VMICC General Meeting 
Courthouse Square
June 20, 2005
Draft

            Vashon Maury Island Community Council was called to order by President Jim English at 7:30 p.m.6-20-2005 in Courthouse Square courtroom. More than 100 people were counted in attendance at meeting’s start.

            Minutes of the previous council meeting were approved without objection.  No changes were made to the published agenda. The treasurer’s report was heard.  Delore Zimmerman, of CEO Praxis was introduced by Rita Schenk. Four King County Sheriff officers were introduced; Major Greg Dymerski, Capt. Brad Thompson, and two officers assigned to the island. New VMICC Board Members Robin Hess and Jean Bosh were approved by a motion which passed on voice vote. (Yea and nay votes not recorded)

            State Senator Erik Poulsen and  Representative Ed Murray reported some accomplishment of  the 2005 legislature. Among them was raising the gas tax nine cents over time to pay for needed highway repairs and improvements and keeping the passenger only ferry operating to Seattle two years. Another measure provides incentives to find alternative energy sources. Health care and tax reform are the “big elephants left in the room” Poulsen warned. Murray warned that the ferry system is going to be a target for legislative cuts for a long time.

            Terry Gaskill reported efforts continue to get a public restroom in town.

            The Bike Racks Task Force chairman appealed for volunteers.

            Jack Barbash reported the Sustainable Practices Committee has discussed public utility districts and reminded that Earthfair is Aug. 5-7.

            Yvonne Kuperberg said the Land Use Committee has been asked to offer a land use/forest vision statement for the island.

            Vicki Mercer reported county road officials visit soon to talk with islanders about long range road needs.

            Joe Ulatoski said Scott Rice is the newly elected president of VIEMA which stands for the Vashon Island Emergency Management Area---it includes the Fire District, Water District 19, and the School District. The Disaster Preparedness Coalition is part of that group but isn't one of the principals because it isn't a taxing authority.

            Robin Hess said the By-Laws Committee expects to have recommendations ready for the July council meeting as by-laws require. He invited anyone else to submit other ideas immediately.

            Steve Graham said the state is pressing for new rules for septic systems. He believes local control and administration would be cheaper and quicker. He sought support for a Septic Solutions committee motion to move ahead on studying putting PUD formation on a future ballot.  A petition is necessary to get the issue on a ballot. Graham stressed that his committee may find some other alternative(s) preferable to a PUD before a vote.

With this amendment: “…with a final VMICC vote on whether to proceed with the petition no later than January 2006.” offered successfully by Laura Wishik, passed by a voice vote, the main motion passed with 72 yes, two nays and eight abstentions.

            Armen Yousoufian’s motion to require a flag salute at VMICC meetings lost by a 23 yes, 55 no, eight abstentions vote after it was amended by a 34 yes, 20 no, 21 abstentions vote to tell people not to make fun of those who don’t pledge allegiance. Robin Hess’ ad hoc committee presented five alternatives to the customary pledge. None were seriously discussed. Decorated Viet Nam veteran J.W. Turner, active in community affairs, received a loud ovation before the vote when he said real patriotism is inside of a person. Rote recitation of a flag salute is not necessary to patriotism. Making a rote pledge won’t make any better citizens, he added. Decorated Viet Nam veteran Jay Holtz said much the same thing among many others who spoke pro and con.

            Park Board member Bill Ameling presented a motion for a committee to be formed to analyze likely consequences of money proposals islanders are likely to vote on in the next 12 months. By acclimation the council agreed. President English appointed Ameling committee chairman.

            Mark Goldman offered three motions for the July council meeting, one calling for VMICC officers to take an oath of office, one for the island to support the universal declaration of human rights, and one for islanders to call for impeachment of the president of the United States.

            Donna Klemka introduced a motion for the July council to endorse the Vashon Watershed Plan. Her committee of islanders and experts, named by the county council, developed the plan.

            Yousoufian offered a motion for the July meeting to create a property rights committee to review proposed actions of the council before a vote.

            The meeting adjourned at 9:53 p.m.

            Submitted by Jay Becker, Community Consulting