01 Dec Commission Meeting Minutes 11-13-23
PORT COMMISSION OF THE PORT OF EDMONDS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
(Zoom—Hybrid Meeting) November 13, 2023
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Steve Johnston, President (via Zoom)
Jim Orvis, Vice President
Jay Grant, Secretary
Janelle Cass
David Preston
STAFF PRESENT
Angela Harris, Executive Director
Brandon Baker, Deputy Executive Director
Brittany Williams, Manager of Properties and Economic Development
OTHERS PRESENT
Jordan Stephens, Port Attorney
Dave Teitzel, Edmonds City Council
Mike Quinn, Mayor, Town of Woodway
CALL TO ORDER
President Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE
All those in attendance participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COMMISSIONER GRANT MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS SUBMITTED. COMMISSIONER ORVIS SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Darrol Haug, Edmonds, congratulated the newly re-elected Commissioners and thanked Councilmember Teitzel for his service to the City and Port. He also thanked Executive Director Harris for helping him with research on the various forms of government taxation and briefly shared some of what he learned about the leasehold tax. Commissioner Orvis shared information on how leasehold taxes are collected and distributed.
CONSENT AGENDA
COMMISSIONER GRANT MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
A. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 30, 2023 MEETING MINUTES
B. APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $400,230.19
C. APPROVAL OF SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT
COMMISSIONER PRESTON SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
POSSIBLE ACTION
A. Approval of Resolution No. 23-09, Establishing the Amount of Tax to Be Levied
Executive Director Harris presented the resolution for Commission discussion and approval, noting that, as proposed, the amount of tax to be levied in 2024 would increase by $6,173.65, which is an increase of 1% from 2023.
COMMISSIONER ORVIS MOVED THE COMMISSION APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 23-09, INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF TAX TO BE LEVIED IN 2024 BY $6,173.65, WHICH IS A PERCENTAGE INCREASE OF 1% FROM 2023 PLUS NEW CONSTRUCTION AND REFUNDS. COMMISSIONER JOHNSTON SECONDED THE MOTION.
While she is comfortable with the proposed tax increase, Commissioner Cass expressed concern about the cumulative impact of tax increases by numerous government entities on residents and boaters. The Commissioners discussed the need to clearly advise the public and tenants of the importance of the North Seawall and Portwalk Project, particularly emphasizing the Seawall. It was also pointed out that government bodies are only allowed to increase taxes by 1% per year, yet inflation and government spending has been much higher. Implementation of Federal and State laws have also increased project costs.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
B. Approval of Resolution No. 23-10, Adopting the 2024 Budget
After providing a brief overview of the budget process, Executive Director Harris presented the resolution for Commission discussion and approval, noting two changes to the budget since the public hearing:
• Overhead Budget: Membership Dues were increased by $8,250 to allow flexibility on which associations the Port can join.
• Repair and Maintenance was increased by $55,000 due to anticipated cost and scope increases for the moorage electrical tap feeder upgrades.
COMMISSIONER PRESTON MOVED THE COMMISSION APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 23-10, ADOPTING THE 2024 BUDGET. COMMISSIONER ORVIS SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
INFORMATION
A. Port Rebrand Update
Ms. Williams provided a brief update on the process thus far, and shared a finalized set of logos, including examples of how they could be used on various mediums. She also provided an updated timeline for the remaining aspects of the rebranding project. The intent is to roll out the rebrand next year.
CITY OF EDMONDS AND TOWN OF WOODWAY REPORTS
• Edmonds Councilmember Teitzel provided a brief budget update and reported that the Fishing Pier Restroom was in the Capital Facilities/Capital Improvement Plan schedule starting in 2025, and he submitted an amendment that would move the project up to 2024. He provided a brief update on the Unocal property and advised that he, along with Executive Director Harris, Councilmember Buckshnis and Joe Scordino would meet with Jeremy Harrison, Northwest Regional Director for Policy for Governor Inslee and representatives from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to discuss future ownership.
• Andor Boeck, Edmonds Yacht Club (EYC), reported that Executive Director Harris and Deputy Executive Director Baker met with members of the EYC to discuss potential parking solutions for EYC events. He said he is also working to encourage more EYC involvement in the North Seawall Reconstruction and Portwalk Project, as they are particularly concerned about project timing and its impact to their operations. Executive Director Harris suggested it might be helpful for Port staff to meet with the EYC Board.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director Harris provided the following updates:
• Public engagement – She met with representatives from Marsh Estuary Advocates, as well as a local climate action community group to discuss future sea level rise. She invited them to present an overview at the December 11th Commission meeting.
• Seawall reconstruction & Portwalk (grants) – The grants team is waiting for the Notice of Funding Opportunity to open for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant, and staff continues to work with the consultant on the presumed application materials. They have met with federal delegate staff to refresh the project status, and they are starting to talk with State delegates, as well.
• Seawall reconstruction & Portwalk (permitting) – Staff is working with Landau Associates and CG Engineering on permitting, including options for meeting the mitigation requirements, for the North Seawall Reconstruction and Portwalk Project.
• Staffing updates – Staff is interviewing candidates for Director of Finance and Administration, and have paused the Accounts Payable position and will repost near end of year.
Ms. Williams announced that Holiday on the Docks will be December 2nd through January 3rd and Holiday Night at the Marina will be December 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Commissioner Cass reported that she attended a Veteran’s event sponsored by the City of Lynnwood where she ran into Congressman Larsen, who is very aware of what is going on at the Port. She also reported on her attendance at the November 7th Edmonds City Council meeting, as well as a joint meeting of the Edmonds Planning Board/Economic Development Commission. Lastly, she reported on her attendance at the November 6th public meeting regarding the Climate Action Plan and commented on the importance of the Port being part of the conversation.
• Commissioner Preston shared his thoughts on the November 6th Climate Action Plan meeting, too. He also reported on a recent conversation he had with Port of Everett Commissioner Glen Bockman regarding potential port district expansion.
• Commissioner Grant reported on his attendance at Edmonds City Council meetings where he addressed the Council regarding the Fishing Pier Restroom. He also shared that he attended a Washington Public Port Association (WPPA) Finance Committee meeting and a Woodway Town Council meeting. Lastly, he advised that he would attend the upcoming WPPA meeting.
• Commissioners Johnson, Orvis, Preston and Grant shared their thoughts after attending the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (EASC) briefing on potential expansion of the Everett Port District.
• Commissioner Johnston advised that he would also attend the WPPA winter meeting.
WORKSHOP
A. Executive Director Delegation of Authority
Port Attorney Stephens provided a comparison chart summarizing the differences between the existing Delegation of Authority and the recommended changes. The chart also provided a comparison of the Port of Anacortes, Port of Bellingham and Port of Everett. She reviewed the chart with the Commissioners, focusing on the areas shaded in gray where changes have been suggested to make the document clearer. The Commissioners discussed and provided feedback and direction on each one.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jay Grant
Port Commission Secretary