaurants that aren't able
to have one. Are they pulling business from the other restaurants and is it creating inequities. Carrie
shared that the she participated in the meeting with the restaurants and service industry business
representatives and they're all willing to pay for the streateries. Kevin H. shared that he agrees the EDC
should be involved but it should be in a thoughtful, effective way. He also agrees that involving
stakeholders in the conversation and discussing what kind of experience are we trying to provide is
important. Roger offers that the issue on Main Street & 51h Ave, we're discussing public ROW and public
parking; in all other business districts we're discussing private property parking lots. He feels the City
should not get involved in private property uses. Scott makes the point that we should think about what
we want the Edmonds experience to be and how do we get diversity in our communities. There should be
a balance but what is the right balance between restaurant (food and drink industry) and businesses that
fall under different umbrellas. Nicole asks if this is a discussion we want to be involved in? Carrie asks for
clarification on whether we want to recommend a study be done or jump in and do the study. Nicole
asked City staff and Council what would be helpful for the EDC to do. Vivian is proposing that EDC lead
the Task Force to look at long term streateries. Is the EDC interested? Patrick shared that he doesn't think
it's expected that the EDC do independent work on the streateries but if a Task Force is formed to deep
dive into this topic, EDC members should be involved. Kevin H. added once the Task Force is formed and
the mission is established, the EDC could weigh in on their involvement at that time. Clear direction of the
Task Force will help the group determine what role they could have. Nicole suggests tabling the topic until
the next meeting; with the notion that more clear direction is determined in the meantime. Darrol and
Scott suggested evolving the outdoor dining discussion beyond just streateries. More of an emphasis on
promoting all businesses rather than just restaurants. Nicole suggests bringing this back at a later meeting.
Kevin H. has to leave. Wishes everyone a happy holiday. And thanked Patrick and Bruce for their service.
6. Idea List Review: Nicole shared the newly updated idea pipeline with the group. The Council requested
clarification of the list during the annual Council presentation. The new document allows for easy sharing
of ideas. The idea is that as we move through 2022 we can breakout what the impact and benefits to the
City are. The information from the breakout sessions last month, went straight into this document. Is
there support to continue doing that in future meetings? Nicole suggests having breakout sessions at the
January meeting. She asked for direction on how to best share information the Mayor and Council. Patrick
shared the Diversity Commission has shared recommendations to Council by sharing it through a memo
to Council and has had the Chair read it at Public Comment at the Council meetings. Vivian agreed with
the process that Patrick shared.
7. City Update: Patrick shared that Council will continue last night's meeting tomorrow night. The Hwy 99
City office lease was signed this week. First and last month's rent has been paid. The tenant improvement
building permit is nearly ready for submittal. Due to the construction, the office may not open until early
February. There will be space for police department staff and court staff as well as general services. The
Community Renewal plan will be picked back up in the new year. The PROS plan will be moving forward
next year too. We have the holiday trolley running on two Sundays in the Hwy 99 area for the first time.
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Economic Development Commission
December 15, 2021
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The City is actively recruiting for Patrick's position. Susan may be able to attend meetings in the interim.
There are plans moving forward for a Lunar New Year event in 2022. There is a wide array of activities
being planned for the event.
8. Liaison Updates
a. City Council (Vivian) nothing additional to share.
b. Port of Edmonds (Bruce) had technical difficulties and was unable to share.
d. Planning Board (Roger) shared that the December meeting they elected new officers for 2022.
Alicia Crank will be the Chair and Roger will be the Vice -Chair. They will be looking at the code that restricts
the number of people that can live in a dwelling and the goal is to remove the limitations. They are also
working with ADB to determine design standards.
Parking Committee Update: Darrol shared that the Parking Committee met with Phil Williams
and the Public Works parking team to discuss options that could be studied now, during the pandemic.
They brought the notion of surveying the business community with parking. Now that Phil Williams is
gone, he checked in with Rob English, Acting Public Works Director and he explained their plate is full with
Hwy 99 right now they don't have the resources to move forward with the survey at this time. Darrol is
wondering if they should move forward with the downtown businesses.
9. Roundtable Discussion: Darrol thanked Patrick for his service; he also thanked Bruce for his service.
Jay wished Patrick well. Kevin Smith happy holidays and wished Patrick well and same to Bruce. Keith ditto
about Patrick and thanked Vivian for her work on streateries. Evan thanked Patrick and Bruce for their
service and happy holidays. Scott adds his farewells to Patrick and Bruce. Charlie thanked Patrick and
Bruce and happy holidays. Roger best wishes to Patrick and Bruce. Carrie thank you to Bruce and Patrick
and happy holidays. Vivian wished everyone happy holiday and best wishes to Patrick and Bruce. Nicole
thanked Bruce and Patrick for their service. Patrick shared it's been an honor, this group is great, and
Edmonds is lucky to have the EDC.
10. Adjourn at 8:06 p.m.
Next regular meeting: January 19, 2022, 6 PM location Zoom
DRAFT Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
December 15, 2021
Page 3