December 16, 2010

Present:

Liz Illg, David Dehlendorf, Susan Dehlendorf, Eileen Drath, Louisa Nishitani, Bill Severson, Lincoln Bormann, Louise Dustrude, Dave Zeretzke, Steve Ulvi,  Dona Wuthnow, Tracy Roberson, Shannon Wilbur, Mike Lazzari, Audra Adleberger

Volunteer Hours this Month:

Today’s meeting:  15

Reported at today’s meeting:  85

Bike group hours:  20

Call to Order:

After a short social time, Dave Zeretzke called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.  Minutes from the November meeting were approved with two spelling corrections.

Notices:

Wednesday, January 5, 5 p.m. – Steering Committee, Whidbey Bank

Wednesday, January 19, 4:45 p.m. – Trails Committee Strategic  Plan discussion, Whidbey Bank

Saturday, January 22, 1 p.m, – Saturday Hike hosted by Mike Vouri, Fraser Homestead – Volunteer leaders and red cross certified volunteers needed for future hikes

Wednesday, March 9 – Trails Committee Potluck at Senior Center – Volunteers needed

Special guests:

Dave introduced Shannon Wilbur from Public Works, Dona Wuthnow of County Parks and Lincoln Bormann of the Land Bank.

Discussion:

Members and guests discussed the newly issued Parks, Trails and Natural Areas Plan for 2011 to 2016, developed by Public Works, Parks and the Land Bank.  Dona noted that the Trust for Public Land assisted in plan development.  She also noted that during the extensive public involvement process trails, water access, maintenance and sustainability, bike improvements and on-going collaboration among public and private parties were stressed.  Shannon reported completion of Public Works’ standards for trails in the right of way.  Dave will circulate, and the Steering committee will discuss.  Comments are due to the Steering committee by the next Steering committee meeting.  Comments are due to Shannon by the end of January.  Public Works is seeking WSDOT funds to update the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element, including the non-motorized plan. Lincoln reported that the Land Bank is continuing work on easements to support trails and that one or two preserves should open with trail access in 2011 – Beaverton Marsh for sure.  He noted that the Land Bank is negotiating a number of trail licensing agreements on Lopez; these are revocable agreements and often easier to obtain than permanent easements.  Lincoln expressed appreciation for the Trails Committee’s work on trail projects and noted that the last 5 or 6 years have seen an increase in Land Bank trail activity.  Shannon noted that since the 2005 Non-Motorized Plan, Public Works has focused more on trails.  She described the new Fishermen’s Bay Road and trail on Lopez and the Mt. Baker Road project on Orcas.  These feature 11-foot traffic lanes, 4-foot shoulders, 5-foot buffers and a 5-foot one-way pervious concrete walking trail on a 60-foot right of way.  Dave noted that the Trails Committee may plan breakfasts for public and private trail partners to encourage trail collaboration.  Shannon noted that the Lopez Trail Committee has received a National Park Service Rivers and Trails grant like the one which supported development of our plan several years ago.   Lincoln indicated that the Land Bank plans to ask voters to reauthorize the Land Bank in 2011.

Finances:

Liz reported that any receipts not submitted by December 17 will be part of next year’s expenditures.  Mike asked authorization to have Tim Dustrude spend an hour installing anti-spam software on the Trails web page.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Susan Dehlendorf