2014-07-16 Economic Development Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
APPROVED MINUTES
July 16, 2014
The Citizens Economic Development Committee meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m, by Chair
Witenberg in the Brackett Room, 121 Sth Avenue North, Edmonds.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT PLANNING BOARD LIAISON
Bruce Witenberg, Chair
Phil Lovell
Kevin Garrett, Vice Chair
John Dewhirst
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Darrol Haug
Councilmember Strom Peterson
Roger Hertrich
Councilmember Kristiana Johnson
Nicole Hughes
Doug Purcell
PORT OF EDMONDS LIAISON
John Rubenkonig
Gail Sarvis
Bruce Faires
Michael Schindler
Rich Senderoff
STAFF PRESENT
Darlene Stern
Shane Hope, Development Services Director
Douglas Swartz
Cindi Cruz, Program Coordinator
Teresa Wippel (Arrived 6:09 p.m)
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Frances Chapin, Arts & Culture Program Mgr,
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
Debbie Matteson
Nathan Proudfoot
PUBLIC PRESENT
Finis Tupper
Natalie Shippen
1. OPENING REMARKS
Chair Witenberg announced Commissioners Matteson, Proudfoot and Tupper have excused absences.
2. AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Chair Witenberg requested Agenda Item 6 be moved to follow Item 3,
3. APPROVAL OF JUNE 18, 2014 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES
COMMISSIONER DEWHIRST MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PURCELL, TO
APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JUNE 18, 2014. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(Commissioner Wippel was not present for the vote.)
6. PLANNING BOARD RETREAT
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Development Services Director Shane Hope explained the Planning Board held their annual retreat on
July 9. Agenda items included getting to know the new Planning Board Members, a demonstration
regarding digital documents on the City's website and a presentation regarding the Edmond Community
Development Code (EDC) update. The Planning Board and the City Council had a joint meeting earlier
this year to discuss the update and the Council provided direction to the Planning Board regarding issues
to work on and priorities. Staff reviewed with the Planning Board, 1) what the development code is and
its contents, and 2) concerns that many things in the code are outdated and the code needs to be cleaned
up to address inconsistencies. The Planning Board discussed principles important to them and developed
a list of key principles and objectives:
Kev Principles
• Consistency with current state law
• Consistency with Comprehensive Plan
• Provide predictability for developers and community
• Provide some flexibility
• Clear user friend language and format
• Recognition of property rights
• Enforceability and compliance
• Sustainable development oriented
Key Objectives
• Ensure reasonable and clear process for all actions
• Provide expanded and up-to-date definitions
• Encourage appropriate development
• Protect critical areas and shorelines
• Recognition of diverse neighborhoods and their characteristics
• Pedestrian and bicycle friendly access
• Low impact stormwater management
• Transit development in key locations
Ms. Hope explained the code update is expected to occur over time and oversight of the update is one of
her responsibilities. Some aspects are moving forward in the short term such as the Tree Code, the
Critical Areas Code Update and regulations regarding subdivisions. She expects to have a draft Tree Code
completed by the end of year and efforts are underway to hire a consultant to assist with the Critical Areas
update. Once she determines aspects of the Code that need to be updated, she will develop a schedule, and
seek further input from the Planning Board and City Council. She was also interested in feedback from
the EDC as well as other interested organizations and citizens -
Planning Board Member Phil Lovell relayed his request that the PowerPoint Ms, Hope presented to the
Planning Board regarding the key principles and objectives be made available to the public. The Planning
Board discussed consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and agreed the code needs to be updated prior
to revising processes. With regard to sustainability, he relayed information provided by Planning Board
Chair Todd Cloutier that Edmonds residents and businesses spend $38-40 million/year on electricity. The
highest utility consumption is water. Commissioner Rubenkonig asked if there was data regarding usage
five years ago,
4. BUSINESS DISTRICTS ENHANCEMENT SUB -GROUP UPDATE — RE -VISIONING
WESTGAGE WHITE PAPER PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND ACTION
Commissioner Purcell explained the Business Districts Enhancement Sub -group was asked to prepare a
document that could be a position paper for the EDC on the Planning Board's recommendation to the City
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Council regarding the proposed Westgate Plan. Fle explained the concept originated with the EDC in
2009. The City Council approved funding for a study that was conducted by a team train the University
Washington The UW team's extensive process focused on two neighborhoods; Five Comers and
Westgate, and included the Ctty Council, the Planning Board, the EDC and a great deal of community
input. This presentation is only regarding Westgate: the Planning Board made significant modifications in
the final proposal to address concerns such as maximum heights and setbacks From SR-104. He reviewed
the sections of the white paper:
1. Executive Summary
1 Introduction
3. The Westgate Public Process
4. Why Westgate: What's Different this Time?
• Predetermined, Point Based Incentives
• Form -Based Code
5. Conclusion
COMMISSION PURCELL MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RUBENKONIG, THAT THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION APPROVE THE PROPOSED WHITE PAPER BY
THE BUSINESS DISTRICTS ENHANCEMENT SUBGROUP AS ITS POSITION TO BE DELIVERED
TO THE COUNCIL IN THEIR CONSIDERATION OF THE WESTGATE DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
Commissioners' comments regarding the white paper and the Westgate Plan included the following:
• The white paper does not reflect that citizen input has not been 100% positive. Suggest includlne
a comment in the white paper that the Westgate plan puts flexibility in the hands of staff and there
is potential for things to happen that are not clearly defined
• It is not the EDC's place to recognize negative comments in the white paper; there will be
opportunity for those with concerns to make them known to the City Council
• Property owners can implement the new standards in the Plan over time
• Form -based code is a step toward giving the City opportunity for input on dimensions other than
just the building box and use
• Form -based code is necessary to ensure future development embodies the community
• Form based code allows flexibility and discussion regarding how to make a proposal consistent
with community's values
• Edmonds a unique place, but does not have unique problems
• Plan creates a tool that provides flexibility and possible solutions for mixed use development for
more people -scale places
• Plan could result in really good development, puts tools in the hands of the Mayor, Council and
Staff
• Citizens will make their concerns heard at City Council
• Worth giving it a try; it has been discussed/studied for four years
• Change in Edmonds is excruciatingly painful, no giant leaps, small baby steps
• The last zoning change in Westgate and the Edmonds Way Corridor did not result in what the
Planning Board envisioned the language would produce
• Current regulations are not producing what we want. Need do something so that the development
we want occurs
• Walgreens in Greenwood blends into the community; Edmonds does not have the tools to do that
• Community wants change whether they know it or not
• White paper is the EDC's position to the Council and needs to be taken seriously
• There has been substantial opportunity for input and there has been substantial input. The recent
modifications by the Planning Board address complaints and concerns.
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• Characteristics of the area such as proximity to neighborhoods and SR-104 represent substantial
opportunity including a new type of development the City does not currently have — community
village mixed use
• Provides opportunity and impetus for new development to allow the City to continue to grow,
prosper and evolve
• Existing code has not achieved what was envisioned
• New investment will bring new revenue which is a key part of the EDC's purpose
• Regulations in the Plan provide an improved structure for managing redevelopment in that area, a
structure that is more flexible, more targeted but not arbitrary
• Members of the EDC have participated in numerous opportunities to shape the Plan since 2009
• If changes are not made to development regulations, it will prevent the change that needs to
happen in the community and stifle what people envision
• Demographics are changing, it is incumbent to prepare for the future
• Plan provides flexibility and thoughtful consideration to each property and how form -based code
would affect that property versus one size fits all
• Form -based code provides flexibility and a great opportunity to build what is appropriate for that
area
• Do not want Edmonds to look like Lynnwood but without a plan, the City is shrink-wrapped,
stifled and stagnated which leads to deterioration
• To do nothing is move backward and we will lose the opportunity to provide what future
demographics are asking for
• Without change to attract future changes in demographics, taxes go up and the City deteriorates
• Westgate deserves far better than it is receiving
• The two developments that have occurred prove the code needs to be changed
• Input at the charrettes indicate the community wants walkable, green, community gathering
places, welcoming area
• Understand not everyone like every program but we need to move forward
• Hope the white paper assist in public acceptance of change; involvement of a citizen commission
in the development of the Plan and the process ]ends credibility
• White paper provides consumable way for the average citizen to understand the changes in a user
friendly manner.
• Commend the Planning Board for the hours they spent listening to objections and answering each
one in fair manner
• Access to white paper will be helpful to citizens
• Plan provides an opportunity to package the best of downtown and transplant it to Westgate
• Provides gateway to Edmonds and a welcoming front to downtown.
• Provides framework and flexibility
• Consider white paper a good generalization of Planning Board efforts, does not mean agreed with
all those efforts
• Encourage EDC and Planning Board members to participate in Council public hearings
• Compliment Planning Board for addressing the concern that there was not enough room for
expansion of SR-104 and that the setback sited building too close to the curb
• Concern that increasing the density will raise property values and will result in the two grocery
stores leaving the area
• Concern increased density will increases problems with internal circulation which will cause
shoppers to go elsewhere
• Concern with jamming too much into a restricted area
• Suggest add something to the white paper about recreational needs
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• Recognize value of getting more out of Westgate due its location and what it can after and that
the development that has occurred was not welcomed by community, for example losing a
bowl ing alley for a Walgreens
• Negative outcome of inaction is equal or worse than the negative outcome of action
• Add something about recreation
• It is beyond time to start moving forward on project, need look to future
• Don't know what don't know, does not do any good to wait
• One of things happening in the Westgate neighborhood is redevelopment of the Woodway High
School fields
• EDC proposed this idea to the City Council in 2010 and literally has been involved in every step
• There have been more than 50 meetings where the public could offer input and where information
has been available
• Plan as originally presented by the UW Green Futures Lab has been revised and additional
significant revisions were made by Planning Board prior to and subsequent to. their three public
hearings
• When the Planning Board proposal reaches City Council for discussion and action, will be at least
one additional public hearing and City Council will leave the benefit of the EDC and Planning
Board minutes
• Inaction is action; the result of years of inaction is what we see there now; a prime intersection
occupied by bank and prime property that could have been redeveloped for more economic
feasibility now has one story building and cement ►vall behind. That would not have occur if this
plan had been in place
• Edmonds citizens outside the bowl deserve amenities such as a lifestyle center, walkability, easy
access to services, housing, and open spaces
• Westgate is a gateway to the community and we need to improve how Westgate currently
Portrays the City.
• Deserve opportunity for additional revenue through redevelopment of Westgate and improved
quality of life and opportunity for communities by adopting white paper as written
• Plan sets the stage for increased revenue in that area by increasing density and uses
• Plan will help provide sales tax, excise tax and a larger tax base, all of which are good for the
City's revenue
• Redevelopment at Westgate will not solve all the City's problems but it will contribute to City's
revenue stream
Port Commissioner Bruce Faires relayed the Port Commission has discussed opportunity for ecanomie
development in the City and agreed the most leverage for significant economic development is in
Westgate but acknowledge it will not happen quickly. The Port Commission recognizes this is an
important step For the community and urges the EDC to support the Planning Board's recommendation.
Audience Comments (Consensus of the Commission to allow to audience comments at this time.)
Natalie Shippen, Edmonds, suggested the Plan Nits a drastic and destructive step. Edmonds will be 125
years old next year; it is a unique miracle due to luck and geography that Edmonds is still recognizable
from that time. Edmonds has had the same identity Tor 125 and although not a dynamic commercial town,
residents like the scale and uniqueness of Edmonds. Edmonds has maintained its reputation as a
residential to►" since WWII. This planning effort went awry when the basis was commercial
development rather than asking residents what they wanted. She did not want to destroy Edmonds`
residential quality to make a little money. She suggested citizens would support a bond issue to take the
City in a unique direction that the residents want. She did not feel the Plan was representative of the
community, incentive zoning was very disruptive and just a bribe and form -based zoning was a substitute
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for zoning and was wishy-washy. She concluded the Plan was a bad idea and she hoped the EDC would
not support it
Commissioner Senderoff relayed what is intended at Westgate is a lifestyle center which should include
opportunity for entertainment such as a bowling alley, movie theater, etc. Amusement establishments are
currently permitted at Westgate as a conditional use. He referred to the list goals (C.1-9) in the revisions
to the Comprehensive Plan recommended by the Planning Board and suggested adding amusement
establishments to the list of goals.
COMMISSIONER SENDEROFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HERTRICH, TO
AMEND THE WHITE PAPER TO ADD TO THE END OF THE CONCLUSION STATEMENT
"HOWEVER IN ORDER TO FURTHER EMPHASIZE THE INTENT FOR AND CREATION OF
A LIFESTYLE CENTER WITHIN THE WESTGATE BUSINESS DISTRICT, THE EDC WOULD
ALSO RECOMMEND THE ADDITION OF THE FOLLOWING TEXT TO THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHANGE LIST AS C.10: "SUPPORT THE INTRODUCTION OF
AMUSEMENT ESTABLISHMENTS (PERMITTED AS CONDITIONAL USE) ESPECIALLY
THOSE THAT MAY BE REGARDED AS FAMILY OR ALL AGES ENTERTAINMENT."
Discussion followed regarding the subgroup's discussion of amusement establishments, the subgroup's
incorporation of the concept of entertainment into lifestyle centers, the Planning Board consideration of
the issue and decision not to incorporate it, the white paper's support for the Planning Board's proposal,
Planning Board Members as citizen experts on land use, Plan as a tool to enhance economy and vitality of
City, components of a Iifestylc center, and reference to Iifestyle centers in the white paper.
COMMISSIONER SCHINDLER CALLED FOR THE QUESTION. CALL FOR THE QUESTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
AMENDMENT FAILED (3-10), COMMISSIONERS SENDEROFF, HUGHES AND HERTRICH
VOTING YES.
MAIN MOTION CARRIED (11-1-1), COMMISSIONER SENDEROFF VOTING NO AND
COMMISSIOINER HERTRICH ABSTAINING.
STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN UPDATE
Development 5.ervim Director Shane Hope displayed the Merit Award presented to the City in the
Governor's 2014 Smart Communities Award Program. She presented the PowerPoint given by the
Strategic Plan Consultant Cynthia Berne to City Council on June 24:
General overview of how the SAP serves the Cilx
• The SAP is the City's roadmap to the future, allowing for cohesive decision -making of policies
and programs.
• The SAP was approved by the Council in April 2013. It is not a legal document but a fluid living
document that will evolve over time.
• The SAP was created over a two-year period
• The outreach program consisted of surveys, charrettes and focus groups
• Approximately 2,500 people participated in the numerous public outreach efforts
Ms. Hope described Ms. Beme's work product over the one-year contract:
• Work with stakeholders to coordinate assignment of a primary lead to each action items
• Create a first -level work program for implementation — a blueprint of how each action item will
be addressed, identifying funding challenges, timelines and conflicts as well as other roadblocks
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• Create more awareness and cooperation throughout the community with multiple stakeholders
during her outreach effort
A working group has been created that is comprised of variety of organizations that were instrumental in
the creation of the SAP. The working group has met three times and will meet three more times between
now and the end of 2014.
General statistics:
• Total action items 86
• Action items with committed primary lead 76
• Action with unconfirmed primary lead 5
• Action items without a primary lead 5
• Completed action items 4
• Action items started and in motion 42
• Action items not yet started 44
In her next presentation to the Council in September/October, Ms Berne will:
• Discuss each action item that has been accomplished
• Discuss each action item that has financial challenges
• Give an updated report on the general statistics
At the first quarter 2015 Council presentation Mr. Berne will present a technical working document for
implementation that clarifies language details of the SAP. The SAP is a visioning document that has taken
a great deal of time and resources to produce. A few action items are simple to implement but many are
more complex and will require long term collaboration of community organization as well as strong
sources of funds.
In response to Commission questions, Ms. Hope advised further information regarding leads will be
available at the SAP Working Group's next meeting in September; the consultant's one-year contract
extends into March/April 2015; and the four actions that have been completed include establishing the
Business Improvement District and installation of the International District lighting,
TOURISM AND VISITORS SUB -GROUP UPDATE
Commissioner Dewhirst advised the sub-group's next meeting August 5. They hope to have 1-2 items on
the EDC's next agenda.
a. Tourism Video
Program Coordinator Cindi Cruz explained Destination Marketing filmed every event in the City over the
past year and developed a video to promote Edmonds. She played the video for the EDC, explaining it is
available on the front page of City's websitc and everyone is encouraged I provide a link to it.
8. COUNCIL LIAISON COMMENTS
Councilmember Johnson inform of upcoming events:
• Council work session on Tuesday, July 22 regarding the Westgate Plan
• City Council Public hearing on the Westgate Plan on Monday, August 4
• Solarize Edmonds workshops, a program for low cost solar energy installation
o July 22 and September 13 in Brackett Room: 6:30 — 8 p,m.
o Two additional workshops in Lynnwood
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Second annual Volunteer Appreciation picnic on August 24 at City Park 2 — 4 p.m
Councilmember Peterson reported on a meeting of the Leadership Alliance Against Coal that he attended,
noting the group will soon be renamed to include oil trains. The group is making presentations to
organizations; he offered to get their contact information. The issue is increased train traffic and the
effects on the economy, local businesses, the transportation of goods and services, ferry access, etc.
9. MISCELLANEOUS
Commissioner Hertrich referred to Chuck Gold's presentation regarding a train trench for Main Street and
Dayton Streets and suggested he made a presentation to the EDC. Chair Witenberg advised he has been in
contact with Mr. Gold about speaking to the EDC.
Commissioner Dewhirst inquired about the Top Food property. Ms. Hope advised it is listed for
development by an Arizona company. The City had reached out to them but they have not shared their
plans.
Chair Witenberg relayed he was invited to participate in a citizen/council (Councilmembers Mesaros and
Fraley-Monillas) group that interviewed three applicants for the Community Services/Economic
Development Director position. Mayor Earling will be making his recommendation to Council shortly.
Chair Witenberg relayed his intent to have Nick Echelbarger, Salish Crossing, make a presentation to the
EDC about development plans for the property, possibly at the August 20 meeting.
Port Commissioner Faires advised mid -August is the EDC's fifth anniversary.
Arts & Culture Program Manager Chapin referred to Strategic Plan Action Item Le.6, Art and History
Walking Tour, advising of the dedication and tour tomorrow evening of the 12 Stages of History
historical plaques.
Planning Board Member Lovell explained Solarize Edmonds, sponsored by the non-profit Northwest
Seed, is a community program in Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and Shoreline to encourage
residents to install solar energy. His system started two days ago and they are already selling electricity to
PUD. There are tax rebates, incentives from PUD and the State, and reimbursement of $0.54/kWh if
panels are manufactured in Washington. His system was installed in 2Y: days and will pay for itself in 6
years, He heartily recommended the program.
Chair Witenberg thanked the Business Enhancement Sub -group, particularly Commissioner Purcell who
melded the positions of sub -group members into the white paper.
10. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
See above.
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With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:04 p.m
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