GEARS BOARD MEETING, JUNE 8, 2009
At Keystone Café, 7 – 9:10 pm

PRESENT: Richard Hughes, Paul Adkins, Sue Wolling, Shane Rhodes, Gary Cook, Joe Fischer, Rob Roy, Jan Spencer, Les McKie, Kent Fleming, Jim Wilcox, Eric Selker, Heidi Beierle, Rick Bronson, Bill Cole, Alan Ott, Sue Harshbarger

MINUTES: corrected minutes not available, so not approved

TREASURER’S REPORT: Richard reported a deposit paid of $875 for Chico bags. Report attached.

MEMBERSHIP: There are now 250 members on the roster, 200 paid memberships plus 50 complimentary and expired memberships. Paul noted an increase in members signing up online. Gary noted that most of the riders at Saturday and Sunday rides were not members. Eric suggested that some don’t join to avoid feeling obliged to work, and he noted growth potential in this group.

501(c) 3 UPDATE: Richard and Sue( )met with an attorney specializing in non profit organizations. They were advised that we are in violation at present, making too much money for 501(c)7 designation. Under this designation we can be a social riding club and sponsor rides, but not under 501(c)3. The bRamble is permissible under 501(c)3.

Campaign contributions are not permitted under either designation, However Jim stated under 501(c)7, endorsing candidates is permitted because there is no tax break. Jim also noted that under 501(c)3, activities to support legislation are permitted. Richard suggested that we discuss this issue further in executive session.(Futher research by Richard indicates that it prohibited for a 501 (c) (3) to participate in any political campaign, see website for IRS position http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=163395,00.html

Also 501(c )(3)’s may support(lobby) legislation, however, it cannot be a substantial part of its activities. Cases have found that an organization spending less than 5% of its time and budget on legislative activities is not doing “substantial” lobbying.)

ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION UPDATE: Shane said a meeting is scheduled Thursday, June11th involving 4J/City of Eugene concerning a SRTS grant for improvements in a 2 mile area of 6-7 schools, including crosswalk painting, path rehabilitation, pedestrian light systems. Alder Street corridor improvements between 24th and 30th are planned, including traffic calming and improved crossings.

VEER: Richard reported a good movie. $92 was collected, and after the technician was paid, $22 went to the Outdoor Program.

BIKE DAY: June 13th at the Science Factory, sponsored by the NW Community Credit Union. There will be a beer garden and volunteers were requested for several activities.

LEAVES: Paul said he has spoken with Bpac, and Kent said he will write something for the 4th Tuesday meeting

BIKE LANE: Jim Wilcox presented information about Bike Lane which he heads.

It is a 501(c)3, memberships are $25 and $35, with some corporate members. Bike Lane does education, repairs old bikes, fixes them and donates. He is involved with Bike Week.

CASA: Phil Lynch passed on a request from CASA for donation of bike helmets and locks for about 15 kids aging out of the program, a cost of $525 Eric proposed we seek a method of ensuring those who take the equipment will use it, perhaps token help at a bike event. Richard has looked into this with CAT, and they can monitor this. Sue suggested we turn to CASA for guidance. Richard moved that we fund $525 for helmets/locks for CASA clients and that we seek ideas from CASA for service opportunity. Eric seconded the motion and it passed.

TRAVELLANECOUNTY.ORG: Sue Harshbarger, senior convention sales manager, in charge of “heads and beds” said she is pushing for cycling, and that Lane County has an outstanding product, with world class road cycling and a mountain bike center in Oakridge. BMX is solid, now in Cottage Grove, and Cyclocross is growing rapidly.

Sue said the bRamble is the longest running bike event in the county as others have failed. .June 23rd at LCC TLC will host Visitor Industry Celebration, where an award will be presented to GEARS and complimentary tickets were given for 2 board members.

BIKE PATH PROMENADE: Jan Spencer informed us that this event will be held July 19th, beginning at 1pm, a 3 km section of the bike path, to get people to meet and greet.

DONATION FROM PAUL’S BIKE SHOP: Joe Fischer presented checks and cash from Paul’s in the amount of $170

ALAN OTT & CYCLOCROSS: Alan spoke about the fun of this growing sport, said it is the fastest growing sport in the USA

BRAMBLE & JAMBOREE: Richard said there are now 30 registered people, which Rob thought is a bit slow for this time. Half are registering on line, half by mail. Registration is $25 until June 10th, then $30 until July 20th and $35 thereafter. $1050 in donations has been pledged which will pay for entertainment at the Jamboree. City of Eugene will send a press release before the event. T shirts are to be natural color organic cotton, have been ordered.

WHEELS NORTH: Gary said 15 riders going from San Francisco to Seattle, will be in Eugene July 11th and will stay at a local fraternity . Gary will put together a route for them through the Eugene area. Gears riders may wish to ride part way with the group.

Meeting adjourned at 9:10pm, Respectfully submitted, Lynda Christiansen, Secretary