2016-05-18 Economic Development Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
May 18, 2016 :1
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
Mary Monroe
Stephen Clifton
Aseem Prakash
Jamie Reece
Nicole Hughes
Matthew Waldron
Darrol Haug
Michael Schindler, left at 7:34 p.m.
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember, ex officio
Nathan Monroe, Planning Board, ex officio
Greg Urban, Edmonds Chamber, ex officio
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
George Bennett
Bruce Faires, Port Commissioner, ex officio
STAFF PRESENT
Cindi Cruz, ED/CS Program Coordinator
1. The Economic Development Commission meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m.
2. Approval of Agenda Darrol added 5a. leadership discussion to determine how to go forward. 6a.
discussion on interaction of commissioners with Council and/or Mayor appointments. Jamie
moved, seconded by Matt; motion passed.
3. Approval of 4/14/16 EDC Minutes. Jamie moved to accept minutes as written, Mary
seconded; motion passed, Nicole abstained. (Nicole was not present for the 4/14/16 meeting)
4. Strategic Action Plan Discussion
Darrol led discussion: Refer to Resolution 1224 and recommendation from EDC in joint report to
Council which came 6 months after Commission was created. Review Executive Summary's key
six elements in resolution Council had added one more: #6 which addresses tourism development.
Went through seven elements. The SAP was a key element that took 1+ years to start the process.
Darrol explained process and different elements of the SAP process. Stephen explained the
outreach that was done — 18 different groups were identified, along with charrettes, open houses,
and 6 retreats with City Council, weigh in from public, Council, and Planning Board. Statistically
valid survey at end of process, several survey monkey processes. More than 2500 citizens were
involved. 86+ separate actions within the SAP. Priority rankings were explained. All 86+ action
items were identified high priorities but some were high high priorities and others were low high
priorities. The SAP is a fluid document that does not distinguish that some things would be done
before others — they were all high priorities. Intended to start the discussion among the public of
what is public priority and how to accomplish the items. Started in 2011, finished first round in
2012, and was approved in 2013. City's survey will be mailed out starting mid -May with
completion and results by mid -August.
Approved Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
May 18, 2016
Page 1
What is timeline — directed to individual item, some are ongoing, some have end times. There is
outreach to educate but there is not a lot that the EDC itself can actually do as bulk of actions
have to be done by City. SAP Implementation table delineates what has been accomplished by
quarter and is available on City website SAP page. Should EDC as Commissioners look at
elements to be worked on by City? Rankings were set on basis of scientific based citizen survey
done during SAP process. Had 2500 + participants in the public process with approximately 466
responses to the survey. — Very involved community in comparison with other surveys the
consultant had been involved with. Are priorities still valid? Council would like evaluation of
items. Many of the items are integrated into daily city responsibilities and are not singled out as
unique project. Consequently, many of these items are part of daily City work and projects. The
SAP was intended to be a budget tool to tie our community's highest priorities to the budgeting
process. Is not updated yearly, but was reviewed by consultant in 2015 to determine leads for the
different items and provide updates and clarification. The update was adopted by City Council.
EDC was born out of the citizens levy workgroup of 60 people. Projects resulting from the SAP
were to be divided among many different organizations not just City. This EDC should refer to
Economic Development related action items. Not restrictive could be other projects that rise to
the top. Neil referred to downtown restroom project as a SAP action item that is currently in the
process and should be complete by or before the end of 2016. There could be other items that rise
to the top as the action items are reviewed by the EDC. SAP items that are currently being
worked on: Civic Field and Highway 99 planning and improvement.
Council wants more robust discussion and updates on SAP. Stephen reiterated the need for
communities to lay the groundwork to positively shape future development. Neil mentioned hope
that affordable housing discussion could be included as it is an element of SAP. Comp Plan item
also. Participate in processes for renovation of Civic Field Park is encouraged. Council priorities
from 2016 retreat were reviewed.
5. Continued Work on compiling a "Rolling Agenda" of Top EDC Priorities
Discussion about how to prioritize items, review what Council priorities are and be in alignment
with the Council. Discussion about value of surveys. Commissioners are encouraged to attend
Highway 99 Subarea open house Thursday, May 19 at Swedish Hospital. Highway 99 subarea
plan for development and affordable housing could be the two highest priorities to focus on for
this year and next. Commission could be ready to review, comment, and be involved in early
phases of Highway 99 but critical as the subarea planning process is ongoing. How does
affordable housing fit in Economic Development plan?
Stephen discussed how affordable and diverse housing options can provide more choices for a
wider demographic within a community and some housing stock in Edmonds is beyond the reach
of a certain segment of the general population. Affordable and diverse housing options could
open up options to more individuals of diverse ages and incomes living in community. Direct
positive impacts on your economy, elderly in particular can stay in community after selling single
family residences. Encourages businesses to develop for diverse population. More appealing to
diverse workforce if they can afford to live closer to where they are employed. Discussed mixed
use buildings related to affordable housing, tax incentives, upper floors could be housing as long
as mixed use commercial is allowed to make the development profitable. Very valuable if EDC
could help Council analyze mixed use buildings. Compass buildings on SR104 is an example of a
mixed use development that should have been located within or adjacent to a commercial center..
Highway 99, Civic Field, Affordable housing are identified as priorities to work on. Jamie
moved that 7 days prior to next meeting all Commissioners submit 10 items to pursue over
the short and long term to Patrick, Aseem seconded motion passed.
Approved Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
May 18, 2016
Page 2
6. Discuss/create Ad Hoc Committee to Work on EDC Priorities and Presentation
Not discussed
6a.Discussion on interaction of Commissioners with whomever appointed
Create discussion guide — contact your appointing Council members or the Mayor and ask what
they would like this Commission to do and work on. Should Commission meet with Council as a
joint meeting? Compile list by each Commissioner of what they find out from their Council or
Mayor appointer then narrow down to 6-7 priorities.
Darrol brought up leadership concept proposing that prior member be vice -chair and new member
be chair. Matthew suggested that at next meeting nominate for chair verbally. Place on next
meeting agenda.
Audience comments (3-minute limit per person). None.
Adjourn at 8:03
Approved Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
May 18, 2016
Page 3