Chapter 2.44
FERRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHARTER
Sections:
2.44.010 Established – Purpose and responsibilities.
2.44.020 Organization.
2.44.030 Terms – Vacancies.
2.44.040 Residency requirements.
2.44.050 Selection of officers.
2.44.060 Compensation for expenses.
2.44.070 Goals and objectives.
2.44.080 Repealed.
2.44.010 Established – Purpose and responsibilities.
In accordance with provisions of RCW 47.60.310, a San Juan County ferry advisory committee is established by the County council. The purpose of the ferry advisory committee is to provide, for County council review and necessary action, local expressions from County residents and business communities concerning the condition of, and problem areas and recommended resolutions in, ferry transportation matters as these affect the San Juan service area. Specific advisory committee responsibilities include the maintenance of an ongoing program for the study and improvement of ferry system operations in the areas of safety, tariffs, service, scheduling, economic health, vessel allocation, dock and dock facilities adequacy and arrangements, and vessel maintenance. (Ord. 14-2008 § 2; Res. 33-1985)
2.44.020 Organization.
A. Because of the vital significance of the ferry system to the County as the highway and lifeline between these islands and the mainland, and because the very economic well-being of each island served by the ferry system rests upon the degree of service in successfully transporting its citizens and visitors, the ferry advisory committee of San Juan County is composed of five members and two alternate members, selected as follows:
1. One representative from each ferry-served island within the County, as selected by the County council; and
2. One elected member of the County legislative authority who also acts as a representative of the local government transportation planning body; and
3. The alternate members shall be at-large members from within the County, and shall have voting rights in meetings when their presence is necessary to assure that five members are present.
B. At least one person appointed to the advisory committee shall be representative of an established ferry user group or of frequent users of the ferry system, and at least one shall be representative of persons or firms using or depending upon the ferry system for commerce. Each member shall reside in the vicinity of the terminal that the advisory committee represents. (Ord. 14-2008 § 3; Ord. 10-1995; Res. 33-1985)
2.44.030 Terms – Vacancies.
Terms of appointment are to be for four years, with staggered terms. Any vacancy is to be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term, with selection made by the County council. (Ord. 14-2008 § 4; Res. 33-1985)
2.44.040 Residency requirements.
All committee members are to be residents of San Juan County. Not more than three members shall at the time of their appointment be members of the same major political party. (Ord. 14-2008 § 5; Res. 33-1985)
2.44.050 Selection of officers.
A committee chair and vice-chair will be selected by a vote of the membership on an annual basis, with terms to expire on December 31st of each year. The chair shall not serve for more than two consecutive terms. (Ord. 14-2008 § 6; Res. 33-1985)
2.44.060 Compensation for expenses.
All committee members are to serve without fee or compensation, with the exception of reimbursement of approved out-of-pocket expenses within budgetary restrictions. (Res. 33-1985)
2.44.070 Goals and objectives.
A. The principal goal of the ferry advisory committee is the assurance of optimum state ferry service to County residents and business communities at maximum efficiency and lowest possible cost. Such service levels should be based upon the solicited desires of this County’s citizens.
B. In attaining this goal, it is the responsibility of the committee to maintain active and continuing communication with representatives of the State Department of Transportation, Marine Division, in all matters relative to ferry service directly related to the San Juan Islands.
C. Specifically, the ferry advisory committee shall:
1. Participate, on an ongoing basis, with state ferry management in the development, implementation and improvement of service schedules proposed for the San Juans, including the Sidney, B.C., run, vessel assignments, tariff change proposals, facilities management and economic impact studies.
2. Review, conduct public meetings on and make recommendations regarding all seasonal schedule programs as proposed by the state ferry system. Such meetings are to occur with legal public notice. The County council will be fully briefed on all reviews, modifications, and recommendations to be made to WSF.
3. Monitor traffic statistics, system financial status and local ongoing traffic problems in an effort to promote optimum efficiency of service relative to demand and availability, manpower, and economic conditions.
4. Assist terminal agents in seeking prompt resolution of problems experienced with respect to overload situations, extensive waiting periods, traveler problems and vessel delays.
5. Participate directly with community agencies, chambers of commerce, other business and social groups and concerned local activities relative to service needs, problems and economic impact of service and rate alterations.
6. When appropriate and possible, attend governmental public meetings that affect the San Juans service area.
7. Maintain necessary communication with other system-wide ferry user groups, advisory committees, legislative representatives and transportation commission members relative to problems and needs affecting the San Juans service area.
8. Conduct committee meetings on a monthly basis, or as otherwise necessary to successfully perform assigned duties of the advisory committee. Meetings are to be called by the chair. To the maximum extent possible, meeting locations will be rotated among the ferry-served islands. Such meetings will be well advertised in advance, with the public encouraged to attend. Public participation in general comments and discussions will be encouraged and included in each agenda. In conducting its business, the ferry advisory committee shall follow the Uniform Business Rules, including the Rules of Procedure, unless other rules have been duly adopted by the County council.
9. Ensure fair and impartial consideration of County residents’ welfare in all ferry-related matters, specifically in the areas of rate structure, service quality, economic hardships/requirements, terminal facility management and levels of service.
10. Promote positive and thoughtful cooperation with individuals within the appropriate state entities in the resolution of problems affecting the San Juan County service area, to include (a) providing necessary assistance in the conduct of public hearings/meetings, (b) participating in joint “fact finding” missions and discussions with the County council and ferry management and (c) reporting and following up on individual rider-oriented complaints and requests for assistance and service improvements.
11. Promptly bring to the attention of the County council issues relating to current or future ferry operations which may require action by the council. (Ord. 14-2008 § 7; Res. 33-1985)
2.44.080 Charter review.
Repealed by Ord. 14-2008. (Res. 33-1985)