13 May Commission Meeting Minutes 5-13-25
Port Commission of the Port of Edmonds Minutes of Regular Meeting
April 28, 2025
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
David Preston, President
Janelle Cass, Vice President
Selena Killin, Secretary
Jay Grant
Ross Dimmick (appointed Commissioner at the April 28 meeting)
OTHERS PRESENT
Jordan Stephens, Port Attorney
John Brock, Town of Woodway
Will Chen, City of Edmonds
STAFF PRESENT
Angela Harris, Executive Director
Brandon Baker, Deputy Executive Director
Tsz Yan Brady, Director of Finance and Administration
Brian Menard, Director of Facilities and Maintenance
Brittany Williams, Director of Economic Development
Iliana Minkov, Leasing and Administrative Specialist
I. CALL TO ORDER
President Preston called the meeting to order at 6pm.
II. FLAG SALUTE
All those in attendance participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
III. ROLL CALL
All the Commissioners are present.
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COMMISSIONER GRANT MOVED THAT THE AGENDA BE APPROVED. COMMISSIONER KILLIN 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)
• John Brock, Town of Woodway, shared that according to Edmonds and Woodway residents, getting a boat launch seems to be difficult. Suggested capacity is an obstacle.
• Will Chen expanded on the same topic, sharing some suggestions from voices from community such as extending the launch hours to start at 4am.
• A comment from Darrol Haug, a resident of the Port district, was read. He shared his thoughts on the Port’s budget and economic Development mission and also mentioned the potential impact of joining the South County Fire.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
COMMISSIONER KILLIN MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED. COMMISSIONER CASS SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A. Approval of April 14, 2025 Meeting Minutes
B. Approval of Payments in the amount of $570,040.60
VII. CITY OF EDMONDS AND WOODWAY REPORTS
Will Chen (City of Edmonds) discussed the City of Edmonds’ commitment to work with South County Fire for better EMS services and ensure long-term financial stability. He encouraged Edmonds residents to consider running for Fire Commissioner positions, noting it could significantly strengthen the city’s voice and influence in fire operations.
He also shared that the City of Edmonds is still seeking qualified candidates for the positions of Police Chief, Public Works and Utilities Director, and Planning and Development Director.
John Brock (Town of Woodway) reported that Woodway’s new motorcycle officer is actively ticketing and reminded everyone to watch their speed. He also mentioned his support for the Port of Edmonds joining the Snohomish County Tomorrow Steering Committee.
VIII. POSSIBLE ACTION
A. Appointment of Commissioner for the At Large open position –
Port Attorney Stephens discussed the process of appointing a new commissioner, which involved interviews and a 15-day public nomination period.
COMMISSIONER KILLIN MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION APPOINT CANDIDATE ROSS DIMMICK TO FILL THE VACANT AT LARGE POSITION. COMMISSIONER CASS SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Port Attorney Stephens administered the oath of office to Ross Dimmick, who expressed his commitment to the Port’s service and environmental sustainability.
B. Resolution No. 25-06 Dedication to Former Commissioner Dean Nichols
Executive Director Harris made a request to the Commission that Resolution No. 25-06 be adopted, honoring the service of past Commissioner Dean Nichols by dedicating a bench that will be located in the public plaza in his name.
COMMISSIONER CASS MOVED THAT RESOLUTION NO. 25-06 BE ADOPTED. COMMISSIONER KILLIN SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
IX. INFORMATION
A. 1st Quarter Marina Operations Report – Deputy Executive Director Baker provided an overview of the first quarter marina operations report. Highlights include:
• Demand for the marina remains strong, despite a slight decline in the waitlist.
• The Marina team achieved high compliance rates for insurance and registration.
• The decrease in occupancy at the dry storage and launch activity was attributed to the change in the fishing season.
• The Boat Yard experienced a decrease in stall usage, which was explained by the presence of impounded boats and extensive repairs during 2024.
• The fuel prices were above the area average, but the difference was reduced when the 10-cent off per gallon discount for tenants was considered.
• Reminded that the self-fueling program has been discontinued due to code requirements.
• Commissioner Cass complimented the staff for their excellent service in moving her boat using the travel lift. “A top-notch service!”
• Commissioner Grant suggested installing signage to inform people about the code requirements.
B. 2024 Year End Financial Report – Director of Finance & Administration Brady reviewed the 58-page 2024 Annual Report. Highlights include:
• Preliminary 2024 year-end financial statements were previously presented to the Commission on March 10, 2024.
• The final annual report is presented in BARS format and is ready to be submitted to the State Auditor’s Office.
• Implementation of new GASB Statement No. 101 guidance, resulting in an increase in expenses by $0.4M for sick leave accrual.
• North Portwalk & Reconstruction Project and the receipt of a $2M grant for Phase II.
• Financial Intelligence Tool (FIT) and its ranking of the Port District.
C. 1st Q Financial Report – Director of Finance & Administration Brady provided an overview of the first quarter financial report. Highlights include:
• Earmark funding for the Portwalk ($1.25M) was included in the House FY2025 bill but lost due to continuing resolutions. The Port is now pursuing $4M in state earmark requests for Phase III of the North Portwalk and Seawall project.
• Ecology approved the Port’s zinc/copper filtration plan from Landau Associates, achieving cost savings of $200K from the 2025 Approved Capital Plan.
• The Port secured $412K in state funding for the 2026 Mid-Marina Breakwater Repair, following a $515K request submitted in Q1 2025.
X. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director Harris shared updates about the bait machine opening and the hiring of seasonal staff. She also mentioned an upcoming event at Harbor Square, Ales for Arts, on May 31st – a fundraiser for the Edmonds School District Arts program.
XI. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
All Commissioners welcomed and congratulated new commissioner Dimmick
• Commissioner Cass noted she enjoyed her time at the Dry Storage BBQ, where multiple tenants raved about the professionalism and customer service they consistently receive there, and highlighted the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new tenant in Harbor Square (Edmonds Senior Center Showroom). She also reported attending a Snohomish County Tomorrow Meeting and plans to prepare additional comments for that group. She encouraged public participation in the Edmonds Watershed Fun Fair taking place this Saturday.
• Commissioner Grant thanked staff for their reports and expressed appreciation for their ongoing efforts as the busy season approaches. He also noted enjoying recent meetings with tenants and staff.
• Commissioner Dimmick complimented staff on organizing a successful BBQ event.
• Commissioner Killin shared that she enjoyed the BBQ and had a productive Port Tour with the PNWA representatives. She praised the staff for the Marina Clean-Up Dive, calling it an excellent initiative for our Port and the environment.
She also commended the Government Affairs team for their outstanding work.
• Commissioner Preston commented on the limited space at the Port’s boat launch, noting that facilities in Mukilteo, Everett, and Shilshole Marina offer multiple launch lanes. He suggested that while it may be tight locally, options exist nearby for those willing to travel. He also reported attending the Economic Alliance County luncheon last week, as well as an Edmonds Yacht Club meeting.
Port thanked the staff for their hard work and mentioned the upcoming Marina BBQ Event on May 18th.
XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
There was no executive Session.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:27pm.
NEXT MEETING
Next meeting will be held on May 12, 2025
Selena Killin,
Port Commission Secretary