GEARS BOARD MEETING, FEBRUARY 9, 2009
At Keystone Café, 7-9 pm
Present: Paul Adkins, Gary Cook, Jay Klein, Eric Selker, Michal Young, Sue Wolling, Lynda Christiansen, Shane Rhodes, Heidi Beierle, Brian Bralley, Judy Duff, Jim Colbert, Jocelyn and Mike Shiner, John Hegg, Vicky Mello, Gabriele Hobbs, John Mallalieu, Karen Lally, Rob Roy, Kurt Jansen, Lyndell Wilken, Howie Bonnett, Reed Grossnicklaus
Meeting was called to order by Paul, President at 7pm
MINUTES of board meeting of January 12, 2009 were approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT was presented by Paul in Richard’s absence. All accounts total $11,720.93
REPORTS
Bike Pedestrian Summit: Paul reported that we had 3 tables at the recent event, Safe Routes to Schools, Meet in the Street and Kidical Mass. The event was successful and well supported.
Memberships in BTA, Thunderhead ($100) and Adventure Cycling ($80) will shortly expire
Paul requested approval for renewal, and will work up a proposal listing the advantages of each.
Storage Jay has purchased 6 large containers, and Jim has volunteered to provide storage space
Discretionary Funds: A proposal (attached) for distribution of funds had been emailed to board Members with intention of voting prior to the board meeting. There was discussion of the proposed time frame. Paul proposed acceptance of the proposal, which Eric seconded and the Motion passed.
Insurance our insurance with LAB had expired 2/1/09, Richard has had it reinstated
Donation: Shane recently was awarded $500 by NW Health Foundation which he has donated to GEARs
MEMBERSHIP: Michal reported that the newsletter went out successfully. We are receiving 2 new Memberships each week via Paypal.
LEAVES Shane has been working with Eugene Public Works intern Sara who is mapping city bike lanes,
Focusing on curbed bike lane. There was further discussion later in the meeting.
MEET IN THE STREET Heidi passed a flyer advertising a planning meeting 2/16/09 at Keystone Café 6-8pm. Neighborhood Summit is planned for 3/7/09
BRAMBLE & JAMBOREE: Jim has worked up an overview of preparations. He requests approval to spend up to $100 a day x 2 days without prior authority for event expenses. Jim proposed a contest for bRamble artwork, with $100 given to the chosen artist. After discussion it was decided to invite artwork
From GEARs members, to be received within the next two weeks. If this is not successful, Jim will look outside of the club for artists. Brochures should be available for the early century rides such as Monster Cookie. Jim proposes bike mechanics at all rest stops, has already received donated mechanic from Hutch’s for the EWEB plaza registration area. Communication in dead zones was discussed and Jay will look into radios. Advertising previous bRambles was reviewed and it was felt that websites are the most Effective, with word of mouth, and flyers at bike shops important. Jim proposed we advertise in NW Cyclist, Outdoors NW and Oregon Cycling. Fees: Jim proposed we lower the fee by $5 for entries received before June lst, charge $30 for registrations received/postmarked June 15th and have day of event
Registration be $32 or so. There was also a suggestion of having a $10 discount for membership.
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION EDUCATION Shane reviewed the current program which is presently run from Portland by BTA, which is encouraging a local agency taking over the Eugene branch. There was discussion of Gears role, questioning if Gears could hire a new Active Transportation Director. Funding sources were reviewed with Eric noting Drivers Education is funded by users. Paul suggested seeking grants. Shane will bring a proposal next month.
RIDE MAPS Jim is putting maps and photos on Gears website. Michal brought GPS on a recent ride and will put coordinates on the website. One of his students built website Ride with GPS, and there is no charge For this site.
RIDE LEADER REPORT Gary reported the response to having ride leaders, and an emphasis on regrouping has generally been positive. There continues to be a struggle to define group levels, and Eric proposed stopping at the top of the first hill, by which time it would be easier to see group speeds. Rides can be reviewed online, but not for public distribution. Gary has a data base of 176 rides which will be put on our website
LEAVES Further discussion of the leaf issue continued, noting the safety factor of having bike lanes blocked by leaf piles. It was agreed that this is a coveted program by citizens, and Eric suggested we focus on redesign, not elimination. Gary will draft a letter to the city for board consideration.
Meeting adjourned at 9pm
Respectfully submitted, Lynda Christiansen, Secretary
