2022-05-18 Economic Development Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING
May 18, 2022
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
LIAISONS PRESENT:
Nicole Hughes, Chair
Susan Paine, Councilmember, ex-officio
Darrol Haug
Roger Pence, Planning Board, ex-officio
Carrie Hulbert
Angela Harris, Port Commissioner, ex-officio
Jay Hoag
Keith Hamilton
LIAISONS ABSENT:
Kevin Smith
Greg Urban, Edmonds Chamber, ex-officio
Vacant
Evan Sittauer, Student -Rep
GUESTS:
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT:
Kevin Harris, Vice Chair —excused Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator CS/ED
Lee Reeves— unexcused
Economic Development Commission meeting conducted via ZOOM and called to order by Nicole Hughes
at 6:04 p.m.
Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement
1. Roll Call and Recognition of Approved Absences: Absences are as follows: Kevin Harris excused; Lee
Reeves unexcused; Greg Urban, Edmonds Chamber absent.
2. Recognition of Student Representative: Nicole took a few minutes to recognize the contribution that
Evan has added to the EDC over past two years.
3. Approval of Agenda: Nicole proposed adding Item 8.a: Nomination to Creative District. She moved to
approve the agenda; Darrol seconded; motion passed.
4. Approval of April 20, 2022, Meeting Summary: Megan said that we need to add Keith to
Commissioners Present section of the minutes. With that change Darrol moved to approve the
meeting summary; Jay seconded; motion passed.
5. Audience Comments: None.
6. Discussion: Commissioner/Council Appointer Feedback: Nicole shared the updated pipeline
refinement document. She added that last week, Councilmember Chen sent an email to the
Commission requesting that the Commission evaluate moving City services towards Hwy 99. Nicole
asked if any of the ideas that are labeled ready to move forward resonated with the Commissioners'
appointers. Darrol shared that he met with Vivian. She suggested identifying the businesses in each
neighborhood and promote them to encourage neighborhood growth. She also suggested preserving
our neighborhoods and highlight what's working. She asked that the EDC evaluate the proposed
apartment building at 6t" & Main. Carrie pointed out that Visit Edmonds highlights neighborhoods
through blog posts on their website and social media account. She further explained that Ellen Hiatt,
Hiatt Studios, manages the Visit Edmonds website. Carrie also shared that she met with the Mayor
and discussed the topics at a high level. They discussed the indoor activities as well as the food truck
idea, the Mayor pointed out that it challenging to secure food trucks. They also discussed the ferry
traffic targeting, the city is currently under contract with a data firm that is gaining more information
about ferry traffic. For those that have not met with their appointer, Nicole encouraged them to try
Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
May 18, 2022
Page 1
to meet over the next month. The goal is to get a temperature check from appointers on what the
priority ideas are. Nicole mentioned that a priority of her appointer is shifting City services out of
downtown. Carrie asked if the year-round activities need to be indoor. Nicole doesn't feel it has to be
indoor. Carrie thinks this would be a good idea to focus on. Nicole asks if the group would want to
pair up to deep dive into the ideas or would you like resurrect the committees.
7. Discussion: Request from Council regarding Public Safety Facility Location: Nicole shared that
Councilmember Chen has requested that the EDC evaluate the idea of relocating the city services. She
shared some history on the topic. The EDC has researched this idea in the past. Matt Waldron and
George Bennett had inquired on whether the property that city services are on, is being used to best
potential. Darrol shared further detail of the historical discussions that have happened on this topic.
He expressed that he feels this an opportunity to share ideas and thoughts on moving these facilities.
There are several points to consider. How many people does that take out of downtown? How many
parking spaces do you gain back? What is market value of City Hall? What economic impact does this
create if you move the city staff that frequents restaurants and shops? Jay points out that there are
things to consider that have been improved in the buildings that we need to be a part of the
conversation. Nicole and Jay both volunteer to work on this. Nicole suggests bringing back Matt and
George to discuss this. Darrol is also willing to work on this. A committee is formed to work on this,
Nicole, Jay and Darrol. Darrol suggests he and Nicole pull together what has been done in the past
and bring it back to the full Commission to give a full picture of where the idea is at.
Are there any other topics that folks would like to do a deep dive on? Let Nicole know.
8. Discussion: Meeting Format Requirement: Nicole shared that meeting format requirement will shift
back to in -person meetings as Governor Inslee has rescinded his emergency proclamation. She asked
if folks would like to mask for meetings? We will space out in the Brackett Room. Hybrid model is
currently not an option. Nicole is supportive of a hybrid model meeting if it is allowed. Carrie suggests
the City get a hybrid setup to have Boards & Commissions support the hybrid model on their own. If
there are questions or concerns, share them with Nicole or Megan. We will plan our meeting next
month in the Brackett Room.
a. Nomination to Creative District. Nicole motioned to nominate Darrol Haug; Kevin Smith
seconded. Approved by consensus.
9. City Update: Megan shared Director interviews have been held but there has not been an offer made
at this time. The Uptown Evening Market will be held again this year in the same location as last year;
on 236t" Street between Hwy 99 and 84t" Ave. The Uptown market will be held on the 2"d, 3rd and 4t"
Tuesdays of July and August.
10. Liaison Updates
a. City Council (Susan Paine) last night Council approved the Unlawful Occupation of Public
Property Ordinance. They're also working on interim design standards for BD2 zone.
b. Port of Edmonds (Angela Harris) shared that they're still working with the City to get permits
for the admin building so they can put a call out for bids. Their scheduled meeting for 5/30 is
moved to the 5/31.
c. Planning Board (Roger Pence) shared that at their last meeting, it was announced that Kernen
Lien has been promoted to the Planning Manager. The Comp Plan update was introduced to them
at their last meeting, it's scheduled to be completed no later than December 2024.
Roundtable Discussion: Kevin S. looking forward to the next two years as he was just reappointed. Nicole
thanked the group for a good discussion and notes for Evan.
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Economic Development Commission
May 18, 2022
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10. Adjourn at 7:36 p.m.
Next regular meeting: June 15, 2022, 6 PM location Zoom
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Economic Development Commission
May 18, 2022
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