LineTime.org : Guemes Island Ferry Committee

Guemes Island Ferry Committee

Passenger Ferry Accessibility Meeting

November 30, 2004, 7-9pm

Moderator: Marilee Fosbre

Introductions

Rep from Public Works: Steve Flude
Rep from Ferry Crew: Ron Panzero
Rep from GIFC: Glen Veal, Dixon Elder, Carl Cady, Marilee Fosbre
Rep from Arrow Launch: Jack Harmon {owner}

Concerns and issues from citizens with disabilities and/or their reps

Ferry Service disruption taking an excessive length of time
Erratic car ferry schedule {scheduled runs canceled w/o notice}
Problems with negotiating uneven surfaces
Communication
Information received too late
Shelter on board
Schedule beginning December 9 eliminating the 1:00pm car ferry altogether
Priority Loading
Parking lot
Handicap Parking on Guemes Side
Guemes ferry users explained the dilemma of trying to schedule much needed medical attention and physical therapy and doctor appointments appts.

Discussion and anecdotal references by many in attendance

Jack Harmon {Warrior owner} apologized for not being prepared for inclement weather, stating that he was told his boat would be used for 5 days. The Warrior was chartered because of its ability to transport a pick-up truck or an ambulance if necessary, and to be able to launch and load from the beach. Jack also informed the meeting that WA Dept of Fisheries has strict guidelines for raking the beach. Jack stated that he felt very confident that the combined effort of his crew and the ferry crew could assist anyone to embark or disembark the Warrior vessel, wheel chair, across the beach, whatever

He also suggested checking the beam of the Manson Barge and measuring the beam of another of his boats to see if it was possible to use the ramp for loading passengers with a different vessel.

Steve Flude said the current schedule will be adhered to with the possibility of additional car ferry runs the only possible change. He also stated that the project may be completed as early as December 16th.

Steve Flude said he would contact Ferry Crew and Construction crew and discuss possibility of continuing the 1:00 pm car ferry through the completion of construction.

He was also going to look into additional early morning car ferry runs and evening runs. {Union negotiations}

Jeff Gent was to be contacted to clean the ramp daily as opposed to “as needed”.

Ron Panzero said the crew would rake and level the beach.

Additional mats will be acquired and set in place.

Updates and info are posted on Skagit County Website, Linetime.org.

Copies will be available in the ferry terminal, on board both vessels and Anderson’s Store.

A request for Handicap parking space signs on the Guemes side over 1 1/2 years ago will be complied with by 12/3/04 according to Steve Flude.

Construction on both parking lots has been delayed.

Derelict car removal on Guemes side is responsibility of Skagit County Sheriff.

Steve Flude has contacted that department and suggests that letter be written.

The meeting came to a close @ 8:40PM

 

Respectfully submitted, MJ Andrak, GIFC public meeting secretary