2018-02-21 Economic Development Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
February 21, 2018
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Jamie Reece, Chair
Stephen Clifton (left at 7:10 p.m.)
Matthew Waldron
Darrol Haug
Aseem Prakash
Phil Lovell, Planning Board, ex officio
Greg Urban, Edmonds Chamber, ex officio
Bob McChesney, Port of Edmonds Executive
Director
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Nicole Hughes
Mary Monroe Vice -Chair
George Bennett
Michael Schindler
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember, ex officio
Bruce Faires, Port Commissioner, ex-officio
STAFF PRESENT:
Patrick Doherty, Econ. Dev & Comm. Serv. Dir.
Cindi Cruz, Program Coordinator
1. Economic Development Commission meeting called to order by Jamie at 6:11 p.m.
2. Approval of Agenda: Approved as submitted.
3. Approval of 01/17/18 EDC Minutes: Darrol moved to approve minutes, Aseem seconded;
motion passed.
4. Audience Comments: Scott Marshall, interested in City and economic development.
5. Old Business:
Subgroup Discussion (90 minutes):
Development Feasibility: Patrick updated on downtown BD memo that was presented
to City Council by Mary approximately two weeks ago. Council Committee will be asked
to recommend to Council to forwardto Planning Division and Planning Board for further
consideration. There was a question whether the issue had been discussed in the 2013-
2014 timeframe, but review of the Planning Board and Council minutes confirmed that
the discussions then focused on ground -floor uses not the first floor ceiling height,
including depth of retail space, uses, and 25+5 height and recommended stronger design
guidelines in return. If taken up by City Council, the issue will be sent to Planning
Division for research and then to Planning Board for hearing and potentially back to City
Council for their review and/or approval. Reiterated that it was merely bringing a topic
before the Council to consider discussion of a recommended issue from the Commission.
Commissioners could reach out to the Councilmember who appointed them to discuss
items coming from EDC for consideration by Council. Patrick also discussed other things
that would like to be worked on by EDC. Planning has received report on Five -Corners
by Heartland and will have a staff person at the next meeting to review with EDC. Phil
stated the report is based on project economics. The project is an evaluation of
redevelopment feasibility of four of the five corners. In short, they conclude there is
definite potential for redevelopment. Study will be distributed to EDC for discussion at
next meeting. Memo and/or joint memo with Planning Board will be drafted after review
to go to City Council.
Approved Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
February 21, 2018
Page 1
Art: Patrick discussed release of Arts & Culture Economic Impact study — public
meeting next Thursday, March 1 in the Plaza Room, 6 p.m. to present the study to the
public. The study quantifies the amenities and quality of life is that will attract businesses
to locate in the City of Edmonds. Will be using study in applying to state for creative
district designation. Identify opportunities to grow arts and culture zones in other areas of
Edmonds including Hwy 99, Five -Corners, etc.
Civic Facilities: Matt updated that he and Aseem will draft a memo regarding the
movement of City Hall to another area in the City and have ready for distribution and
review at the next meeting.
Affordable Housing: Jamie discussed last Task Force meeting. Will have public open
houses and will review public input and work on refining action items to go to Planning
Board. Edmonds Lutheran Church is working with consultant to potentially create
apartment unit prefab construction patterned after a similar development in Marysville.
Specifics are not available as of yet. Establishing some specific goals and idea of using
bonding authority as a City to provide help for builders to develop low-cost housing.
Stephen stated that some REET 2 money was available thru Snohomish County for low-
income housing development and could provide a financial source for these
developments.
Stephen left at 7:10 p.m. meeting is adjourned due to lack of a quorum.
Next regular meeting: March 21, 2018, 6 PM
Approved Minutes
Economic Development Commission
January 17, 2018
Page 2