Council Meetings

Island partner organization updates were presented by Jennifer Potter (for Heights Grocery) and Brandon Letsinger (for Regenerate Vashon). Armen Yousoufian and others presented objections to King County’s proposed expansion of the Marine Recovery Area. A motion was introduced to ban yard waste burning (Sue Letzinger, Rick Shrum). Announcements included a survey from ths USPS on services in Burton and a meeting for Grandpa’s Garage recycled building materials 6pm 9/2/2026 at the Land Trust.

King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda gave updates on public transportation, septic for ADUs, mental health and addiction support, roads, and midpoint updates for the comprehensive plan, then answered questions. Seattle/King County Department of Public Health proposes changes on septic inspections and the Marine Recovery Area were presented by Meagan Jackson (Program Supervisor). Announcements included joining V-MCC at the Strawberry Festival parade, service workers celebration party July 27, and a high school dance party August 29.

“In a Jam” skit by Theatre for Social Change. Updates for Vashon Be Prepared by Vicky de Monterey Richoux (President) and King County Sheriff’s Department by Major Koby Hamill, Captain James Mitchell, and Sergeant Theresa Schrimpsher. Motions on unauthorized use of council emails and removing a board member were resolved. Announcements included new requirements for waterfront septic inspection in King County (Armon Yusufian) and union wage negotiations for King County Parks staff (Forest Easley). Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NrCWyMIplH-0CWZtsiJ8wqMQw0kWhgs_vHg8Oz4NzZc/edit?tab=t.0

Vashon Health Care District update by Sarah Howard (Communications Coordinator) and Tim Johnson (Superintendent). Jeff Thompson was elected to the board. Three motions were discussed including removing a member of the V-MCC board of directors (Ike Harmon), immigration flights from Boeing Field (Julie Brown), and sending a letter of support for a grant application for the Department of Natural Resources (Jen Hrachovec). Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-a7I0-hNHo

Glory Busic (Outreach and Engagement Coordinator) and Tiffany Schira (Marketing Communications Manager) from Vashon Youth and Family Services presented updates and how to get involved. Two motions were discussed regarding immigration flights at Boeing Field (Julie Brown) and advocating for safe, renewable energy (Kevin Jones). A new motion to discuss unauthorized use of the V-MCC email list was introduced. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2wD2_1gHUY

Gary English (Vashon Ferry Advisory Committee) reported on the Fauntleroy Dock Replacement Project. Two motions were discussed regarding protecting marine mammals (Joe Yarkin, Theo Eicher) and no nuclear in Washington (Kevin Jones). Due to technical difficulties, YouTube shows audio only.

Alex Craighead presents an update on Journeymen and One Village. A letter opposing automated license plate readers (Nicole Erica Aine) is approved. Voting on the motion to end immigration flights from Boeing Field (Julie Brown) was postponed to April. Laura Cerven reports improvements to North end ferry signage. Two new motions are presented in support of marine mammals (Joe Yarkin) and opposed to new nuclear plants (Kevin Jones).

Cody Allen and Steven Bailey present an update on the Vashon Library. The motion to adopt the Vashon Island Disaster Airlift Response Team passes. Motions are presented to bar illegal deportation flights from Boeing Field and to prevent automated license plate readers in King County. Kavi Rana is elected to the Board of Directors.

Panelists Emily Scott (Food Bank), Merrilee Runyon (VIGA), Shauna Ahern (Community organizer), and Gene Kuhns (IFCH) discuss food security. Truman O’Brien presents a motion to adopt the Vashon Island Disaster Airlift Response Team.

Art Chippendale and Amy Dryer discussed history and possible future for the Affordable Housing Committee. Gary English was appointed to the Vashon Ferry Advisory Committee. The V-MCC 2026 budget was introduced. North End Ferry signage problems and impact on ferry loading was reported. A motion for a letter of support for solar and battery installation at Vashon High School was approved.

Guests from King County Sargeant Theresa Schrimpsher and Major Koby Hammil (Sheriff’s Office), Director Leon Richardson and Bong StoDomingo (Department of Local Services) and John Vander Sluis (Roads) gave an update on safety on Vashon roads and answered questions.

Kevin Jones and the Vashon-Maury Climate Action Planning group led discussion of the motion recommending inputs to the King County Strategic Climate Action Plan.