GEARS BOARD MEETING, MARCH 9, 2009
At Keystone Cafe, 7-9:10pm

PRESENT: Paul Adkins, Shane Rhodes, Richard Hughes, Jim Colbert, Lynda Christiansen, Rob Roy, Michal Young, Heidi Beierle, Jay Klein, Eric Selker, Jocelyn and Mike Shiner, John Herberg, Kent Fleming, Linda Trujillo, Allen Hancock, Ruth Linoz

February MINUTES were approved

REPORTS
TREASURER’S REPORT Richard presented the report, attached

MEMBERSHIP Michal and Heidi continue working on the membership list and are almost up to date. A welcome letter is sent to all new members, along with a membership card and helmet sticker. Renewing members receive a membership card and helmet sticker. Eugene Local Foods has requested that we put Numbers on membership cards, and Michal has agreed to do that. For household memberships, it was agreed there would be one helmet sticker per name, one membership card per house. Business Memberships will receive one sticker per name.
With electronic submission of membership, Michal reported limited information is given to determine Household information. Paul and Michal will discuss web/email process.
Business Memberships, Richard proposed
1) Basic business membership to be $50, then $10 for each employee joining.
2) A second level Business Membership of $100, which would give advertising on our website and in the newsletter. Eric moved the motion, Shane 2nd and it passed.

BYLAWS & MISSION STATEMENT Paul requested we review these for board approval and future membership vote. Jay will study them and prepare to post information in the April newsletter. Jay suggested we put changes with rationale in the newsletter, and post copies of the old and new on the website, preparing for a vote at a future general meeting.

EDUCATION UPDATE Shane presented information concerning Commuting and Traffic Skills class for commuters and families to be taught monthly beginning in May. Last year these classes were offered by the City of Eugene at a cost of $50/per person and attendance was very low. Shane proposed that Gears be authorized to spend up to $1500 for instructors of 14 classes, with attendees paying $5 materials fee. A minimum of 6 attendees will be required. The City contributes space and some staff.
Discussion followed, with Richard noting that $500 has been donated by a member for education, and that
Shane has donated $500 award he was granted, so that over $1000 has already been raised for education.
Kent stated classes can fill with good publicity. Jim noted that education is part of our mission. Eric proposed we seek a $1000 grant from Jane Higdon organization. Michal noted we have a potential conflict of interest as several board members are likely instructors.
Michal proposed, Jay 2nd that Gears fund 14 bike education courses at a maximum of $1500 to pay instructors so that classes could be offered for minimal attendee cost, with 6 person minimum in class.
Motion carried, with Paul recuzing himself.

ALICE T TOECLIPS AWARD It was noted that Shane had won the award this year and cupcakes were served to celebrate.

BIKE PATH RENOVATION Ruth Linoz, Community Liaison, from the City of Eugene reported that planning is underway, but not yet complete, for work to be done in about 6 weeks in July and August. Ruth stated the city wanted to improve notification this year. Paul stated we will put the information on the website as it becomes available. It was suggested that Breakfast on the Bridges could be a good place to publicize the information.

TRIPS FOR KIDS CAT John Herberg is a volunteer leading mountain biking rides for youngsters 12-18, has about 8-11 riders per trip. The rides are once a month, with CAT providing bikes. An orientation for new volunteers will be held March 25th 5:15pm at CAT.

CUE SHEETS Rob showed the results of his continuing work on the cue sheets. He has put them in a consistent format, listing ride number, difficulty, available facilities and is seeking riders to road check the sheets. Rob asked for feedback and several suggestions were made which he will incorporate.

RAZOR MIXED USE CENTER Heidi updated us on the planning underway for the area from Chambers Connection to Hillard street. Goals include traffic slowing via road design and improved connection with the bike path. Next meeting is March 19th at Maxwell church.

BRAMBLE & JAMBOREE Jim reported that permits are underway. Lindsay Shane and Collette working on the Jamboree with plans to get advertising and entries ready ASAP.

LEAVES Shane reported a BPAC meeting is planned for March 12th

MEET IN THE STREET Heidi reported good neighbourhood and city support, with the next meeting March 16th .

Meeting adjourned at 9:10pm

Respectfully submitted, Lynda Christiansen, Secretary