|
HIGHWAY 2 TRAFFIC SAFETY COALITION Meeting Minutes: May 2, 2002 - 7:00PM |
|
|
Attendees: Fred Walser, Chair & Sultan Chief of Police, Rep. Kirk Pearson, Jill McKinney of Congressman Larson’s office, Mayor Walser (Monroe), Mayor Rowe (Sultan), Council member Dorothy Croshaw (Gold Bar), Council member Liz Loomis (Snohomish), Connie Dunn (Sultan Public Works), John Walker, Klara Fabry (DOT) Candidate Carolyn Eslick, Ed & Roxanne Husmann, Bob Ostrom, Bart Dalmaso, George Schmidt, G. Willimans
Welcome & Introduction: Meeting called to order: 7:10 pm Fred Walser, Chair, began the introductions with the audience finishing. Walser suggested the group focus on a mission and decide its statement of purpose. The Group decided to remain separate from the East County Mayors' Coalition but seek their active participation. Fred Walser reiterated the importance of dovetailing with other businesses and organizations then collectively lobbying the Legislature and DOT. Ms. Fabry (DOT), supported Fred on this, and went on to say that a citizens activist group will be heard and receive more attention from the politicians and agencies then a group of elected officials. It was brought up that a liaison from S.C.C.I.T. and P.S.R.C be a part of these meeting to help with our visibility as a Coalition. This could also help with future funding. There was a concern by some of the members that money allotted Hwy 2 went to Everett Trust. Kirk spoke to the issue as to where the grant dollars went to for the second stop light in Sultan. Klara Fabry stated that this was one of the projects that was only delayed but is still available. Connie Dunn (Sultan Public Works) stated that they are going ahead with the design of the light. Rep. Kirk Pearson expressed to the group that even though the funding is not apparent, not to give up. Bart Delmasso feels that based on the transportation meetings he has attended recently, our legislators are not addressing our concerns here in East County. Bart went on to say that it seemed all the presentations were promoting the 9-cent gas tax. The group agreed that the completion of 522 Bypass & 522 capacity would be the current focus, however, per Klara Fabry, there will be no funding for these completions. Ms. Fabry made special emphasis to the group that she is not promoting the gas tax increase but that DOT must remain neutral and provide information only. She also stated the DOT would gladly be supportive in any way possible. Ed Husmann requested that we put our goals in writing (whatever they are). Chief Walser addressed that by commenting that originally HWY 2 was in the 30-year program, so it was agreed to obtain a copy of the original document and proceed from there. Council member Loomis recommended to the group that a leader must be appointed. Roxanne Husmann suggested that since everyone is overly committed, perhaps a "committee" type leadership may be more appropriate. Bob Ostrom suggested that the elected officials be encouraged by their peers to attend these meetings. (Notices were sent to all Sky Valley elected officials). Chief Walser suggested that elected officials meet to strategize their involvement in our Coalition from a political aspect, after which we would meet altogether. Roxanne Husmann suggested that there be a facilitator at the combined meeting to put the goals in writing and present them to our Legislators and DOT. The group wanted a hard copy as well, and agreed that we need to keep on task until these goals are completed. Ed Husmann asked where the previous studies that were done in this area were and what is the status of them. Karla Fabry did not know where this information was or its status. However; she could provide a copy of the study done on the Monroe Bypass. Next Meeting Thursday, May 30 7PM – Location TBA Adjourn: 8:20pm Respectfully Submitted, Roxanne M. Husmann |
|