13 Feb Commission Meeting Minutes 1-27-26
Port of Edmonds Commission Meeting – Minutes of Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: January 27, 2026
Commissioners Present Janelle Cass, President
Selena Killin, Vice President
Jay Grant, Secretary
David Preston
Ross Dimmick
Staff Present Brandon Baker, Executive Director
Brittany Williams, Director of Economic Development
Brian Menard, Director of Facilities and Maintenance
Dennis Halpin, Marina Operations Manager
John Peterman, Director of Finance and Administration
Iliana Minkov, Leasing and Administrative Specialist
Others Present Emily Guildner, Port Attorney
Lou Billmyer, Port Finance Consultant
I. CALL TO ORDER
Commission President Cass called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM.
II. FLAG SALUTE
All those in attendance participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
III. MISSION STATEMENT
Commissioner Killin 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 DIMMICK MOVED THAT THE AGENDA BE APPROVED. COMMISSIONER GRANT 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 ITEM VI. A BE MOVED TO POSSIBLE ACTION. COMMISSIONER GRANT SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER GRANT MOVED THAT THE MODIFIED CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED. COMMISSIONER PRESTON SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.A. Approval of January 12, 2026 Meeting Minutes
(Item VI.A was removed from the consent agenda for consideration under Possible Action
B. Approval of Payments in the amount of $589,696.05
VII. CITY OF EDMONDS AND WOODWAY REPORTS
There were no reports provided
VIII. POSSIBLE ACTION
A. Approval of January 12, 2026, Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Cass initiated a discussion about the format and content of the Meeting Minutes, expressing concern that the current minutes lack detailed discussion points and presentation materials. The Commission discussed whether to include more detailed information while balancing staff time, with suggestions to use AI tools or verbatim transcription services. The Commission agreed to consider a compromise between brief and detailed minutes, potentially referencing agenda packets and recordings for additional context. The Commission and staff agreed to include discussion summaries for action items or decisions that generate robust conversation, with the goal of capturing and summarizing the key points raised. Commissioner Cass proposed that staff bring back amended minutes from the January 12, 2026, meeting, capturing high-level discussion and including all presentation materials.
IX. INFORMATION
A. 2025 4TH Quarter Commercial Portfolio Report
Director Williams reported that two new tenants joined Harbor Square in Q4 2025 and that 10 lease extensions were completed, including a major 60-month renewal. She noted that occupancy reached 92.5% and that GPI rose 4% over Q3, despite a slight year-over-year dip due to reduced CAM charges. She summarized routine maintenance and testing completed during the quarter, along with two suite turnovers for incoming tenants. She added that discussions were underway with prospective tenants for the available space at the Port Administration building. Appreciation was expressed for the maintenance team and to Iliana Minkov for significant leasing achievements.
B. 2025 4th Quarter and Annual Marina Operations Report
Executive Director Baker delivered a presentation reporting strong performance across nearly all areas, including a 5-year high in document compliance at 87%. Additionally, he discussed quarterly trends, noting that one-way launches reached a 5-year high while total moves were at a 5-year low, attributed to weather, fishing, and fuel factors. The team highlighted a 14% increase in guest moorage nights and a 44% increase in Travelift stall usage. Security performance was also commendable, with a 5-year low in thefts and a 5-year high in On-View activities, demonstrating active engagement with the community. The discussion concluded with an explanation of typical 911 call scenarios, primarily involving park closures and reckless driving incidents.
C. Space 101-D: Proposal for Port Use
Port staff presented a proposal to repurpose space 101-D at Harbor Square, providing 857 square feet of industrial workspace as an alternative to the current 130-square-foot Maintenance Shop expansion project included in the 2026 budget. Staff explained that the revised option would provide greater flexibility, improved emergency preparedness access on the east side of the property, and enhanced storage capabilities with forklift access.
COMMISSIONER GRANT MOVED TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE STAFF FOR SPACE 101-D AT HARBOR SQUARE. COMMISSIONER PRESTON SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
D. 2026 Meeting Topics and Draft Schedule
The Commission reviewed the draft 2026 meeting schedule and planning materials. Staff invited Commissioner input on priorities and future topics, which President Cass and Executive Director Baker will incorporate into ongoing agenda development. The schedule remains a working draft and may be updated throughout the year. Staff also summarized routine meeting topics, confirmed future items, and potential 2026 subjects not yet scheduled.
Commissioner Killin requested that the CP2 Committee explore engaging Ecological Land Services to advise on restoration and conservation options for the Unocal property, noting that funding may need to be budgeted. Commissioner Killin also reiterated the need for an ethical decision-making framework to guide upcoming master planning and major Port decisions.
Commissioner Cass suggested inviting the Edmonds Yacht Club, Freedom Boat Club, Puget Sound Express, Fish and Wildlife, or other tenants to provide a presentation.
X. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director Baker discussed the following topics:
• General Updates:
• Annual equipment inspections
• State Auditor’s Office 2024–2025 schedule
• THUD appropriations
• HAZWOPER training
• NPSR project meeting with Senator Cantwell’s team
• Completed Projects:
• J Dock flotation
• E Dock water repair
• Project Updates:
• Mid Marina Breakwater
• Dry Storage C Row project
• Dry Storage South Launcher cradle rebuild
• Second floor window replacement – Building 1 (bid planning)
• Ongoing Marina/Real Estate Projects:
• Dock roof and gutter cleaning
• Marina entrance signage
• Dock pressure washing
• Marina Operations Office remodel design
XI. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Commissioner Dimmick thanked staff for providing the schedule outline, noting that it was very useful and effective as a planning tool. He also reported on his recent call with City of Edmonds Council President Dotsch and invited commissioners to share any topics they would like him to raise or add to the agenda for future discussions with the City.
• Commissioner Grant welcomed the new Director of Finance and Administration, John Peterman, and thanked Representative Larsen and Senator Cantwell. He reported attending the Chamber’s recent “Morning Buzz” event, noting an excellent presentation by Port Architect John Jessen. Commissioner Grant also encouraged everyone to sign up for the Edmonds Civic Roundtable event on February 2nd, where the newly elected Council President will provide an overview of major upcoming council priorities.
• Commissioner Killin expressed appreciation for staff, recognizing Tristan Guempel for his dedication and flexibility, congratulating Port’s Marina Manager Halpin on recent industry recognition, and welcoming John Peterman to the team. She then raised concerns about declining professionalism within the Commission, citing instances of packet materials not being reviewed in advance and an increase in behind-the-scenes lobbying on matters that should be discussed publicly. Killin noted that these practices slow decision-making, undermine transparency, and erode trust among commissioners, staff, and the public. Commissioner Killin urged a return to open, well-prepared, and transparent governance.
• Commissioner Preston provided an update and reminder that the Seattle Boat Show will run from Friday, January 30, through Saturday, February 7, at Lumen Field Event Center. He also reported on attending a recent meeting at the Edmonds Yacht Club, where members inquired about the timeline for the upcoming Portwalk project. He noted that the exact schedule for the project is still not available.
• Commissioner Cass welcomed the new Director of Finance and Administration and commented on the talent and dedication of the Port staff. She thanked staff for creatively solving the first-floor space challenges in the Administration Building to attract potential tenants and meet logistical needs. She reported on attending the Chamber of Commerce Board meeting, where she was pleased to share the on-time, under-budget completion of the Mid-Marina breakwater project. She also noted that the graffiti cleanup initiative is expected to be completed within the next two months, and that Rotary and Chamber members are enthusiastic about the effort.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 11:20 AM.
The next Commission Meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
Jay Grant
Port Commission Secretary