17 May Commission Meeting Minutes 4-26-21
PORT COMMISSION OF THE PORT OF EDMONDS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
(Via Zoom) April 26, 2021
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Angela Harris, President
David Preston, Vice President
Steve Johnston, Secretary
Bruce Faires
Jim Orvis
STAFF PRESENT
Bob McChesney, Executive Director
Brandon Baker, Marina Manager
Tina Drennan, Finance Manager
Brittany Williams, Manager of Properties and Marketing
OTHERS PRESENT
Bradford Cattle, Port Attorney
CALL TO ORDER
President Harris called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All those in attendance participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
CONSENT AGENDA
President Harris announced that the Commission would have an executive session at the end of the regular meeting.
Commissioner Orvis requested that Item B (Approval of April 12, 2021 Meeting Minutes) be removed from the Consent Agenda.
COMMISSIONER FAIRES MOVED THAT THE REMAINDER OF THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
C. APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $152,230.20
COMMISSIONER PRESTON SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVAL OF APRIL 12, 2021 MEETING MINUTES (Item B on the Consent Agenda)
COMMISSIONER JOHNSTON MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF APRIL 12, 2021 AS AMENDED. COMMISSIONER PRESTON SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
ANNIE CRAWLEY’S 2021 UPDATE
Ms. Williams introduced Annie Crawley, a local scuba diver, film maker, environmental activist, educator, photographer, dive instructor, author, field biologist, all around ocean lover, and a great friend to the Port. She has inspired many to embrace, love and care for the ocean and all those that call it home. She advised that Ms. Crawley led her scuba diving team in a marina cleanup dive on April 18th, and she is present to report on how that went and tell the Commission about her recent endeavors, including her new film titled, “Our Underwater Backyard,” a short film featuring the Edmonds Underwater Park. She commented that, not only does Ms. Crawley’s scuba diving team help the Port keep the marina clean, but these adventure seekers help inspire the community through their commitment to the environment.
Ms. Crawley introduced the leadership members of the dive team and reported that the event was very successful. It was the team’s first group event since the pandemic, and they had 53 volunteers fill out paperwork to participate. There were 27 divers and the dive was a huge community-building event for all who participated. She shared photographs from the event, and explained that the team worked to be extraordinarily safe because they knew the boats moored on the docks they were working on were quite expensive. For example, rather than working from the middle of the docks, they made sure everyone entered and exited the water from the very end of the docks. No garbage came up in the middle to avoid the risk of damage to boats.
Ms. Crawley shared photographs and described some of the complications that were found during the pre-dive. She explained that the environment is very silty, and a lot of growth happens on the docks. She advised that divers were instructed not to remove bottles if there was marine life living in them. There were huge trash piles under some of the boats, and divers can only go under the docks to get the larger pieces so many times before getting silted out. She reported that much of what was recovered was the usual trash that happens wherever there is people, and some likely blew in off of the dock. There was a lot of single-use plastic, and the dumpsters provided by the Port were filled to the brim.
Ms. Crawley advised that, as the team has grown, so have the people who have become involved in the events, including local businesses and community groups. Team members came from as far away as Whidbey Island to help clean up the Port and it has become an event to raise awareness about ocean pollution. The event was featured in My Edmonds News. Planet Ocean launched in March, and the Port’s cleanup events and the dive team were both featured in the book. In addition, a short film and a website about the park was created during the pandemic to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the City’s Marine Preserve. The intent is to create awareness about what lives just below the surface of the Salish Sea. She recalled the issues she first talked to the Port about many years ago regarding climate change and its impacts on the world over, including Edmonds. She said she is grateful for the community partnerships that are all engaged in the same mission and vision to have fun on the water, be safe and take care of it.
Commissioner Johnston thanked Ms. Crawley and her team for their fantastic work and stewardship of the very valuable environment. It is great having her as a partner of the Port. He asked how long it takes for the silt to settle before the divers can see well enough to continue cleaning an area. Ms. Crawley answered that it depends on how much experience a diver has working in the silty environment. She said she went up and down 14 times during the event, which lasted two hours. They only worked two of the three docks that were allocated for the event, and some of the divers said they could have gone through the dock again. Based on the predive, the team targets certain areas.
Commissioner Faires said he was at the marina during the dive, and he complimented Ms. Crawley and her team for their work.
Commissioner Orvis commented that, in addition to cleaning the marina and raising awareness, the event also provides a marvelous way to help young people stay interested in diving. He said he would like to purchase copies of Ms. Crawley’s book, and she shared her contact information with the Commissioners.
Ms. Crawley announced that, via a grant from a parent/leader group in Edmonds, she would be speaking to all of the 32 schools in Edmonds over the next few months about the “Underwater Backyard.” The dream is to have community engagement with the students from all of the schools. As the pandemic eases, she hopes the Port can learn more about the community partnerships she is trying to forge. Commissioner Harris agreed to connect with Ms. Crawley to discuss an opportunity for her to present at a Washington Public Port Association (WPPA) Environmental Committee meeting. Ms. Crawley thanked the Port for its support and for being environmental leaders.
CONTINUATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 20-03 DECLARING LOCAL EMERGENCY AND DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
Mr. McChesney reported that he has not taken any action under the temporary emergency authorities.
Commissioner Faires noted that Snohomish County may end up moving back to Phase 2 and suggested that the resolution should remain in place for the time being. The remainder of the Commissioners concurred.
1ST QUARTER 2021 PORT OPERATIONS REPORT
Mr. Baker presented the 1st Quarter 2021 Port Operations Report, highlighting the following:
• Industry Context. Per the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, new boat sales reached a 13-year high point in 2020, but inventory was down 20%. The average lead time for a new boat is six months. About 30% of the sales were to first-time buyers, which equates to about 100,000 new boaters entering the industry over the last year. Commissioner Preston requested that Mr. Baker provide the numbers for Washington State, and Mr. Baker agreed. Commissioner Orvis commented that the numbers are heartening because Paul Sorenson has been forecasting lower boat sales for the past several years. Perhaps the long-term trend is turning around. Mr. Baker agreed it will be interesting to review numbers for the 5-year cycle to see if people stay interested in boating after five years. The Port will continue to focus on giving good customer experiences and offering great facilities so that people are motivated to keep boating.
• Operational Updates. The Operations Team devoted their project hours to dock roof and gutter cleaning, cleat replacements and a lot of pressure washing. The wood railings on the south promenade and the dumpster enclosures have been completed and look great. The Port purchased a new trailer dolly for Dry Storage, which helps staff move trailers around the property safely and injury free. In addition, the Moorage Team has worked to re-develop the reservation system to create a better customer experience. The new procedure will offer email confirmations and Port information before arrival. The Destination Port of Edmonds (DPOE) Program is also promoted in the new materials. Lastly, the cabling project at Marina Operations resolved the network issues, and staff worked with Landau Associates to submit the Port’s renewal application for the General Boatyard Permit.
• Water Moorage. There were 17 terminations and 41 assignments during the 1st quarter. The waitlist has 251 total applications on file compared to 190 in the 1st quarter of 2020.
• Guest Moorage. The number of boats in Guest Moorage increased by 13% and the number of nights increased by 29%. In 2020 there were 276 nights in the 1st quarter compared to 357 in 2021. There were 27 more reservations, which accounted for 54 more nights. Commissioner Faires asked if staff has numbers for the groups that chose the Port of Edmonds for their events. Mr. Baker responded that there was one in 1st quarter 2021 versus three in 2020.
• Document Compliance. The numbers for document compliance during the 1st quarter were 96% for insurance and 90% for registration, 5-year highs in both categories. Commissioner Preston asked if parking passes are withheld from tenants until they provide both registration and insurance documents, and Mr. Baker answered affirmatively. He noted that registrations for federally-documented vessels now have the option to renew for 5 year periods, but state registrations are only good for one year.
• Dry Storage. Occupancy during 1st quarter was 80% compared to 84% in 2020. All of the 51 trailer spaces were occupied for the entire quarter. Launch activity was down 49% compared to the 1st quarter of 2020. The washdown area was up 18%, total boat handling moves by forklifts decreased by 40%, and call-ahead service usage was up 5%.
• Travelift and Boatyard. Travelift roundtrips increased by 88% and workyard stall usage was up 55%. Sling time with pressure wash decreased by 30% and sling time with no pressure wash decreased by 24%. The number of pressure wash treatments decreased by 5% compared to 2021. The Port offered the March Special to tenants, and it was extremely popular this year.
• Fuel Dock. Total gallons pumped decreased by 6%. Gasoline was down 22% and diesel increased by 39%. Two main factors related to fuel sales is the lack of fishing opportunities and increased Puget Sound Express activity. Pay-at-the-Pump usage accounted for 71% of the total gallons pumped in the 1st quarter of 2021 compared to 59% in 2020. The Port’s average price for unleaded fuel was $3.49, which is just below the area average. The average price for diesel fuel was $2.90 for diesel, which is slightly above. Commissioner Faires asked how Puget Sound Express activity in 2021 compares to 2020, and Mr. Baker said that activity appears to be slightly reduced (about 1 per day). However, he heard from the captain that the last trip that went out was at capacity.
• Public Launch. There were 62 fewer round trips in 2021 and 20 fewer one-way launches. The lack of fishing opportunities has a significant impact on the number of boats being launched.
• Events. The Seattle Boat Show was limited to a virtual event, with no in-person component. The Port had a small presence during the event, with some general information about the marina. The Port co-sponsored three safety seminars at the Edmonds Yacht Club. He attended all three, and they were very well organized and participation was high.
1ST QUARTER 2021 HARBOR SQUARE REPORT
Ms. Williams presented the 1st Quarter 2021 Harbor Square Report, highlighting the following:
• Accounting. Gross projected revenue was down 5.21% or roughly $27,000 over the same period in 2020.
• Occupancy and Leases. The occupancy rate at the end of 1st quarter was 89.63%, down 5.27% from the occupancy rate of 94.9% in 2020. Two leases ended in Quarter 1. One was a business that shifted to working from home rather than extending the lease, and the other was the brewery space that was turned over to a new brewery tenant. There were two new leases, including the aforementioned brewery that did a 63-month lease. There were also three lease extensions.
• Projects. Major projects for Quarter 1 included root removal from pavers outside of Building 1. The pavers were pulled up, the roots were removed, and the pavers were reinstalled. The atrium windows on Building 4 are starting to leak, and they will eventually need to be replaced. To buy some more time, the windows were resealed and a lip was installed over them so the water slides off rather than going into them. Sidewalk grinding was done near Buildings 2 and 3, as well.
Ms. Williams shared that the Port received a nice note from the Edmonds Foodbank, thanking the Port for its partnership. She said is she happy that the Port was able to partner with a local foodbank for the last food drive, and she suggested they plan to do the same for the next one. Commissioner Orvis asked if the value of the Port’s food drive is such that it could occur more than just once a year. Could they have a continuous collection site? Ms. Williams said she likes the idea of not just centering the event around the holidays since there is need throughout the year. She agreed to discuss options with the Edmonds Foodbank, such as an official drop off site at a Port location.
Ms. Williams announced that the Port has signed on to become a partner collaborator with the Northwest Innovation Resource Center and with a cohort, start-up accelerator they have planned with Maritime Blue. Maritime Blue is a non-profit, strategic alliance for maritime innovation and sustainability that works to implement the blue economy strategy delivered by the State’s Maritime Innovation Advisory Council. As a partnership between industry, public sector, research and training institutions and community organizations, the mission of Maritime Blue is to create a world class, thriving and sustainable maritime industry through knowledge sharing, commercialization and business and workforce development in Washington State. She explained that the Northwest Innovation Resource Center has created a blue tech cohort comprised of partners across the state that can help entrepreneurs deployed by Maritime Blue who are working on various innovative maritime projects. She advised that other ports nearby have joined, as well, including the Ports of Everett, Skagit, Anacortes and Bellingham. The Port’s involvement with entrepreneurs and innovators could look like a number of different things. It could be a mentorship, providing an area at the marina for a test project or simply referring potential participants to the cohort. A press release from the Northwest Innovation Resource Center will go out shortly, and she will pass it along to the Commissioners.
1ST QUARTER 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT
Ms. Drennan presented the 1st Quarter 2021 Financial Statements, providing a graph showing 1st quarter revenues and expenses for the past five years. She noted that revenues trended to approximately $2.2 million in 2019 and has stayed there for the past few years. Expenses trended up to $1.7 million in 2019 and dropped to $1.5 million in 2021. She advised that net income is generally trending upwards. Revenues were $47,000 less than budget, and expenses were $234,000 less than budget. Gross profit for the 3-month period was $1.9 million, which was $37,000 less than budget. Net income for the same period was $665,000. She highlighted the following:
Marina Operations Revenue Actual to Budget
• Net Fuel Sales were $27,000, which was $14,000 greater than budget. As fuel prices go up, the Port typically does better as the Port is holding cheaper fuel in their tanks. As prices go down, the Port typically does worse as the Port is holding more expensive fuel in their tanks. Prices are currently trending up.
• Net Guest Moorage revenue was $20,000 or $12,000 greater than budget.
• Permanent Moorage revenues was about $947,000, or $2,000 less than budget.
• Dry Storage revenue was $153,000 or $8,600 less than budget.
• Parking revenue was $10,500 or $14,000 less than budget. Due to the pandemic, there isn’t a lot of parking demand for the commuter parking area.
• Financial occupancy for permanent moorage was 96%, and 96% was budgeted for the year. Financial occupancy for dry storage was 83% and 88% was budgeted for the year. Compared to the 1st quarter in previous years, Dry Storage revenue is higher than the past five years. It was down in the 1st quarter of 2020 because the Port decided to charge tenants the pay-per-move on their April statements due to limited hours during the pandemic.
Rental Properties Revenue Actual to Budget
• Total Rental Property revenue was $650,000 or 4% less than budget.
Operating Expenses Actual to Budget
• Operating expenses before depreciation for the 3-month period were $1.1 million, which was $183,000 or 14% less than budget.
• Employee benefits were $177,000, or $12,000 less than budget.
• Repair and Maintenance expenses were $59,000 or $36,000 less than budget.
• Salaries and wages were $485,000 or $71,000 less than budget.
• Supplies were $48,000 or $37,000 less than budget.
• Utilities were $121,000 or $11,000 greater than budget.
Marina Actual to Budget
• Revenues are trending upwards to a high of $1.4 million in 2021. Expenses trended up to almost $1.1 million in 2019 and trended back down to $1 million in 2021.
• Net income is trending upwards.
• Operating revenues were $5,000 less than budget and expenses were $181,000 less than budget.
• Operating revenues were $1,367,000, or $17,000 below budget.
• Operating expenses before depreciation and overhead were $611,000 or $104,000 less than budget.
• Net income was $377,000 or $177,000 greater than budget.
Rental Property Actual to Budget
• Operating revenues trended up to 2018, with a high of $738,000, and dropped to $649,000 in 2021. Expenses don’t appear to have a trend. However, 2017 through 2019 revenues are a bit misleading because rental property was subsidized with property taxes during those years. If the subsidy is removed, revenues would have been $624,000 in 2017, $695,000 in 2018 and $686,000 in 2019.
• Net income trended upwards to $345,000 in 2018, dropping to $288,000 in 2021. Without the property tax subsidy, the net income would have been $174,000 in 2017, $302,000 in 2018, and $264,000 in 2019.
• Actual to budget revenues were $30,000 less than budget and expenses were $41,000 less than budget.
• Operating revenues were $649,000 or $31,000 (5%) less than budget, and operating expenses before depreciation and overhead were $147,000 or $13,000 less than budget.
• Net income was $288,000 or $10,000 greater than budget.
Ms. Drennan reviewed the investing summary, noting that as of March 31st, the Port had 24 long-term investments. The details of the Port’s bond maturity and bond purchases was attached to the Staff Report. Cash and Investments increased by $2.8 million in 2021. After calculating the other reserves, $1.7 million was added to the Capital Replacement Reserve in the 1st quarter of 2021. The Capital Replacement Reserve is currently $15.7 million, and the Environmental Reserve is currently $1 million. The Public Amenities Reserve is $116,000. As bonds are being called and maturing, the Port is retaining the funds in an interest-bearing account until the cost and funding for the Administration Building and North Portwalk and Seawall Construction have been determined.
Commissioner Orvis requested more information about the interest-bearing account, and Ms. Drennan answered that the interest on the account is low, but slightly better than the Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP), which is run by the State Treasurer’s office. They are currently getting .11%, and the Port’s account is currently getting .15% at Washington Federal.
2020 ANNUAL REPORT
Ms. Drennan reviewed that staff presented the preliminary 2020 year-end financial statements at the February 22nd Commission meeting. The financial statements attached to the Staff Report are presented in the format required by the State of Washington and will be submitted to the State Auditor’s Office in the week following the meeting. The 2020 Annual Report was provided to the Finance Committee on March 25th, and it will be available on the Port’s website later in the week.
Ms. Drennan further reviewed that the 2020 Balance Sheet and Income Statement were presented on to the Commission on February 22nd. She explained that the Statement of Net Position shows the same information as the Balance Sheet, but may be presented a little differently. The Statement of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Fund Net Position shows the same data as the Income Statement, but is less detailed than the previous presentation. There were no major changes to the Financial Statement numbers since the February 22nd meeting. However, minor changes included moving an expense of $2,858 from 2020 to 2021 to match the warranty payment and reclassifying the Building 3 construction rent abatement of $25,547 as an expense instead of a negative revenue. The total change to net income was an increase of $2,858.
Ms. Drennan noted that one item that is not included in a typical financial statement is the Statement of Cash Flows. This new document is presented on Page 12 of the Financial Statement and shows the sources and uses of cash (inflows and outflows). Operating activities provided net cash of $3.4 million. She emphasized that it is important that organizations regularly produce positive cash flows from operations because this is the daily activity.
Ms. Drennan reported that noncapital financing activities provided net cash of $406,000 and activities include proceeds from property tax revenue and operating grants. Capital and related financing activities used net cash of just under $1.5 million, and cash flows include purchases and construction of capital assets. Investing activities used net cash of $1 million, and activities include the maturity and purchase of long-term investments and interest from the Port’s investments. Total cash increased by $1.3 million in 2020, as the Port increased its long-term investing. Total cash and investments increased by $2.9 million. As per the Cash Flow Model, these funds were moved into the Capital Replacement Reserve to pay for future capital maintenance.
Commissioner Johnston commended staff for an excellent result during a pandemic year.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. McChesney announced that the Port received a Letter of Completeness from the City of Edmonds for its application submittal for the new Administration/Maintenance Building. This is a major milestone that takes the project forward to the Architectural Design Board on June 2nd. The floor plan has been a bit of a problem, particularly on the second floor where they have approximately 700 to 800 square feet of excess space. They are working to come up with a configuration that is efficient and allows this space to be leased out. Three options will be presented to the Commission for discussion at their retreat on May 12th. He noted that most of the consultants will participate in the retreat via Zoom.
Mr. McChesney reported that Earth Day was last week, and there was an event at the Edmonds Marsh on Saturday, April 24th.
Mr. McChesney said staff is working to re-energize the summer music program. They have met with Sea Jazz partners and the School of Rock, and they are looking forward to coming alive on the waterfront this summer if the pandemic has dissipated enough to allow it.
Ms. Drennan discussed the Port’s redistricting program. Ms. Drennan advised that, typically, the Port receives information in March, but the release date has been postponed until September because of the pandemic and anomalies in the data. She said she doesn’t anticipate the new districts will be in place for the fall election.
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Commissioner Preston said he looks forward to attending one of Ms. Crawley’s Underwater Backyard presentations at the schools in Edmonds. He also looks forward to the opportunities that might come from the effort.
Commissioner Preston said he attended the recent Downtown Edmonds Merchant Association (DEMA) meeting where there was discussion about a variety of issues related to parking. He suggested that they think about the issue differently, recognizing that it isn’t likely that a parking garage will be built in Edmonds. Instead, they should consider how to encourage other modes of transportation (bike, Uber, etc.). For example, he suggested that retailers take it upon themselves to start training people how to use Uber and Lyft. The Port could do the same. He said he plans to continue to push this idea with DEMA.
Commissioner Preston reported that he attended a recent Washington Public Port Association (WPPA) meeting, where the State Auditor made a great presentation. He said he also attended an Edmonds Center for the Arts Finance Meeting where they discussed a variety of funding options.
Commissioner Orvis said that, as he reviewed the payment activity, he noticed a bill for removing wildlife. He requested more information about this expense. Mr. McChesney responded that the Port has an annual contract with the Department of Agriculture to patrol the facilities and manage nuisance species that arrive seasonally (otters, birds, etc.).
Commissioner Orvis announced that he would attend the virtual Washington Public Port Association’s (WPPA) virtual spring meeting.
Commissioner Orvis referred to an email from a tenant who was concerned about having to wait a long time at the dock to purchase fuel for his boat. Commissioner Harris said she responded to the email and brought it to the attention of staff. She noted that Mr. McChesney provided a written update for the Commission’s information.
Commissioner Orvis provided a legislative report, specifically noting the following:
• Anticipating tax revenue, federal aid and new taxes and fees, the legislature has a lot of money. They have even swept the emergency reserve from the rainy-day fund, expecting it will be replaced by revenue from the new capital gains tax.
• Model Toxic Control Act (MTCA) grants are now fully funded.
• The cap-and-trade bill is on its way to Governor Inslee. If signed, Washington and California will be the only two states with a cap-and-trade.
• The low carbon fuel bill will require a 20% reduction in carbon intensity by 2038. Both the cap-and-trade and low carbon fuel bills are linked to a 5% gas tax. However, neither of the bills will go into effect absent a major transportation package.
• The two-year transportation budget is quite lean, with little funding for new projects, and the Freight Mobility Investment Board took some significant hits.
• The Boating Facilities Program received $14.8 million for grants to acquire and renovate boating facilities, including upland boating support facilities.
• The budget includes $3 million for derelict vessel removal.
• There is $9.1 million available for projects located near state-owned aquatic lands. Mr. McChesney noted that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) owns aquatic land under about half of the marina, and the Port manages it under a Port Management Agreement.
• The house voted $40 million for CERB, the senate voted $25 million, and they compromised at $50 million.
Commissioner Faires reported on his attendance at the April 21st Edmonds Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting where he learned that the City of Edmonds anticipates receiving approximately $10 million from the American Rescue Plan. The criteria that will be applied by the Federal Government has not yet been published, and the funds must be spent by the end of 2024. The funding primarily focuses on three infrastructure areas: water, sewer and broadband. He asked if ports are included as potential beneficiaries of this plan, as well.
Commissioner Faires advised that Nicole Hughes, the president of the EDC, would like to meet with him, Commissioner Harris and Mr. McChesney to discuss how the Port can be involved in the EDC’s efforts to create a waterfront development plan. He said he invited the EDC members to attend the Commission’s retreat, where much of the discussion will focus on the North Portwalk and Seawall and the Administration/Maintenance Building Projects.
Commissioner Johnston commended staff for another successful series of inspections from the Department of Ecology (DOE) and the Snohomish County Health Department. Another clean bill of health is always welcome, and a sign that the Port is doing what is should as good stewards of the environment.
Commissioner Johnston said he has participated in a number of the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County’s (EASC) Coffee Chats, and he particularly enjoyed the one that focused on the “Post Pandemic On-Line World.” It discussed how things will go forward as the area slowly recovers from the pandemic. It is anticipated there will be an adjustment of office space and commuter travel for the mid to long term. An anticipated residual impact is that approximately 25% of the population will no longer trust leadership’s response to the pandemic enough and will likely stay in a partial lockdown for a very long period of time.
Commissioner Johnston announced that he would attend the EASC’s presentation relative to broadband access on April 27th. Commissioner Preston advised that he would attend, as well. Commissioner Johnston advised that he would attend the virtual WPPA Spring meeting, as well.
Commissioner Harris said she has also participated in a number of EASC Coffee Chats. She advised that she would meet with Gayla Shoemake to brainstorm options to incorporate LEED Certification and solar into the Administration/Maintenance Project. She also advised that she would meet with Council Member Buckschnis and Daniel Johnson, CEO of the Waterfront Center, on Friday to discuss their experience with LEED.
Commissioner Harris advised that she has been working with the Sierra Club and the City regarding their land-acknowledgement statements. She has been trying to connect with someone from the tribes to have some conversation, as well. She hopes to present a recommendation to the Commission at some point in the future.
Commissioner Harris reported that she participated in the Waterfront Center’s virtual grand opening event. She also attended the Earth Day event at the Edmonds Marsh, where she had a good conversation with Greg Ferguson who has done a lot of restoration at the Marsh. She was able to learn more about Safe Salmon’s work with the City on restoration efforts.
The Commission cancelled the regular meeting on May 10th. Instead, this meeting would be merged with the retreat that is scheduled for May 12th.
Council Member Olson announced that the City scored very well for two potential grants for the Marina Beach Park Projects. It is likely that funding will be awarded for the projects if the City uses a more holistic, salmon recovery approach.
Commissioner Faires asked if Council Member Olson could provide more information about the funding the City may receive from the American Rescue Plan. Council Member Olson said she doesn’t know the exact dollar amount, but it will be significant and multi-year. No decision has been made on how it will be spent, and she anticipates that City stakeholders will have some input. She agreed to keep the Port advised.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Harris announced that the Commission would recess into an Executive Session pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) to discuss with legal counsel representing agency matters relating to agency enforcement actions, or to discuss the legal counsel representing the agency litigation or potential litigation to which the agency, the governing body, or member acting in an official capacity is, or is likely to become, a party. She advised that the Executive Session would last approximately 30 minutes, and the Commission would resume the public portion of the meeting after the Executive Session. She further advised that no action would be taken after the Executive Session, and the meeting would be adjourned at the end of the Executive Session.
At 9:00 p.m., the Commission reconvened the regular meeting to announce that the executive session would be extended until 9:45 p.m.
The Executive Session was adjourned at 9:45 p.m., and the business portion of the regular meeting was reconvened immediately.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Johnston, Port Commission Secretary