| Notes, Guemes Island Ferry Committee Annual Public Meeting of January 8, 2006 Introduction: Glen Veal reviewed the changes that have occurred since the 2005 annual Guemes Island Ferry Committee {GIFC} meeting. The “blueprint” for the future of the Guemes Island ferry came unglued as the county realized operations expenses were increasing yet planning for long range capital expenditures were not factored into cost. Chal Martin {Public Works} wanted to throw out all the work that had been done by GIFC, Task Force, and Roundtable. No policy or procedure is in place to identify problems. Decisions are being made on an emotional almost vindictive level by Skagit Board of County Commissioners {BOCC}. Glen feels the only alternative is to return to the bridge analogy formula and the signed resolution and start working on a fares policy. Steve Cox, ferry manager, has invited GIFC to meet and have continuing discussions. Victor Garcia states GIFC suggestions are blatantly ignored by BOCC. GIFC getting more organized since breakdown in communication with County. BOCC Chairman Dahlstedt
requested GIFC to submit proposal.Unfinished Business Propeller pitch was changed to match the torque curve on new engines and transmissions. Vessel Stability Test: A dead weight survey and weight estimate, submitted by Naval architect Elliot Bay Design Group. No stability test is or was required by the US coast guard. Parking Facility Modification: Lower level access from new parking lot to be open for use next month {February}. Agreement with Anchor Cove Marina finalized. ADA compliant ramp requested, if possible. New Business: Fares and Ticketing: Steve Orsini analyzed options available and actual cost to ferry riders. Steve charted the difference between the single cash fare, the 25 trip book, the 90 day pass and the 180 day pass for passengers {Vehicle} single cash fare, the 10 trip book, the 20 trip book, the 90 day pass, and the 180 day pass for vehicles. The average trips necessary for least cost requires between 4.4 and 5 trips per week to break even with pass books. Passes are sold at ferry dock starting on the 16th of each month. Victor Garcia states that GIFC lobbying simpler ticketing system to make it easier on crew and passengers and return to the 3 person crew. Discussion on outrageous fare increase and ridership recourses. Decreased revenue may get the BOCC attention. Bicycle surcharge established for large groups of bike tourists. If you have a passenger frequent user book or pass you do not have to pay a bicycle surcharge. Senior and Disabled: Marilee Fosbre presented information on qualification documentation necessary and availability of senior and disabled passes. Passes available the last half of the month from purser. Annual passes available from Public Works in Mt. Vernon only. In cases where a pass is lost, replacement is not available. Re-purchasing is necessary. GIFC Actions: Carl Cady reported that minutes were received from Auditor Brummett , about County cash handling committee {auditor, treasurer, and BOCC chairman} meeting. GIFC requested to make logical change for check and balances. GIFC sent new BOCC Chairman Dahlstedt and the auditor a letter requesting an individual hearing and asking about the unnecessary $192,000/yr expense for cash handling procedures. Also, how the potential of extending service hours for the ferry might impact the ferry crew and a fiscally responsible way to operate ferry. Communication with County: GIFC and GIPAC Transportation Committee met in December and discussed policy and planning for the future of the ferry system. Skagit Comprehensive plan has list of policies. Glen Veal went before the Rural Transportation and Planning Organization {RTPO} on December 21, 2005 and requested they review and implement some of these policies. GIFC asked for an integrated transportation plan. This would call for accepting the policies of integrating transportation systems in order to achieve more public transportation and less dependence on the automobile. One of the policies states that the level of service for the ferry is to be determined by the RTPO. This has not been previously acknowledged. The County wrote a letter to Harriet Spanel, without any criteria in place, requesting the purchase of a new ferry. The County should not expand its capital expenditures in lieu of accepting public transportation as an element to reduce capital expenditures. Glen suggested that if there was a model of cooperation between the County, City, State and Guemes Island that possibly we could provide a transportation model that would integrate policy and qualify us for money that is not presently available. Treasurer’s Report: Dixon Elder reported $40.00 donation and new balance of $71.97. Donations were encouraged to pay for February election. Election Process: Marilee Fosbre is stepping down. She has been a strong voice for people who use the Guemes Island Ferry with mobility issues. Dyvon Haven was the only nomination for the open position. Information for February 18, 2006 election will appear on linetime.org. Election Volunteers: Sue Gwost volunteered to help stuff envelopes. Tom Buttler, and Carol Pellett volunteered to help count ballots on February 18, 2006 Extended Hours: Motion that advisory question about extended ferry service appear on the ballot along with the name of nominee Dyvon Haven. Motion seconded and passed. Discussion: Cost of extended hours. Statements and rebuttals from proponents and opponents of the extended service with reasonable word content. Carl Cady will contact Friends of Guemes Island {FGI} {opponents} and citizens for Responsible Transportation {proponents}. This is strictly advisory question. Motion carried. Dixon Elder volunteered to assist with the election if available. Other Issues: Survey on-line website (www.sao.wa.gov) is a possible recourse available to Guemes Island about ferry fiscal audit issues. Meeting Adjourned 5:00PM Respectfully Submitted |
