2010-09-15 Economic Development Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
September 15, 2010
The Economic Development Commission meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Frank Yamamoto in
the Brackett Room, 121 5th Avenue North, Edmonds.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
PLANNING BOARD LIAISON
Bruce Faires
Kristiana Johnson
Stacy Gardea
Don Hall
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Darrol Haug
Councilmember Diane Buckshnis
Betty Larman
Councilmember Strom Peterson
Beatrice O'Rourke
Evan Pierce
STAFF PRESENT
David Schaefer
Rich Senderoff
Stephen Clifton, Community Services/Economic
Kerry St. Clair Ayers
Development Director
Bruce Witenberg
Cindi Cruz, Executive Assistant
Frank Yamamoto
Frances Chapin, Cultural Services Manager
Marianne Zagorski
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT PUBLIC PRESENT
Mary Monfort Ron Wambolt
Rob VanTassell Jeanne Blair
Rebecca Wolfe
1. INTRODUCTION AND COMMENTS BY CHAIR — NONE
3. APPROVAL OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES OF AUGUST 18, 2010
COMMISSIONER ZAGORSKI MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER O'ROURKE, TO
APPROVE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES OF AUGUST 18, 2010.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Chair Yamamoto requested Item 6, Community Outreach, be moved up on the agenda.
6. COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Commissioner St. Clair -Ayers explained the Citizens Technology Advisory Committee (CTAC) did an outreach
to Councilmembers prior to their presentation to the Council to answer questions. Several members realized a
similar outreach would be helpful to inform the community about the EDC's work. She envisioned standard
talking points would be developed for making presentations. She referred to a list of committees, organizations,
service clubs, etc. and Commissioners, staff and Councilmembers agreed to contact groups as follows:
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Organization
Commissioner/Staff/Councilmember
ACE
Pierce, Haug, Buckshnis
Arts Commission
Arts Festival Foundation
Backyard Habitat
Senderoff
Cascade Bicycle
Yamamoto
Cemetery Board
O'Rourke
Council Community Services/Development Services
Council Finance
Council Public Safety
CTAC
Haug
DEMA/Chamber
Yamamoto
Dog Parks
Buckshnis
Edmonds Bicycle Advocacy Group
Larman
Edmonds Center for the Arts/PFD
Edmonds Community College
Edmonds in Bloom
Larman
Floretum Garden
Layman
Friends of Edmonds Library
Za orski, Gardea
Friends of Marsh
Senderoff
Historic Preservation Commission
Historical Society
Larman
Hospital Health District
Yamamoto, Clifton
Hwy 99 Task Force
Witenber
Imagine Edmonds
Schaefer
Library Board
Neighborhoods
TBD
Parking Committee
Gardea
Planning Board
Johnson, Gardea
Port
Za orski, Faires
PSRC
Schaefer
School Board
Schaefer, Yamamoto
Seashore
Buckshnis
Senior Center
Buckshnis, Haug
Service Clubs
Sister City Commission
Snohomish County Tomorrow
SnoKing Athletic
Yamamoto
Sustainable Edmonds
Chave, Senderoff
Transportation
Johnson, Gardea
WRIA 8
Buckshnis, Faires
Commissioner St. Clair -Ayers summarized the goal is for someone to make contact with the organization within
the next month to determine if they are interested in further information and/or a presentation from the EDC.
Commissioner Zagorski advised the Port would like to make a presentation to the EDC regarding redevelopment
of Harbor Square.
4. REPORT FROM SUBGROUPS
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a. Land Use
Community Services/Economic Development Director Clifton reported Planning Manager Rob Chave and he
worked with the University of Washington to prepare a contract which has been reviewed by the City Attorney
Scott Snyder and the UW attorneys. The contract will be executed shortly and the UW students are prepared to
begin their work in a few weeks. Funding has been appropriated by the Council for the main project as well as
for the marketing study.
b. Strategic Planning and Vision (article)
Cultural Services Manager Frances Chapin reported Mr. Clifton and she are working on a Request for
Qualifications (RFQ) for a consultant to prepare a Strategic Plan. The RFQ will be presented to the Commission
for review at a future meeting. Mr. Clifton advised a decision package was prepared for the 2011 budget in the
amount of $100,000 and it was mentioned during department presentations at the Council's budget workshop. It
is unknown whether Mayor Cooper will include the decision package in the preliminary budget and/or whether
the Council will include it in the final 2011 budget.
Commissioner Senderoff inquired about Imagine Edmonds' visioning effort. Mr. Clifton reported Imagine
Edmonds is holding a meeting with stakeholders on October 2 to discuss how to move forward. The EDC may
be able to use some of the discussion/information from the October 2 meeting to formulate the vision portion of
the strategic planning exercise.
C. Technology
Commissioner Haug reported on CTAC's presentation to the Council, advising the Council approved the
resolution with minor changes that give more latitude to the CTAC's activities. He and Commissioner
Witenberg are meeting with Mr. Clifton, Finance Director Lorenzo Hines and CIO Carl Nelson tomorrow to
discuss next steps related to new customers. He expressed his thanks to the subcommittees for their efforts.
Mr. Clifton commented the most positive outcome of the CTAC presentation to City Council was providing the
history of fiber initiative since 2005 and the summary of how money has been spent, savings to date and future
revenue opportunities. Mr. Haug commented the summary created a common message that was circulated many
places including on MyEdmondsNews.com. The key was briefing Councilmembers one-on-one prior to the
presentation.
d. Tourism
Chair Yamamoto commented on the need to restructure committees to address different issues. He invited
Commissioner to assist the Tourism Subgroup such as inventorying assets, parks, sports fields, tennis courts,
what can be used currently and what improvements are necessary. He envisioned recreation as a way to attract
tourists and once more people were visiting Edmonds, the city could attract a hotel. He also commented on the
opportunity for partnerships with local organizations, grants, etc.
Planning Board Member Kristina Johnson pointed out the Edmonds Parks Comprehensive Plan includes an
inventory. Chair Yamamoto explained his plan was to physically visit each location to assess the condition, what
facilities are available, necessary improvements, etc. Councilmember Buckshnis referred to the field pavilion in
Milwaukie, Oregon, that attracted hotels.
Commissioner Zagorski suggested the EDC recommend to the Council that revenue from the fiber optics be
dedicated to economic development. A dedicated revenue source would allow planning for improvements such
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as sports fields. Mr. Clifton advised the savings/revenue from fiber optics total approximately $87,000/year with
savings greater than revenue at this time.
5A. GREEN BUSINESS PARTNERS PROGRAM
Commissioner Senderoff provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Green Partners program, a concept
that he, Jeannie Blair and Rebecca Wolfe developed. They are seeking assistance with implementing the
program. He explained the program was inspired by programs that have been successful and are expanding
throughout California, specifically a program in Santa Monica. The Green Businesses Partner program was
drafted to reflect the needs of the Edmonds community. The Green Partners program would provide:
• A voluntary framework for businesses in our community to assess their sustainability
• Acknowledgement for those that are already developing sustainable business practices
• An incentive for those that are new to sustainability and don't realize how easy it can be
He described Shoreline's Green Business Program that was created to assist businesses in Shoreline to operate
in an environmentally efficient manner, and to recognize and promote businesses that meet environmental
compliance and conservation criteria. Shoreline's program was made possible through a partnership between
King County the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce and the City of Shoreline and administered with the help of
Shoreline Solar Project. To recognize achievements, businesses receive a certificate of recognition, window
stickers for the business location and use of the Shoreline Green Business logo on any promotional materials,
which he also envisioned for Edmonds program.
He circulated a checklist that would be used to identify businesses as Green Partners. The intent would a phased
approach that would first target restaurants, bars, groceries, retail stores, business offices, light industrial and
hotel/motels. If the first phase was successful, the second phase would target schools and community centers
and the third phase would target homes. He described how the program would operate: checklists and
worksheets would be filled out and submitted to the Sustainable Works program volunteers for review and
scoring. Businesses pay a nominal admission fee to cover program expenses. The business receives an onsite
consultation/audit from a Sustainable Works volunteer. The business is granted their "GREEN' score and
receives recognition as appropriate.
Benefits of participating in the program include receipt of an official window decal indicating certification in the
program, the business' sustainable businesses score is posted on the program website, and the business could be
featured in city communications. A City of Edmonds Green Partner Platinum member could receive special
recognition.
Critical program sponsors include Sustainable Edmonds, City of Edmonds/EDC and Edmonds Chamber of
Commerce/DEMA. He identified program management support roles (volunteer -based project manager, pilot
coordinator, audit process lead and community outreach manager) and their responsibilities. He reviewed costs,
explaining businesses would be responsible for covering the cost of any improvements and would pay an
administrative fee/donation to cover costs of the program. The City would provide occasional marketing support
and leadership. The Program office would provide access to a computer for tracking, website hosting and
community volunteers.
He explained the checklists are nearly complete. Next steps include expanding the program development team to
include Chamber of Commerce, EDC, Sustainable Edmonds and others. He encouraged Commissioners to get
involved by talking to businesses to gauge their interest in being a pilot or early adopter and/or contact the
program team about volunteer opportunities.
Discussion followed regarding PUD's energy efficiency program, requiring new construction/redevelopment be
sustainable, connection between the program and economic development, need for assistance to approach
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businesses, and how Shoreline and Santa Monica present the program to businesses. Commissioner Zagorski
suggested approaching the Port as a member.
5B. CLIMATE SOLUTIONS NEW ENERGIES CITIES
Councilmember Peterson distributed New Energy Cities (NEC) Frequently Asked Questions. He explained the
Council discussed and approved partnering with Climate Solutions as a NEC but later reconsidered the decision
due to questions regarding funding. Climate Solutions is an environmental organization; their latest program is
NEC in which they work with Northwest cities and counties to accelerate the transition to a clean, renewable,
super -efficient energy system with a comprehensive approach that integrates smart power grids, green intelligent
buildings, plug-in vehicles, and renewable power sources. Participants include Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and
cities counties throughout Washington, Montana and Oregon including Thurston County and the City of
Spokane.
The proposal is a $15,000 contract for NEC to provide a 1'/Z day workshop where stakeholders will develop an
approach specific to Edmonds. He noted one of reasons Climate Solutions approached Edmonds was
Sustainable Edmonds and they envision Edmonds as a model for other residential cities to promote clean
energy. From the workshop, NEC would develop a specific 20-year action plan. The plan would begin with a 6
month intensive community outreach, then an 18-month program to identify financing. He emphasized this is a
partnerships between government and private sector.
The $15,000 cost for this work is a bargain; he estimated a similar effort by a consultant would cost $40,000-
$45,000. Mayor Cooper is a proponent of Climate Solutions and has identified funding from unexpended
resources due to vacant positions. Climate Solutions is able to provide this workshop for a much lower cost
because they are a non-profit organization with outside funding sources. Climate Solutions will also support the
City after the workshop. Climate Solutions recently assisted Edmonds, Marysville and Snohomish County in
applying for a $500,000 federal grant.
The NEC program assists with economic development because it generates jobs and enables partnership with
other cities. He referred to the Governor's electrification of the I-5 corridor (installing electric vehicle charging
stations along the I-5 corridor via federal funds). Councilmember Peterson summarized he was seeking the
EDC's endorsement of Edmonds' participation in the NEC program.
Discussion followed regarding sustainability as part of the Strategic Plan, action plan for sustainability as a
result of the workshop that will assist with the Strategic Plan, information provided for a $15,000 investment,
opportunities that would be lost if the City waits for a Strategic Plan to be developed, considering potential
negatives to the community of green energy during the NEC process such as the windmills along I-90 near
Ellensburg, and potential partnership with Edmonds Community College's Sustainable Practices program.
COMMISSIONER ZAGORSKI MOVED THAT THE EDMONDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION ENDORSE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW ENERGY CITIES PROGRAM IN THE
CITY OF EDMONDS AND REQUEST THE COUNCIL SUPPORT THE PROGRAM. COMMISSIONER
O'ROURKE SECONDED THE MOTION.
A brief discussion followed regarding some Commissioners' desire to learn more about the program before
endorsing the City's participation and other cities involved in the NEC program. Councilmember Peterson
advised further information was available at ClimateSolutions.org.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. DISCUSSION ON EXTENSION OF SUNSET DATE FOR COMMISSION
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Councilmember Buckshnis reported an ordinance to extend the EDC for one year to December 31, 2011 will be
on the Council's September 21 agenda. Discussion followed regarding the need to provide periodic updates to
the Council on the EDC's work.
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The following topics were identified:
• Mayor Cooper to share his ideas regarding economic development with the EDC
• Talking points for community outreach
• Work Plan for next year (if the Council approves the extension of the EDC)
Ms. Chapin suggested a presentation that Mr. Clifton provided at the South County Chamber luncheon
regarding economic development be used as the basis for the community outreach talking points.
Mr. Witenberg reported an amendment may be proposed to the Highway 99/Medical Activity Center
Comprehensive Plan designation. He suggested the EDC monitor that effort to ensure economic development
occurs in an intelligent manner that has the least impact on the existing neighborhoods.
9. MISCELLANEOUS
Ms. Chapin reported Transportation Engineer Bertrand Hauss and she applied for two PSRC grants. Edmonds
was awarded both grants; $289,000 to extend custom lighting in the International District and $725,000 to redo
the sidewalks and lighting and add art elements between 5tn and 6th on Main Street.
Mr. Clifton reported Bill the Butcher is opening in October at the corner of 4th & Main. Chair Yamamoto
reported there are plans to paint the entire block.
Mr. Clifton reported on due diligence related to Dick's Drive -In. Council President Bernheim, Mayor Cooper
and he are meeting with Dick's Drive -In representatives to identify potential locations. He cautioned the
competition is fierce.
Mr. Clifton reported most of the paperwork has been completed with regard to forming a Business Improvement
District (BID) downtown and DEMA is nearly ready to begin circulating petitions to downtown merchants. He
reported the Edmonds Beacon is planning an article regarding new tenants moving into vacant spaces
downtown. The bank building at 3ra & Main is being demolished and a new bank constructed.
Commissioner Gardea reported Friday, October 1 is Parking Day, an international event. She encouraged
Commissioners to visit downtown to view the five parking spaces that will be transformed into park spaces.
10. AUDIENCE COMMENTS — None
11. ADJOURN
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
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