D R A F T

MINUTES

U. S. 2 Safety Coalition Meeting

7:00 PM Monday, July 31, 2006

319 Main Street, Sultan, Washington 98294

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Fred Walser

Attendees:

· Coalition Board Members:

o Chairman Fred Walser

o Donnetta Walser

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 (arrived 12 min. late)

· Jill McKinnie, Aide to Congressman Rick Larsen

· Lorna Goebel, Skykomish Councilwoman

· Renee Zimmerman, WSDOT’s U. S. 2’s RDP Manager

· Kirk Rudeen, WSP

· Lance Ransom, WSP

· John Davis, Snohomish Co. Public Works

· David Hoffman, Roulstone for Congress representative

· Neil Watkins (Exec. Director, Monroe Chamber of Commerce)

· Kathy Watkins, Monroe

· Chester Marler, Steven Pass Resort

· Jeff Beeler, Sultan resident

· Mick Burch, Sultan area resident

· Paul Tortorice, Sultan area resident

· April Bernath, Startup resident

· Donna Rice, citizen

· Patty Noggle, Snohomish citizen

· Joe Beaver, Gold Bar resident

· Ray Coleman, Gold Bar resident

Self-introductions

Approval of Meeting Minutes for May and June: Coalition Secretary absent; will be postponed to August’s meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. S.C.C.I.T.[1] Meeting Report – Chairman Fred Walser

The coalition is joining that, the next meeting of which is August 1^st at the Everett Events Center, which he will be attending. The purpose of joining that organization is for networking and coordinate the Coalition’s transportation efforts with other Snohomish County Interests. S.C.C.I.T. is aware of the Coalition’s efforts and supports us. Of interest is the recent appointment

2. Update on U.S. 2 RDP: Rene Zimmerman, WSDOT RDP Project Mgr.

Renee gave brief explanation of what she does and summary of the RDP (Route Development Plan) for U. S. 2. WSDOT’s participation at their booth at the Sultan Shindig was a great success; they spoke with approx. 300 people, and their participation at Snohomish’s Kla Ha Ya Days reached over 200 people. Significant issue was Monroe bypass. The response to the issue of roundabouts was “mixed’; some folks like them, others hate them. Someone made the suggestion to re-route 522 from its current course into Monroe to Duvall, eventually dumping into Gold Bar, eliminating the need for both a Monroe bypass and U. S. 2 four-laning. (On a humorous note, someone suggested moving the state capitol to Monroe which would result in needed improvements.) WSDOT also participated in Monroe’s Summerfest; most of those attendees were unaware of the plan, so attendees were excited about potential improvements. Renee will also be attending the “Night Out” event in Gold Bar and participating with a booth at the Evergreen State Fair to round out the summer public outreach events. More will be held this fall.

Renee then explained the purpose and scope of a two-day planning “charrette” (i.e., workshop) in Sultan August 14 and 16 with the members of the U. S. 2 RDP corridor cities working group (city officials, public works directors, etc.) and has asked for additional time at the Coalition’s August meeting to report on the draft recommendations from that two-day meeting.

She distributed the a copy of a draft of WSDOT’s Public Involvement plant from their consultant. It is almost complete and is requesting the Coalition’s input.

Finally, WSDOT has linked to U. S. 2 Safety Coalition’s website on their on its RDP webpage.

In response to a question, Renee said their goal is to have the final RDP recommendations finished in December, before the 2007 Legislative session.

3. Treasurer’s Report:

(a) Fundraising strategies & (b) Economic Impact Study (combined)

Chairman Walser summarized the Coalition’s fundraising strategy as it currently stands, which is to reach out to special interests (i.e., economic development/businesses, organizations, associations, etc.) using a “First Contact” approach to identify and attract serious partners. Toward this end, the Coalition’s “Networking/Outreach” committee (interim name) met Tuesday, July 25^th in Monroe, to firm up a strategy; the group included Coalition boar members Fred Walser, Donnetta Walser, Loretta Storm and Josie Fallgatter, and committee members Pat McClain (City of Everett’s Govt. Affairs Dir.), Neil Watkins (Monroe CofC), Louise Stanton-Masten (Everett CofC), Henry Sladek, Skykomish Councilman and local Coalition activist, Donna Rice.

The decision was made that Pat McClain would author the initial contact letter which will be sent to groups and individuals identified by the committee. It was also determined that a Coalition survey would be developed, printed and distributed at the Evergreen Fair (Monroe CofC Booth).

Put simply, in order for the Coalition to accomplish its goals, funds are needed: for supplies, expenses in “lobbying” the legislature, to perform an economic impact study so we can determine how much time/money is being lost by businesses and other economic interests because of the cost of gas used sitting in U. S. 2’s gridlock, etc. Thus the need for outreach to companies, special interests and people most affected by the current condition of the highway. In summary, Walser stated, “It’s time to step up,” with money, letters of support, contributions of time or in-kind services, etc.

Another reason for funding is the need to hire a state lobbyist to be ON SITE during this crucial biennial session. This is the session in which the two-year budget is set, and the speed with which issues and deals change in a whip-snap fashion, this is a no-brainer.. Walser has had recent discussions with an Olympia lobbyist who would be on retainer next year for the “serious legislative session” he is expecting in 2007. Walser: “We will be going after significant changes and we need a continuing, ongoing presence in Olympia…. We want Highway 522 funded and done. Not in 10 or 20 years but within the next five years.” This will take a major redirection of funding already promised or being considered for other projects, such as the Alaska Viaduct or 520 bridge, etc.

The lobbyist being considered is Davor Gjurasic (pronounced, “DAH-vore Gur-ass-ick”), who also represents the State Troopers Association and several other groups. Also under possible consideration is Rick Jensen from Jensen & Walgren, who was the firm the Coalition used several years ago. However, they may have a conflict, so they have also recommended Mr. Gjurasic.

An (unidentified) man from the assembly suggested contacting Dateline that featured SR 522 several years ago as one of the deadliest highways in the country to see if they would revisit it to try and get some national attention. Donnetta Walser stated Reader’s Digest has also listed 522 was one of the 10 Deadliest Highways in the U. S. and she’s been trying to get them interested in doing another update. C. H. Rowe also mentioned some TV focus when Dave King in Monroe erected his yellow-and-black “Highway of Death” signs. Someone suggested erecting some white crosses along the highway where people have died.

Chairman Walser stated that U. S. 2 has the dubious distinction of now surpassing SR 522 in number of fatalities, so the time is ripe for serious media attention.

Someone suggested that WSDOT might consider erecting one or more large “Route Development Plan in process” signs with contact its contact information. Chairman Walser mentioned that the Coalition could also erect signs, stating that Howie Bargreen, owner of Everett’s Bargreen Coffee, has the one who constructed and erected the “Call Your Legislature” signs several years back, using his own funds. (Secretary’s note: Mr. Bargreen also purchased 25 T-shirts with the words, “STOP the gridlock! GO to www.us2safetycoalition.org” in bright green lettering on the back and these will be made available shortly.) Another individual requested that developers building in east county will certainly wish to contribute to the Coalition’s improvement efforts

4. Development of a bulleted legislative priority handout/single-page summary

Chairman Walser explained the need for a small postcard or one-page bullet-point list of Coalition priorities as abbreviated info to hand out during the next session to legislators or other folks.

Lance Ramsey (WSP), who has previously worked with the media for several years, made a statement that for the media to do a story (especially a national story, like Dateline did) on U. S. 2, there would need to be about 10 or 15 fatalities from centerline cross-overs/head-ons. In 2004, there were no fatalities at all, with decreasing fatalities the previous four years or so. This year there’ve only been about four fatalities. Chairman Walser stated that the reason the media has begun taking more of an interest is because of the six fatalities in December and January between Sultan and Gold Bar. An unidentified man commented that the fact that 10 people would have to die in order to get media coverage ought to be a story in and of itself.

Walser said some legislators still think of U. S. 2 as a little country road, then added that growth in the east county cities is also contributing to our problems. We need a larger political base; that is now occurring, with the Coalition’s increased networking efforts. Previously this was not the case. The Coalition’s influence was limited primarily to the Valley. What has changed? Two things: One are the rock slides along I-90 when U. S. 2 as a “back-up” cross-state corridor became a parking lot, with people, businesses, workers, and raw materials and material resources sitting, idling in the gridlock; the second catalyst was the number of fatalities in Dec./Jan. Before the session began, the RDP was short $700,000 in funding to complete the Plan for U. S.; after the tragedies, the doors then swung open to the possibilities to obtain the funding, and after a team that consisted of state and local legislators, coalition members and grass roots efforts, the funds were approved. Walser then explained the many forces and varied interests, including federal legislators, begin the effort. The Coalition now has impetus, and that needs to translate into lobbying. He also summarized the Coalition’s goals and strategies re the completion of SR 522 (see previous meeting minutes April-June for details).

A man (unidentified) asked if Paine Field grows, wouldn’t that make U. S. 2 eligible for increased federal funds? Walser stated they have been giving more than previously. Someone said that Stevens Pass should also have a great interest in improvements. (Chester Marler, who represents Stevens Pass attends every Coalition meeting, with very few exceptions.)

Fred closed the discussion by reiterating the need to get these small “postcards” printed and out to the Coalition’s partners for distribution to others.

Walser gave a rundown of how the Coalition is maximizing and reinforcing its networking effort. He gave some examples: local governments from Chelan to Everett, DOC, PUD, law enforcement agencies, Community transit, port districts (even in Eastern Washington), businesses, agricultural farmers and ranchers (east and West Washington), realtors, homeowners, associations such as Master Builders, banking and financial interests, the U. S. Navy, chambers of commerce throughout the area, BNSF, insurance interest, medical interests, fairs, construction interests, churches, recreational interests and clubs, et al.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Washington State Good Roads and Transportation Association meeting report – Chairman Walser

We joined the association, a statewide organization of grass roots interests. He just attended their them at their Ellensburg meeting, at their invitation. He’s been asked to give a presentation at their November conference on the Coalition’s activities.

2. Establishment of a Planning committee for Governor’s transportation summit meeting in the fall.

As discussed during June’s meeting, Chairman Walser stated that he and Donnetta will be meeting with Gov. Gregoire, and later with her aides Lee Marchisio and Jennifer Zeigler and will schedule a “windshield tour” of the U. S. 2 corridor and speak with them about setting up a U. S. 2 “summit” which will also include key electeds and others for an all-day meeting somewhere in the Sky Valley. She has publicly stated that transportation is a major issue for her administration.

3. I-917 impact, strategy discussion

The Chairman stated he hopes this most-recent Eyman initiative will “crash and burn” by itself, so dropped it from the

4. Tag line / Logo selection

Neil Watkins gave the Chairman a box of T-shirts which someone (unidentified) gave him at Monroe’s Summerfest, the backs of which are printed with the words: “STOP the gridlock. GO to us2wsafetycoalition.org.” (We discovered later the source was a donation from Howie Bargreen of Bargreen Coffee in Everett, who has told Fred, “I’m so tired of U. S. 2; I‘ve gotta get my trucks from Everett to Wenatchee….”)

5. Evergreen Fair booth with WSDOT / Banner purchase/ staffing issues

Chairman Walser thanked the Monroe Chamber of Commerce for allowing the Coalition to share their booth part-time during the Fair. Secretary Storm has issued a call for volunteers for booth times, so contact her if you wish to work the booth for the Coalition. WSDOT has its own booth on the U. S. 2 RDP. Monroe’s CofC’s Executive Director stated the Coalition will need to coordinate with them so there’s never more than two people per shift in the booth.

DISCUSSION/QUESTIONS/CLOSING BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

Board member Josie Fallgatter stated that anyone wishing to receive Coalition updates, needs to email Loretta at safetycoalition@seanet.org. Also, her assignment from the networking/fundraising committee meeting was to determine whether Snohomish County had done any type of impact study. Her contact suggested she call John Davis, who is present tonight. She requested to speak with him following the meeting.

Board Member Mark Fallgatter thanked all attendees, and said it was good to see everyone.

Board Member C. H. Rowe commented re trying to get more media attention on U. S. 2 out here, it seems to be a “close the gate after the horses get out” issue, adding it would be far more desirable to close the gate BEFORE the horses get out; said it would be great to find someone who could put just the right “spin” on this to look at this before we fill body bags.

An unidentified man said we should make the town (i.e., Sultan and others) seem as small as possible and make the voices as loud as possible. He said, “You guys are carrying [the water] for the community here, as well as for everybody from Montana to Everett… Make it a real loud voice from a very small community. There’s your story: And you’re taking on the State government and the U. S. government, and this little town is going to go after them.”) Someone else suggested: “The Mouse that Roared.” The previous man continued, suggesting that the Coalition encourage the example set in “The Shawshank Redemption,” where each and every week the prison librarian wrote a letter to the state asking to be sent books and materials. He said that’s what the people of the Valley and anyone who uses U. S. 2 needs to do: write letters or emails each and every week to a single legislator, or select one legislator or public official each week to write or contact, etc.

An unidentified woman said she wrote a letter to someone in Olympia many years ago asking that a roadway riddled with accidents be fixed; her response from the legislator was, “Ten people have to die there” before anything would be done. The day after she received that letter, two more people died, making it a total of ten.

The Chairman explained his oft-heard statement that there are no “accidents,” only crashes. The fine point difference here is the “accidents” are Acts of God, crashes and collisions mean someone made a mistake in judgment.

It needs to be made clear to citizens what they can do to help and make a difference. As an example, she said a friend of hers had “stopped at Snohomish’s Kla Ha Ya Days booth” and she asked what was needed – were signatures needed, or what was needed? And they told her no. [Note: The Coalition did not have a presence at that event.] She left not knowing what she should do. She could have made a difference. So she’d like this to be made very clear to citizens. Chairman Walser said that was deeply unfortunate, as that is precisely how people can make a big, big difference. We need people to call, write, send emails to the legislators and other public officials. In fact, the website has a “How you can make a difference” page which explains what people can do to help and the Chairman requested people visit it.

An unidentified man said active senior citizens can be reached by contacting and dropping off the Coalition’s “People of Influence to contact” flyer/handout at senior centers and medical clinics.

Another 15 minutes of interactive discussion continued, with many excellent suggestions from meeting attendees on how people can help and make a difference. (Audio of this meeting is available on a CD in MP3 format, if anyone wishes to have one; email safetycoalition@seanet.com.)

Chairman Walser reminded everyone that the results of the recommendations of the two-day planning charrette on U. S. 2’s RDP would be presented by Renee Zimmermann at the Coalition’s August 28^th meeting. He encouraged all to attend.

The meeting adjourned at (approx.) 9:23 PM.

[1] SCCIT: “Snohomish County Citizens for Improved Transportation”