Outside the Lines: Ferry Tales XIV

Practicing Communication

In spite of the fact that it was a last minute effort and that it competed with the Church’s soup supper, there were over 25 signatures on the sign in sheet for Tuesday night's meeting and at least another 15 people that did not sign in. Public Works, Guemes Ferry Crew and Warrior owner and crew were represented. Many Guemes Islander’s with disabilities came to have their say, even if they had to leave early.

The erratic car ferry schedule, sometime canceling a mid-day run, and beginning 12/9/04 eliminating it totally, is a main concern. Doctor’s appointments are not always available on Friday. Physical Therapy needs to be done more frequently than once a week in many cases. Kidney dialysis and chemotherapy is also more than once a week on Friday. Valid points for people who depend on their cars and drivers to transport them to appointments and more importantly to get them back home to the island when they are exhausted and weak.

Steve Flude said he will contact Manson Construction and Guemes Ferry Crew about adding additional morning car ferry runs {6:00AM- 6:30AM &7:00AM} and additional evening car ferry runs beginning @5:30PM in addition to running the car ferry at 1:00. These additions, if approved, will be added to the existing schedule. The schedule is on the Skagit County website*, LineTime.org, for those who have access to a computer, and paper copies will be on board the vessels and in the ferry office.

Jack Harmon and two of the Warrior crewmembers also promised additional mats. Jack also apologized for not being prepared for sideway rain and high tides making the beach dangerous. The crew of the Guemes and the Warrior has been very helpful to all who needed help. Ron Panzero promised maintenance of a more level loading area. The Warrior was told, in October, that they would be in service approximately 5 days. There are other boats in their fleet that could’ve been put into service had the service estimate been more realistic. {None that have the capacity to carry an ambulance or truck.} GIFC and Steve Flude remembered the meeting well, and Manson’s construction time estimate, all voiced their skepticism at the time. However, that is the language of contracts.

Handicap parking signs and spaces for the Guemes Island lot were requested over 1-1/2 years ago, according to Jim Dugan, without success. Steve Flude agreed with Jim and said the signs and spaces will be up by 12/3. The derelict vehicles taking up premium parking space has been an ongoing issue. Skagit County sheriff is ignoring Public works and citizen outcry in regards to removal of these vehicles. Steve Flude will try again and Guemes citizens should make their outcry louder.

The necessity of accurate communication was once again stressed. I think that they’re finally getting the point.

- MJ Andrak

[12.1.04]

*Islanders can also sign up to automatically receive ferry information by email.