2022-03-08 City Council - Full PSPP Agenda-31081
Op E D
o Agenda
Edmonds City Council
s71. ,HvPUBLIC SAFETY, PERSONNEL & PLANNING - ZOOM
VIRTUAL ONLINE MEETING
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS WEB PAGE,
HTTP://EDMONDSWA.IQM2.COM/CITIZENS/DEFAULT.ASPX, EDMONDS, WA
98020
MARCH 8, 2022, 5:00 PM
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COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS ARE WORK SESSIONS FOR THE COUNCIL AND CITY STAFF.
COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDAS DO NOT INCLUDE AUDIENCE COMMENTS OR PUBLIC HEARINGS.
CALL TO ORDER
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
1. City Recruitment Update (20 min)
2. Conversation with Administration about Police Station and/or other City Building Relocation (30
min)
ADJOURN
Edmonds City Council Agenda
March 8, 2022
Page 1
2.1
City Council Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 03/8/2022
City Recruitment Update
Staff Lead: Jessica Neill Hoyson, Angie Feser, Michelle Bennett
Department: City Clerk's Office
Preparer: Scott Passey
Background/History
N/A
Staff Recommendation
N/A
Narrative
City Council requested an update of the city's recent recruitment activities. Jessica Neill Hoyson, HR
Director, Angie Feser, PRCAHS Director, and Michelle Bennett, Police Chief, will report on recruitment
activities for their respective divisions.
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2.2
City Council Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 03/8/2022
Conversation with Administration about Police Station and/or other City Building Relocation
Staff Lead: Will Chen and Vivian Olson
Department: City Council
Preparer: Beckie Peterson
Background/History
For the 2022 Budget amendment process, Council Member Chen suggested a budget amendment to
study moving the Police Station to Highway 99 to improve efficiency and effectiveness of delivering
Public Safety to this area (see analysis of savings at Attachment 1).
It was remanded to Committee to get more definition of what would be studied.
Considering relocation of the Public Safety Facility to Highway 99 was encouraged by the Economic
Development Commission four years ago and again in the last two years (see attachments 2,3 and 4).
This relocation also supports bigger picture recommendations the EDC made for the HWY 99 subarea in
2017 (attachment 5).
Recommendation
Discuss the request and parameters for the study and stakeholder input about the various options.
Narrative
Options:
Relocation of the entire Public Safety Complex to HWY 99
Maintaining the Public Safety Complex in current location and adding a police station annex on HWY 99
Relocation of City Hall from current location to HWY 99 (and getting rid of the City Hall Annex there
when it opens)
Maintaining the City Hall in its current location with a City Hall annex on HWY 99 as it is now
Court Services stay as is (split between main court and the City Hall annex on 99)
Court moved to HWY 99
In all of the above, when HWY 99 is cited as the location, should broader geography be considered? For
example, at or east of the line that goes through Five Corners?
Other potential questions for the study:
What are the values of all above mentioned City properties if any sold to fund the new projects?
What are the estimated costs of properties that could accommodate the desired facilities in the desired
location(s)?
If building something new, what is estimated construction cost?
If changing current use of buildings, what is best use of that building and/or site?
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2.2
Attachments:
COE Economic Development Commission Retreat Minutes, September 16, 2020
COE Economic Development Commission Minutes, Apr 18, 2018
Economic Development Commision memo, Apr 18, 2018
EDC Memo - Hwy 99 Planning 20170207
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2.2.a
CITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
RETREAT MEETING NOTES
September 16, 2020
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Nicole Hughes, Chair
Darrol Haug
Jay Hoag
Jamie Reece
Kevin Harris, Vice Chair
Scott Merrick
Kevin Smith
Liaisons Present:
Bruce Faires, Port Commissioner, ex-officio
Vivian Olson, Councilmember, ex officio arrived
at 5 P.M.
Roger Pence, Planning Board, ex-officio
COMMISSIONERS/LIAISONS ABSENT:
Greg Urban, Chamber, ex-officio arrived at 6:03
Guests: Susan Paine, Councilmember
Facilitator: Tom Mesaros
STAFF PRESENT:
Patrick Doherty, Director
Cindi Cruz, Program Coordinator
Economic Development Commission retreat conducted via ZOOM and called to order by Nicole
Hughes at 4:08 p.m.
1. Call to order
2. Regular Meeting
a. Approval of Agenda: Jay moved to approve agenda, Scott seconded, motion passed.
b. Roll Call and recognition of absences: None.
c. Approval of 8/19/20 Meeting summary: Darrol moved to approve minutes, Jay seconded,
motion passed.
3. Opening Remarks and Warmup
a. Purpose of extended meeting, Nicole briefly discussed the purpose of the meeting to
brainstorm and get a plan of action to move forward as a Commission. Hope to have time for all
discussion, ideas, etc. Explained Tom's as facilitator.
b. Housekeeping: breaks, parking lot, discussion protocol — if there is something on agenda that
comes up that needs to be explored or discussed to be placed in parking lot. Scott asked about
new commission members. Received 10 applications and have sent to Mayor for review.
c. Warmup: 3 Good Things/3 Things to Change:
Good Things: Things to Change:
Commissioners We could be quicker
Parking Study Become more efficient
Adaptability/Current Activity Encourage and empower our Committees
Energy/Desire Revisit our charter
APPROVED Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
September 16, 2020
Page 1
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2.2.a
Changing Gear More outside speakers to learn more
More action items to the City Council
More measurable results
Communication framework to the City Council and Mayor
4. Audience Comments: Patrick expressed from Mayor good wishes and appreciation for what the
commission does. Susan asked what thoughts about BID and what successes are and could be
improved and would like thoughts from Commission. Nicole placed the BID on parking lot as a
potential future discussion item. Brian Doyle spoke and advised that he had applied for the
Commission and was happy to see what has been done to help the business community.
Tom discussed Powers and Duties of the EDC empowered to advise and recommend. Discussed this in
relation to the EDC role. Encouraged two-way communication on regular basis with Council and
Mayor. Not just the annual report. Working with other Boards and Commission. Good to get
agreement to strengthen proposals from Boards and Commissions. Kevin H encouraged the
communication with Council in a positive way. Nicole liked the referral to other Boards &
Commissions to support proposals and/or ideas. Becomes stronger idea with support. Darrol
supports making recommendations even if they are not supported by Council if the Commission
feels strongly. Scott struggle with how to make recommendations to CC and lacking in the
"how" and need to know the recommendations from. Kevin S referred to Housing Commission is
an example of how to throw out ideas. Bruce supported all ideas but encouraged leadership
from the Commission.
5. Discussion Topic #1: Tom and Nicole provided the direction for the breakout group. 20 minutes.
(Please see Attachment #1 for more details of retreat discussion )
Priorities and Categories of Economic Development Activities for Edmonds:
• Plant fertile ground coming out of covid isolation and restrictions
• Expansion of business districts (not sure if this is correct? Did we wish to expand the
actual districts or was it another angle on business districts?)
• Promotion of Edmonds as we come out of covid
• "Daycation" opportunities especially as the Waterfront Center opens
• Diversify Businesses in Edmonds
• Showcase the Marsh as an attraction
Break
6. Discussion Topic #2 Tom discussed to change the word Effectivewness to Opportunities. 15 minutes
Commission Strengths, Effectiveness Opportunities and Challenges 3 of each.
Strengths: Challenges:
• Engagement and Dedication Silent Majority of Citizens
• Motivation and Focus Lack of data and background support
• Out of the box thinking Current business spending slow down
• Ability to leverage talent Getting to the "How"
• Collaboration with City Staff Don't overly burden city staff
APPROVED Minutes
Economic Development Commission
September 16, 2020
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Opportunities:
• New Administration 2
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More collaboration with other entities
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Empty store fronts
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Encourage changing business models
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Open up new ideas previously rejected
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7. Discussion Topic #3 15 minutes
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Group
Discussions — current, suspended and new ideas.
4)
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Business Attraction for New Businesses and Start -Ups, including virtual Business Accelerator
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Rezoning/code change for Hotels
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HWY 99 Redevelopment/Co-location and shared office space
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Business Feasibility Committee
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Move Court and Police to HWY 99
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Measure public perception
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Parking Reorganization
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Harbor Square Redevelopment
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Rezone first floor height in other business districts (I don't recall this being stated)
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Hoteling issues
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Create a large community garden
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Break
8. Discussion Topic #4 Tom discussed topics break out group — 20 minutes
Goals, Solution Development and Prioritization
Goals:
• Neighborhood Business Plan
• Focus on new vacancies; utilize replacement companies
• Visitors
• Supporting current businesses
• Shuttle people between areas
• Utilize best practice communications
• BID Exploration (did this mean more/new BIDS?)
• Develop longer term plans
Solutions:
• Polling and survey work — engaging the younger demographic
• Building our case to inspiring action — more frequent sharing with the city council
• Leveraging other entities and people as allies
• Expiration of South County Fire Contract
• Use committees to focus on existing or suspended ideas
• Getting the revenue report more often
APPROVED Minutes
Economic Development Commission
September 16, 2020
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2.2.a
• Refresh/Redo the Strategic Action Plan
9. Wrap-up/Summary:
Tom led the wrap-up good ideas come about when getting together with common values and
common likes. Created more work here than doable and need to narrow the work down. Tom,
P, N, & Kevin H to sit down and combine the notes into a common document. After list is pared
down set up work groups to create time line for each goal and have work groups report
accordingly. Will send out notes as soon as available.
Facilitator's Recommendation:
1. Review these notes at the next EDC meeting and seek input from the EDC members
2. Narrow the focus of your work for 2020/2021 to three or four significant items and appoint a
committee of two or three commissioners to coordinate the work around each of those items
3. Have a guest speaker at each of your meetings for 20 minutes of presentation and 10 minutes of
questions preferably around one of the priority items the Commission is addressing during the
current year
4. Meet monthly with the City Council keeping them up to date on activities
5. Meet monthly with the Mayor keeping him up to date on activities and seek his support
6. Create a five-year plan listing focus and items for the Commission to address year by year and
have that plan approved by city council
7. Commission agendas should focus on the guest speakers and responding to committee work:
learning, questions and providing insights to the committee members. Remember, it is
important to utilize and encourage your committees.
Thanked Tom for giving up his time to facilitate. Nicole thanked Commissioners for their time involved
Adjourn at 8: p.m.
Next regular meeting: October 21, 2020, 6 PM location TBA
APPROVED Minutes
Economic Development Commission
September 16, 2020
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ATTACHMENT 1
Priorities and Categories of Economic Development Activities for
Edmonds
1. COVID related issues
a. keep businesses alive beyond COVID
b. promote Edmonds as a regional/local destination (w/safety protections)
c. economic recovery
2. Diversity businesses/expansion of underrepresented business types
3. Geography Needs
4. Collab with other groups and leverage other resources
5. Expand discussion for vision of Edmonds (past = arts &culture, future = ?)
6. Support infrastructure to attract different businesses
7. PR related issues
a. clarify/market why ED and EDC exist
b. build PR/mission/internal-external communication
8. Support development, building and construction to support expansion of business dist.
a. Firdale Village
b. 5 Corners
c. 99 Development
d. Perrinville
9. Restaurant focus— Edmonds as an eatery destination
10. Food and culture focus — hwy 99 as an internationals draw for arts, shopping, food
11. Consumer spending related to jobs (how many people work in Edmonds)
12. Attract satellite/corporate locations
13. Daycation destination
a. Shopping
b. Culture
c. Food/drink
d. Farmers/Artists Market
14. Arts and creative district draw, galleries, museums
15. Waterfront center opportunities
a. Beyond conference and rental space
b. Community cultural center, senior center by day
c. Programs to attract people, families
16. Marsh as an attraction/park/educational opportunity
17. Destination hotel/spa related to the natural spaces
APPROVED Minutes
Economic Development Commission
September 16, 2020
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2.2.a
Commission Strengths, Effectiveness and Challenges
Strengths
1. By definition, have the ear of City Council
2. Diversity of Commission talent
3. Fresh new EDC leadership
4. Motivated to focus
5. Potential for fresh outlook from City Council
6. Commissioners are congenial, positive and energetic
7. Energy and Enthusiasm
8. Mix of Skills and Knowledge
9. Engagement of Commissioners and Consistency
10. Out of the Box Thinkers
11. Collaborate with City Staff
Opportunities
1. Collaborate with other community entities/groups (Chamber, EC, Waterfront, others
will help leverage success)
2. Provide econ vitality input to Council in new ways
3. Timing: openness to pivot from business community 'readiness'; business perspective
on bus model changes
4. To 'use' Council effectively (with fresh faces)
5. Replacing failing businesses- plan/encourage/support expanding diversity
6. Better communication with City Council
7. New City Council, new Mayor — allows a reset for priorities
8. COVID and current economic challenges open up acceptance to ideas that were
previously rejected
9. Empty Storefronts create new opportunities to bring in new businesses
10. Surrounding community changing business climate creates opportunities for Edmonds
11. Benefits of substitution spending locally
12. Low interest rate environment will benefit development opportunities in the
commercial space
Challenges
1. To actually engage/communicate with City Council - provide leadership, promote good
ideas, accept Council's decisions
2. Leverage public opinion
3. Recognize/create balance beyond commission 'full creativity' and staff admin burden -
how to redefine commitments?
4. Development of data/info to support proposals/recommendations to Council/others
5. Better ideas to move towards implementation: different ways on 'getting to how'
6. Politics
7. The loud minority trying to shut down growth and progress
APPROVED Minutes
Economic Development Commission
September 16, 2020
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2.2.a
8. The silent majority that doesn't speak out in support of growth and progress —how to
engage this group more
9. Business spending may be slowed during COVID
Group Discussions — current, suspended and new ideas
Current
1. City website that coordinates cross -organizational support/training infrastructure for
entrepreneurs, current home businesses, owners wishing to relocate out of 'Seattle'
core
2. Health -healthcare innovators/hospital 'core' zone/large employee base and services
needs/housing/99 redevelopment
3. b. Co -location and shared office space
4. c. How city/EDC can support specific business changes: facilitate better development
feasibility
5. Rezone waterfront section for boutique hotel — how do we build the case for this?
Suspended
1. Harbor Square redevelopment in its original 'image' (i.e., co -location, satellite, tech)
2. City Hall/Police Station move concept: w/hotel potential
3. 144 Railroad Ave building: acceptable use for hotel
4. 1st floor ceiling heights issue & new council members
5. Overarching: Possible change of public perspective from COVID
6. What to do with Arts & Leisure ideas, now that Committee is in hibernation
7. Repurposing City Hall/Police Station/Court — revised vision of this
8. City goes to police location
9. Police goes to hwy 99
10. Courts go to hwy 99
11. Rezone first floor height requirements in Downtown
12. Parking reorg or expansion
13. Senior pub walk
New
1. Hwy 99 priority- re-development/healthcare district development
2. Apodments — living opportunities downtown
3. Large Community Garden — draw people to location create community activity
4. Shuttle Service between business districts
APPROVED Minutes
Economic Development Commission
September 16, 2020
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2.2.a
Goals, Solution Development and Prioritization
Goals
1. Focus on new vacancies- to ID opportunities (work-live/jobs/industry emphasis)
a. Resilience of existing businesses/which businesses (& types) have expressed
interest? to help promote diversity/vitality
2. Support present businesses with ideas/support to remain vital
3. Plan for longer -term: 3-5 year vision for Edmonds economic environment
4. Focus on opportunities outside of downtown (geo areas)
5. Build 'best practice' communication w/Council (including a 'lobbying' perspective)
6. Business Neighborhood Plans
7. Community visioning
8. Improve Vacancy Rates
9. Regularly review tax base to understand/track
10. Economic and cultural diversity —jobs, business owners, customers
11. Understanding spending trends
12. Shuttle, moving people between amenities
13. BID exploration
Solutions
1. Get/refresh public opinion info on geo areas outside of downtown
2. More focused effort to meet individually with Council members; engage in positive
ways to find out what their specific interests/goals are re: ED
3. Pursue better communication/leadership with other Boards/Commissions
4. Engage younger demographic in a way that they will respond via social media, etc
(get new information to ID current and future wants/needs based on upcoming
generation)
5. Refresh strategic plan (or some analog)
6. Use ED committees more efficiently to focus on 'existing' or 'suspended' ideas
momentum.
7. Bring representation from outside orgs to meetings to discuss/refine ED - make part
of every commission meeting?
8. Using data to build a case and to inspire action by the city and create community
support
9. EMS/Fire contracts could impact tax base
10. Staff share tax revenue reports with EDC on a regular basis (monthly?)
11. Using polling and survey work to create data points and understanding of public
opinion
12. Demographics understanding of city and of polling responses
13. Creatively engage those who don't traditionally respond to polls
14. Share out to Council more frequently
APPROVED Minutes
Economic Development Commission
September 16, 2020
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2.2.b
CITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
April 18, 2018
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Bruce Faires, Port Commissioner, ex-officio
Jamie Reece, Chair
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Kimberly Koenig COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Scott Merrick Darrol Haug (excused)
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Matthew Waldron (arrived at 6:07 p.m.)
Aseem Prakash
Nicole Hughes STAFF PRESENT:
Michael Schindler (left at 7:41 p.m.) Patrick Doherty, Econ. Dev & Comm. Serv. Dir.
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Neil Tibbott, Councilmember, ex officio Cindi Cruz, Program Coordinator
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Phil Lovell, Planning Board, ex officio Carolyn Douglas, Public Communications
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Greg Urban, Edmonds Chamber, ex officio
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1. Economic Development Commission meeting called to order by Jamie at 6:01 p.m.
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2. Roll call and excuse absences. Darrol is excused for vacation. Patrick explained the absence
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policy. Can call in by phone up to twice a year and participate fully in the meeting. Two new
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commissioners were introduced and rest of commissioners introduced themselves. Scott Merrick
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and Kimberly Koenig are new commissioners appointed respectively by Councilmembers Kristiana
Johnson and Mike Nelson.
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3. Approval of Agenda: Patrick added the viewing of Port video as 6.5 on agenda. Approved as
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amended.
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4. Approval of 03/21/18 EDC Minutes: Nicole moved to approve minutes, Scott seconded;
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motion passed.
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5. Audience Comments: Scott Marshall, resident of Edmonds is interested in learning about
Economic Development. Carolyn Douglas introduced herself as the City's Public Information and
Communications Officer.
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6. Membership & Leadership 2018-19 — Jamie stated there was one open seat which should be
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appointed at next Council meeting. This item is postponed till May but all Commissioners are asked
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to think about being chair and vice -chair and submit their name to Jamie if interested in these officer
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positions.
6.5 Viewed Port video that was produced in conjunction with Port of Edmonds and City of Edmonds
to promote whale watching and tourism in Edmonds. Funded in part by a grant from Port of Seattle.
This will be shown in the Denver area to promote tourism to Seattle and subsequently Edmonds.
Very difficult to track how many visitors something like this will attract. Questionnaire to tourists
or some way to measure responses to video is desirable. Will be distributed on Facebook. Will ask
Puget Sound Express (PSE) to capture zip codes of ticket buyers. Port of Edmonds tenants were
featured in video. Incentives to frequent downtown businesses with coordination between PSE and
downtown businesses. Restaurant menu book has been successful. Brittany Williams at Port will
be working with Chamber, City, etc. How to measure impacts on businesses is a question. Tourism
from City. A suggestion made to form a subgroup of the EDC for tourism to interface with
Port/City. +
Approved Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
April 18, 2018
Page 1
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2.2.b
7. Old Business:
Subgroup Discussion (50 minutes):
Development Feasibility — status of BD1 15' first -floor height issue: went to Historic
Preservation Commission (HPC) last Thursday. Concerns at HPC about changing the
character of downtown and could be mitigated to maintain the sense of character in BD1
zoning. Will be back to Council as soon as HPC minutes are completed, approximately the
second week of May. Then Council will decide to study or not and to forward to the
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Development Services Department and Planning Board (PB). Could be up to a year before
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code could be changed as a result. Question was asked if BID have position on memo and
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they have not reviewed. Does not increase height but would allow 3 stories in the BD1
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zone. There are concerns about replacing 1 & 2 story buildings with 3 story buildings even
though they would be the same height. Matt asked about modeling using any existing
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buildings to provide examples of feasibility. If this proposal goes forward this could be
studied by modeling the changes. The Commission would be involved along with PB, ADB
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and Council. Relationships to Growth Management Act? Westgate development satisfies
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GMA requirements for jobs+housing in Edmonds at this time and any development on
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Hwy 99 will continue to do so. Downtown involves a vision and what is the most attractive
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option to maintain the characteristic of Edmonds. Neil encouraged Commissioners to keep
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in contact with the Councilmembers who appointed them regarding this proposal. Planning
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Manager has suggested that development code has many contradictory sections that may
create barriers to development. Would the EDC want to take this on as a project for a sub-
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group to identify barriers to development? A suggestion was made to utilize college
students to assist. Aseem will work with Patrick. Reconvene sub -group.
Art — Nothing to report at this time.
Civic Facilities — finalize memo and approve forwarding to Council — Aseem updated
new Commissioners regarding the proposal. Encouraged an open mind regarding the
potential movement of the facilities to Hwy 99 or another location out of the Bowl. This
would open up opportunities for these buildings in the downtown area to a more economic
viable development. Redevelopment of civic facilities could be a catalyst to spur on
redevelopment of Hwy 99. Change terminology from City Hall to city facilities and add
Court within the PD. Study to evaluate city hall, police building, and other facilities.
Buildings need to be identified clearly so there are no misunderstandings about what
buildings/facilities are being considered. Spell out the items in the discussion items of what
is being discussed. A feasibility study could be recommended. Mike moved, Matt
seconded for movement to CC amended to add Public Safety Complex and for more
defined locations. Motion passed and Kimberly abstained.
Affordable Housing — update on Task Force: Jamie updated on affordable housing and
relation to economic development for new members. Meeting on 4/12 update: draft was
presented and open house is preliminarily scheduled in May. No real surprises. Create more
affordable housing. Draft will be revised and presented at Open House there will be one
more meeting with Task Force and final draft will be released.
Priorities for 2018 — review past priorities, discuss new ideas for subgroups: Move this to
May meeting and make it a priority for discussion. Continuing education and could bring
in other entities for educational purposes. Add tourism as a sub -group. Get back to sub-
group work rather than doing this work at the commission meeting level. Concerns were
expressed about work being done on Dayton from 3rd to 9t''. Get feedback from businesses
on Main St regarding what was learned during the 5' — 6' Ave project. What are the things
going forward to brand Edmonds. Kimberly will share info from business owner branding
Approved Minutes
Economic Development Commission
April 18, 2018
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2.2.b
project. Parking and Hwy 99 sub -groups are on hiatus at this time. Nicole discussed
industry recruitment, entertainment opportunities to recruit businesses for family interests.
Jamie will send out list of new sub -group topics.
8. New Business: See above.
9. Roundtable Discussion (Council, Commissioners, City, Liaisons): Phil — stated urban forest
management plan was discussed at PB, plan is available online, focus on pages 58-79 listing three
major objectives and strategies. Next open house will be on 4/19, 6-7:30 in Brackett Room. Bruce
— discussed Port retreat that was held recently business development was discussed, environmental 0
issues, financial forecast. Greg — Decant Edmonds event on May 20, there will be substantial m
changes to the Taste. Neil — has met with potential business owner. Matt welcomed new members.
Kimberly —Edmonds Downtown Alliance annual meeting is 4/25 at ECA lobby. o
10. Adjourn at 8:10
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Next regular meeting: May 16, 2018, 6 PM C
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Approved Minutes
Economic Development Commission
April 18, 2018
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2.2.c
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT
DATE:
OBJECTIVES:
AMETIM:T_1111L"I llk ]
MAYOR EARLING AND CITY COUNCIL
JAMIE REECE, CHAIR, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING USE AND LOCATION OF CITY FACILITIES
April 18, 2018
Increase City revenues, jobs and commercial investment and development opportunities in the Downtown and on
Highway 99.
APPROACH:
Determine if the current City Hall building is currently in its highest and best use, or could it be transitioned and
utilized in a commercial capacity, such as a hotel, commercially available office space, restaurant or retail center?
Determine if building a new City Hall on or adjacent to Highway 99 would serve as a catalyst for commercial in-
vestment and development in the corridor.
Similarly, determine if the Edmonds Police Department facilities could be sited elsewhere, such as in or near the
Highway 99 Corridor, both to provide more efficient police response and also allow for highest and best use of
that land in the Edmonds Downtown.
BACKGROUND:
City Hall currently houses an array of City offices, including City Clerk, Finance, IT, Development Services, En-
gineering, HR, Economic Development/Community Services, S. Snohomish Fire Marshall and plan -review staff,
the Mayor's Office, and numerous meeting/conference rooms (mostly notably the Brackett Room). A sizable por-
tion of the third floor of City Hall, with a spectacular view of the Sound, is underused and there is no foreseeable
need. It appears that as we transition to digital and paperless systems, the City's need for area for storage and file
cabinets may be decreasing. City Hall is a 3-story building in BD1. In the past, it has had mixed uses such as retail
and office space.
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EDC Civic Facilities Memo.
April 2018
The current Edmonds Police Department is located nearly across the street from City Hall. Most of the police
work performed is not in Downtown core but rather in the neighborhoods and districts to the east of the down-
town core.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A municipal office building development project might serve as a development catalyst on Highway 99 or in the 12
regions associated with the Highway 99 corridor. Often a substantial public sector investment or development is c
needed to establish
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Moving the City offices to Highway 99 could help infuse cash into the local business community as city employ-
ees and visitors shop while in the area. .2 c
The presence and the daily activities of a City Hall and office building on Highway 99 would likely create a sense Cn
of order and/or stability, possibly lending nicely to the overall feel and appearance of the area. 4)
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In the downtown area, aelocation of City Hall would change how a significant number of parking spaces are uti- a
lized, from the current demand of City employees and visitors to generally available parking for commercial cus- 00
tomers.
Relocation of City Hall from its current location would open up a significant amount of space to commercial in-
vestment, development and use.
Relocation of City Hall and/or the Police Department, making the current buildings available for investment and
development, could create additional energy in the immediate area. Existing or potential new businesses might be
more interested in growth or change if a larger commercial entity were able to attract people and business.
If both City Hall and the Police Department relocated, this could create a new vital business district with poten-
tially a hotel, small businesses and the like.
Any substantial transition like this would likely be disruptive and costly. The potential benefits to both the down-
town core and the Highway 99 corridor would need to really make economic sense.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City fund an in-depth real-estate analysis of currently City owned properties and/or a feasibility study of tran-
sitioning from City and Police offices in the downtown core to the Highway 99 corridor or other regions of the
city.
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2.2.d
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
MEMORANDUM
MAYOR EARLING AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
JAMIE REECE, CHAIR, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATIONS ON HIGHWAY 99 PLANNING
FEBRUARY 7, 2017
The Edmonds Economic Development Commission has reviewed and discussed ideas regarding the current draft of
the Highway 99 Subarea Plan. In summary, we believe the plan helps create a uniform set of codes and zoning
regulations that allow for an improved Highway 99 Corridor. We believe that the Highway 99 corridor is the largest
area for major economic development within the City of Edmonds. There are five points that we wish to emphasize,
and we encourage Council's feedback on these matters. More specifically:
• Importance of Commercial Development in the Corridor.The Commission urges Council to require all
development that fronts Highway 99 to include a commercial component. Currently, the Plan states mixed
use and commercial development is desirable along the corridor, however there is no requirement or
incentive to include a commercial element in new development. Requiring a commercial component will
help ensure vibrant activity and encourage resident spending within the City limits. In lieu of a requirement,
consideration should be given to developing incentives such as reduced parking or reduction in impact fees
for projects that include a commercial component.
• Importance of Council approval and timing of the plan. The Highway 99 thoroughfare has seen
significant redevelopment in areas to the north and south of Edmonds such as Lynnwood Crossing and the
many mixed use buildings in Shoreline. We believe that the Council should act quickly to pass the
recommended zoning and plan as put forth by staff and the consultant in an effort to reduce uncertainty and
inconsistencies with zoning along Highway 99. Creating an attractive environment for residential and
commercial development is an important initial step.
• Planning, Conducting Open Houses and Economic Development Forums. The Commission believes
that the Council and staff should develop marketing strategies that include inviting potential investors,
Packet Pg. 18
2.2.d
developers and companies to preview the area and the plan to garner feedback and input. We encourage
the City to begin with this effort sooner rather than later because of competition around us. Ideally the
participants of these forums or open houses would include developers of affordable and senior housing,
mixed commercial and residential use, medical and educational facilities as well as larger development
concepts such as light manufacturing, hotels and big -box retailers should also be included. We believe that
comprehensive beautification of the right-of-way will help attract investment and development.
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• Staff should explore further, and present for Council consideration, any potential incentives for
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development. We understand that Washington law creates limits on incentives to private developers.
There are however other ways to create incentives such as regional beatification, additions to local
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infrastructure. There may be local fees that can be waived to attract developers and there may be Federal
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or County programs that promote development of affordable housing. Every incentive that the City of
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Edmonds can legitimately offer to developers should be explored, as the 99 Corridor redevelopment
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inevitably will be a net gain to our community.
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• A catalyst project to spark the redevelopment of the Highway 99 Corridor. This is Implementation
Strategy 8, (page 59), of the draft Plan. EDC believes this is an excellent way to jump start
development/redevelopment of the Corridor. Many cities in Washington have formed Public Development
Authorities that have supported redevelopment within specific districts. The City of Edmonds should explore
opportunities to partner with land owners along the Highway 99 corridor facilitate a catalyst project that will
create buzz and demonstrate the viability of development in the corridor. Exploring the consolidation and/or
relocation of City facilities to the corridor, co -investing in development, or the purchase of blighted or
underused properties are areas that the Committee advises Council to pursue.
• Future focus on place making in the International District. The Plan specifies the International District
as an economic opportunity, The Commission encourages Council to pursue this opportunity and direct Staff
and/or the Consultant to develop strategies on how to achieve this goal.
We acknowledge that the plan for Edmonds 99 creates a zoning environment that will be beneficial to the City of
Edmonds. It provides opportunities to increase economic activity and create jobs in one of the most viable areas of
the City. We are grateful for the opportunity to comment on this plan. Positive results in the Shoreline 99 project can
be continued into Edmonds, additional opportunity for increased economic development can result.
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