Guemes Island Planning Advisory Committee

GIPAC-Minutes-2026-08-03

August 3, 2026

Meeting Called to Order: 6:30

Board Members Present: Kathy Malley, Jep Burdock, Michael Brown, Steve Orsini, Allen Bush

Members of the Public Present: Gordon Erickson

August Meeting Agenda: Approved

July Meeting Minutes: Approved

Treasurer’s Report:

Public Comment: None

Ferry Issues:

Allen Bush gave the board an update on the TAG board’s work on a propulsion design for the new ferry. It was agreed that a hybrid electric/diesel design was the preferred choice, which would negate the need for large lithium batteries on the Anacortes side, instead of using newer, smaller battery technology. The county will present on August 19, 2026, the new fares for 2027, where we expect a 14% increase across most fare categories.

Parking and Lots:

There is not much the board can do until a consultant has been selected for the design of the Guemes parking lot. GIPAC has asked to be included as soon as possible in the design process to address the concerns brought up in the February meeting with Public Works.

Project Updates:

Transit Update: SKAT is applying for a grant to fund micro transit in Anacortes; they are interested in getting feedback from islanders concerning interest in using micro transit, namely where would most islanders want to go to. GIPAC will post a survey on Güemes Views and Guemes Time, and Fair Fares and GIFC will send it out to their respective email lists.
Wildfire Evacuation Routes: The fire department ran a test on an evacuation route for the Holiday area of the island and it was successful. Chief Cole said she doesn’t need any more help with route planning.

Board Business:

Board recruitment: Kathy Malley said she would talk with Sue Roberts about her new neighbor, and Jep Burdock was going to talk to Jonah Petrich. Jep is rotating off in November so there is a need to fill his spot.
Land Acknowledgement: The board ran out of time to discuss.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:30 pm.

Gabriel Murphy