They had problems with sound, again. Last time they went ahead and started the meeting, a probable violation of OPMA, for 20 minutes before getting sound working. This time they continued the meeting knowing those online couldn’t hear much of it (sound came on and off).

The agenda posted at the time of the meeting was from November (it is now the correct one, so someone fixed it after the fact. The meeting wasn’t posted online until the day of, after I let the county know it wasn’t posted.

No rep from PVJR (this likely won’t change until litigation between PVJR and County is resolved)

They are recommending new applicant to join the board. Richard Wilkins, resident since 2017, retired from railroad. Lots of BCYX type of activities during his career

Chair proposes opposing a bill that removes FRDU (Freight Rail Dependent Uses) for Clark County - SB 5820: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=5820&Year=2025&Initiative=false (FRDU allows industrial development in areas it wouldn’t otherwise be allowed along the full length of the rail – in rural, agricultural, & forest zones). He had a draft letter ready to send to our legislators. Kevin McDowell (legal) reminded the RRAB that they cannot send a letter to Legislators re: a bill. They can send to the council or policy advisor (Jordan Boege) asking them to send one. Mark Herceg (city of Battle Ground rep) opposes the letter as the city is in favor of the bill (Battle Ground would be significantly impacted by train traffic through their downtown), everyone else approves. Chair will work with Kevin on letter (to Council, I assume). Note, this was not on the agenda and a copy of the letter not available on the meeting website.

Discussion of the Christmas trains, very busy.

Discussion of upcoming work session with the council. They want to advertise (spend money) on their sales job (aka presentation) on the benefits of the railroad. Talking about a venue – mentioned Ridgefield, Battle Ground or Camas – 2 of which the rail are not anywhere near the tracks. Asking for comments before January meeting, so they can finalize it for the 2/4 council work session. A subcommittee will meet before the January RRAB meeting to work on any updates to the document. (there is no money in the county budget for this).

Lost a few minutes, now they are showing a video of electric passenger rail. Still missing more than we are catching.

Public Comment: Nancy Halvorson asks about the discussion on the electric train. Chair “this is a dream of the future and none of this has been vetted out”.

Discussion of grants, and a web site. The county would have to apply for any grants. Grants require Council approval.

David Rowe talking about commuter rail on the line (he keeps bringing this up, it is going nowhere).

Someone asks for an update on relationship between county and Eric Temple – no new news.

Someone reading from a 11/12 Reflector article where City of Battle Ground supports the above mentioned bill and would like to see the rail turned into a trail. If the Rail line stops being used for rail, some of it may revert to the original landowners – but Neil notes that the county at one time may have gotten quit claims on that. Again, I missed some of this so not completely sure what the conclusion was. Many people with property along the rail do not want a trail there, concern about people walking near their property.

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