2022-07-20 Economic Development Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING
July 20, 2022
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
Nicole Hughes, Chair
Kevin Harris, Vice Chair
Darrol Haug
Carrie Hulbert
Jay Hoag
Kevin Smith
Keith Hamilton
David Kaufer
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
Lee Reeves - unexcused
LIAISONS PRESENT:
Susan Paine, Councilmember, ex-officio
Roger Pence, Planning Board, ex-officio
LIAISONS ABSENT:
Angela Harris, Port Commissioner, ex-officio
Ryan Crowther, Edmonds Chamber, ex-officio
GUESTS:
STAFF PRESENT:
Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator CS/ED
Kernen Lien, Planning Manager
Economic Development Commission meeting conducted via ZOOM and called to order by Nicole Hughes
at 6:00 p.m.
Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement
1. Roll Call and Recognition of Approved Absences: Round robin introductions to introduce David
Kaufer to the Commission. Lee Reeves is an unexcused absence.
2. Approval of Agenda: Darrol would like to add a parking discussion as 6.5; Kevin H. would like to add
an item to discuss the August meeting as 7.5 and the next meeting date needs to be noted that it's
incorrect and should be August 171". Kevin H. seconded, Darrol's addition; Darrol seconded, Kevin H.'s
addition; motion passed unanimously.
3. Approval of June 15, 2022, Meeting Summary: Jay moved to approve the meeting summary; Carrie
seconded; motion passed.
4. Audience Comments: None.
5. Presentation and Discussion: Edmonds Business Districts: Kernen Lien, Planning Manager is here to
give an overview of the BD2 designated street in preparation for the August joint meeting with the
Planning Board. Kernen shared a PowerPoint presentation with the Commission to explain the topic
and share history on how the designated street front has evolved. The City Council adopted Ordinance
4247 establishing a moratorium on building permit applications for multifamily only buildings in the
BD2 after there was a design review application for a multifamily building -to address insufficient
design standards. The BD Zoning was adopted in 2007 to define distinct districts in the downtown
core. He shared the BD Ordinance History. Kernen explained in the detail the evolution of the BD
designated street front. A recent concern is whether multifamily only buildings should be allowed in
the BD2 Zone, eliminating commercial space. There was a Market Demand Analysis done to determine
commercial and residential space demand and Kernen explained the outcome of the analysis. He
continued to cover the history of building heights and limitations that they create. He explained the
next steps moving forward and opened it up for questions. Darrol asked what the rationale for 12'
ceiling height for first floor spaces in BD2 Zones Designated Street Front. Kernen explained he hasn't
Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
July 20, 2022
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researched why but it has been that way since the inception of the BD Zone. Kernen explained that
he's looking for the EDC to weigh in commercial space impacts; there could be discussions on ceiling
heights for the 1st floor; EDC could explore height limits. Discussion continued to explore ideas where
the EDC could add value to the BD Zone discussion. No parking is required for commercial space in BD
Zone. 1 parking space is required for residential space in BD Zone. Nicole concluded to review the
attachment that was included in this month's packet. The EDC will join the Planning Board meeting
on August loth at 7pm to participate in the joint discussion on this topic.
6. Presentation and Discussion: Consideration for Moving City Facilities: Nicole explained that the last
time this was discussed, everyone was directed to review Councilmember Chen's email requesting
the Commission research the idea of the moving City services out of downtown. She shared a history
of the EDC's past work on this topic. Nicole opened the discussion up to determine how the group
feels about moving forward on this idea. Kevin H. suggested opening the discussion up to City staff to
see what the observations are, including Police Chief Bennett Darrol added that he will be gathering
notes of what was discussed within the committee. He's also discussed this with several
councilmembers and will also gather those notes. Nicole suggested taking Darrol's notes and meeting
with Councilmember Chen. She also recommended that the commissioners discuss with the
stakeholders, the impact of moving. Darrol pointed out that there has been significant turnover in
staff and Council since the last time this was recommended by the EDC. The last recommendation
that was presented to Council was in 2018 and it was specifically to move City Hall, not Public Safety
departments.
6.5 Parking Discussion: Darrol noted that a parking enforcement position has been requested to serve all
of Edmonds.
7. City Update: Last night at Council, Todd Tatum was confirmed as the new Community
Services/Economic Development Director.
7.5 August Meetings: The EDC will participate in a joint meeting with Planning Board on August loth
Nicole suggested maintaining the regularly scheduled, August 17tn meeting also to have Susan
McLaughlin attend to discuss the Neighborhood Branding. Kevin H. noted discussions with
Development Services Director/Susan McLaughlin to better align neighborhood efforts, to avoid
duplication, and to better understand and share goals and objectives. Susan indicated interest in
joining an EDC meeting to further discuss. Darrol suggested that the EDC meet at 6pm on August loth
to prepare for the joint meeting and then jump into the 7pm PB meeting. Carrie asked to meet with
Susan M. at the September EDC meeting so she can attend. Jay also suggested forgoing the August
171h meeting and to meet in September; Susan P. agreed. Kevin H. will reach out to Susan M. to see if
we can push the meeting with her into September. If so, the group will conduct the full EDC meeting
on August loth, instead of the regularly scheduled date..
8. Liaison Updates
a. City Council (Susan Paine) Council confirmed the CS/ED Director's appointment. Susan
McLaughlin is doing some very dynamic work with the neighborhoods. The Hwy 99 revitalization
project is ramping up. The City has received a significant amount of donations over the past years
to maintain the beautification efforts. It was shock to learn Monday that Councilmember Kristiana
Johnson passed on Monday. She made a huge impact on our City.
b. Port of Edmonds (Angela Harris) absent.
c. Chamber of Commerce (Ryan Crowther) absent.
d. Planning Board (Roger Pence) Roger seconded Susan's sentiments.
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Economic Development Commission
July 20, 2022
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9. Roundtable Discussion: Kevin Smith welcomed David, condolences to Kristiana's family; Jay will miss
Kristiana; Carrie condolences regarding Kristiana; David thanked all, shared that he worked with Kristiana,
and she will be missed; Kevin H. noted losing Kristiana is a huge loss to our City & welcomes David; Nicole
echoes everyone sentiments around Councilmember K. Johnson; she encouraged everyone to attend the
remaining neighborhood meetings.
10. Adjourn at 7:50 p.m.
Next meeting: SPECIAL MEETING August 10, 2022, 6 PM location Zoom
Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
July 20, 2022
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