28 Feb Commission Meeting Minutes 2-12-24
PORT COMMISSION OF THE PORT OF EDMONDS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
(Zoom—Hybrid Meeting) February 12, 2024
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Jay Grant, President
David Preston, Vice President
Janelle Cass, Secretary
Steve Johnston
Selena Killin
STAFF PRESENT
Angela Harris, Executive Director
Brandon Baker, Deputy Executive Director
Brittany Williams, Manager of Properties and Economic Development
Tsz Yan Brady, Director of Finance and Administration
OTHERS PRESENT
Jordan Stephens, Port Attorney
Will Chen, Edmonds City Council
I. CALL TO ORDER
President Grant called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. FLAG SALUTE
All those in attendance participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COMMISSIONER PRESTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS SUBMITTED. COMMISSIONER CASS SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Comment from Puget Sound Anglers thanking the Port of Edmonds for the partnership and providing overview of the areas the Port and Puget Sound Anglers partner and insights into upcoming events this year.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
COMMISSIONER KILLIN MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
APPROVAL OF JANUARY 29 AND JANUARY 31, 2024 MEETING MINUTES
APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $342,783.23
RESOLUTION NO. 24-04 APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZING SALE OF 3 ABANDONED BOATS
COMMISSIONER JOHNSTON SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
VI. PRESENTATION
A. An Update from the Corinthian Yacht Club of Edmonds
Mike Fitch, current Commodore of the Corinthian Yacht Club of Edmonds (CYCE) provided a brief history of CYCE and recapped the 2023 season. He also provided a look ahead to 2024, including club activities at the Port of Edmonds.
VII. POSSIBLE ACTION
A. Approval of a contribution to the City of Edmonds for the National Coastal Resilience
Grant local match for the Edmonds Marsh Study
Executive Director Harris provided background on the request from the Marsh Estuary Advocates for financial support from the Port of Edmonds to the City of Edmonds for a grant awarded to the City for further data analysis for the Edmonds Marsh in the case of future daylighting.
THE COMMISSION RAISED QUESTIONS THEY HAVE BEFORE THEY ARE READY TO VOTE ON THIS ITEM.
The questions raised included finding out the total amount for the consultants as well as the process of selection, when the community match funds need to be available, and the timing of the study relative to the property clean-up and subsequent presumed sale.
VIII. INFORMATION
A. Marketing & Communications Annual Review
Manager Williams highlighted 2023 events and communication pieces, as well as the results from various marina programs and promotions. She also provided an overview of the 2024 marketing and communications strategy.
B. 2023 Preliminary Financial Report
Director Brady reviewed the 2023 preliminary financial report. Financial highlights for 2023 included:
• Marina revenues/other income increased from 2022 by $0.5 million or 6%.
• Rental Property revenues/other income increased from 2022 by $0.2 million or 8%.
• The combined Port gross revenue increased from 2022 by $0.8 million or 7% and increased from 2023 budgeted amount by $1.0 million or 9%.
• The combined Port gross margin (revenue less cost of goods sold) increased from 2022 by $0.8 million or 9% and increased from 2023 budgeted amount by $0.6 million or 6%.
• The combined Port operating expenses (before depreciation and amortization) increased from 2022 by $1.1 million or 22% and decreased from 2023 budgeted amount by $0.3 million or 4%.
• The Port has spent $7.3 million on new capital projects in 2023. The completion of the new administrative/maintenance building (Phase 1 of the North Portwalk and Seawall Reconstruction Project) was the main focus as well as other capital maintenance projects.
IX. CITY OF EDMONDS AND TOWN OF WOODWAY REPORTS
• Councilmember Chen provided a brief update for the City of Edmonds, explaining that Councilmembers Olson and Tibbitt were authorized to speak on behalf of the council with Governor Inslee’s office on the future of the Unocal property. He also shared that the City would be having an open house to get public input about DADU’s on February 28, 2024.
X. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director Harris provided an update on the following topics:
• North Portwalk & Seawall Reconstruction state funding update – we will know by end of session if we receive any funding this session, with early indicators in the Senate budget being released this week. Depending on the state funding and the current RCO grant parameters we have, we may want to move into contract phase this Fall for a Winter construction on Phase 2. Executive Director Harris also shared that DC planning will be discussed in our next meeting.
• Staffing – currently interviewing for maintenance and marina operations, the administration role has been filled.
• Communications – discussed monthly memo to commissioners and scheduled or ad hoc meetings, depending on commissioner preference, with each commissioner.
• Administration building – gave an update on our move-in this week.
• Leasing – provided update that we’re continuing to look into options for the Admin building leased space.
XI. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Commissioner Cass provided an overview of Port Day in Olympia and her discussions. She also provided an update on the Rotary club presentation she recently gave and mentioned she will attend the Unocal Update from Department of Ecology on Tuesday night.
• Commissioner Johnston provided an overview of Port Day in Olympia and his perspective on discussions. He also mentioned he’s enjoying the Strategic Planning process, summarized the EASC February 6 Transit Update meeting and will be attending the Unocal Update on February 13.
• Commissioner Killin gave an overview of Port Day in Olympia from her perspective and mentioned the importance of our messaging as some in the community are thinking our Portwalk is connected to the Ebb Tide waterfront walkway.
• Commissioner Preston thanked staff for the pressure washing of the boardwalk, and then summarized his visit to the Boat Show, the Chamber of Commerce luncheon, and the most recent Edmonds Downtown Alliance meeting.
• Commissioner Grant provided a summary of the Boat Show, the legislative day in Olympia, and mentioned that the City’s Blue Panel recommendations are expected by June. He also met with the City of Edmonds Mayor and discussed a regionally coordinated disaster plan.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 9:29 p.m.
Janelle Cass, Port Commission Secretary