2022-07-14 Ed! Board MinutesEd! Board Meeting July 14, 2022
Meeting called to order: 8:03AM
Board Members/Administration in Attendance: Matt McCulloch, Jen Lawson, Olivia Brown -
Latham, Robert Boehlke, Beth Sanger, Ricky Bobadilla, Katrina Swanson, Devyn Cox, and Carrie
Hulbert.
City of Edmonds Representative in Attendance: Susan McLaughlin, Megan Luttrell
Guests: Rachel Dobbins (Art Walk Edmonds,) Whitney Popa (Workhorse HQ), Nathaniel Sauz
(Coastal Community Bank,) Jill Hall (Bench and Board,) Erica Sugg (Edmonds Chamber of
Commerce.)
City Report: Presented by Susan McLaughlin, Development Service Director for the City of
Edmonds. She is continuing the conversation about maximizing the right of way throughout the
city of Edmonds. She held the fourth meeting last night for the Highway 99 neighborhood. Six
total meetings have been conducted and all are welcome to attend. The meeting in Westgate
will be held tonight and a meeting in Perrinville is Monday evening. Outdoor dining is one of the
most popular requests. There is interest in night markets and street festivals. A postcard will be
mailed to a sample representation of Edmonds residents to gather more ideas. One of the top
ideas from the downtown meeting is afternoon or evening street closure - Sunday afternoons
seem to be preferred. Core group will help launch events in each of the districts. The city is
offering to help fund $15,000 the initial event.
Megan added they are still awaiting a new director to fill Patrick's position. First uptown market
was last Tuesday, and another will be next week, 4-8pm behind Safeway.
Approval of Previous Meeting's Minutes: Olivia moved to approve the minutes with the
change to Darrol Haug's name spelling. Matt seconded. All approved.
President's Report: Jen presented. She introduced Katrina Swanson, an agent at Berkshire
Hathaway. Matt moved to approve Katrina to the board. Olivia seconded.
Pam attended a Finance Committee meeting to discuss delinquent BID payments. The city is
sending another letter late summer to get people to pay. Closed businesses will not be pursued.
A 12% fee will be maintained as a late fee. Still discussing the use of a collection company.
Payment be tied to business license renewal in the future. City is talking about charging for Ed
for administrative fees - approximately $7,000. Pam pointed out that this is a bait and switch as
these fees were not present when the BID was started. Carrie explained that the chargeback is
just a discussion at this point. We may want to communicate with the council the value Ed
brings to the city. Jill Hall is helping with a valuation statement. And this might offset the fee that
the city is proposing.
Treasurer's Report: Matt presented. No update with June. Up to date with the assessment
projection.
New Businesses Added to BID:.Matt presented. Paper Feather, Oasis Tea, APICDA Joint
Ventures, Sue Rash MS, Wincrest Realty, Miwayawin Massage, Sandpiper Massage, Rachel
Scott Bodywork, Suzan Scudder MA, Carriage House (AirBNB.)
Budget Discussion: Annual budget was reviewed by committees to be submitted to City
Council this month. Matt moved to approve the budget. Olivia seconded the motion. All in favor
and approved.
Committee Updates
• Admin: Jen presented. Budget was discussed. We still need to fill the open-door
position. Hope to have that filled in the next couple of weeks.
• Marketing: Carrie presented. Loving Summer is up and running. Whitney's articles are
published. Nothing new until holiday. Jolly Trolly is interested in running this season in
Edmonds. Unsure if the city will be able to help with funds again.
• Communication and Outreach: Matt presented. Went over the new businesses and
the committee will reach out to them.
• Appearance & Environment: Carrie presented. Discover downtown flags are up.
Umbrellas are in production. Shelia is still working on getting the directional sign.
Where's Waldo is being sponsored by Michelle from the Edmonds Bookstore. Printing
costs have been higher than anticipated. She is hoping for a little help. The marketing
budget can help as there is a shortfall in the anticipated budget for February. Jen added
that Where's Waldo brings many new customers into shops every day.
Beth moved to spend up to the shortfall ($560) in February marketing budget (the
Valentine's Day promotion) to help fund Where's Waldo printing costs. Robert seconded.
All approved.
New Business: Erica Sugg spoke. Ryan Crowther has started with the Chamber as the new
CEO. Eager to meet area businesses. He is interested in coffee with Ed to discuss partnership.
She also added that the Ukrainian Association of Washington State is hoping to raise money to
purchase infant incubators. There is a need in the Ukraine for the incubators due to a rise in
premature births during the war.
Tickets are on sale for the Taste of Edmonds at the Frances Anderson play field. All ages are
welcome this year.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:45am