Guemes Island Planning Advisory Committee

Guemes Island Planning Advisory Committee

October 2, 2023

Meeting Called to Order 6:35 pm

Board Members Present: Michael Brown, Allen Bush, Steve Orsini, Kathy Malley, Gabe Murphy, Jep Burdock, Patty Rose (over zoom)

Members of the Public Present: Mike Murphy, Barb Ohms, Phillis Bravinder, Lisa Charnock

October Meeting Agenda: Approved

September Meeting Minutes: Approved with changes. Barb Ohms suggested changes to draft. Gabe Murphy proposed revised verbiage. All agreed on changes.

Treasurer’s Report:

GIPAC General Fund = $9653.46

Roz Glasser Fund = $9135.10

Jep set up a physical mailing address at The Mailbox: 1004 Commercial Avenue #829.

Public Comment:

Phyllis asked  “How does GIPAC represent the community?”  

Barb reiterated Phyllis’s belief that GIPAC claims to represent the community but does not.

There was a discussion regarding transparency, online presence, and unnamed people’s misinterpretation of articles posted on Linetime. There was confusion regarding an article published by Linetime and an article posted by Steve. The GIPAC board reiterated that articles posted by GIPAC would be signed by GIPAC and neither of the referenced articles were. Michael reiterated that GIPAC is a small volunteer organization and would like to have a good relationship with the community. Gabe asked for specific actionable feedback so that the board could help improve relations. Barb requested that meetings be promptly posted online on the Linetime calendar or elsewhere, and that detailed minutes continue. 

Steve reiterated the board’s desire to be inclusive and that all monthly meetings are open to the public. Phyllis requested more public events. Gabe mentioned that the annual meeting was coming up and Michael mentioned doing another water tour at some point soon. 

Lisa mentioned that GICCA tries to get any idea what the community wants, and that productive public outreach is challenging. Jep reiterated that we are all here for similar reasons and sometimes things get lost,so clearing the air is good, afterall, this is just a rural island community and we are all here for a reason.   

Updates/New Business:

Board elections/nominations:

Expiring board positions: Kathy Malley and Patty Rose.

2 board positions open for nominations in 2023

The board opened the floor for nominations: Allen Bush nominated Kathy Malley. No other nominations were made.

Gabe Murphy restated his nominee from the September meeting: Dustin Stephens

Patty Rose has decided not to run for reelection.

Nominations for the 2023 election are now closed per GIPAC bylaws.

Update on the Young’s Park Project – Outreach to the GICCA board

8:30 AM Friday October 6th is the commissioner’s hearing and potential decision.

Lisa mentioned she had reached out to Brandon Black but had not heard back yet.

There was a short discussion about the potential outcomes of the commissioner’s decision. If the decision were overturned, there should be some direction to county staff. If Commissioners were to uphold the decision, then it would go to superior court.

Annual Meeting Topics:

• USGS Report and Presentation.
• GIPAC Status of projects for the year:
  • Code amendments wells
  • Rainwater catchment
  • Beaver Status
  • Roz Glasser Bequest
  • Fundraising pitch
  • Young’s Park Update
• Board Election

Michael suggested inviting Keith from Skagit County to the annual meeting. He also suggested inviting Senator Lovelett and Representative Lekanoff.

Joan Palmer/Roz Glasser Update:  The Roz Glasser funds will finally be given to the Skagit Land Trust. Joan specifically asked that the funds go to the SLT, and GIPAC asked that the funds be utilized on Guemes Island. Molly Doran of SLT suggested Kelly’s Point invasive plant removal and native plant replanting project.. Michael confirmed with Joan, and it was agreed to send funds to STL. Kathy to draft and send a letter and Jep to issue the check.

GIPAC will put notice out on the Linetime calendar for the annual meeting on November 19th 2:00-4:00, and the normal GIPAC business meeting November 6th next month.

Minutes taken by Gabe Murphy