Outside the Lines: Ferry Tales II

Good Cop : Bad Cop

This is the 10th meeting for the Guemes Island Ferry task force. It was heretofore unscheduled and called to address ALL unresolved issues to date (schedules, fares, performance).

This episode finds the characters virtually sequestered at a location far removed from the Guemes Ferry and the islanders it serves. The room temperature fluctuates between too warm and too cool. The characters gulp bottled water or sip coffee directly influenced by the thermometer.

It is small room and people are in close proximity. Everyone in the room realizes the objective of this meeting is to address implementation, operation, and performance issues, as well as discussion of the fare and schedule policy. This in addition to a phasing plan and finalization of the draft proposal, fills the agenda.

All characters have prepared. All have read their script and know their lines.

The director Berk and Associates bring in an additional character for expediency purposes. They are prepared as well. They are at an advantage, however, because they have the power to alter the script and reverse roles mid stream. These tactics are used in order to complete the Draft Proposal and prepare for it to be presented to the County Commissioners on Nov. 4.

The Guemes Island Ferry Committee has been actively working on fares, schedules, and operational policies, as well as resolutions that were crafted and drafted by them. They want to be officially recognized as a viable entity.

Act 1: Resolution 11939

Take 1

Discussion of mechanic’s role in the daily ferry operations and wages and benefits associated therewith. Item adds $60-65,000 per year to fares recovery.

Take 2

More discussion of mechanics role in the daily ferry operations and benefits associated therewith.

Take 3

More discussion

Take 4

More discussion

Take 5

More discussion

Take 6

More discussion

Take 7

More discussion

Take 8

More discussion………….

Take 16

Amendment passed to include mechanic’s wages and salaries in Resolution 11939.

For the next 1 1/2 hours Resolution 11939 and its implications are debated, haggled, argued, studied, and hashed out.

Finally questioned amendments are passed with a vote of 11-2 (See Berk and Associates “Cliff Notes” [Appearing soon])

 

Act 2: Relief is in the air. A break is the reward.

Sandwiches and soup are catered and dinner is served. Conversations are guarded, looks are cautious, skepticism is prevalent among some, trust is almost non-existent (Guess Who). Many characters are suspicious. All return to the table at 6:45 almost 4 hours after the meeting began. This meeting is nowhere near over. Fatigue is palpable. There is still much discussion needed and many recommendations to be approved. Berk and Associates uses this to their advantage.

Act 3

Proposed Schedules (Mon-Thurs)

Proposed Fares (cash fares, frequent user, oversize )

Nomenclature of Special Ferry Runs

Proposed Fares for those runs

Phasing

Implementation

Gage of performance of 4th crewmember

This is 7:00PM on a Friday afternoon. Everyone has worked hard all week. Energy wanes.

Eyes are beginning to glaze over. Cookies and coffee consumed in an attempt to remain alert. Motions are made, seconded, discussed amended and voted on. People have their hands raised, ( in order to be heard on a topic) for so long, many forget what their comment or question is. Yet they go on and on and on.

This is a good time to exit stage left. Too bad they don’t!

- MJ Andrak