D R A F T

MINUTES U. S. 2 Safety Coalition Meeting

May 30, 2006

319 Main Street, Sultan, Washington 98294

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Fred Walser

Attendees:

· Coalition Board Members:

o Chairman Fred Walser

o Vice-Chairman Donnetta Walser

o Secretary Loretta Storm

o Board Member Lt. Jeffrey Brand

o Board Member Josie Fallgatter

o Board Member Mark Fallgatter

o Board Member C. H. Rowe

o Board Member John Seehuus

· Jill McKinnie, Aide to Congressman Rick Larsen

· Washington State Rep. Kirk Pearson, 39^th District

· Washington State Rep. John Lovick, 44^th District

· 5^th Dist. Snohomish County Councilman Dave Somers

· Lonn Turner, City of Gold Bar councilman

· Lorna Goebel, Skykomish city councilwoman & Stevens Pass Greenway Treasurer

· Henry Sladek, Skykomish city councilman & President, Stevens Pass Greenway

· Loreena Eng, WSDOT

· Rene Zimmerman, WSDOT, RDP Project Mgr.

· John Davis, Snohoco Public Works

· Patrick McClain, Govt. Affairs Director, City of Everett

· Neil Watkins, President, Monroe Chamber of Commerce

· Debbie Ethredge, Lt. Washington State Patrol

· Kirk Rudeen, Washington State Patrol

· Harlan Jackson, Wash. State Patrol, Monroe (recently assigned)

· Christopher Schwarzen, Seattle Times & Sultan resident

· Scott Barry, Christopher Schwarzen’s boss at Seattle Times and a (unintelligible) Sultan resident

· Chris Drake, Snohomish resident

· Michael Drake, local resident

· Rich Mathews, Snohomish

· Greg Stephens, Maltby

· Jeffrey Beeler, Sultan resident

· Ray Kistenmacher, Co-founder, G.R.I.T., Sultan resident

· Joy Taylor

· Frank Linth, Remax & Board member Stevens Pass Greenway

Note: Two other people introduced themselves, captured on our audio, but their names were unintelligible; plus, they did not sign in.

Self-Introductions.

After self-introductions, Chairman Walser introduced and welcomed participation of special guest attendees, representatives from the Washington State House of Representatives, John Lovick (D-44^th) and Kirk Pearson (R-39^th), and 5^th District Snohomish County Councilman Dave Somers. Walser summarized the 2005 legislative session and the extraordinary efforts put forth by this “team” in pushing for, and obtaining the additional $700,000 in funding needed to complete U. S. 2’s RDP. (Not present at this meeting, but an essential member of this team who was at the forefront of the legislative effort, was Rep. Dan Kristiansen [R-39^th].)

OLD BUSINESS

1. Approval of Minutes: January and February minutes were approved.

2. UPDATE on Route Development Plan – Renee Zimmermann: Reported on the progress and activity on the Plan. Stated the additional $700,000 in funding will provide for a more in-depth and comprehensive Plan process:

· Will allow WSDOT to summarize the intersection element

· Will expand public involvement, plan and strategy; Rough draft should be completed by December, 2006, with final Plan by Spring, ’07.

· Will be able to perform an origin and destination study; will use license plate videotaping.

· Allows additional corridor workgroup meetings.

· Have created two “traveling” displays for presentations at “mobile” venues, such as the corridor cities’ council meetings, etc. These contacts and presentations will be part of the public outreach effort.

Zimmermann then summarized future Public Outreach activities:

· Gold Bar and Monroe Open Houses Planned for June have been scheduled. Besides WSDOT’s presentations, the following entities will also be participating via their own info stations: U. S. 2 Safety Coalition, Washington State Patrol, Stevens Pass Greenway, Community Transit and a group representing SR 522.

· Advertising for the Open Houses: Ads published in the Monroe Monitor, the Snohomish County Tribune and in the Spanish-speaking valley/county newspaper [Note: Sorry, am unable to transcribe], as well as advertisements/announcements in the various Corridor city Chambers of Commerce.

· WSDOT “advertised” the RDP and open houses through participation in the Skykomish ArtTrain event. Spoke with approx. 80 people in attendance.

· Will give a presentation to S.C.C.I.T.

· Stated the volume of their online comments has been reduced, coinciding with the close of ski season.

3. Fundraising Report – C. H. Rowe

Donations totaling $3,335 have been received, with a “large” donation promised (of an unspecific amount; Rowe took a guess at $1,000).

4. Tying up “Loose” ends re April 18^th public meeting – F. Walser

Before proceeding with the Public Meeting Wrap-up, Chairman Walser read aloud a May 29th letter written to the Everett Herald editor , “Lowering the speed limit might just help.”[1] Walser expressed frustration that some folks still view U. S. 2 as a low-speed “farm-to-market” road, stating, “Now folks, I’m here to tell you this is not a rural country road at all. It is a major highway. But people from out of this area view U. S. 2 differently than the people who use it every day. And if U. S. 2 shuts down, it has major economic impacts in the City of Everett, Leavenworth, Chelan and so forth that we have never touted before. And believe me, that’s the tact we’re going to take. Filling body bags [people seem to think] ‘Ho-hum, another person died today. So sad. It was an accident.’ But we know differently. In the larger world, people seem to accept motor vehicle fatalities as a cost of driving a car. It’s outrageous to me that that happens, but that’s fact. But when you tap people’s pocketbooks, then they say, ‘What in the world’s going on!?! Gas is $3.15 a gallon! I can’t sit here with my motor running for an hour!’….If I-90 closes, what have we got? A two-lane U. S. 2 to get across the state. That’s scary, when you think about it.” Walser expressed the hope that the press/media will pick up on that reality.

Re the Public Meeting April 18th, Chairman Walser apologized to anyone who did not have an opportunity to speak, but they were under a time limit and had to make a cut-off. He hopes that those who were unable to talk will either write their comments to the Coalition or visit one of the monthly meetings. He also said the Coalition’s desire is to have another future public meeting, to follow up on that first one.

Walser mentioned the positives that resulted from that meeting, among them some new and vital contacts with many chambers of commerce along U. S. 2 concerned about the highway’s future and its impacts, including the Everett Chamber, Ellensburg Chamber, the Port of Chelan/Central Regional Planning organization, the Wenatchee and Leavenworth chambers, and others. The Coalition plans to network with these, and other economic entities.

One of the presenter-participators at the 4/18 meeting was Steve Lind, Asst. Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission; a direct result of which is that the Commission is committing funds for “special enforcement” activities along the U. S. 2 corridors, which will greatly increase patrols because of this grant. Walser mentioned that high-speed drivers are on the rise: Sultan’s SPD has clocked some at 70, 79 and 103 mph.

Lt. Debbie Ethredge commented the WSP has received a separate block grant and will stop up enforcement and visibility. Within the month of April alone, they stopped 80 DUIs in eastern Snohoco and cited over 400 speeders.

All enforcement agencies are working as a team in east county, via a program called P.A.C.E. (Pro Action Criminal Enforcement) that Coalition Board member Jeff Brand spearheaded, between Snohomish County, the cities of Snohomish, Monroe and Sultan. P.A.C.E. is also working with liquor board who are gearing up to do “establishment” checks to make sure that bars aren’t over-selling and not kicking drunks out onto the roads.

Chairman felt the April meeting was extremely effective in creating and focus additional interest on the safety issues and need for funding. Another example is Rep. Rick Larsen’s request for a $3 million grant. Jill McKinnie briefly explained that the appropriation bill was still in subcommittee, but when the full committee meets, it will review the bill (as soon as next week) and they’ll have a better idea of where we stand. Funding is very tight and the “pot” that it’s in is “a popular one, sort of a catch-all” that addresses general highway and safety projects. Senator Murray is on the Transportation and Appropriations Committee so that’s hopeful.

Loretta Storm thanked Radio 1380 KRKO for broadcasting that meeting live, and for making available, as a Coalition donation, no-cost audio for posting on its website.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Gearing up for 2007 Legislative Session:

Rep. Kirk Pearson noted and thanked John Lovick and many other legislators for their bipartisan help in the 2006 session. Stated now is the time to develop a solid strategy for the next session.

John Lovick reiterated Pearson’s statement, adding, “When it comes to saving lives, that’s what we all want to do.” He appreciates the “great work” of the Coalition in both getting the attention of the public (absolutely crucial in making things happen) but also of the media. Stated the Democratic Caucus will meet in June in Bremerton and one of the key discussions will be the future of U. S. 2. Said he would attend the next coalition meeting following that caucus.

Chairman Walser thanked all legislators for their help; offered more “close call” stories and instances where U. S. 2 has been closed. Board Member Brand thanked legislators and citizens for taking time out of their lives to support this effort. As a previous sheriff working the highway, he has concerns for his own family traveling the highway, as well as other citizens; all are affected: “Just because you aren’t killed [on the highway], doesn’t mean you weren’t affected. We’re all affected, one way or the other.” Another major impact to U. S. 2, especially last year, is when I-90 is closed; it gridlocks everyone and everything in the entire area. Lorna Goebel added that the day when both I-90 and U. S. 2 was blocked, and White Pass was closed for the winter, the only cross-Washington route was near the Oregon border along the Columbia River.

Rep. Lovick asked what the Coalition would do if it had $6 million in funding. Chairman Walser responded that that would be decided by the results of the RDP. Renee Zimmerman reinforced that thought, giving some examples such as round-abouts, signalization, and other possible alternatives still to be defined, at least in part, during the two-day working group planning charrette (i.e., workshop). She clarified the purpose and timing of the RDP and the short- and long-term improvements: “short-term” would mean improvements that would occur within the next six years which could be handled by that $6 million amount; longer-term improvements would need far more.

Chairman Walser stated the RDP draft should be completed by year-end, with the final plan available in the Spring of 2007, stressing his desire that it be completed before then to have available for lobbying the legislature. Rep Lovick lauded the professional lobbying force during the last session which was represented by Fred and Donnetta Walser, John Seehuus, stating they had a plan, firm goals and did it by creating teamwork and building rapport among all parties.

2. Fundraising Committee

City of Everett’s Government Liaison Director Pat McClain offered an impromptu presentation on the Coalition’s fundraising opportunities, when one considers the networking potential with the various cities’ chambers of commerce stretching from Everett to Eastern Washington and other associations, organizations and other special interests which have a vested interest in U. S. 2’s development. He suggested that the Coalition could greatly benefit from those organizations’ lobbyists, the legislative goals of which should include U. S. 2 as a top priority. Chairman Walser absolutely concurred, asking Mr. McClain if he would assist or lead in that effort, to which he agreed.

An (unidentified) gentleman stated that the Leavenworth Chamber is huge and could be essential to U. S. 2’s effort. He said Leavenworth understands, as do many corridor cities into Eastern Washington, that the highway is a major bottleneck.

Chairman Walser gave as an example of what could be achieved by successful networking, the U. S. 12 Coalition’s (Walla Walla) $150 annual budget. Board Member Brand agreed money is needed, but any in-kind or other donations (i.e., helping with the website, educational mailers, advertising, printing, PR materials) would be quite welcome. Pat McClain mentioned that local community colleges is a great source of lower-cost services and expertise.

3. Washington State Highway Plan

Secretary Storm relayed the information that because of her involvement with the City of Sultan’s $1 million grant request (requested the Coalition’s support in the form of a letter), she spoke with WSDOT’s Stephanie Tax, who strongly suggested the Coalition’s review and input on the State’s draft 10-year Highway Plan by which to identify needed safety areas. Loreena Eng agreed to contact Stephanie to determine what needs to be done, and would contact the Coalition accordingly.

Chairman Walser then shared the Coalition’s vision and goals with the group. The Number One goal is to complete SR 522 completed now. They will ask the legislature for funds to complete the Maltby-to-Snohomish River Bridge, to accelerate appropriations for the bridge and the four lanes to Monroe, and then to allocate funds to complete SR 522’s “end-of-route” legs for exit to Monroe’s west and east sides in order to bypass U. S. 2 inside the city of Monroe. He asked if anyone disagreed with the strategy. Rich Matthews suggested thought should be given to completing the SR 522/U..S. 2 bypass first, to avoid congestion and back-ups to the bridge and beyond.

4. Coalition’s corporation issues – Previously covered.

DISCUSSION:

· Possible Coalition resolution re Corridor Cities’ residential growth rate and consideration of impacts to U. S.2:

Vice-Chair Walser stated Monroe is scheduled to open a Lowe’s store within a year, and the marketing study performed for that new development indicated a “terrific need” for home improvement from here to Wenatchee. Current traffic configurations are desperately lacking. And it will grow much worse, according to the EIS (Environmental Impact Study) performed during the review and approval process. The study also indicated Monroe will soon grow to become a destination city and “there’s a point at which the system is going to break down….I can see a real gridlock developing. We have three major highways that all converge.” And related to SR 522, “It’s scary to me, because we have high school kids driving that two or three times a day.”

Jeff Brand shared that new development along the Old Owen ridge where he lives is expected to see 800 new homes added to the huge new growth expected in Snohomish County.

Jeff Beeler (a Sultan resident) asked Vice-Chair about the effect of the railroad tracks and how Monroe deals with that? He also asked whether train traffic can be restricted or scheduled differently. A detailed discussion followed, everyone offering their own “horror” story of the gridlock that occurs when too many cars come head-to-head with a train line at capacity. Beeler asked if there was any way to restrict it during rush hour? Basically, BNSF has 100% right-of-way and ownership: To paraphrase a recent response to a request for cooperation by the railroad was, “If you don’t like it, move your city.”

An unidentified man asked whether the RDP is getting, or giving input to the Puget Sound Regional Council? Councilman Dave Somers gave information on PSRC’s Vision 2020 plan and their draft EIS out to 2030.

County Councilman Dave Somers also announced that he requested $1.5 million county fund match tied to future state or federal funding that, if received, will be dedicated to U. S. 2 improvements. then gave a detailed status report on RTID recent actions related to SR 522 (they have dropped it from their list). Currently, RTID is schedule to go to the voters next year. In their next meeting, Somers is going to “make the message very clear that 522 needs to be finished and U. S. 2 is killing people and it’s got economic impacts and it is the #2 corridor across the Cascades.” In response to Fred Walser’s offer of help, Somers said a letter from the Coalition to RTID would be helpful.

· Possible Coalition resolution re Corridor Cities’ residential growth rate and consideration of impacts to U. S.2: Secretary Storm explained her request to add a possible Coalition resolution re growth because of the growth she sees coming without any solutions for U. S. 2 on the table: “I think it’s almost irresponsible for responsible people not to speak out and try to urge caution or use a little bit more common sense.” She gave the example of recent City of Sultan newly-approved plats, most of which were a mile or more away from the nearest CT bus stop on U. S. 2, on roads without sidewalks, necessitating pedestrians cross a dangerous U. S. 2. She would like to see safer conditions mandated.

An extended discussion ensued – especially related to available bus and van services in east county, with many suggestions offered on how this could be improved.

Board Members’ Closing Comments

Mark Fallgatter expressed pleasure at the great participation, ideas and discussion, and number of attendees at each meeting. He congratulated the Washington State Patrol for the great coverage they’ve been giving this area (approximately 1,000-1,200 speeders cited since February) and thanked them, echoed by applause from meeting attendees. Debbie Ethredge explained it’s been a group effort among several agencies. Mark then made a statement regarding the negative economic impacts that occur due to delays on the highway.
Josie Fallgatter asked where WSP was catching speeders, as in her experience, the average speed seems to be 45 mph.
Donnetta Walser expressed pleasure at seeing all the new faces, new attendees.
John Seehuus thanked those who attended. He also congratulated WSP for their vigilance and urged them to also cite the slow drivers, which he often encounters on his way to work mid-morning. Feels they are sometimes just as dangerous as speeders, as it contributes to poor driving decisions from folks driving in the backed-up queue behind them.
Jeff Brand stated the Coalition and its participants creates a partnership and a destination; not certain where we’ll all end up but believes it will be a much safer, better place for everyone. He appreciates the enthusiasm he seems.
C. H. Rowe expressed appreciation for the WSP’s efforts and feels the best thing they do is using unmarked cars.
Chief Walser made a closing statement, saying the Coalition’s activism is “not a passing fancy,” and they intend to aggressively pursue the issues on U. S. 2 and SR 522 until meaningful improvements have been made. “We’re here for the long haul,” with significant emphasis on the legislature.

Final comments, discussion and several personal stories by meeting participants related to dangers from Reiter Road drinking parties; there has been, and will continue to be, a renewed focus on “youthful drinkers.”

Before adjournment the Chair announced the next meeting as Tuesday, June 27^th.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM

[1] TEXT of the 5/29/06 Letter to editor from Jon Coulter, Edmonds: “U. S. 2: Lowing the speed limit might just help”: As a weekend commuter on U. S. 2, I have seen the killing and maiming, the drivers who won’t pull over until an ambulance is on their bumper, an the stupidly impatient who should have left sooner. There is a simple solution that will pay for itself by the end of the year. Put the speed limit back to 45 between towns, and back to 35 in towns. Put four-way stop signs on major crossroads if no money for lights is available. Some sections of the highway have not been upgraded since World War II, and were not designed for today’s cars or the traffic volume. U. S. 2 could be perfectly safe as is, if used as a designed, as a low-speed, farm-to-market road. The tickets written this summer alone for excessive speed and failure to stop might even be enough for a new Seattle viaduct. All it takes is the governor’s signature, and we can all live better lives. Until then, drive it if you dare.”