14 Mar Commission Meeting Minutes 2-26-24
PORT COMMISSION OF THE PORT OF EDMONDS MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
(Zoom—Hybrid Meeting) February 26, 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
John Brock & Jim Willett, Town of Woodway
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 CASS MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS SUBMITTED. COMMISSIONER PRESTON SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
COMMISSIONER KILLIN MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 12, 2024 MEETING MINUTES
APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS FOR $245,192.29
RESOLUTION NO. 24-05 RESOLUTION APPOINTING AGENT TO RECEIVE CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES (ADDRESS CHANGE)
RESOLUTION NO. 24-06 RECONFIRMING SCHEDULE AND LOCATION OF COMMISSION MEETINGS (ADDRESS CHANGE)
COMMISSIONER CASS SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
VI. PRESENTATION
A. Puget Sound Express Update
Sarah Copley, General Manager & Co-Owner of Puget Sound Express provided an overview of 2023 operations for Puget Sound Express. The review included a background of Puget Sound Express’s time and operations while at the Port of Edmonds, details of an economic study done on whale watching in Washington state, insights of the typical whale watching guest and information on their tourism & conservation partners.
President Grant recessed the Commission meeting at 7:25 p.m. to address a technology issue. President Grant called the meeting back to order at 7:35 p.m., with all technology issues being resolved.
VII. INFORMATION
A. Legislative Report
Executive Director Harris, along with David Marten and Marian Dacca from Elevate Government Affairs, provided an update on the projects the government affairs team is currently focused on as well as the regulatory and funding priorities for this year. Opportunities for Commissioner engagement was discussed as was the upcoming AAPA Legislative Summit.
VIII. DISCUSSION
A. Naming of Port of Edmonds Commission Room
Commissioner Grant introduced the idea of naming the Commission Room after the first secretary of the Commission who held the position for 30 years, T. P. Chittenden. The commission discussed the idea and decision was made to workshop this after the strategic plan is adopted this spring to determine a naming strategy for commission room and public spaces.
IX. CITY OF EDMONDS AND TOWN OF WOODWAY REPORTS
• Councilmember Chen provided a brief update for the City of Edmonds – commenting on upcoming planning meetings on DADUs.
X. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
• Executive Director Harris noted she’s attending a stakeholder meeting on the City’s Comprehensive Plan process for the Waterfront area prior to the public Waterfront charrette coming and is engaging with the City on Emergency Management.
XI. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Commissioner Cass thanked staff for the hard work in making the administration move and provided a brief overview of Department of Ecology’s Unocal meeting. She also mentioned the Emergency Planning Meeting on February 29 and attended the Edmonds Economic Development presentation for our North Portwalk and Seawall Reconstruction.
• Commissioner Killin attended the EASC meeting and provided an overview of the Edmonds Economic Development meeting.
• Commissioner Preston provided an overview of the EASC annual meeting and a family tour of 9 different Washington Ports.
• Commissioner Johnston attended the Department of Ecology’s Unocal meeting and planning for the AAPA Mission to DC and the upcoming strategic planning continuation.
• Commissioner Grant attended the Town of Woodway council meeting and discussed some other non-Port committees he sits on.
XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 8:44p.m., Commissioner Grant announced that the Commission would move into Executive Session pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) to review pending litigation to which the agency, the governing body, or member acting in an official capacity is, or is likely to become, a party. Commissioner Grant also announced that the Executive Session would last 15 minutes and conclude at 8:59 p.m. Commissioner Grant announced that at the conclusion of the Executive Session, the Commission would adjourn the meeting with no related announcements or actions taken.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. with no related announcements or actions taken.
Janelle Cass
Port Commission Secretary