I-205 Corridor Study
Citizens' Committee

Purpose, Roles, and Responsibilities

Purpose

• To ensure that the community issues and values are incorporated into the I-205 Corridor Study analysis and outcomes.

Role

• The I-205 Corridor Citizens' Committee will review technical information, advise on direction and develop a set of recommendations relating to a set of solutions to the identified problems in the I-205 transportation corridor.

Structure

• 15 members representating the following organizations in the I-205 Corridor community.
• Burton Ridge Neighborhood Association
• Cascade Park Business Association
• Clark County Homebuilders Association
• Columbia Corridor Association
• East Ridge Business Park
• Ellsworth Springs Neighborhood Association
• ENAG (East Neighborhoods Advisory Group)
• Evergreen School District
• Fircrest Neighborhood Association
• Friends of Clark County
• Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
• Green Meadows Neighborhood Association
• Marrion Neighborhood Association
• SW Washington Medical Center
• Vancouver Fire Department
• Washington State Patrol
• An advisory body, not a decision-making body.
• The meeting format will be facilitated presentation and discussion.
• All input will be recorded and forwarded to the Technical Advisory Team, the Management Team, and the RTC Board.
• Meetings will be no more than 2.5 hours in length at a regular time to be determined by the group.
• Meetings are open to the public.

Citizens Committee Responsibilities

• Attend 6 meetings over the next 6 months
• Act as a liaison to community/civic organizations.
• Participate in Community Forums and Community Workshops to assist in gathering input.
• Review materials distributed through the mail and at meetings.
• Active participation in discussions.
• Abide by the ground rules.

Management Team Responsibilities

• Agendas and meeting materials will be mailed at least one week in advance of meetings.
• Meeting dates will be set at least three weeks in advance of meetings.
• All input from the Citizens Committee will be considered.
• Questions will be answered in a time sensitive manner.

Meeting Procedures and Ground Rules

(Proposed) Ground Rules

• Speak one at a time.
• Raise hand or otherwise let the facilitator know you would like to speak.
• Keep comments focused/on topic.
• Listen respectively to other points of view.
• (Additional suggestions from the group?)

Process Options to Finalize Recommendations

Voting

Group sets the amount of time to discuss an issue, discussion takes place, at the end of the agreed upon time a group member poses a "motion" for the group to vote on, a vote is taken, majority "wins", vote is tabulated, majority vote is recorded.

True Consensus

Group sets the amount of time to discuss an issue and the discussion takes place. The group reevaluates the discussion time as needed, until all members are in agreement, the group agreement is recorded.

Modified Consensus

A group member puts an issue forward, a simple "yes or no" straw poll is taken to determine how far apart or how close the group is to agreeing, and the group sets the amount of time to discuss based on the outcome of the straw poll. Discussion takes place, the group checks in at the agreed upon end time, another straw poll is taken, all outcomes are recorded.

Range of consensus

A group member puts an issue forward, and using the "five finger rule" (outlined below) a straw poll is taken to determine how far apart or how close the group is to agreeing. The group sets the amount of time to discuss and who needs to speak, based on the outcome of the "five finger rule". Discussion takes place, the group checks in at the agreed upon end time or sooner, conducts a second "five finger poll", all outcomes are recorded.

The Five Finger Rule

1. Agree 100%
2. Mostly agree – minor reservations
3. Somewhat agree – not crazy about it
4. Can live with it – not happy
5. No

 Other Procedural Questions for Consideration

• Decide on method for finalizing recommendations.
• How would you like the meetings managed – by a Chairperson, rotating Chair, facilitator, other?
• How would you like to manage general public comment, if at all?
• What about alternates when a group member is absent?
• Do you have any thoughts or issues relating to video recording, or tape recording of the meetings?
• Do you have any thoughts regarding how the media is involved in the meetings?
• What about reporting back to your "constituents" – how will you keep them informed – what help do you need?
• Meeting logistics – set a regular meeting date, time, length, location.
• Other process issues to address?