13 Nov Commission Meeting Minutes 10-28-25
PORT COMMISSION OF THE PORT OF EDMONDS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 28, 2025
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
David Preston, President
Janelle Cass, Vice President
Selena Killin, Secretary
Jay Grant
Ross Dimmick
STAFF PRESENT
Brandon Baker, Executive Director
Brian Menard, Director of Facilities and Maintenance
Brittany Williams, Director of Economic Development
Renae Ebel, Administration & Accounts Rec Specialist
OTHER PRESENT
Jordan Stephens, Port Attorney
I. CALL TO ORDER
President Preston called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
II. FLAG SALUTE
All those in attendance participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
III. MISSION STATEMENT
Commission Vice President Cass read the Port of Edmonds’ mission statement:
The mission of the Port of Edmonds is to provide value to our community through economic development, marina and commercial operations, waterfront public access, and environmental stewardship.
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COMMISSIONER GRANT MOVED THAT THE AGENDA BE APPROVED. COMMISSIONER CASS SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
V. PUBLIC COMMENTS (Each comment shall generally be limited to 3 minutes or less and shall be limited to Port business)
There were no public comments
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
COMMISSIONER CASS MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED. COMMISSIONER DIMMICK SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A. Approval of October 13, 2025, Meeting Minutes
B. Approval of Payments in the amount of $590,688.86
C. Contract 2025-570 Interim General Counsel Contract
D. Landau Indoor Air Study and Supplemental Subsurface Investigation
VII. CITY OF EDMONDS AND WOODWAY REPORTS
N/A
VIII. PRESENTATIONS
A. Marine Sector Data and Trends – BST Associates, Paul Sorensen
Paul Sorensen of BST Associates presented the latest data and trends in the marina sector, focusing on marina demand, boat sales, moorage rates, and industry outlook.
Sorensen reported a slight decline in consumer confidence and new boat sales, noting that while boat production is expected to decline through early 2026, boating participation has remained consistent. He highlighted strong local demand for marina space, with many facilities in the region, including the Port of Edmonds, maintaining long wait lists. Due to the complexities and high costs associated with marina ownership—particularly repairs and ongoing maintenance—the total number of marinas nationwide is projected to keep declining.
Sorenson presented findings from his analysis of the Port’s open slip pricing, indicating that current rates fall between the 50th and 75th percentiles relative to comparable marinas. He suggested that increasing these rates could help build reserves needed for future maintenance and replacement of aging marina infrastructure.
The presentation highlighted the median age of boat owners reaching 60 years old and the importance of attracting and retaining new boaters.
IX. POSSIBLE ACTION
A. Contract 2025-568 MEP Services
COMMISSIONER KILLIN MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, AND PLUMBING (MEP) FOR ONE YEAR WITH WOOD HARBINGER IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000. COMMISSIONER CASS SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
X. INFORMATION
A. 3rd Quarter Marina Operations Report
Executive Director Baker provided a comprehensive report on the Marina operations for the third quarter of 2025. The report covered key areas including Moorage, Dry Storage, Document Compliance, Public Launch, Guest Moorage, Boatyard and Travelift, Fuel Dock, Environmental initiatives, and a 5-year Marina Operations Summary.
B. 3rd Quarter Commercial Portfolio Report
Director of Economic Development Williams delivered a detailed report on the Port’s Commercial Portfolio for the third quarter of 2025. Her presentation focused on lease activity and ongoing projects within Harbor Square as well as the West Side Properties. She emphasized a 9.24% increase in occupancy and an 11.12% rise in projected gross revenue compared to the same quarter last year.
C. Dry Storage Trailer Modification Proposal
Staff presented a proposal to expand trailer storage capacity by adding 20 new spaces to the Dry Storage area. The project is estimated to cost $33,000, with a projected payback period of less than two years. Implementation is planned for Q1 2026, requiring no additional operator training and minimal ongoing maintenance.
D. Mitigation Banking
Commissioner Killin presented concepts for a potential mitigation banking bill. The commission discussed challenges in the mitigation banking approval process in Washington State, identifying a bottleneck in current procedures. Potential legislative solutions were considered, including a proposal to mandate a minimum of two approvals annually. Before pursuing any legislative action, participants agreed to gather more information on existing processes and regulations.
XI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director Baker provided updates on the following:
• Water Sampling Class
• Oil Spill Cleanup and Prevention Course
• Port Academy Course
• Asphalt Repairs
• Pressure Wash Building Rehab
• Breakwater cleaning with South County Fire
XII. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Commissioner Cass reported the planting of over 300 native plants near the marsh buffer, in collaboration with volunteers and local fly fishermen. She also commended staff for the impressive commercial occupancy rate, describing it as ‘phenomenal,’ and praised the trailer storage expansion proposal as ‘fantastic’ work.
• Commissioner Grant shared insights from the recent ferry conference, which he found engaging and informative. He discussed the potential for fast ferry services and their environmental implications, noting that small electric vessels could offer efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions.
• Commissioner Dimmick reflected on his involvement with the Ad Hoc Environmental Committee, noting it prompted consideration of the Port’s broader role in the community. He proposed adding several workshops from the upcoming WPPA Annual Meeting to future Port Commission agendas to identify applicable insights for Edmonds. The Commission agreed to move forward with this proposal.
• Commissioner Killin expressed sincere appreciation for Port staff, stating, ‘We have the best staff here.’
• Commissioner Preston reported attending the WPPA Small Ports Seminar and highlighted key topics discussed, including brownfields cleanup, industrial development districts, cybersecurity, and responses to cyber breaches.
Recess:
At 12:08pm, the Commissioners stated that they will take a break for a 5 minutes, and the commission meeting will resume at 12:13pm.
At 12:13pm the commissioners returned from their break and returned to the regular Commission meeting.
XIII. WORKSHOP
A. Looking Ahead: Master Planning in 2026
Executive Director Baker and Director Williams led a master planning workshop. The Commission participated in a high-level conversation about scope and confirmed its interest in undertaking master planning in 2026. As part of the process, staff and Commissioners will identify and deliberate on additional prospective lines of business. Staff will prepare and present a proposed plan for the master planning process at a future meeting.
XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
There was no Executive Session
XV. ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p.m.
The next Commission Meeting is scheduled to take place on November 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Selena Killin,
Port Commission Secretary