2010-12-15 Economic Development Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
December 15, 2010
The Citizens Economic Development Committee 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
Paul Anderson
Bruce Faires
Stacy Gardea
Don Hall
Darrol Haug
Betty Larman
Beatrice O'Rourke
Evan Pierce
David Schaefer
Rich Senderoff
Bruce Witenberg
Rebecca Wolfe
Frank Yamamoto
Marianne Zagorski
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
PLANNING BOARD LIAISON
Kristiana Johnson
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Councilmember Diane Buckshnis
Councilmember Strom Peterson
STAFF PRESENT
Stephen Clifton, Community Services/Economic
Development Director
Cindi Cruz, Executive Assistant
Rob Chave, Planning Manager
Frances Chapin, Cultural Services Manager
Jeannie Dines, Recorder
PUBLIC PRESENT
Mary Monfort Natalie Shippen
Kerry St. Clair Ayers Roger Hertrich
Rob VanTassell
1. INTRODUCTION AND COMMENTS BY CHAIR — NONE
2. AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Commissioner Haug requested the addition of a report on the EDC's initiative to support the Port of
Edmonds' redevelopment of Harbor Square under Item 4.
3. APPROVAL OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 17,
2010
The following amendment was made to the minutes:
Page 3, first paragraph under Item c, add Darrol Haug to the list of Commissioners attending the meeting.
There was a clarification of Councilmember Peterson's report on Page 4, third paragraph under Planning
Board, that the Council voted to include in the 2011 docket the addition of a public market facility in the
downtown waterfront area.
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COMMISSIONER ZAGORSKI MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 17,
2010 AS AMENDED. COMMISSIONER O'ROURKE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. REPORTS FROM SUBGROUPS
a. Land Use (Westgate & Five Corners)
Christiana Haworth, UW Community and Environment Program, introduced the Brad Shipley and
Elizabeth Abrahamson, the other students working with Edmonds on the 10-week Special District
Project. She explained this was a three phase project with a goal of developing conceptual alternatives for
potential future redevelopment of Five Corners and Westgate Village. Their role in the first phase of the
project has been to gather baseline data to inform the future two phases of the project via community
surveys and site analysis. She provided a PowerPoint presentation displaying aerials of the two sites and
described the surrounding area and features. She described the process used in their site analysis, a
multifaceted approach utilizing a variety of methods to gather a complete data set. The resident survey
focused on current use, transportation and site improvements for each site and the business survey
focused on laying groundwork for future involvement in this project. Their site analysis consisted of
qualitative observations about site functionality and quantitative data collection to support survey findings
specifically related to the location and distribution of parking and infrastructure.
Mr. Shipley explained at the beginning of the project they spoke with local businesses to engage them as
well as gather incentives for survey completion. Approximately 2200 surveys were mailed by the City to
single family residences with 2000 feet of each site which represents approximately a 5-10 minute walk.
He displayed a map identifying the area where surveys were mailed. To date there have been 169
respondents to the resident survey. He provided age and gender demographics of survey respondents,
relaying that this was preliminary data; surveying will continue to gather more responses.
He highlighted survey questions and responses:
Question
Response
How frequently do you pass by the sites?
Respondents stopped more frequently (over 65%)
at Westgate 3/week than Five Corners
What are your means of transportation when you
No one took the bus. More walked/biked to Five
visit Westgate or Five Corners?
Corners than Westgate
Why choose to drive rather than use alternate
Dangerous to cross street, cannot carry bags home,
means of transportation?
small children/pets, fast cars, too noisy, multiple
destinations, inadequate bike, not pleasant
How can Westgate and Five Corners areas be
Five Corners: more public spaces, outdoor caf6,
improved?
amenities
Westgate: improved walkability
Ms. Abrahamson explained they also attempted to engage the business population at Westgate and Five
Corners. Questions included why they chose to locate their business in Edmonds, why they chose the site,
whether they had thought about redevelopment, and their top priorities for redevelopment. They found it
very difficulty to engage the business owners in the survey because many had not thought about
redevelopment and business owners were very busy. The business engagement process will continue
through early January to lay the groundwork for the next two phases.
With regard to site analysis, Ms. Abrahamson reported they conducted an adapted GEHL architectural
analysis that considered the enjoyment, comfort and protection of the two sites as well as downtown as an
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example of what the two sites could become.. They took five and ten minute walks on main arterials near
Five Corners and Westgate and used GIS data to create maps. They also conducted a series of parking
counts at both sites. She reported the findings of the adapted GEHL architectural analysis, noting many of
their impressions corresponded with comments made in the community surveys.
Ms. Haworth explained another element of their quantitative analysis was the five and ten minute walks
on major corridors from each site that focuses on the ease and comfort of pedestrian access. The
boundaries of the walks were marked on GIS maps and generally coincided with the mailer radius. The
findings of the walks included:
• Poor/nonexistent sidewalk quality in Westgate and Five Corners, pedestrian use much higher in
Five Corners
• Traffic related obstacles fast moving traffic challenge pedestrian use
• Crosswalks very wide with lights timed for cars or too few crosswalks.
She reported findings of an audit that examined the availability and distribution of infrastructure
supporting pedestrian and bicycle use such as bicycle racks, outdoor seating, and transit stops:
• Westgate: good distribution of bike racks, a lot of outdoor seating, good transit access
• Five Corners: two human scale lights, little outdoor seating, one bike rack that is difficult to use,
only private seating, transit service, nearby commuter parking lot
Mr. Shipley reported the results of parking counts taken on different days and times to determine
utilization. This analysis will continue but preliminary data indicates a lot of the parking is not being
used.
Ms. Haworth summarized survey data and site analysis found area walkability and scale as two areas for
improvement. Potential future redevelopment could be possible using currently underutilized parking
spaces to provide amenities such as open public space with activities for children and infrastructure that
supports pedestrian use of the sites. She concluded the sites face common challenges of orientation to cars
but have many opportunities for improvement.
The Commission requested staff provide a copy of the surveys. Mr. Clifton offered to post the surveys on
the EDC webpage. Mr. Shipley advised a report including their PowerPoint would be available by Friday;
some data gathering will continue through January.
Mr. Clifton suggested the students comment on their experience during their 10 minute walk:
• Five Corners: Sidewalk ends not far from site, streets in neighborhoods busy and have on -street
parking and no shoulders. Well kept sidewalk on 212th.
• Westgate: Problems similar to Five Corners, few sidewalks in neighborhoods, SR104 is
dangerous to walk on and limits pedestrians' desire to walk
The students responded to the following questions:
• Did parking utilization take into account vacancies? Vacancies were tracked and are identified at
both sites. Parking utilization varies by business and time of day.
• Was there any qualitative differentiation between outdoor seating areas — are some more
desirable? Quality of seating was not tracked; mid -November not a good time. PCC features a
garage door that allows seating to be changed from outdoor to indoor. Quality of seating varies by
location.
• How do pedestrians cross streets? Streets often difficult to cross, lights timed for cars, lengthy
wait for pedestrian crossing lights.
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• Why are businesses not receptive, difficult contact? A strong minority of the businesses were
interested in being involved, difficult to coordinate meetings with restaurants. Many businesses
do not have email.
• Reference comment that Five Corners most receptive to biking/walking but that site seems least
friendly toward that. Five Corners more integrated into the surrounding residential community.
Westgate is located on a busy street.
• Was there any effort to capture quantitative information regarding the amount of business
currently occurring? Market study in next phase will include that information.
• Where do trips originate? First question on survey asks point of origin and subsequent questions
address mode of transportation.
• Suggest expand survey radius in Westgate into neighborhoods to southwest and northeast as
schools make up much of the 5-10 minutes walkable radius on those areas. Radius where surveys
were mailed was based on 10 minute walk from sites. However, survey was also available via
news outlets. The next phase will capture data from a larger circle.
• Did survey ask if residents were willing pay for sidewalks? Data is preliminary and identifies
generally where people would like improvements. Survey indicated interest in improved area
walkability and more public spaces for Westgate. Many people thought Five Corners was fairly
walkable. Survey addressed improved walkability and did not ask specifically about sidewalks.
Vote on TBD issue may be indicative of residents' interest in paying for sidewalks (comment by
Commissioner).
• Is 169 responses to 2200 mailers an acceptable ratio? 8% response rate is a fairly common
public participation. Surveys will be also distributed in the next phase.
Jill Sterritt, Affiliate Instructor, UW School of Urban Design and Planning, explained this first phase
was an environment scan/data gathering regarding the physical conditions on the sites and the survey. The
next phase will include more public involvement and visioning; the EDC will more involved in that
phase. The second student team will meet with the EDC in January and several public meetings will be
scheduled. First will be an open house for each site in late January to collect ideas, using the maps to
identify obstacles that pedestrians experience/envision. A public design charrette will be scheduled in late
February that hopefully will include the local design community. The charrette would include groups
working on design ideas for each sites that will form the basis for alternatives that will be presented to the
EDC. The EDC will be involved in refining the alternatives in approximately March. By end of April she
hoped to have a solid concept developed for each site that could be presented to the public for input. The
design would be further refined, followed by appropriate Board and Council approval. A written
document as well as a design concept will be provided. She reported the Phase 2 team has been selected
and will include Mr. Shipley.
Nancy Rottle, Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture, Adjunct Architecture and
Planning, and directs the Green Futures Lab, reported the Phase 2 team members includes
representatives from architecture, planning and landscape architecture who are finished or finishing
advanced degrees and have real world experience. She introduced Eric Scharnhorst, a graduate student
who has been mentoring the Phase 1 team. He brings expertise working with GEHL Architects in
Copenhagen.
Planning Board Member Kristina Johnson inquired about the Planning Board's role in Phase 2. Mr.
Chave answered updates will be provided to the Planning Board and he encouraged them to participate in
the open houses. He anticipated a joint meeting with the EDC to review concepts.
b. Strategic Planning and Visioning — Fundraising
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Mr. Clifton reported the City Council voted 6-1 to fund the Strategic Plan in the amount of $100,000.
That approval is subject to change with adoption of the 2011 budget.
Councilmember Buckshnis reported the City Council passed a budget note regarding their involvement in
the selection of a consultant.
C. Technology
Commissioner Haug reported Commissioner Faires and he have had several meetings with Mr. Clifton
and CIO Carl Nelson to follow up on outreach to Rick Steves about converting to the City's fiber optic
service. Topics discussed include:
• How to best advance the message that the City is open for business to provide high speed fiber
connections for qualified customers
Pricing, capacity and services offered
Timing and work steps necessary to make the sale to Rick Steves
Mr. Nelson has had several discussions with Steves organization and they are preparing to test the service
to confirm it will meet their needs. Similar testing has been competed with SNOCOM and there are no
concerns about the ability to meet Steves' needs. After testing the City will negotiate the details for
service and present a decision package to Council for approval.
With regard to the City's efforts to update their website, Mr. Haug offered to work with staff on
testing/evaluating website redesign.
d. Tourism
Chair Yamamoto relaying that Snohomish County is promoting a tournament that will generate $3.1
million. He expressed support for Edmonds' involvement in sports tourism as soon as possible.
Commissioner Haug reported the governor's budget proposes drastic cuts in tourism. Mr. Clifton reported
a Snohomish County Tourism Promotion Area is being formed that will allow hotels with 50+ room to
assess $ 1 /room/night; the funds will be used to fund tourism promotion.
Commissioner Hall suggested working with the Edmonds Center for the Arts and Edmonds Conference
Center (formerly Floral Arts Center) to get patrons to return to Edmonds during the day/weekend.
Councilmember Peterson reported ECA Executive Director Joe McIalwain is very interested in a program
where season tickets holders could receive a discount at local businesses similar to the Port's program.
Councilmember Buckshnis suggested providing information to the Citizens Levy Committee (CLC) who
is moving toward a levy/bond issue. It may be appropriate to include something related to sports tourism.
The CLC plans to do polling to determine citizens' priorities.
Commissioner Wolfe inquired about upgrading the City's fields. Chair Yamamoto responded the capital
request to the State is unlikely to be funded due to the State's budget. The lease with the Edmonds School
District for Civic Playfields needs to be renegotiated before improvements to those fields are discussed.
Commissioner Wolfe commented voters did not approve long term and comprehensive funding for
bike/walkways in the TBD ballot measure. Voters may be more supportive of a levy if it includes short-
term projects.
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Ms. Chapin reported a new Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director has been selected and will
start work on January 10.
Ms. Chapin reported on the Interurban Trail project for which the City has received significant grant
funding. She commented on the importance of connections between the Interurban Trail and
neighborhood centers such as Five Corners and into downtown.
Chair Yamamoto encouraged Commissioners to view the ad that showcases Leavenworth, "Bavarian
Babes of Leavenworth" via either the Seattle Times article or YouTube.
Discussion followed regarding capitalizing on Five Corners residents' openness to biking and walking,
cuts in the State tourism budget, connectivity to the Interurban Trail, and advertising Edmonds in
Leavenworth due to the train.
Councilmember Buckshnis reported on the formation of the South Snohomish County Commission for
Health (formerly Stevens Hospital Board of Commissioners) that will be allocating funds collected from
taxpayers within the Hospital District.
e. Support for Port Redevelopment of Harbor Square
Mr. Haug recalled one of the seven items the EDC presented to the Council was to support the planning
and discussion process for the redevelopment of Harbor Square by the Port. The Port has made a number
of presentations to involve the community in the discussion. The Port has established a Steering
Committee to help guide the process. The role of the Steering Committee is to determine what
goals/principles should be used to guide the preparation of the redevelopment plan that will meet the
Port's stated objectives. The first Steering Committee meeting was held December 6. Several members of
the EDC also serve on the Harbor Square Steering Committee including Bruce Faires, Bruce Witenberg,
Frank Yamamoto and himself. Mr. Clifton is the City's liaison on the Steering Committee. The Port is
doing a good job of gathering input from a number of groups to ensure the success of the Harbor Square
redevelopment. The Steering Committee will meet monthly to review concepts with the consultant.
Commissioner Faires reported the Steering Committee process is linked with the public process; the
Steering Committee will provide information that will be presented and refined during public meetings.
5. NEXT STEPS
Chair Yamamoto reported the Tourism Subgroup needs additional assistance and encouraged
Commissioners to attend their meetings. He requested Commissioners review the list of potential revenue
generating ideas to identify other items the Commission could pursue in the future.
Commissioner Witenberg inquired about providing a yearend report to the City Council. Chair
Yamamoto suggested the Focus Group meet to develop a yearend report that would include a summary of
accomplishments and plans for the future.
6. FUTURE AGENDA TOPICS
Yearend report to City Council.
7. MISCELLANEOUS
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Planning Board Member Kristina Johnson explained the Planning Board plans to provide a report to the
City Council at the first meeting in January about processes that have been before the Planning Board
related to economic development. The Planning Board's retreat, held at their second meeting in January,
will include discussion regarding the Planning Board's role in upcoming planning processes as well as the
Planning Board's ideas regarding land use.
Mr. Clifton reported staff has been successful in securing 5 federal grants that total over $2 million. He
will provide the City Council and the EDC the amount of each grant, the funding sources, what the funds
will used for and the local match.
Commissioner Senderoff reported the Fall 2010 Snohomish County PUD "Current" magazine includes an
article regarding a demonstration wind turbine at their facility in Everett. He envisioned a similar
demonstration project could be done at the Port.
Commissioner Senderoff referred to Lynnwood's increase in their employee head tax and asked whether
Edmonds had a head tax. Mr. Clifton advised Edmonds does not have an employee head tax.
Commissioner Senderoff suggested that be highlighted in the City's recruitment efforts
Commissioner Wolfe referred to the new Costco near Alderwood, anticipating it would hurt businesses in
Edmonds. Mr. Clifton and several Commissioners disagreed, noting there is already a Costco in
Shoreline.
Commissioner Hall reported on the new flower basket poles with art elements. Ms. Chapin advised the
first three poles were funded by the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation; two are located outside the
Frances Anderson Center and one is near City Hall. The goal is for poles with art elements to eventually
create an outdoor exhibit stretching along Main St. and 5th Avenue. The poles will be part of the Parks,
Recreation & Cultural Services Department Gift Catalogue similar to the bench program. Mr. Hall
suggested contacting businesses regarding purchasing a pole.
Mr. Hall referred to the new sign on 4th/Main describing historic sites on 4th Avenue and the vicinity. Ms.
Chapin advised that sign was the last component of the federal Preserve America grant the City received
in 2007. A second small grant was received to install interpretive elements on 4th Avenue in the vicinity
of some of the historic sites.
8. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Roger Hertrich, Edmonds, commended the students' presentation. He inquired how the Tourism
Promotion Area Board will distribute funds and suggested the former City/Port/Chamber Tourism
Committee be reinstated to lobby for funding from the Tourism Promotion Area. Ms. Chapin advised Mr.
Clifton has been appointed to the Snohomish County Tourism Promotion Area Board. Next, Mr. Hertrich
expressed concern with plans for a roundabout at Five Corners, commenting roundabouts are designed to
keep traffic moving rather than stop at businesses. He suggested studying whether a roundabout would be
beneficial to the economic development of that area. He was also concern with pedestrians crossing the
street when a roundabout is constructed.
9. ADJOURN
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
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