13 Feb Commission Meeting Minutes 1-12-26
Port of Edmonds Commission Meeting – Minutes of Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: January 12, 2026
Commissioners Present David Preston, President
Janelle Cass, Vice President
Selena Killin, Secretary
Ross Dimmick
Jay Grant
Staff Present Brandon Baker, Executive Director
Brittany Williams, Director of Economic Development
Dennis Halpin, Marina Operations Manager
Others Present Emily Guildner, Port Attorney
Will Chen, City of Edmonds
John Brock, Town of Woodway
Lou Billmyer, Port Finance Consultant
I. CALL TO ORDER
President Preston called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
II. FLAG SALUTE
All those in attendance participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
III. MISSION STATEMENT
Commissioner Dimmick 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 CASS MOVED THAT THE AGENDA BE APPROVED. COMMISSIONER KILLIN SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
V. PRESENTATIONSeremo
Emily Guildner, Port of Edmonds Attorney, delivered a ceremonial swearing-in of Commissioners Janelle Cass, Jay Grant, and Ross Dimmick.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS (Each comment shall generally be limited to 3 minutes or less and shall be limited to Port business)
• Joe Scordino, Edmonds Resident, spoke in favor of the ‘Support for Highway 104 Graffiti Cleanup’ agenda item, noting the community interest in the endeavor. He also thanked the Port for the “health asset” that is the Portwalk, describing its popularity among walkers.
VII. CONSENT AGENDA
COMMISSIONER CASS MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED. COMMISSIONER GRANT SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A. Approval of December 8, 2025, Meeting Minutes
B. Approval of Payments in the amount of $247,190.73 for December 29, 2025, and $335,668.31 for January 12, 2026
C. Waiver of Notice of Special Meeting
VIII. CITY OF EDMONDS AND WOODWAY REPORTS
Will Chen, City of Edmonds councilmember, reported that the City has not yet selected the Port liaison for 2026. He noted that public comment and Council action on the proposed Transportation Benefit District Tax are scheduled for the next City Council meeting. He also announced that the City Council retreat is planned for February 6, 2026.
John Brock, City of Woodway councilmember, reported that he will remain the Port liaison for 2026. He applauded the City of Edmonds Council for rejecting the use of Underground Injection Control (UIC) for stormwater.
IX. POSSIBLE ACTION
A. Resolution No. 26-01 Confirming Schedule and Location of Meetings
COMMISSIONER KILLIN MOVED THAT THE COMMISSIONERS APPROVE RESOLUTION 26-01 RECONFIRMING THE SCHEDULE AND LOCATION OF THE PORT OF EDMONDS COMMISSION MEETINGS PER THE 2026 COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE. COMMISSIONER PRESTON SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
B. Election of Commission Officers
The Commission reviewed the existing process for electing officers. Commissioners examined officer history from the past 20 years to determine whether any consistent succession patterns had been followed. The Commission also discussed whether a minimum tenure, such as one year of service, should be required before a commissioner is eligible to serve in an officer’s role. Commissioners expressed differing views regarding the selection of the Secretary for 2026. After discussion, the Commission proceeded to a vote. No consensus was reached regarding potential changes to the officer election process moving forward.
COMMISSIONER PRESTON OPENED NOMINATIONS. COMMISSIONER GRANT NOMINATED COMMISSIONER CASS FOR PORT COMMISSION PRESIDENT. COMMISSIONER PRESTON SECONDED THE MOTION. RECEIVING NO FURTHER NOMINATIONS COMMISSIONER PRESTON CALLED FOR A VOTE WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER PRESTON OPENED NOMINATIONS. COMMISSIONER DIMMICK NOMINATED COMMISSIONER KILLIN FOR PORT COMMISSION VICE PRESIDENT. COMMISSIONER PRESTON SECONDED THE MOTION. RECEIVING NO FURTHER NOMINATIONS COMMISSIONER PRESTON CALLED FOR A VOTE WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER PRESTON OPENED NOMINATIONS. COMMISSIONER KILLIN NOMINATED COMMISSIONER DIMMICK FOR PORT COMMSSION SECRETARY. COMMISSIONER DIMMICK SECONDED THE MOTION.
COMMISSIONER PRESTON NOMINATED COMMISSIONER GRANT FOR PORT COMMISSION SECRETARY. COMMISSIONER CASS SECONDED THE MOTION.
COMMISSIONER PRESTON CLOSED NOMINIATIONS AND CALLED FOR A VOTE. COMMISSIONER GRANT WAS APPOINTED AS SECRETARY ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, 3–2.
C. Adopt 2026 Commission Committee Representatives and Liaison Assignments
COMMISSIONER PRESTON MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION APPROVE THE 2026 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS AS STATED IN THE COMMISSION MEETING, WITH THE ADDITION OF A COMMUNICATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE. COMMISSIONER GRANT SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
D. Support of Highway 104 Graffiti Cleanup
COMMISSIONER GRANT MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION SUPPORT THE HIGHWAY 104 GRAFFITI CLEANUP EFFORT BY OFFERING STORAGE FOR SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT ON PORT PROPERTY AND SHARING ABOUT THE CLEANUP ON THE PORT’S SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS. COMMISSIONER DIMMICK SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
X. INFORMATION
A. Travel and Conference Schedule Review: 2026 Q1
The Commission and staff reviewed and discussed the proposed Q1 2026 travel and conference schedule and reached consensus to proceed as presented.
XI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director Baker discussed the following topics:
• State Auditor’s Office 2024 Audit Update
• Mid Marina Breakwater Update
• Dry Storage Trailer Project
• Dry Storage South Launcher Cradle Rebuild
• J-Dock Float Repair
• Public Launch Cable Replacement
• Atrium Windows – Building 4 (Planning and Design)
• Second Floor Window Replacement – Building 1 (Planning and Design)
• Marina Operations Remodel (Planning and Design)
• Marina Projects: Dock Roof and Gutter Cleaning, Marina Entrance Signage, Dock Pressure Washing
XII. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Commissioner Dimmick expressed appreciation for the holiday festivities at the Port in December.
• Commissioner Killin expressed appreciation to staff for the Port’s holiday events, noting her continued admiration for the growth of Holiday Night at the Marina each year. She added that she is proud to be part of the Port team and looks forward to its future.
• Commissioner Preston expressed appreciation to staff for the holiday events. He shared that he attended the Edmonds Civic Roundtable, which featured Edmonds Police Chief Loi Dawkins. He noted that it was well attended and very informative.
• Commissioner Grant thanked Commissioner Preston for his service as Commission President in 2025. He noted his attendance at the Edmonds Civic Roundtable and remarked that he looks forward to a productive 2026. He concluded by thanking his fellow Commissioners and the Port staff.
• Commissioner Cass congratulated Commissioner Dimmick and Commissioner Grant on their new terms. She expressed appreciation for the holiday events and complimented the wonderful atmosphere at Holiday Night at the Marina. She attended a City of Edmonds Council meeting, where the discussion focused on rising construction costs and the significant impact that higher prices have on those pursuing new development. She and Commissioner Dimmick attended the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 12, Change of Watch Luncheon for 2025, and she expressed strong appreciation for the group’s volunteer efforts.
XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
There was no Executive Session.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm.
The next Commission Meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2026, at 10:00 am.
Jay Grant
Port Commission Secretary