Information and hard copy handouts on fares were given to the GIFC.

Cox stated extended ferry service Monday- Thursday 6-10PM would coincide with the new fares January 1, 2006, providing that negotiations with the Inland Boatmen’s Union are settled. (This information was repeated by Cox at subsequent meeting with City of Anacortes.)

Glen asked about Munk’s promise at May 2, 2005 Commissioner’s hearing for additional public input and was told this was not to be done.

At the Anacortes public meeting the 6th Street residents voiced concern with the decision to extend hours of service without public process. They would be impacted by later runs.

Cox also said that this would be a two year trial and that being “revenue neutral” was not a requirement of the commissioners.

Cost Analysis prepared by Skagit County Public Works was received by the GIFC on November 22, 2005. The summary is below.

3 person crew operation

$528,190 /yr {existing schedule}
$722,400 /yr {proposed schedule} Difference = $190,210/yr{+/-}

4 person crew operation

$648,117 /yr {existing schedule}
$952,800 /yr {proposed schedule} Difference = $304,682 /yr{+/-}

Commissioner Dahlstedt in a phone call to Glen Veal on November 2, 2005 said he would not support the extended hours at this cost. The BOCC needs to be fiscal responsibility to its constituency.

Munks wants to make the ferry kid friendly. Vic Garcia reported that Chris Borgan Anacortes School Superintendent does not support the extended hours. The Anacortes School board has rescinded support for extended ferry hours. Verbano circulated petition saying that the extended hours are not an issue for extra curricular activities.

Island Express would entertain one/run/ per night for $100.00 contracted cost to Skagit County

Rates increase = Revenue Drop

The GIFC met with Katie Jungquist, Skagit County Treasurer, on 7/2/05. Carl reported that finally, after years of questions from the GIFC, the question who is responsible for the cash handling problems has been solved. The Treasurer and Auditor do not make cash handling policy. GIFC requested that procedures like Pierce / Whatcom counties be used, in order to save $192,000/yr in 4th crew person cost. “Segregate cash handling /accounting duties except when it is not practical to hire additional personnel or relocate duties.” Treasurer Jungquist agreed to submit this recommendation to the Skagit Finance Committee.

The Skagit Finance Committee comprising Jungquist {treasurer}, Brummett {auditor} and Munks {commissioner} met on 10/18/05 and decided not to change cash handling procedure. Committee secretary Brummett provided minutes of the meeting to the GIFC. She stated that Munks said it best “the 4th crew member was needed for other duties about 50% of the time”.

The Commissioners and Public Works don’t want to consider other solutions.

11/30/2005 - A meeting with GIFC and GIPAC was held to see if the transportation element of the sub-area planning activity could be submitted to the county on an earlier schedule. It can not. Also there was discussion about involving SKAT in ways to reduce ferry vehicle traffic.

Parking Lot completion

Request form available at ferry office December 16, 2005

Refund from Mt. Vernon Public Works office only. Takes 4-6 weeks to receive refund.

Dixon Elder reported balance $31.97

Election financing cost approx $350.00 “hat” passed for donations

Marilee Fosbre will not run again.

Membership expectations for potential nominees reviewed.

Nomination were opened and none being made will be accepted at annual Meeting

January 8, 2006