Guemes Island Planning Advisory Committee

Annual Meeting

Guemes Island Planning Advisory Committee

Annual Meeting

Sunday, November 17th 2:00-4:00pm

Call to Order

• Introduction: Brief words from our board chair Michael Brown.
  • GIPAC had a successful year. Got the code amendment over the line. Mentioned that funding has been helpful and more is needed. 
• Presentation from Crystle Stidham / SKAT
  • Long Range transit plan, microtransit (uber for public transportation)
  • Cost modeled between $800k to $1.2M
  • Paratransit requires a doctor’s note, and you need to schedule trips ahead of time, but it is subsidized. No Guemes residents are currently signed up. Eligibility requirements include: inability to ride a fixed route bus, cannot drive, etc… SKAT is working to keep the turnaround area at the bottom of the ferry dock, but if service isn’t used, it’s hard to justify.
  • The 409 route is funded by grant, provides free fare for youth, but routes are planned poorly. It might be possible to replace the 409 with microtransit. Will need to run a survey to see what people want. GIPAC can help distribute.
  • SKAT offers “travel training”
  • Certain RCWs would have to change for SKAT to be able to operate the ferry. Transit agencies can’t own car ferries.
• Regular Business:
  • Board Members Election
    • Currently 6 members, minimum of 5 per our bylaws. Board likes to be at 7 so we could add an additional person at any time, we recommend coming to meetings if interested.
    • Nominations opened at September meeting
    • Nominations closed at the October meeting, no new nominees came forth, but current board members up for election (Michael Brown and Jep Burdock) have offered to stay on.

Allen made motion to acce, Kathy seconded, board and membership 

• Treasurer’s Annual Report:
  • Balance at last year’s Annual Meeting: $6219.26
  • Current/Ending balance as of November 17th 2024: $3148.96
  • Donations Nov. 2022 – Nov. 2023: $2000
  • Donations Nov 2023 – Nov. 2024: $250
  • Send donations to: GIPAC Mailbox #829, 1004 Commercial Ave, Anacortes Wa. 98221
  • Expenses 2024:
    • $2950 to Loring Advising
    • $192 to Mailbox (PO box in Anacortes)
    • $100 donation to Guemes Church for use of space
  • Total legal fees overall: $11,295. For advice, letters, and legal work on Youngs Park and C23-1. It cost $916.89, just to initiate an appeal on the Youngs Park Hearing Examiner’s decision.
  • Without the help of the public and our legal counsel, none of this would have been possible, so Thank You for your support!
• Successes
  • C23-1:
    • Explained what it is, how it helps, and what it does and doesn’t do.
    • Could drill a well without a building permit, detached from the department of ecology well permit.
    • GIPAC to follow up with the county on how the code change changes enforcement.
  • USGS: Brief Status on project:
    • Senator Lovelett helped with funding for USGS. First results were expected in 2023, then 2024, then in 2025…
    • Part of the delay is because they are estimating aquifer recharge for the greater Puget Sound basin. They are calibrating their model for Guemes. 
  • Look Ahead: (maybe?)
    • Efforts for 2025: Rainwater catchment
    • GIPAC might need to weigh in on the shoreline master plan and comprehensive plan.

Adjourn