25 Apr Commission Meeting Minutes 4-10-23
PORT COMMISSION OF THE PORT OF EDMONDS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
(Via Zoom, Hybrid Meeting) April 10, 2023
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Steve Johnston, President
Jim Orvis, Vice President
Jay Grant, Secretary
Angela Harris
David Preston
STAFF PRESENT
Bob McChesney, Executive Director
Tina Drennan, Manager of Finance and Accounting
OTHERS PRESENT
Jordan Stephens, Port Attorney
Neil Tibbott, Edmonds City Council
Mike Quinn, Mayor, Town of Woodway
CALL TO ORDER
President Johnston 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 GRANT MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MARCH 27, 2023 MEETING MINUTES, AS AMENDED
C. APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $965,743.40
COMMISSIONER ORVIS SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
NEW ADMINISTRATION/MAINTENANCE BUILDING UPDATE
Mr. McChesney advised that the current schedule anticipates completion and occupancy of the new Administration/Maintenance Building the week of September 3, 2023. The extended time is a result of various change orders, such as the revised Commission/Public Meeting Room space and other City of Edmonds building code requirements.
Mr. McChesney reviewed that after a series of onsite visual observations with the Commissioners, the design issue concerning the apparent inadequacy of the Commission meeting space in the original design was discussed at the January 30, 2023 Commission Meeting. By motion and consensus, the Commission approved moving forward with the revised design as recommended. The design revisions for the Commission/Public Meeting space were completed on March 10th and subsequently submitted to the City of Edmonds for a permit revision. They have not yet been approved by the Building Department, but it is expected by next week.
Mr. McChesney further reviewed that from a construction perspective, the contractor, SpeeWest, already had framing crews and various other subcontractors working, and the Port did not think it was necessary to stop work pending the City’s eventual approval of the design revisions. It wasn’t possible to know how long that would take. He said he directed the contractor to continue with the framing in the new layout in order to keep the schedule and avoid billable standby time.
Mr. McChesney explained that they haven’t yet received Building Department comments and conditions for the requested permit revision, but it appears pretty straight forward and should result in minimal re-work inside the space. However, of particular concern is fire code compliance due to the nature and use of the revised space. In the original plans, the Commission Meeting Room was in compliance because that’s what it was, a meeting room of about 700 square feet. The new multipurpose design increases the floor area to create a “Great Room” of about 1,200 square feet. This room can be used for Commission meetings and/or public meeting space. Thus, from a code interpretation, it becomes public assembly space, which triggers a different fire code specification. Put simply, the code requires a one-hour fire rating separation between the floor of the new space and the shop space below. This presents some serious challenges. Unless an exemption or other type of work around is discovered, there are two options for achieving the required fire code separation. One option is to spray fire retardant coating on all of the underfloor surfaces, such as joists, columns and other exposed surface areas. This option is not preferred as it would result in major re-work in the shop area. The second and least costly option is to install a hard-1-hour fire-rated gypsum ceiling to cover the exposed shop ceiling.
Mr. McChesney summarized that, once the City Building Department issues the revised permit, they will know the answers. In the absence of knowing what they will be required to do, the contractor has no way to provide a detailed cost. Work progresses on a “force account” basis, pending a final change order proposal.
Mr. McChesney advised that another change order will be necessary to revise the storm drainage and grading plan. The original plans approved by the City showed the main storm line running westerly in a connection point across Admiral Way. It turns out this plan conflicted with the City’s water line that runs North/South underneath Admiral
Way. The below-grade depth of the City’s waterline was taken from the City’s GIS/engineering records for design purposes, but it wasn’t accurate. After the permit was issued and construction started, the survey revealed the proposed storm line was in direct conflict with the City’s water line. The Port proposed putting a couple of new bends in the City’s line to create a utilidor channel for the Port’s storm line, but that solution was summarily rejected by the City. Instead, the City has directed the Port to reroute the storm line parallel to the City’s water line to a new location north of the project site. Stormwater isn’t pressurized, so it needs gravitational flow. Since the site has already been set to finished grade and the storm pipes have been installed on site, the Port must revise and regrade in order to achieve sufficient gradient fall to move the stormwater to the new location. The cost of this work is still unknown.
Mr. McChesney referred to the updated change order schedule that was attached to the Staff Report, noting that it isn’t a lot different than what has been talked about previously, pending the two new change orders. He noted that a Project Schedule was also attached to the Staff Report. Again, he said the project is scheduled for completion in early September.
Mr. McChesney said that without taking into consideration the additional fire code requirements, the redesign and reconfiguration of the Commission Meeting Space comes in at $253,240. It is important to keep in mind that these are prevailing wage jobs, and about 90% of the additional cost is value-added rather than reconstruction or tearing things out. For example, plumbing comes in at about $19,000, electrical $44,000, mechanical $20,000, and flooring $15,000. These are all design-driven. If the change hadn’t been made, the space would have been left unfinished. He acknowledged that the total cost is a big number and said staff would continue to work with the contractor to find opportunities to reduce the cost wherever possible. They will also consider potential work-arounds on the fire code requirement.
Commissioner Grant pointed out that there is a plywood material that has a special fire rating of 1 to 2 hours. Perhaps this could be an option instead of gypsum. Mr. McChesney agreed to look into this option. The goal is to avoid having to spray a coating on everything, whether the solution is gypsum board, plywood, or some other material. Commissioner Grant pointed out that the City of Edmonds has already approved the plywood material in construction.
Commissioner Orvis asked for further clarification on the permit timeline, and Mr. McChesney said the new permits should be available by the end of next week. The only big problem is the fire rating. Commissioner Orvis said he owes Dick Beselin, the previous owner of the Harbor Square Buildings, an apology. One reason the Port complained about his shoddy building was the utilities were laid at 18 inches instead of 3 feet. Now they find out the City’s watermain is laid in at 18 inches, too. It sounds like it was a generalized City problem.
Mr. McChesney pointed out that codes have changed significantly from what they were 30 to 40 years ago. The City’s existing waterline is an obstruction that must be dealt with. This will require reworking the grade and relaying pipe, but thankfully, they haven’t laid any asphalt yet. He doesn’t yet know the cost of this work.
Commissioner Grant said it is very unfortunate that they needed to change the configuration of the Commission Meeting Space. While he felt their consultants should have noted the problem, the changes will be good for the public. Mr. McChesney said he believes the Commission, staff and public will be happy with the end result, and he anticipates a quality building. Commissioner Orvis commented that it is very easy to be critical when you are doing something you haven’t done before, but criticisms can be very valuable if they take the lessons learned into the next big project. For example, they need to seek more solid answers from the City to questions about specifications, since they tend to be a bit fluid. Mr. McChesney pointed out that the project is complicated, and the Port hired competent, professional architects and engineers. It is bothersome when these anomalies come up.
Commissioner Johnston said he is disappointed that the City hasn’t taken any ownership for mislocating their waterline. Perhaps the Port can use that as leverage to expedite permits in the future. Secondly, he said he has been through a lot of large capital projects, and never do they come out without change orders and changed-condition responses. It happens all the time. Commissioner Orvis added that, when it really comes down to it, accountability falls on the applicant. The person who reviews the permit application is not accountable for anything, so you can’t expect to not have things like this happen. Although it is convenient to lay blame on the City, Mr. McChesney pointed out that the Port had a platoon of professional engineers and architects working on the project design, as well.
Commissioner Grant asked if the subfloor of the new building is solid concrete, and Mr. McChesney answered affirmatively. Commissioner Grant pointed out that solid cement has a higher fire rating than light gypsum. He suggested the Port seek technical help. Mr. McChesney concurred. He said SpeeWest, the general contractor, has a lot of experience with these situations, and they have raised the question of why the change is necessary given that the floor is concrete and the building is steel. Commissioner Grant said his experience has been that the Building Department tries to help applicants address issues. Mr. McChesney agreed that the Building Department has been very responsive so far, but it is very frustrating.
CITY OF EDMONDS REPORT
Councilmember Teitzel provided updates on a number of House Bills (HB) and Senate Bills (SB) that are circulating through the legislature:
• HB 1110 would apply to all single-family zones in communities above 25,000. It has been placed on the Senate’s second-reading calendar and can be voted on any day.
• HB 1337 would require that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) be allowed in single-family zones, but cities would not be able to count them towards their density targets. The City, along with other cities, voiced concern, and the bill has been changed so that ADUs can count towards density targets.
• SB 5433 regards the removal of derelict aquatic structures and administration of aquatic lands. This may affect the Haines Wharf structure in Edmonds, and may allow the Department of Natural Resource (DNR) to acquire the property and mitigate the derelict structure. The City has received a lot of complaints about the old boathouse and piers in this location.
• HB 1245 would have required not only upzoning, but also splitting lots. This would have compounded the City’s pain. The bill is now dead, but there is interest in bringing it back next year.
• A bill related to housing on properties close to transportation corridors passed a second reading.
Councilmember Teitzel reported that the Council heard a presentation about the Unocal property two weeks ago. Currently, a Purchase and Sale Agreement is pending with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to purchase the property from the State. Once the sale is finalized, the City of Edmonds will have first right-of-refusal to purchase the property. The agreement will allow the City to maintain its right-of-first refusal and also gain access to the work that Landau Associates did for WSDOT. The Council will continue its discussion on the issue on April 18th.
Commissioner Preston requested clarification on legislation that would apply to properties near transportation corridors. Councilmember Teitzel said his interpretation is that it would apply to properties along bus-rapid transit lines, light rail, etc. Commissioner Grant said he re-read the bill today, and it appears they have taken some things out and added other things. For example, significant bus stops would be included. Commissioner Orvis noted that Community Transit has proposed a bus line on SR-104 from the ferry terminal to the light-rail station in Mountlake Terrace, which would run east in the morning and west at night. It doesn’t appear that it will have stops on SR-104. With all the apartment buildings being constructed on SR-104, it would be appropriate for the City to request stops along SR-104, as well. Councilmember Teitzel agreed to check into the matter.
Commissioner Preston asked if there would be repercussions if the City failed to meet its state-mandated goal for density. Councilmember Teitzel said he would expect the State would withhold grant funding for failing to meet the standards. Commissioner Preston pointed out that the growth targets were developed before the pandemic, and perhaps these numbers won’t come to fruition. Councilmember Teitzel said the new numbers haven’t been finalized yet. The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is considering three options, and the numbers vary depending on which option is selected. However, the targets will represent significant growth. Once again, Commissioner Preston voiced concern that the growth projections are no longer correct.
Commissioner Orvis voiced concern that requiring no off-street parking would be a disaster for Edmonds because there aren’t enough sidewalks, etc. He asked if there is a reason for eliminating the off-street parking requirement besides forcing people out of their cars and requiring them to use public transit. Councilmember Teitzel pointed out that requiring off-street parking increases the cost of a developed lot because it reserves space that might not otherwise be required. He understands the legislation has been amended to allow some exemptions, depending on local circumstances. However, he felt it would be fairly challenging to qualify.
Commissioner Johnston pointed out that “road dieting” is occurring all along the west coast. They want people off the roads and highways, and it is a widespread national movement. Councilmember Teitzel agreed the goal is to get more people to use public transit and reduce car trips. The City will be adding more bike lanes this year for that very purpose. Commissioner Orvis said that, as a former bicycle commuter, he isn’t terribly fond of spending huge amounts of money on bike lanes because they fit a very, very narrow group of athletic young people who are going to commute on bicycles given the terrain. Commissioner Johnston pointed out that electric bikes are becoming more popular. Councilmember Teitzel said Sound Transit gave the City a grant of several million dollars to construct bike lanes. The logic is that they would go down 100th Avenue and 9th Avenue after Bowdoin Way and then head east on Highway 99 and over to the light-rail station in Mountlake Terrace. The logic is “If you build it, they will come.”
Commissioner Grant pointed out that the numbers don’t pencil well on the west coast for mass transit. It is hard to get federal funding because they don’t have the density. They need to be careful when passing laws to recognize that it is impossible to do mass transit without federal funding.
TOWN OF WOODWAY REPORT
Woodway Mayor, Mike Quinn, reported that the City is currently in negotiations with Snohomish County, the City of Shoreline and the developer for annexation of the Point Wells property. The Town of Woodway has an agreement with the City of Shoreline and the Olympic View Water and Sewer District that gives the Town the right-of-first-refusal for a period of time that ends in about mid-June. Right now, they are working with the City of Shoreline to understand what they might require from the Town. He received a note today announcing that one of the property owners has put their property up for sale. Currently, the properties are owned by two companies, and there are litigation discussions between the two. At the end of the day, he suspects they will find that the best use for the property will be some kind of fuel transfer. In other words, continue the previous use in some form or fashion.
Commissioner Grant clarified that the Point Wells property is located in unincorporated Snohomish County, and as proposed, the Town of Woodway would take jurisdiction but not ownership. Mayor Quinn agreed. He explained that the City covers about 95% of the contiguous footprint of the property down there. He doesn’t think it would be in the best interest of Snohomish County or the Town of Woodway to give the property up to King County or the City of Shoreline. He noted that a lot of information is available on the Town’s website. There are still issues that must be settled between the Town and Snohomish County to support the annexation.
Based on the number of homes, Commissioner Preston asked if a separate roadway would be required from the property up through Woodway. Mayor Quinn answered affirmatively. He said the Town has hired a consultant to conduct an analysis on four potential scenarios, and the results should be available within the next few weeks. One scenario would be to maintain the property as industrial, and another says that an access road through the Town of Woodway would not be required if the property is developed with 24 houses or less. A third scenario would be for 350 mixed-use units, and a fourth scenario would be for up to 800 units. Each of the scenarios has different ramifications, either a road coming up through Woodway or increased traffic through the City of Shoreline. The big issue is the potential clean up. There are a number of surveys regarding the scope and cost of the cleanup, ranging from $50 to $150 million.
Commissioner Grant asked about the mid-June expiration date on the agreement between Shoreline, Woodway and the Olympic View Water and Sewer District. Mayor Quinn said it was an agreed-upon date between the three parties. As per the agreement, the three parties agreed not to pursue litigation for a period of time and Woodway was given the first crack at annexation because it has the most coverage by land mass around the property.
Councilmember Teitzel pointed out that, if Woodway annexes the property and it is developed with a mixed-use project that includes a large number of residential units, it would change the voting dynamics of the Town. The new residents may not value the large lots and way of life that the residents of Woodway have enjoyed over the years. Mayor Quinn acknowledged that it would definitely change the dynamics of the Town, which is a significant concern for the current citizens. He pointed out that the Mayor and Town Council positions are all volunteer. If the Town’s population were to significantly increase, they would have to consider a different management structure for government.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. McChesney reported that he and Commissioner Harris will meet with Eric ffitch, Executive Director of the Washington Public Port Association (WPPA), on Thursday for familiarization.
Ms. Drennan reported that the Snohomish County Covid Grant process has been going on for almost a year. In April of 2022, the Snohomish County Office of Recovery and Resilience contacted Mr. McChesney to ask if the Port would like to submit for Covid Grant funds. At that point, she reviewed the eligibility requirements and submitted an online application form. She had a number of exchanges with the County in May, as the form did not match with the type of project/grant the Port was asked to submit for. In June, the County requested she calculate the estimated loss of revenues and the cost of premium pay to employees who were working on site during Covid, and this followed with a discussion on the next steps. The County proposed grant funding to hire for the same positions that were unfilled or eliminated due to Covid, and she calculated and submitted for a variety of costs the County said they might reimburse for. These included porta-potties for the public, remote-work capabilities, closure pay, and public-safety costs. At that point, she reviewed the Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Funds Overview of Final Rule, and determined the Port would not be eligible. Although they lost a number of employees during covid and had high unemployment, the losses occurred after the March 3, 2021 date.
Ms. Drennan further reported that when the County proposed that they pay employee costs up to $250,000, she asked regarding documentation requirements. As she hadn’t heard back, she asked for an update in September. In October, the County provided a contract, but upon reviewing the contract in November, she found that the documentation states the grant was for the operation of rail and/or motor vehicle transfer and terminal facilities, water transfer and terminal facilities, any combination of such transfer and termination facilities, and any other commercial transportation transfer storage and terminal facilities and industrial improvements. She informed the County that the Port doesn’t provide these services, as it operates a recreational marina and rents land, buildings and portions of buildings to commercial tenants. At the County’s request, she provided new language that better reflects the authorized services of the Port.
Ms. Drennan said that in late December, the County said they hadn’t received the signed packet needed to make changes, and she responded in January. The County provided a new contract, which included eight documents for a total of 23 pages and also referred to 11 federal documents with a total of 561 pages. She completed the contract review in February and submitted it to the Port Attorney to approve in form only. Next, she submitted the contract to the Commission for approval and forwarded the documentation to Mr. McChesney and the Port Attorney. She also submitted documentation to the County and requested insurance certificates from Enduris. She finally received the signed agreement from the County on April 3rd with a request to submit a quarterly invoice and report by April 15th. She submitted the required information and requested the full amount of $250,000. The Port is now waiting to receive payment.
The Commissioners commended Ms. Drennan for working so hard to get through the grant submittal process.
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Commissioner Orvis provided the following legislative report:
• The cutoff for legislation headed to the floors of chambers is April 12th. By April 12th, all bills must have passed both houses, and then the legislature will go into secret sessions.
• The Senate’s operating budget proposed $8 million per biennium for Washington State Tourism, but the House has proposed $9 million. They are currently fighting over $1 million.
• The House and Senate budget proposals both include funding for clean-energy permitting and local government eligibility means that ports can apply for the funding.
• The House budget includes funding for the implementation of HB 1216, which would streamline the siting of clean energy facilities.
• Funding for “Connecting Washington” projects was a big budget item for transportation infrastructure within the State, and there was very strong funding for US-12 in Walla Walla. If they are going to eliminate dams, then US-12 will have to be expanded. The Senate’s budget didn’t include a proposal for planning or right-of-way funding.
• The Gateway Program for the Port of Seattle appears to have enough support in both chambers that it is on schedule for approval.
• The Snake River Dams Transportation Alternatives Study has been allocated $5 million. The WPPA is supporting a more robust study of all transportation aspects, which would cost about $10 million.
• Both the Senate and House budgets include strong funding for remedial action grants.
• Model Toxic Control Act (MTCA) funding will go to port districts.
• Shore-power electrification continues to be a preferred approach in the Senate’s capital budget. Two specific projects would be funded, the Northwest Seaport Alliance and the Port of Everett, which is now one of 11 national ports for defense movement. The WPPA is pushing additional funds for Anacortes, Bremerton and Port Townsend. This seems reasonable, as it is easier to electrify smaller ports because they do mostly barge traffic and it is easier to convert the barges. Electricity to shore power is much more difficult with the big container ships and freighters that you find in Seattle and Everett.
• HB 1719 would decommission the Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission and turn it into a work group specifically removing the goal of recommending one specific site for a new commercial service airport.
• SB 5433 regarding derelict structure removal has received a second reading, and it looks like it may pass. This would likely benefit the City, as mentioned earlier by Councilmember Teitzel.
• The derelict vessel legislation has also received a second reading in the House. The measure would streamline the removal of derelict vessels. While it isn’t anticipated to help the Port of Edmonds, it may help other ports that have had significant problems with bigger ships. It would allow ports to email vessel owners and significantly decreases the time you must wait for a response before hauling the vessel away. The bill would also allow administrative law judges to supplement three members of the Pollution Control Hearings Board to expedite the process of removing derelict vessels.
• SB 5091 would expand incentives for research and development and production and sales of hydrogen fuel cells. It appeared to be dead, but has recently come forward again. It has yet to pass out of the Senate Chamber.
• HB 5094 would add advanced nuclear technology, renewable natural gas and green electrolytic hydrogen as guiding principles for the energy strategy. After a lot of push back, the original bill was amended to add the word “renewable.”
• A bill would make it unlawful to approach with 1,000 yards of resident orcas, and the current law is 300 yards. However, it also says you won’t be cited if you are within 400 yards and you disengage your clutch. If you find yourself closer than 1,000 yards to an orca, you must shut down your engine and float until they have moved on.
• SHB 1175 would create financial assistance for owners of petroleum underground storage tanks. The bill has support, but he isn’t sure how far it has progressed.
• SB 5104 would direct the Department of Fish and Wildlife to survey habitat along Puget Sound to create and maintain a baseline of habitat. This bill has a lot of potential ramifications.
• An apprenticeship bill is moving forward. As proposed, public works projects over $1 million would be required to achieve 15% apprenticeships. They are considering raising the project limit to $2 million, but ports would like it to be raised to $12 million. The big fear is that small firms don’t have enough resources to absorb the 15% apprenticeship requirement. Government agencies would also be required to keep track to make sure that contractors are in compliance. Subcontractors with contracts over $200,000 would be required to achieve 15% apprenticeships, too.
• SB 5268 would raise the Small Works Roster limit to $350,000. It was felt that $500,000 was too high.
• A bill was recently introduced that would permit tolling on the proposed interstate bridge to Portland.
Commissioner Grant said he has been attending Town of Woodway and City of Edmonds Council Meetings, keeping an eye on what they are doing. The Port is still going back and forth with the City of Edmonds on its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance program in the joint parking lot, and they are currently waiting for a response from the City. Mr. McChesney said the fix for the parking lot would be quite simple, and they are encouraging the City’s Parks and Public Works Department to take care of the situation now before it explodes into a great big problem. He recalled that the Port had some ADA exposure in 2021 when they moved a few parking spaces to accommodate the recycling facility. It affected a boater whose wife uses a wheelchair, and he turned the Port into the Department of Justice. Commissioner Orvis commented that so much of the existing infrastructure is not ADA compliant. Ms. Drennan responded that the Port ended up paying a fine of $3,000, and the cost of complying with the requirements was significant. The original requirement was that the Port provide documentation on all of the modifications on Port property over the past 30 years. They were fortunately able to talk the Department of Justice out of that requirement.
Commissioner Grant advised that, according to an agreement with the State, the jointly owned Fishing Pier parking lot is to go from general open parking (October through April) to restricted parking for the Fishing Pier, Port and Olympic Park use only (May through September).
Commissioner Grant said he has been watching SB 5466, which relates to transportation centers because one center is adjacent to Harbor Square. The bill had a second reading earlier in the day.
Commissioner Harris reminded the Commissioners that the next Annie Crawley Cleanup Dive is April 16th at 8:00 a.m. As mentioned previously, she reported that she and Commissioner Grant are working on the Port’s Mission Statement, with the goal of bringing two suggestions forward this month.
Commissioner Harris said she is in discussions with representatives from the Edmonds Marsh Estuary to learn what is top of mind for them with regard to the marsh. She will share what she has learned with Commissioner Johnston, and perhaps they can be invited to a future Environmental Committee meeting to share more broadly.
Commissioner Harris said she and Mr. McChesney would meet with Eric ffitch, WPPA Executive Director, on April 13th. She said she has received a very warm welcome from members of the community for her new role as the Port’s next Executive Director. She feels very excited and honored. She and Mr. McChesney have started discussions on transition topics, and she is looking forward to onboarding on May 22nd.
Commissioner Harris announced that she would be attending the WPPAs Spring Conference in May.
Commissioner Preston asked if there was an end in mind for the Snake River Dams Transportation Alternatives Study or if they putting the study together to justify what they already know they want to do. Commissioner Orvis expressed his belief that the issue will end up in congress. A lot of what is being done now is kicking the can, and most of the people studying the issue won’t be part of the decision. It will be very difficult to take out the dams, and no one is even talking about flood control. Mr. McChesney pointed out that the Tribes are starting to lean into the issue, which is scary from a political point of view.
Commissioner Preston asked if Edmonds is hoping to have the ability to make an offer for the Unocal property, and Councilmember Teitzel answered affirmatively, after it transitions to WSDOT. Commissioner Preston asked how long that would take, and Councilmember Teitzel responded that the cleanup is finished, but they are currently monitoring the site. They expect to have all that done by the end of 2023 and then the City could make an offer. He emphasized that WSDOT is required to get fair market value for the property. Councilmember Teitzel said the property’s current zoning would allow mixed-use development, but some councilmembers are adamantly opposed to allowing that to happen. There is a desire to keep it natural. Commissioner Grant said they are still considering a hardtop to cap the pollution. Councilmember Teitzel said there has also been talk about the need to realign the newly-created stream channel to prevent pollution from bubbling up if and when the stream is relocated.
Commissioner Preston announced that he would attend the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (EASC) Annual Meeting on April 26th. He would also attend the WPPA Spring Conference in May.
Commissioner Johnston said he has been working with Port Attorney Stephens putting together an offer letter and employment agreement for the Port’s new Executive Director, Angela Harris. Her first day at the Port will be May 22nd. As a result, they need to start working on an appointment schedule for selecting a new Commissioner on or about May 23rd. He and Port Attorney Stephens have been discussing how this process might work.
Commissioner Johnston said he has been trading emails with Eric ffitch, WPPA Executive Director, discussing some future WPPA Committee options. He is currently on a committee he may leave, and he may be interested in joining a few others. He looks forward to meeting with him at the WPPA Spring Conference in Spokane in May. He is also scheduled to meet with the Port’s new Environmental Lobbyist, who will be attending the WPPA Spring Conference, as well. He commented that the WPPA is strengthening and is very dedicated to being an effective organization on behalf of ports.
Commissioner Johnston announced that he would also attend the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (EASC) Coffee Chat on April 11th.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jay Grant
Port Commission Secretary