15 Dec Commission Meeting Minutes 11-28-22
PORT COMMISSION OF THE PORT OF EDMONDS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 28, 2022 (Via Zoom, Hybrid Meeting)
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
David Preston, President
Steve Johnston, Vice President
Jim Orvis, Secretary
Jay Grant
Angela Harris
STAFF PRESENT
Bob McChesney, Executive Director
Brittany Williams, Manager of Properties and Economic Development
OTHERS PRESENT
Jordan Stephens, Port Attorney
CALL TO ORDER
President Preston 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.
CONSENT AGENDA
COMMISSIONER ORVIS MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 14, 2022 MEETING MINUTES, AS SUBMITTED
C. APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,005,672.45
COMMISSIONER JOHNSTON SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT
Ms. Williams reported that the Communications Committee (Mr. Baker, Ms. Williams, Mr. McChesney, Commissioner Grant, and Commissioner Harris) recently met. A major topic of discussion was the possibility of rebranding the Port. The rebrand could include an update to the Port’s current logo, which is looking a little dated and could be refreshed. In addition, some of the catchphrases, slogans and mottos that have been used in the past have been “sunsetted”, and they are looking for something new. The Committee is recommending the Port hire a consultant to help develop a new logo and brand kit (color schemes, font selections, etc.) that could be used on all of the Port’s advertising content. She recalled the Port recently switched its website to a platform that works better. As the website was being rebuilt, it became apparent that professional help was needed to make the website design more suitable. The Committee would like the consultant’s work to include a new slogan and tagline. She pointed out that a Port rebrand would be a timely discussion point as it could be incorporated into signage elements of the new Administration Building and Portwalk project. The Committee discussed the idea of new property welcome signs, which could roll into updated wayfinding signage, as well as the new signage at the new Portwalk and Administration Building.
Ms. Williams pointed out the added value that a rebrand could bring to the Port. Having an improved, sharper, up-to-date design would allow for a cohesive look throughout the entire Port property and online. The brand kit would serve as a significant resource for those who do any type of advertising and promoting of the Port. They are already going to be spending significant money on major projects in the near future, and the Committee felt it would be advantageous to do the rebrand now. By the time the Portwalk is finished in 2025-2026, the rebrand would be complete and the Port would have one cohesive look, both online and on the property.
Ms. Williams shared some examples of what the branding kit and updated signage might look like. She also shared a rough timeline, suggesting that the project could start in Quarter 1 of 2023 by hiring a consultant and working with them to clarify the Port’s marketing strategy. It would likely take the consultant six to eight weeks to come up with design concepts. The new logo and brand kit could be available in Quarter 2 of 2023, and then staff could finalize the website. Using this material, the Port could start changing out printed material, internal documents and digital content. Phase 2 implementation would involve the more costly items such as signage and placing new logos on uniforms and vehicles.
Commissioner Johnston voiced support for the project, expressing his belief that every organization should refresh every seven or eight years. The Port is an attractor for the community, bringing people to the waterfront. Tying that all in with an attractive signage and wayfinding program is a great idea. Having branding that is different from everyone else, but attractive, matters a lot.
Commissioner Harris also indicated support for the project and agreed that it is perfect timing. She loves the idea of a staged approach, looking long-term about how it could be applied across the entire Port, but also being thoughtful about tying it into the projects that are occurring in the near future to save the most money.
Commissioner Grant said he also supports the project and agreed that the timing is good. He also agreed with a phase approach.
Commissioner Orvis said he doesn’t have a problem with the current logo, and the Port of Edmonds and Harbor Square signage looks good. However, if they are going to rebrand and update signs, it needs to be done as a whole package. He said he supports the project, too. They may need to accelerate the timeline so that the logo and sign design are ready for installation when the new Administration/Maintenance Building is finished. As the designs for the new Portwalk are finalized, it will also be helpful to have a good understanding of what the signage needs will be.
Commissioner Preston noted that the Port’s website was revamped a number of years ago with help from a consultant. He asked what would be different this time. Ms. Williams responded that the previous consultant contract was for website maintenance, and the proposed new contract would be for website design.
Commissioner Preston asked if it would be possible to have the new design done to coincide with the opening of the new Administrative/Maintenance Building. Ms. Williams said she anticipates a logo would be available within he first few months, perhaps at the end of Quarter 1 of 2023. This would enable the Port to use the new design for signage for the new building.
COMMISSIONER GRANT MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION AUTHORIZE STAFF TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE REBRAND PROPOSAL AS PRESENTED BY PORT STAFF. COMMISSIONER ORVIS SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Ms. Williams provided an overview of the Port’s holiday events for December 2022:
• Holiday Food Drive – The holiday food drive on behalf of the Edmonds Food Bank will be December 1st through 31st. During that time, the Port will collect non-perishable food items and toiletries at the Harbor Square Business Complex Building 2 (120 W Dayton Street) and the Marina Operations Office (458 Admiral Way).
• Holiday on the Docks – In partnership with the Edmonds Yacht Club, this event will feature boats decked out in holiday decorations from December 3rd through January 2nd. There will be about 11 boats at Guest moorage and a few boats sprinkled throughout N and P Docks.
• Holiday Night at the Marina. The community is invited to the Mary Lou Block Public Plaza on December 15th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for a festive night at the marina to celebrate the holidays. Puget Sound Express will be doing their open house, hot chocolate and cookies will be served, and One Love Bridge will supply the music. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for photographs and to hand out candy canes. This will be a free community event.
Ms. Williams shared what the posters and marketing content will look like for the holiday events. They will be doing Facebook social media posts, a press release, advertisements on My Edmonds News and The Edmonds Beacon, and the events will be listed in the holiday mailer. There will be posters on Port property and around town, as well. She shared the holiday mailer that would be sent out to Port District residents starting on Wednesday.
Commissioner Preston asked how much was collected at last year’s food drive, and Ms. Williams answered that it was 812 pounds. The first year, they collected over 1,000 pounds. People coming to Holiday Night at the Marina will be encouraged to participate in the drive, too. Commissioner Grant asked if they could do some strategic signing to attract the participation of Harbor Square Athletic Club clients. He suggested they consider opportunities to increase visibility. Ms. Williams agreed to consider additional opportunities to publicize the event.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. McChesney reported that the N Dock Project has been completed and was signed off by the inspector last week. On Portwalk project, he said they are still waiting for the Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application (JARPA) to be approved and to figure out what the mitigation plan will be. The next milestone is submitting the project to the City of Edmonds for Architectural Design Board review and a Substantial Shoreline Development Permit in January of 2023. They hope to have 90% design completed by the end of April or beginning of May, with a complete 100% design in June. He reminded them that the critical path runs through the permitting process.
Mr. McChesney provided a brief update on the Administration/Maintenance Building Project, noting that he sent photographs to the Commissioners. Commissioner Orvis said he has been amazed at how quickly the building is going up.
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Commissioner Grant reported that Mr. McChesney made a report at the Edmonds Civic Roundtable event, and he received a comment back that he did a great job.
Commissioner Grant said he has been following the Edmonds City Council as they work on the 2023 budget. There is still a lot of debate going on about potential zoning changes, and they recently approved some changes to the BD2 zone.
Commissioner Orvis said Ms. Ebel sent out the agenda list for the Washington Public Port Association’s Legislative Committee. He highlighted the following items:
• They are expecting another McLeary-type arrangement, which means a great deal of what everyone is talking about right now will be swept. Freight Mobility Funds were swept last time, and they expect it to happen again.
• There is a big discussion going on in the cities about a significant disagreement between developers and industrial issues in the cities, with industrial land being under intense pressure to be used for housing. As density increases, residential neighborhoods are pushing back significantly on the tightening of the rules for lot sizes and housing density. The issue was brought up at a recent Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (EASC) meeting by a representative from the City of Everett. The City of Everett is making a decided push to maintain its industrial lands, but the City of Seattle appears to be less successful.
• The WPPA will be introducing a new environmental lobbyist at its next meeting. He seems to be well prepared and knows a lot of people. He comes from the Port of Seattle and is familiar with the needs of ports.
• Although not in the budget, Governor Inslee has allocated $10 million to study what has to be done to compensate for the loss of barge traffic if the Snake River Dams are removed.
• Public works contracting will be back on the legislative agenda, but there is a fairly good chance nothing will happen except perhaps increasing the limit on the contract amount that can be worked under the Small Public Works Contracting List.
• The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) stadium grant money comes from the unwinding of the Mariner’s stadium. They are hoping to make ports eligible for the grant, but it can only be used for parks. They are now trying to change the law so that ports can do parks.
• The Department of revenue has decided that, in addition to the Business and Occupation (B&O) and Retail Sales Taxes on dark fiber projects, they want leasehold taxes from ports. This legislation will probably lay fallow until the public utility districts get hit with the same thing, and then they will fight the battle.
• The legislature has finally come to the realization that the State’s Energy Strategy forecasts insufficient supply of electricity for the programs that are being initiated.
Commissioner Preston reported that he attended the City Council’s last meeting where the budget was the focus of discussion. While there, he took the opportunity to promote the Port’s holiday events during the public comment section of the meeting. He further reported that Mr. McChesney did a great job with his presentation to the Edmonds Civic Roundtable, letting them know what is going on at the Port.
Commissioner Preston announced that he would attend the WPPA’s Annual Meeting next week, along with several other Commissioners.
Mr. McChesney noted that the December 26th meeting would be moved to December 27th to accommodate the holiday. Typically, the meeting is held in the morning for accounts payable only. The Commissioners agreed to start the meeting at 9:00 a.m., noting that if something comes up, the meeting time could be changed as needed.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Orvis
Port Commission Secretary