Railroad Advisory Board
February 9, 2026
Via Webex
Observer: Nancy Halvorson
Agenda: https://clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/02_09_2026-agenda.pdf
Quorum met
Election of officers
Public Comment
PVJR
BCYX
It was at this point that I was able to get into the meeting. Had to get a special email from Kevin Tyler in order to access the meeting.
This is the THIRD meeting in a row that there have been serious obstacles to the public viewing and hearing this board.
County Activities
- RR Rehab Contract was awarded – still working towards a complete contract
- OPMA Training (Open Public Meetings Act) -The Chair asked “What is OPMA training?”
Staff – OPMA does apply to this board as far as the County is concerned. Vice-Chair got rid of a lot of emails – but not talking about Public records so that is a different topic. Today is about the OPMA – how you run your meetings, etc.
Will cover Records Act in the future.
Will be watching a video. Chair pushed back on having to do this and asked for this to be done AFTER he gets the answer to his question “Do all volunteer boards with the County have to do this?” Kevin Tyler said he would take note of the comment and then started the video.
Of note: this board does receive testimony and that is passed along to the Council, which does make the decisions
Reminder to get agenda items in a few days in advance
Will check into the rules on record keeping for this board
The County maintains minutes, recording, agendas, etc.
Committee report on new members, received 5 applications for 2 positions
Met with 3 applicants – 2 dropped out
Recommend moving forward with 2 applicants
John Mayer: Worked for the RR BSNF, is currently a yard master/safety
Mario Munez: 10 years RR experience, short lines
Now goes to the Council to be appointed.
RRAB Work Session
Presentation to Council last week
Approved this board to move forward with public presentations
This coming summer. NO policy matters and less opinion and more factual.
Script to be revised
House bill 2902 – for info only, died in committee
Establishes a Washington State Amtrak Cascades Passenger Rail Advisory Committee
To meet 3 times a year. There would be a representative from Clark County. Analyze passenger rail travel in the State
Metro Regional Rail Futures Study – for info only
What the Portland area is doing – a year-long study to analyze their freight lines and whether passenger travel is feasible,.
Caution – gather information, share with this board. Testimony in the name of the board – do not do that.
Adjourned 5:10 pm