2017-05-17 Economic Development Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
May 17, 2017
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Darrol Haug
Mary Monroe, Vice -Chair
Stephen Clifton
Nicole Hughes
George Bennett
Nathan Monroe, Planning Board, ex officio
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Jamie Reece, Chair
Matthew Waldron
Aseem Prakash
Michael Schindler
Greg Urban, Edmonds Chamber, ex officio
Bruce Faires, Port Commissioner, ex-officio
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember, ex officio
GUESTS: None
STAFF PRESENT
Patrick Doherty, Econ. Dev & Comm. Serv. Dir.
Cindi Cruz, Program Coordinator
1. Economic Development Commission meeting called to order by Vice -Chair Monroe at 6:02
p.m.
2. Approval of Agenda: Approved as submitted.
3. Approval of 04/19/17 EDC Minutes: Stephen moved to approve minutes as written, George
seconded; motion passed.
4. Audience Comments No comments.
5. Old Business:
Subgroup Reports (5 minutes)
• Parking: Article on MEN about parking changes on May 23; several areas of employee
parking will be pushed up to a %2 block further from downtown core as approved by
Council. Demarcation of parking spaces will be placed over the next few weeks as a pilot
project for the rest of this year on three one -block street segments in downtown area.
• Development Feasibility: George, Mike, Mary, Nicole. Nothing has been done as of
yet. Patrick summarized proposed project at Perrinville on the southwest corner; vacant
property and the difficulties in development of that existing building with a change in
use. Vacant property east of car wash at Westgate has had several proposals and some
potential development possibility. Other potential development issue would be 15' first
floor requirement in BD1 zone in downtown Edmonds. Could meet and prepare memo to
propose change in BD1 zone.
6. New Business
Kickoff Discussions for New Subgroups. Develop basic goals and objectives for subgroups.
(90 minutes):
• Art Subgroup - Mary, George, Stephen. Basic goals: create interesting places with art
as a component, culture of community, gateways for Edmonds, sculpture, architecture,
unique to Edmonds. Gateway design that includes public art proposal. Could be
Approved Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
May 17, 2017
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something changeable. Identify areas that could be used. Five -Corners project is good
example of gateway project. Art as a gateway project could energize the area where it is
placed. Reach out to development proponents of specific projects. Economic Impact of
Arts/Culture study is under way. Old Mar-vel Marble building as an example: what could
be done to make the development interesting with public art component. Tourism art —
something for people to come and see in Edmonds. How do you get music in all venues?
Example is music festival in Everett. How to draw in "creative class" to Edmonds? Invite
Frances Chapin to discuss City's role in art, etc. and how to energize the private sector to
support the art, architecture, etc. Kansas City was used as example of sculptures and
fountains that are a draw to the area. Have Arts Commission attend a subgroup meeting
or full EDC meeting. Timeline: discuss list of possibilities, present brainstorming to full
EDC at future meeting. Set meeting time: 5 pm, May 24 here at City Hall. 4th Wednesday
of every month.
Civic Facilities Subgroup - Aseem, George, Matt: George reported on subgroup
meeting — interest in moving civic buildings to Hwy 99 area. Spreadsheet discussion,
pros/cons, comparative for PW site, PD sites, summary and next steps, deliverables,
discuss with Port, Chamber, etc., financial issues. Can "penciling" out be done for
potential development of civic facilities? Hiring a consultant for a generic cost analysis of
potential development as basis for discussion before City Council of moving city
facilities could provide valuable information. Goal: understand valuation of citywide
assets, will bring back to EDC before taking to City Council, economic impact analysis
by subgroup, George will discuss with Matt & Aseem and meet for at least 2 more
sessions, pros and cons. Patrick will send e-mail and meeting will be after June 4 when he
returns.
Affordable Housing Subgroup - Jamie, Darrol, Nicole: Have not met. Goals: attracting
different levels of affordable housing (means something different to everyone),
understanding variety of price points in City, how to attract and identify additional
housing options. HUD definition? It is difficult to develop condominiums these days. In
recent history condos only being built by self-financing developers. City is proposing
affordable ownership with unit lot subdivision, developments will allow ownership of
condo. Creation of diversity of housing stock is desirable. Hwy 99 and new zoning
should allow new affordable housing. Inventory what other jurisdictions have done to
address affordable housing. Set up a regular meeting date and time — Patrick will send out
e-mail. Affordable housing will be addressed at Planning Board (PB) over the next 6
months. Potential for joint meeting with PB & EDC. PB is having an upcoming on May
24, Nathan will provide update at next meeting.
7. Roundtable Discussion (Council, Commissioners, City, Liaisons): Presentation next meeting
from Shane Hope and representative from Affordable Housing Coalition on what is on horizon
with affordable housing, etc. Darrol asked about a 4th member showing up at some of the
subgroup meetings in additional to the standing subgroup members. Meetings could be posted as
public meetings. Provide summary of subgroup meetings so other commissioners know what has
been discussed. Articles could be written for local news sources for providing information.
Motion last time regarding Port engaging in development feasibility group but how to
accomplish. Development Feasibility subgroup — George, Mary, Mike, & Darrol will
convene Development Feasibility subgroup. Housing presentation in June, Doug Spee will
come in July. Tourism report was given by Amy Spain at CC last night could be streamed in
August at EDC meeting. Nathan: Hwy 99 hearing last week. Patrick: Open house in late
summer/fall to present what has been done regarding developing Hwy 99 property. Waiting to get
Hwy 99 off plate before Planning Divisions proceeds with Five -Corner's feasibility study. Patrick
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Economic Development Commission
May 17, 2017
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discussed NW Washington Investment Fund I, LLC, NW Innovation Resource Center. Monday,
May 22 4-6 pm information session at Trane Smith & Co, 201 5th Ave S #202, Edmonds.
8. Adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Next regular meeting: June 21, 2017, 6 PM
Approved Minutes
Economic Development Commission
May 17, 2017
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