11 Jun Commission Meeting Minutes 5-27-25
Port Commission of the Port of Edmonds Minutes of Regular Meeting
May 27, 2025
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
David Preston, President
Janelle Cass, Vice President
Selena Killin, Secretary
Jay Grant
Ross Dimmick
OTHERS PRESENT
Jordan Stephens, Port Attorney
John Brock, Town of Woodway
STAFF PRESENT
Brandon Baker, Acting Executive Director
Tsz Yan Brady, Director of Finance and Administration
Brittany Williams, Director of Economic Development
Brian Menard, Director of Facilities and Maintenance
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. MISSION STATEMENT
Commission President Preston read the Port of Edmonds’ mission statement:
The mission of the Port of Edmonds is to provide value to our community through economic development, marina and commercial operations, waterfront public access, and environmental stewardship.
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COMMISSIONER GRANT MOVED THAT THE AGENDA BE APPROVED. COMMISSIONER DIMMICK 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)
There were no public comments
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
COMMISSIONER KILLIN MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED. COMMISSIONER CASS SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A. Approval of May 12, 2025 Meeting Minutes
B. Approval of Payments in the amount of $355,757.75
VII. CITY OF EDMONDS AND WOODWAY REPORTS
John Brock (Town of Woodway) reported that Woodway’s Town Fair is taking place on
August 16th this year.
VIII. INFORMATION
Director of Economic Development
Port Directors have been asked by the Commission to present information about their departments and roles to provide more insight into Port operations. Brittany Williams, Director of Economic Development, provided an overview of the Economic Development department which has four focus areas: Business Development & Strategic Planning; Real Estate Management & Development; Capital Projects; and Marketing & Communications. Her daily tasks include being the staff liaison for the government affairs team, overseeing the Port’s real estate portfolio, managing all social media, events and public relations, and providing project management support for capital projects. Director Williams shared her professional background, which includes extensive experience in real estate development, marketing, and business development. Her accomplishments at the Port include developing the Port’s Environmental Policy and IPM Plan, averaging a 92% occupancy rate at Harbor Square, orchestrating major community events, executing a successful Port rebrand in 2024, and establishing key business and community partnerships with groups such as Freedom Boat Club, Annie Crawley’s dive team, Edmonds Food Bank, Edmonds College, and the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce.
IX. POSSIBLE ACTION
A. Executive Director Job Posting/Delegation of Authority
Commission President Preston led a discussion about the current Delegation of Authority ahead of the Port’s Executive Director job posting being published. This discussion was a continuation from the meeting on May 12, 2025. Some revisions were made to the spending limits. Further discussion on this topic will continue at the next meeting.
B. AAPA Membership
Commissioner Killin led a discussion about the Port’s future involvement and membership with the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). The Commission voted in favor of continuing the AAPA membership for another year.
C. Commission Meeting Recordings Online Posting
Continuing the conversation from the May 12, 2025 meeting, the Port staff sought direction regarding posting the recorded meetings online. As it stands, the video and audio recordings are unavailable via the website, but can be requested through the public records request process. Staff and Commission discussed the benefits as well as the security vulnerabilities of posting the meetings online. The Commission requested that the Staff gather additional information for further discussion.
D. 2025 Commission Meeting Schedule
Commissioner Preston requested a re-evaluation of the meeting start times and explored the option of periodic morning meetings. Currently, all Port Commission meetings commence at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd and last Mondays of each month. The Commission agreed to move the last meeting of the month to 10:00 am on the last Tuesday of each month. This will be voted on at the June 9th commission meeting.
X. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Acting Executive Director Baker shared updates about recent, current, and upcoming events, as well as completed and ongoing projects.
Highlights include:
4-million-dollar earmark funding for community projects (North Portwalk and Seawall Reconstruction project)
Port staff hosted Marina Meetup BBQ on May 18th. Thank you staff, commissioners, and guests, for making it a success
Ales for Art Fundraising Event (Harbor Square Business Complex) to help raise money to fund the Arts in the Edmonds School District
Marsh Planning Meeting on May 29th
Puget Sound Bird Fest – May 31st-July 1st
XI. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Commissioner Cass attended virtually and offered remarks in honor of Memorial Day, expressing heartfelt gratitude for those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
• Commissioner Grant also acknowledged Memorial Day, noting that it was an honor to have served his country. He expressed anticipation for the upcoming Harbor Square condition report.
• Commissioner Killin congratulated the entire team on the Federal dollars, which will hopefully be incorporated into the budget.
• Commissioner Dimmick thanked staff for organizing a successful Marina Meetup BBQ. He acknowledged Woodway Councilmember Brock for his continued efforts regarding the marsh. He reported attending the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) Spring meeting and shared that it was valuable to gain perspective on the diverse operations of ports across the state.
• Commissioner Preston shared that he plans on attending an upcoming event/training hosted by the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (EASC).
XII. WORKSHOP
There was no Workshop
XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
There was no executive Session
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 9:41 PM.
NEXT MEETING
Next meeting will be held on June 9, 2025 at 6 PM.
Selena Killin,
Port Commission Secretary