PORT COMMISSION OF THE PORT OF EDMONDS  MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 9, 2025

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
David Preston, President
Janelle Cass, Vice President
Selena Killin, Secretary
Jay Grant
Ross Dimmick

STAFF PRESENT
Brandon Baker, Acting Executive Director
Brittany Williams, Director of Economic Development
Tsz Yan Brady, Director of Finance and Administration
Brian Menard, Director of Facilities and Maintenance
Iliana Minkov, Leasing and Administrative Specialist

OTHERS PRESENT
Jordan Stephens, Port Attorney
John Brock, Town of Woodway
Will Chen, City of Edmonds

I. CALL TO ORDER
President Preston called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

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 CASS MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS SUBMITTED. COMMISSIONER PRESTON 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 GRANT MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE APPROVED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS. COMMISSIONER CASS SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A. Approval of May 27, 2025 Meeting Minutes
B. Approval of Payments in the amount of $383,343.94
C. Resolution No. 25-09, Confirming the Commission Meeting Schedule for the Remainder of 2025

VII. CITY OF EDMONDS AND WOODWAY REPORTS

Will Chen, from the City of Edmonds, provided an update on the City’s budget challenges, with three proposed levy amounts being considered: $6 million, $11 million, and $19 million, with staff recommending $22 million. The City of Edmonds Council will discuss these options at the June 10, 2025, City Council meeting, where they aim to find the “sweet spot” between $6 million and $22 million to balance the 2026 budget. Input from the public is needed.

John Brock, Town of Woodway, reported the completion of a three-year stormwater plan and eight major upcoming projects. He also noted that Woodway recently had its roads repainted with fresh striping and briefly discussed the next two projects on the horizon for Woodway.

VIII. PRESENTATIONS
A. Open Governance Training with Adrian Urquhard Winder
Adrian provided comprehensive training on the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA).
Newly elected commissioners must complete the training within 90 days and receive refresher training every four years, with a certificate provided by the Port Attorney.

IX. POSSIBLE ACTION
A. 2026 Budget Schedule
Director of Finance and Administration Brady recommended that the Commission approve the following alternative budget schedule:

• Preliminary budget available to the public by Thursday, October 9, 2025.
• Public hearing Monday, November 10, 2025.
• Final budget adopted and tax levy approved Monday, November 10, 2025.

COMMISSIONER KILLIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE ALTERNATIVE BUDGET SCHEDULE AS SUBMITTED. COMMISSIONER CASS SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

B. Executive Director Job Posting/ Delegation of Authority
Commission President Preston led an extended discussion on the current Delegation of Authority in preparation for the upcoming Executive Director job posting. The discussion began at the May 12, 2025 meeting and continued at the May 27, 2025 meeting. While the Commission has not yet finalized the job description, they agreed to accept the current preamble to the Delegation of Authority document without any changes and will submit any proposed changes to the job description and announcement to Port Attorney Stephens by June 13, 2025.

X. INFORMATION
A. Marketing and Communications Update
Director of Economic Development, Williams, provided a marketing and
communications update. The presentation highlighted the upcoming Sea Notes Summer Music series (June 18 – August 31), the Port public mailer, and local organization and efforts surrounding World Cup 2026.

B. Government Affairs Contract Extension
Acting Executive Director Baker provided background on the government affairs contract extension with Elevate, which expires in October 2025, but will run out of funding in August 2025. He highlighted accomplishments, including $412,000 for the Marina Breakwater, $1.5 million for port electrification, and $4 million each in earmark requests from Representatives Larson and Cantwell.
This information was intended to serve as a baseline for informed decision-making The Commission requested a break-down of the monthly contract costs to use in upcoming conversations

XI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Acting Executive Director Baker provided an update on the completed and ongoing projects, contract updates, as well as upcoming events and important dates. Highlights included:
• 2025 Line Tightening and Compliance Testing (Fuel Dock)
• Pipe scope assessment
• E-statement transition project (Green Initiative)
• Atrium Windows Building 1 project update
• Northport Walk and Seawall Phase 2 update

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANGELA HARRIS
Staff expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Executive Director Angela Harris on her final evening with the Port. Her leadership over the past few years was deeply valued, particularly her emphasis on building a positive workplace culture rooted in trust, support, and empowerment. Angela’s approach not only uplifted staff morale but also drove meaningful results. Her accomplishments and vision have laid a strong foundation for the Port’s continued success. The team extended a sincere thank-you for her dedication and impactful service.

XII. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Commissioner Grant noted he is closely monitoring the Appropriations Bill, as it could significantly impact the Port of Edmonds and other Ports across the region.

• Commissioner Cass praised the Ales for Arts event for highlighting the need to support music and arts education, and shared enthusiasm for the Director of Economic Development’s work on the upcoming FIFA World Cup, calling it an exciting time for the Port and community.

• Commissioner Killin shared upcoming travel plans to Bellingham for the PNWA conference and Grays Harbor for the in-person Marina meeting. She expressed deep appreciation for Executive Director Angela Harris, noting her impact in fostering a culture of efficiency and meaningful change. She mentioned hearing from staff that, although the work was demanding, it felt meaningful and fulfilling under Angela’s leadership. Commissioner Killin also urged fellow Commissioners to submit their edits to the job posting by Friday to keep the process moving forward. In closing, Commissioner Killin expressed pride in being part of a well-run, vibrant Port led by dedicated people.

• Commissioner Preston also thanked Angela Harris for her leadership and transition, noting she brought forward much-needed changes and clear efficiencies. He added he would also be attending the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association Summer Conference the following day.

XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
There was no Executive Session.

XIV. ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 9:24 p.m.

The next Commission Meeting is scheduled to take place on June 24, 2025, at
10:00a.m.

Selena Killin,
Port Commission Secretary