15 Feb Commission Meeting Minutes 1-31-22
PORT COMMISSION OF THE PORT OF EDMONDS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
(Via Zoom) January 31, 2022
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
David Preston, President
Steve Johnston, Vice President
Jim Orvis, Secretary
Jay Grant
Angela Harris
STAFF PRESENT
Bob McChesney, Executive Director
Brandon Baker, Marina Director
Tina Drennan, Finance Manager
Brittany Williams, Manager of Properties and Economic Development
OTHERS PRESENT
Neil Tibbott, Edmonds City Council
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 JANUARY 10, 2022 MEETING MINUTES, AS SUBMITTED
C. APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $343.704.10
D. LIST OF SMALL WORKS ROSTER CONTRACTS AWARDED – 2021
COMMISSIONER JOHNSTON SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Councilmember Tibbott said it is a pleasure for him to serve as the City Council liaison to the Port. He said he is amazed at all of the great things the Port accomplishes and is also astonished at the level of professionalism that is exhibited by the Port Commissioners and staff.
There were no other public comments.
MARINA OPERATIONS 4TH QUARTER REPORT AND ANNUAL REVIEW 2021
Mr. Baker presented the 4th Quarter Marina Operations Report, specifically noting the following:
• Moorage. During 4th Quarter there was a lot of demand for moorage. There were 27 terminations and 27 spaces were assigned. The turnover ratio decreased from 8.91% in 2020 to 4.08% in 2021. The waitlist ended the 4th Quarter with 320 applications on file compared to 225 at the end of 2020. This is due to a large number of people purchasing boats and fewer marinas are being built or expanded. He said he doesn’t know of any new marina projects. However, some will be reconfigured, and he anticipates they will go to fewer slips with larger sizes. Commissioner Orvis said a recent analysis by the Washington Public Port Association (WPPA) indicated that it is nearly impossible for a new marina to pencil out so he doesn’t anticipate that any new ones will be developed. Mr. McChesney added that the regulatory regime makes it extremely difficult to obtain permits for marina development.
• Guest Moorage. The total number of boats in Guest Moorage decreased by 9%, and the number of nights was down 11%. Reservations in the 4th Quarter increased 50% over 2020. Guest Moorage was occupied primarily by the Edmonds Yacht Club in December for their Holiday on the Docks event. There were 11 boats, which accounted for 308 nights of total moorage. Last year there were 13 boats for a total of 455 nights of moorage.
• Document Compliance. Insurance compliance was at 78% at the end of 4th Quarter, and registration compliance was at 62%. He anticipates the numbers will improve significantly during the 1st Quarter of 2022, as parking passes are held hostage until tenants comply.
• Dry Storage. The occupancy rate in Dry Storage was 77%, which is the same as in 2020. Trailer storage occupancy was at 98%, and launch activity increased by 2% during 4th Quarter. Commissioner Johnston asked if Mr. Baker expects that the number of dry storage facilities will increase in the Puget Sound area. Mr. Baker said he doesn’t know of any new projects, but he knows of a couple of properties that are looking to expand and/or add rack spaces. If demand stays the same, he imagines that dry storage will be one of the solutions, as it can pencil out better than a marina.
• Boatyard and Travelift. Travelift roundtrips increased by 2%, and boatyard stall usage increased by 12%. Sling time with pressure wash decreased by 50% and sling time without pressure was decreased by 84%. Pressure wash treatments increased by 17%. Commissioner Preston asked if activity associated with Jacobsen’s Marine has been down due to their lack of inventory. Mr. Baker answered there has been no major change, as Jacobsen’s is still very busy with their service department.
• Fuel Dock. The total number of gallons pumped increased by 18% or 8,502 more gallons in 2021 compared to 2020. Gasoline increased by 6% and diesel by 26%. The Port’s fuel prices were very competitive with the area average, slightly under on unleaded and slightly over on diesel.
• Public Launch. The number of roundtrip launches was down 32% and one-way launches were down 1%. This is likely due to poor weather and a lack of fishing opportunity. Commissioner Orvis asked if more non-fishermen are using boats. Mr. Baker said non-fishermen are using boats, but not necessarily the launch. The launch is still primarily used for fishing boats.
• Boatyard Permit. They expect that the new boatyard permit will be done in March of 2022 after being delayed due to an outpouring of public comment. Commissioner Orvis asked if there have been any significant changes. Mr. Baker recalled that the draft version included some dramatic changes, but what the final changes will be is still unknown. Commissioner Orvis recalled that the pushback last time was so extreme that the Department of Ecology (DOE) ended up relaxing a number of the requirements. However, a number of boatyards still went out of business as a result of the new requirements. Commissioner Preston asked when the oyster shells at the boatyard will be replaced, and Mr. Baker said the next scheduled replacement will occur in March. He reported that the oyster shells are still working well, and they have repositioned the sample point from the outfall at the bay back over to the outlet right outside of the boatyard. This enables them to get the best sample point possible without having to worry about what is coming off of the road.
Mr. Baker presented the 2021 Annual Port Operations Review, noting the following:
• Moorage. The high demand for moorage space continued throughout 2021, and the waitlist expanded throughout the year. Terminations were at a 5-year low, which led to a 5-year low for the turnover ratio, as well.
• Dry Storage. Dry Storage has been pretty consistent with the 5-year trends. This season, Port staff received a lot of positive customer feedback about the crew.
• Public Launch. They ended with 6,458 moves, with significant increases in the one-way trips
• Guest Moorage. There were 5-year highs for number of boats, nights spent in the marina, and reservation totals.
• Fuel Dock. Fuel sales outperformed the 5-year trends in all categories. Puget Sound Express ran two boats out of the marina for part of the summer, which increased diesel volume.
• Boatyard. Total roundtrips and stall usage increased over 2020 numbers.
Mr. Baker commended the Port Operations staff, and Port staff as a whole, for helping put together a great year. Commissioner Preston complimented Mr. Baker on a great presentation that was easy to follow.
HARBOR SQUARE 4TH QUARTER REPORT 2021
Ms. Williams presented the Harbor Square 4th Quarter Report, specifically noting the following:
• Gross projected revenue was up .57% or roughly $3,000 compared to the same time period in 2020.
• The occupancy rate at the end of Quarter 4 was 89.06%, which is down .42% compared to the occupancy rate at the same time in 2020.
• No leases ended or began in Quarter 4, but there were 9 lease extensions. One was a major tenant in Building 2 that extended for 24 months.
• The janitorial and elevator maintenance contracts went out to bid during the 4th Quarter. There was also elevator repair in Building 4. They went out to bid for a sweeper that will start in Quarter 1 of 2022. The Environmental Committee recommended that sweeping at Harbor Square would help with water runoff issues. Mr. McChesney explained that the oyster shells in the catch basins work well, but the best solution is source control. There are a lot of catch basins at Harbor Square. The new quarterly sweeping program will go a long way towards eliminating unfiltered stormwater draining into the marsh. Commissioner Orvis asked what time of day the sweeping would occur, and Ms. Williams answered that it would take place starting at 6:00 p.m. Most of the business workers will be gone, and the gym won’t be as busy. She acknowledged that the timing might need to be adjusted in the future.
• There were no incidences to report.
Commissioner Orvis requested an update on the elevator repairs at Building 4. Mr. McChesney said the project is still being engineered and will then have to be bid out. He reviewed that the elevator pit has water intrusion, and the Port was cited by Labor and Industries in 2021. The Commission approved a contract to have the elevator pit sealed, but the structural integrity of the pad has been compromised because it is too thin and the groundwater is high. The action of the elevator piston going up and down creates capillary cracks that cannot be sealed. Ultimately, they will have to jack up the elevator, remove the piston and replace the existing pad.
Mr. McChesney advised that the atrium windows on Buildings 1, 3 and 4 were installed in the 1980s and the seals are all failing. This results in water intrusion into tenant-occupied space. It isn’t possible to reseal the windows because there are too many seams and glass panels. The proper way to correct the issue is to remove the atrium windows and replace them with typical windows and a shed roof. The end result will look nice and eliminate the problem. A contract for the project will likely come before the Commission for approval in the next few months.
Commissioner Grant noted that a tenant at Harbor Square had placed a temporary sign near the median. It appeared to be semi-permanent. Ms. Williams said there is a cluster of signs right after the railroad tracks on the right. There is also a hotel sign. She agreed to look into the matter and report back.
Commissioner Preston requested additional information about the cluster of a-frame signs at Harbor Square. Ms. Williams explained that businesses that cannot be seen from the street (Blue Collar, the breweries, and the gym) have historically been allowed to have an a-frame sign to attract business coming in. There were initially some issues related to city regulations, but the regulations have since been relaxed. Commissioner Grant asked if the businesses are required to put up their own signage and does the Port have some rules. Ms. Williams answered that all of the leases include rules and regulations for signage, and permits are also required from the City. Businesses are allotted one sign. Commissioner Preston voiced concern that the signs are creating clutter. Mr. McChesney said the Port has been more tolerant during the pandemic to give businesses as much advantage as possible.
Commissioner Orvis asked if the Port was able to resolve issues related to outside seating for the breweries. Ms. Williams answered that the Port allowed the breweries to have outside seating through the end of summer, and then it was extended for two months. The areas in front that were blocked off have been removed. Commissioner Orvis asked if staff anticipates allowing space for outside seating again in 2022. Mr. McChesney said the breweries were allowed to cordon off a portion of the parking lot during a time when the parking lot wasn’t oversubscribed. As activity has picked up, including the athletic club, parking has become a premium again, and the Port may not be as accommodating as they were previously. They want to help out the businesses as much as possible, but the parking lot isn’t part of their leased space.
2021 MARKETING REVIEW
Ms. Williams presented the 2021 Marketing Report, highlighting the following:
• Port Marketing Approach. The Port’s mission is economic development, public access, tourism, and environmental stewardship. The Port accomplishes its mission through meticulously operating the marina and commercial spaces, providing excellent customer service, maintaining public access for public enjoyment, focusing on community partnerships, projects and programs, providing regular and a variety of communications, and putting on community events.
• Communications and Social Media. The Port has a variety of communications, based not only on attracting new customers, but also making the public aware of what the Port does. It is also important to nurture current customers. This year, text alerts were added to provide another way to keep marina clients updated, and the feedback has been very positive. An information-heavy, spring/summer mailer was sent out in June, introducing some of the Port’s major projects. A holiday postcard was sent out in November, listing all of the holiday events. Both of the mailers were sent to about 27,000 people. Press releases were done to announce appropriate events and/or information. In 2020, circulation of the Port’s newsletter was about 1,200, and it is now 1,345. The open rate for the newsletter is about 75%, which is quite good.
The Port continues its presence on LinkedIn, and it has been a great tool for job advertisements. A chart was provided showing progress year-over-year, noting that the number of Google reviews have increased quite a bit. The Facebook page following also increased from 819 in 2020 to 1,154 now. The top post reached 1,900 people. Facebook continues to be a successful mode of advertisement. For example, an advertisement for Sea Jazz cost $65, the reach was about 17,000 people, and 626 people responded. The follower time trend shows when the people who follow the Port are online.
Commissioner Harris asked if the Port posts job openings on LinkedIn, and Ms. Williams answered affirmatively but noted there are none posted at this time. Commissioner Harris asked if the Port publishes any articles on LinkedIn, and Ms. Williams answered no. She explained that there must be a public record of any information the Port shares, and the service the Port uses to track what it does as a government agency doesn’t cover LinkedIn. Commissioners Harris and Grant noted that a number of government agencies, including ports, use LinkedIn to post job openings. Ms. Williams agreed that is something staff could look into if the Commission deems it as important. Commissioner Orvis observed that the larger ports have a lot more job openings to advertise.
• Marina Promotions. While the 2021 Seattle Boatshow was entirely virtual and the Port did not participate, they still did the Boat Show Special. Signups were lower than in the past because there were fewer spaces available. The recent trend of having fewer slips available in the 1st Quarter has led staff to rethink the promotion program. Forty-nine tenants took advantage of the March Means Savings Promotion (50% off Travelift), and they spent 177 days in the Boatyard. They also ran the Progressive Discounts Promotion. Forty-one people took advantage of the special, and 25 were tenants. The Port did not host the Foul Weather Bluff event in 2021, but they had an agreement with the Corinthian Yacht Club that the Port would offer the special to race participants. Mr. Baker noted that the race that was headquartered in Edmonds for a number of years was switched to Kingston because their facilities are better suited for large gatherings and can provide a greater amount of available guest moorage. Although they did get some boats in guest moorage, no one took advantage of the offer. He anticipates the Port will continue to offer guest moorage to event participants, but not the discount on sling and wash.
• Events. Steel Magic Northwest, a steel drum group, performed at the Port in August, and they recently contacted the Port requesting another opportunity to perform this summer. Earlier in the year, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary conducted safety inspections. They were able to bring back the Sea Jazz Program after taking a hiatus in 2020. Last year’s program was robust and included not only school groups, but some local jazz players, too. The Friday Night Jam Sessions, in which a number of professionals participated, were very popular. On July 26th, the Port Commissioners approved a resolution that officially renamed the Port’s public plaza to the Mary Lou Block Public Plaza, and a plaque in her honor was installed for all to enjoy. Annie Crawley and her group conducted a cleanup dive in October, and the Port partnered with the Edmonds Foodbank to conduct a holiday food drive, with drop-off locations at Harbor Square and the marina. The Edmonds Yacht Club sponsored Holiday on the Docks again in December with 11 boats this year. The Port participated in and/or supported many other community events, such as the Edmonds and Everett Coho Derbies, Edmonds Arts Festival, Puget Sound Birdfest, Edmonds Yacht Club, safety seminars and scarecrow festival.
Commissioner Orvis asked if the collection boxes for the food drive could be left out all year, and Ms. Williams responded that it is important to have a push where the event is heavily advertised, but perhaps they could do it multiple times each year or focus on different special needs of the foodbank throughout the year. Commissioner Orvis commented that the marina is a good location to collect items for the foodbank, given that it is a high-traffic area.
• Advertising. The Port still does a mix of traditional and digital advertising. Traditional advertising includes the Wagoneer Cruising Guide, Northwest Boat Travel, and the Edmonds Community Resource Guide. Sometimes the ads are more marina focused, and other times they are more about the community. The Port also does online advertising with My Edmonds News and Facebook. The total cost for both traditional and digital advertising was $2,310 in 2021. They like to budget a little bit more in the event there is an area of need.
• Partnerships. Ms. Williams and Mr. Baker shared information from the organizations and/or committees they participate on:
o Edmonds Creative District Committee. A creative district is intended to promote tourism by showcasing local businesses that are art-focused. Ms. Williams serves on this committee, and the recent focus has been on getting signage. A new sign with the district’s logo was recently installed near the ferry terminal, but the committee is still working with the Washington State Department of Transportation to add the logo to highway signage. The committee is also seeking grants to use within the district, particularly one to build-out the 4th Avenue Cultural Corridor. They received a small grant that will be used to create marketing.
o Edmonds Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Williams serves on the Chamber Board. They were able to get staffing back up after a difficult 2020, and they pulled off some last-minute events in 2021 such as the 4th of July and tree lighting events. They also did a smaller version of the Taste of Edmonds. They are currently discussing what they want these events to look like in 2022, including new locations that are more focused on serving the community outside of the bowl.
o Snohomish County Tourism Bureau. Technically, the bureau is still running, even though they no longer have the tourism contract with Snohomish County. The Bureau is still the governing board for the Sports Bureau of Snohomish County, and Ms. Williams participates on the Board.
o Northwest Marine Trade Association Grow Boating Group. Mr. Baker participates on this group, which just finished its round of grants. In 2021, the total spend was $23,000. Smaller grants were offered so they could support more programs and help them get back up and running. The group continues its partnership with Evening Magazine, doing 12 boating stories with them every year. They sponsored a program called “Pontunes” where they took steel drum players to different marinas and waterfronts, trying to draw people out on their boats for a different experience. The group’s goal is getting people interested in boating and encouraging boatowners to use their boats.
• Tourism. The Destination Port of Edmonds Program looks a bit different due to the pandemic. Printing a booklet with businesses that have a discount to offer boaters felt too permanent during this uncertain time. Instead, they have switched to a letter than can be updated as needed. It includes gift suggestions, places where people can eat and drink, local parks and museums, and special events. The letter is placed in the bag with a little gift. It works very well and enables the Port to feature businesses as they change.
Commissioner Harris commented that she likes the letter idea better, as it allows them to focus on what is going on at a given time. Commissioner Preston asked if the businesses that are included in the letter contribute to the Destination Port of Edmonds Program. Ms. Williams answered that many are past contributors, but the Port no longer sells advertisements. Instead, the intent is to promote businesses, with a focus on businesses on Port property. Mr. McChesney added that Anthony’s Homeport Restaurant is still a partner with the Port, and Ms. Williams advised that they would provide the bags for the program again in 2022.
Commissioner Preston suggested that the letter could provide website information so people could link to the businesses via their phones. Ms. Williams said the Port’s website has a page that lists all of the program’s businesses, and they could simply print the QR code onto the letter to provide people direct access the webpage. She noted that last year the Port used a sandwich board sign with a large QR code linked to the Port’s website that announces upcoming events.
• Plans for 2021. For right now, the current approach to the Destination Port of Edmonds Program is working well and the plan is to continue in the same direction. They are talking about offering a welcome bag to new tenants, as well. The intent is to do another robust music program this summer, as well as Holiday on the Docks. However, at this time, they don’t know whether other traditional events can move forward due to the pandemic. The new Communications Committee will meet soon to discuss the mailed communications. At this time, the plan is to stick to the same schedule, sending out an information-heavy piece in the spring and a holiday-events postcard in the winter.
Mr. Baker shared information about the 2022 Marina Promotions Plan, noting that they are currently implementing the Beat the Boatshow Travelift Special, which has replaced the progressive discount special that traditionally took place from November through January, as well as the March special (50% off the travelift). The new special offers current tenants a 25% discount for haul-out fees and runs from mid-January to the end of February. The Public Launch Card Program will continue without change. However, the Port will neither participate in the Seattle Boat Show nor offer the Boat Show Special this year. The special doesn’t make sense because there are no empty slips to sell at this time.
Commissioner Preston asked the estimated cost for participating in the Seattle Boat Show. Mr. McChesney answered that the budget was $3,000. He explained that promotions are intended to be temporary to promote a particular business activity. The bad thing is that people can get so used to a promotion that they begin to think of it as an entitlement. Weaning away from an expansive menu of promotions is one of the Port’s goals. Promotions can create a lot of headaches from an accounting standpoint, and it is incumbent on the Port to clearly identify the purpose of a promotion and how it will be executed.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. McChesney said he has been working on a pre-apprentice training program (workforce development) through Edmonds Community College (ECC) Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Sound Transit is helping to fund one of the programs, with the notion that they will need somewhere between 1,200 and 1,500 construction workers to complete the Sound Transit line to Everett and there aren’t enough workers. The other program is a pre-apprentice training program in the marine trades that will transition young people into a true apprentice program. The two programs are just getting underway. Commissioner Orvis asked if Port funding will be needed to advance the programs. Mr. McChesney answered that he has been asked to help set up and market the programs, but there has been no request for funding.
Mr. McChesney reported that he and Ms. Williams met in a Zoom meeting with the Edmonds Yacht Club (EYC) Board on January 20th to have an initial discussion about the Port’s plans for the North Portwalk and Seawall Reconstruction Project. The idea was to present to the board and find out what issues and concerns they might have. They plan to make a presentation to the full EYC membership upon invitation in the next few months. He commented that it is very important for the Port to communicate frequently with the EYC and involve them in the planning process.
Mr. McChesney announced that the Port received first round comments from the City on the Building Permit application for the new Administration Building Project. Staff has responded to the comments and resubmitted last week. He recalled that, at the last meeting, he advised that a conditional use permit would be required for the solar panels because they will exceed the City’s height limit by a small amount. The code allows that to occur, but a conditional use permit is required. It turns out this requirement shouldn’t be a big impediment to the overall progress of the building permit.
Mr. McChesney advised that the Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application (JARPA), which is necessary for the North Portwalk and Seawall Project, as well as the new Administration Building Project, requires a cultural resources evaluation as part of the submittal to the Corps of Engineers. The Cultural Resources Consultant noted that the current Administration Building could potentially be designated historic. He contacted the Department of Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and was assured that demolishing the building will not be a problem. Any required mitigation will be in the form of taking a picture for the history book.
Mr. McChesney suggested the Commission begin to consider a date for a retreat, as well as potential agenda items. He suggested it would be best to conduct the retreat in person, but it may not be an option given the pandemic and changing restrictions. The Commissioners suggested a potential location might be the Edmonds Yacht Club, which is better ventilated. The Waterfront Center is another potential location. Ms. Drennan pointed out that there could be some technology challenges if the retreat is held off-site. They agreed that the retreat should be held the first or second week of March. Mr. McChesney invited the Commissioners to share their thoughts on potential topics of discussion at the retreat as soon as possible to allow staff time to prepare. Commissioner Preston asked staff to contact the Commissioners to find out the best date for the retreat. He also asked staff to provide a list of subjects that have been discussed at past retreats.
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Commissioner Johnston reported that he attended the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County’s (EASC) Coffee Chat regarding the Port of Everett, which was fascinating. The Port of Everett is on fire right now, doing a lot of different things across a variety of spectrums (economic development, development of Waterfront Place to include a series of new restaurants, development of a second residential building, development of the Kimberly Clarke parcel at the central waterfront, and updating the north terminal to accommodate container cranes). The north terminal makes the Port of Everett the Number 3 container cargo terminal and port in Washington State. The Navy Base is also growing to accommodate six or seven new frigates and destroyers over the next few years.
Commissioner Harris reported that she attended the Edmonds Economic Development Commission meeting earlier in the month. They used to have a lot of different committees working on a variety of issues, and now they are working through an idea pipeline where everyone meets together to come up with different ideas and then they break into smaller groups to flush out the ideas that have been collected. The thought is to develop key points for each idea to present to the City Council to gauge their interest before going delving deeper. She is excited to be part of the group.
Commissioner Harris announced that she would attend the EASCs Coffee Chat on February 1st. She also attended some of the Port Day event and will share her notes at a later meeting.
Commissioner Grant thanked staff for meeting with him to bring him up to date on the large projects that are currently in progress. He reported that he participated virtually in the City Council’s recent committee meetings (Public Safety, Parks and Recreation, and Finance). He learned that the City will be implementing a new finance system for their website that will be extremely friendly for the community. At the most recent City Council Meeting, the City Council agreed not to fund the Marina Beach Project and to put it on hold for the time being. He reviewed that planning for the project has taken place over the past several years, and it would have included daylighting Willow Creek, adding bridges, and expanding parking. The estimated cost of the project was $4 million, and the City received $1 million in grant funding. The City Council has determined it is more important to focus on other aspects of the City rather than the park. He also reported the City Council was supposed to have voted on a number of budget reconsideration issues, but the discussion regressed to an item that was not on the agenda. They voted to delay the discussion until February 1st. At that time, they will conduct a public hearing, followed by a special meeting.
Commissioner Grant announced that he plans to attend the virtual Regional Maritime Disaster Resilience Workshop. He also advised that he attended the virtual Save the Marsh meeting, where it was announced that they would start focusing on Snohomish County government, itself. Lastly, he said he noticed recent meetings of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Governor’s Association where there have been and will continue to be discussions on how to move government and public life from a pandemic to an endemic. This goes in line with the Port Commission’s discussion about moving to a hybrid meeting approach.
Councilmember Tibbott explained that one of the reasons he voted to postpone development of Marina Beach Park was because the City is still looking at the timing and redevelopment of the marsh. Those two projects need to play well together, especially when it comes to daylighting Willow Creek and how it interacts with the park once it goes under the railroad tracks. It seemed wise to wait until the two pieces can move forward together. However, the City Council is hopeful that some work can be done at Marina Beach Park to make it more accessible and useful in the meantime. The design for the park and marsh is beautiful and will be a very nice amenity when fully implemented. Commissioner Orvis agreed that a lot of work went into developing the plan for Marina Beach Park, but unless Willow Creek is daylighted at the same time, there would be a stagnant pool where the creek runs through the park. Councilmember Tibbott emphasized that the design work will not be lost by postponing the project for a few years. The work that has been done to date will be incorporated into the final design.
Councilmember Tibbott said he is looking forward to the economic development activities that the Port and City can share. He is very encouraged that robust activity is taking place at the Port of Everett, as it will help everyone in the County. The Economic Development Commission, which Commissioner Harris participates on, is an important opportunity for the Port and City to collaborate.
Commissioner Orvis reported that at the State of the Station Event, it was announced that the Port of Everett is one of eleven strategic ports in the nation. He also announced that he would attend the EASC Coffee Chat on February 1st regarding inclusiveness and equity.
Commissioner Preston said he also participated in the virtual EASC Coffee Chat regarding the Port of Everett where it was reported that business was down a lot from lack of Boeing manufacturing. However, the reduction is being counteracted by new products coming into town. He also reported that he attended a Downtown Edmonds Merchant Association (DEMA) meeting where it was reported that downtown merchants did quite well through the 4th Quarter of 2021.
Commissioner Preston said he had a discussion with Mr. McChesney about a potential public tour where Port staff could show one or two Commissioners and one or two City Councilmembers around the Port.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Orvis
Port Commission Secretary