2019-02-20 Economic Development Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
February 20, 2019
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Mary Monroe, Chair
Kimberly Koenig
Darrol Haug
Michael Schindler
Kevin Harris
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember, ex officio
Phil Lovell, Planning Board, ex officio
Greg Urban, Edmonds Chamber, ex officio
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
Nicole Hughes, Vice Chair (excused)
Aseem Prakash (excused)
Scott Merrick (excused)
Jamie Reece (excused)
Bruce Faires, Port Commissioner, ex-officio
Guests:
Bob McChesney, Port Executive Director
STAFF PRESENT:
Cindi Cruz, Program Coordinator
Economic Development Commission meeting called to order by Mary 6:00 p.m.
Absences: Nicole Hughes, Scott Merrick, Jamie Reece, Aseem Prakash, all excused for work.
1. Approval of Agenda: Kimberly moved to approve agenda, Darrol seconded motion passed.
2. Approval of 1/16/19 EDC Minutes: Kevin moved to approve minutes, Darrol seconded; motion
passed.
3. Audience Comments: Three members of the public were present. Comments consisted of interest
in what the Commission will be working on for the upcoming year.
4. New Business: Due to the potential loss of a quorum of members at 7 p.m. this item was
postponed for work -group updates.
5. Work -group updates: Mary stated that a memo for Mayor and Council to present priorities for
approval will be prepared in March or April.
Priorities: Mary discussed priorities outlined in last meeting and thought most of the items
could belong in the three other work -groups. A work -group could be created if needed
depending on what subjects/projects may come up during the year. Parking issues and the
Civic Field project will be ongoing, Creative District will have a steering committee
created through a public process which may include an EDC member, and collaboration
with outside groups such as Verdant, Swedish, Chamber, Port, EdCC with outreach to these
various groups. Speakers could be invited to EDC meetings from these organizations.
Darrol mentioned that discussion of a preservation zone or historic district in the downtown
core should be focus of one of the groups. Phil stated that next Wednesday, February 27 is
the first hearing on small cell installations at Planning Board. Microcell facilities will be
placed 40-50 feet off the ground throughout the City. The FCC passed a regulation that
municipalities must adopt regulations for small cell installations by 4/14. Greg asked about
meeting mission of EDC and what to do regards to mission from CC/Mayor. Memo will
help clarify.
Development Feasibility: Darrol updated on issues of construction costs and when does a
project pencil out, parking is part of the cost of developing (see attachment regarding
parking requirements).
Approved Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
February 20, 2019
Page 1
Arts/Tourism: Kimberly provided update; work -group is researching using trolley for
waterfront shuttle, year round public market, informational marketing and signage on ferry
lane in collaboration with Downtown Alliance. Ferry lane signage would be directing to a
URL in right-of-way of ferry holding lanes. Amy Spain of the Snohomish County Tourism
Bureau had met with Cindi today and reported on the opening of Paine Field for
commercial flights in early March.
Business Attraction: Kevin updated on the work -group meeting discussion of the list
compiled at the January meeting. See attached graphics: relative project perception listing
topics except for Creative District. Discussed NW Innovation Resource Center
presentation at Economic Alliance of Sno Co forecast meeting earlier today. Mike
mentioned WeWorks facilities office space for entrepreneurs looking for space. City fiber
optic network potential was discussed. Committee will meet to narrow down their priorities
and objectives by March meeting.
Kimberly left meeting at 7 p.m. and meeting was adjourned due to lack of quorum.
Adjourn at 7 p.m.
Next regular meeting: March 20, 2019, 6 PM.
Approved Minutes
Economic Development Commission
February 20, 2019
Page 2