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February 1998 General Meeting Minutes
Washington Association of Rail Passengers - Board of Directors Meeting
February 14, 1998 - University Plaza Hotel - Seattle, WA.
Attendees:
Executive Committee Members:
Chuck Mott, President; Dennis Fait, Vice President-Intercity West; Ellen Barton, Secretary; Lloyd Flem, Executive Director; Hans Mueller, Treasurer; Jim Hamre, Newsletter Editor; Mike Skehan, Vice President-Commuter Rail Section.
Board of Directors:
Warren Yee, Stuart Adams, Jim Langston, Dale Menchhofer, Rocky Shay, Craig Thrope, Rob Morrison, Eleanor Stewart, Jim Holley, Roger Mumm, Paul Scott, Tony Trifiletti, John Dewhirst, Robert Whelan.
Members and Guests:
Kay Chelemedos, Jim Cowardin, Jim McIntosh, Robert Rohrer, Jerome Sheldon, Peter Chelemendos, Bob Laurence, Mark Morrison, Loren Herringstad.
The meeting was called to order at 12:05 p.m. by Chuck Mott, President. The agenda was approved with a the addition of 2 items and a change in the order of events to accommodate the early departure of Executive Director, Lloyd Flem.
The approval of meeting minutes was unanimous.
The treasurer's report indicated no unusual expenses.
A memorial tribute to long-time member Rich DeGarmo's wife, Sandy, who passed away during the previous week, was given by President Chuck Mott, followed by a moment of silence observed by all in attendance.
Executive Director Lloyd Flem echoed the sentiments of President Mott regarding Sandy DeGarmo's death, delivering the Executive Director's report early in the meeting in order to leave to attend her funeral.
- Results from the audit of the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) revealed positive trends for the Rail Passenger program, including timely progress on projects; revenue in excess of projections; projected increase in use of facilities. The Grain Train audit showed positive results along with copious praise from other eastern Washington areas, who ask when will they get their own grain trains.
- Representative Karen Schmidt is in favor of intercity rail program and is willing to take ownership on the issue in the hearing scheduled for Monday, February 16, 1998. Former opponents of the issue have not been vocal and were described as "buried."
- Good news from the Amtrak's West Coast office, Gil Mallory announced that infrustructure improvement funds have been approved for the Coast Starlight and the Mt. Baker International, including the much needed second train for the Vancouver - Seattle run. Politically, this infusion of capital will be difficult to refuse, leading to greater congressional support for rail programs.
- Dick Thompson has formed the Eastern Washington Alliance 2050 for freight rail planning and action.
- Representative Roberston sponsored a bill requiring 60% of the rail cars be built in Washington. That percentage was reduced when it became apparent that the figure could not be met on schedule.
- Rail trespass legislation has been changed, allowing greater enforcement by local jurisdictions.
- The National Organization of State Leaders in Rail Transportation annual conference will feature Washington's Sid Morrisson as keynote speaker.
- Due to Union Pacific's current unpopularity, Amtrak's express freight proposal may receive additional political support, though this will not be clear until June.
- The State Transportation and Rail Conference will take place in Tacoma in August with Jim Slakey supporting a partial registration fee policy for those citizens interested in participating on a limited time basis. Calls and letters to the rail office may help cement this policy decision.
National Association of Rail Passengers (NARP) will hold its Region 8 meeting on March 21, 1998, at the University Plaza Hotel. Portland area AORTA members wishing to travel by train to the meeting will require accommodation overnight and WashARP members willing to help in that regard should contact treasurer Hans Mueller.
Commuter Rail Section Report: Mike Skehan invited interested members to attend the section meeting on February 19 at Andy's Diner. Current agenda items include RTA contracts, innovations and private partnerships. The first of an anticipated series of educational workshops will be held on May 27th (tentative). In conjunction with President Chuck Mott and Executive Director Lloyd Flem, Mr. Skehan and Rob Morrison met with the RTA lobbyist Paul Price and Betty Lazarne to coordinate the message for legislators and to cement effective partnerships. It is clear that WashARP has a strong and knowledgeable presence in Olympia.
Conference Planning Committee Report: Tony Trifiletti, chair of the committee, announced the tentative scheduling of the conference for October, 1998, pending agreement on participating speakers and topics. The first committee meeting will be held in early March with those members who have signed up. More volunteers and encouraged to participate.
Board of Directors is moving toward a fully integrated and functional organizational structure with an intent to include private business interests in our approach. While historically the organization has focussed on the public/governmental sector, clearly both parties are needed at the table to optimize an effective action strategy.
Election to the Board of Directors: Motion to approve the appointment of Jim Langston and Walter Hazen to vacant positions on the Board of Directors as Puget Sound Division and At-Large Division, respectively. Approved, unanimously.
Alt-Trans Update: WashARP's representative to the Alt-Trans Board of Directors submitted a written analysis of the current state of affairs in that organization which was read to the Board for discussion. According to Mr. Cooper's analysis, there is reason to believe that the Alt-Trans Board is no longer functioning according to its founding principles. In view of their changes in policy and action, Mr. Cooper recommended that the Board approve non-renewal of WashARP's membership to Alt-Trans' Board. Discussion centered on the views of Mike Skehan, one of the co-founders of Alt-Trans, and the intent to separate amicably, such that work in coalition would continue to be fruitful. The Board approved the non-renewal unanimously.
Committee Sign-up: All members of the Board of Directors are expected to participate in at least one committee during the course of the board tenure. A sign-up sheet to this effect was circulated.
Upcoming Meetings:- March 21, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, University Plaza, Seattle
- April 11, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, University Plaza, Seattle
- May 9, [Location to be announced]
- June 13, [Location to be announced]
The meeting closed at approximately 3:00 pm.
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Web Author: Warren Y. Yee
