Guemes Island Ferry Committee Meeting of January 12, 2023

The Meeting was convened at 7:02 PM at the Guemes Library with John Hopkins, Gabe Murphy, Andy Leech, Allen Bush and Sandy McKean in attendance and guests Frea Gladish and Olivia Cole, while Charmaine Johannes, Mike Murphy and Steve Orsini attended virtually.

Steve Orsini thanked the committee for their attendance at the January 3rd Skagit County Public Works Open House and insistence that the GIFC be included in the discussion of new fare policies.

December Minutes were approved as presented, however, it was agreed neither Gabe’s nor Sandy’s written statements would be included.

Treasurer Report  GIFC is still $50.00 shy of meeting election expenses from last year’s election and has $100.00 for a new wheel barrow when the need arises.

Each member of GIFC has until Friday Jan. 20 to come up with comments in response to the presentation at the January 3rd Open House. These comments will be considered by the committee to be included in the written response and emailed to ferrycomments@co.skagit.wa.us

GIFC Annual Meeting is scheduled at the Community Hall Saturday, February 18, 2023 2PM.

Proposed Agenda will include:

• Guemes Ferry Replacement Project Status Update
• Scheduled Ferry Haul Out February 27 through March 19, 2023
• 2023 Ferry Fare Rate Study
• Emergency Response related to County Ferry Service and coordination with Guemes Fire

2 GIFC positions up for Election – Allen Bush has committed to running for re-election. Sandy McKean is undecided.

Communication of the Annual Meeting shall include the sandwich board in front of the Hall, Guemes dock chalkboard and flyers for bulletin boards.

Emergency Response

Guemes Fire Chief Olivia Cole spoke to the delay in awareness of a potential unanticipated outage due to the absence of a Ferry Pilot in Nov 2022. Chief Cole was not advised until after several hours of the public announcement. Usually prior awareness directly from Ferry Manager occurs which provides for preparation of alternatives for emergency services as well as limiting delay in response time. Chief Cole will present more information at the GIFC Annual Meeting Feb 18.

Meeting Adjourned 9pm

Allen Bush Notetaker