P.O. Box 1234
Montpelier, Vermont
05601

802.279.7545

info@vtbikeped.org

FEBRUARY 2003 BOARD MINUTES

Waterbury: Tuesday, February 18, 2003

Attending: Board Members: Bunky Bernstein, Dave Jacobowitz, Kathy Davidow, Bob Atchinson, Bruce Cunningham, Rick Good, Rich Warren, Kasie Enman, Sam Osborne, Dale Critchlow
Visitors: Chapin Spencer
Exec Director: Becka Roolf
Absent: Len Lamoureux, Amy Verner, Connie Livingston, Jan McCleery, George Plumb

Meeting called to order by President, Bunky at 6:15pm

Minutes for Nov. 18 meeting. Amended with the changing of the name from “Neil Quinn” to “Bevin Quinn”. Approved.
Minutes for Jan 22 meeting. Amended with name change from above, plus clarification that it was Amy Verner who made the motions. Approved.

President's Report:  Bunky stated that he, Chapin Spencer, and Becka Roolf had with with Senator Jeffords staff about federal funding for ISTEA. The meeting went well.

Executive Director’s Report:

  1. The AOT Bike Safety contract received a signature from Secretary McDonald and therefore is moving forward, although we are still waiting for the paperwork.
  2. Work has proceeded with Vermont Safe Kids on the Bicycle Rodeo Training.
  3. There is an article in the February Vermont Sports issue written by VBPC and another will be in the March issue.
  4. Eight individuals from Vermont are going to the Bike Summit in March. Thus Vermont will have the highest per capita attendance.
  5. The AOT Bike Safety contract (see above) will have funding to begin with for developing a curriculum, but no funding to reimburse trainers. After some discussion it was determined that Becka should call the instructors and explain the situation to them.
  6. Becka also suggested that the board review it’s position on the moratorium on Enhancement grants and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. Kathy made a motion to: “Seek to reinstate funding effective ‘immediately’ for Enhancement Grants and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program.” Seconded by Dave. Approved.

VTrans Update:  Amy reports that all action on enhancement grant funding and bike ped funding is suspended until the new administration sets their priority and direction. The bike safety training grant is not affected by this suspension.

New staff agreement (SEE ATTACHED)

Everyone agreed that the new agreement looks good.

Advocacy Strategy (SEE ATTACHED)

Bike/Ped Funding statewide

Becka suggested that the board consider refining our strategy (SEE ATTACHED). The board agreed that advocating for funding would be good for name recognition. A Motion was made that VBPC’s position should be to advocate to reinstate bike/ped funding and programs ASAP. Approved.

Discussion. H003 - Bike Registration. MOTION:  by Amy Verner, seconded by Dave. To adopt position proposed by ED and included in board packet. Moved and seconded to Table. Motion fails. Original motion approved with language changes.

Burlington-Colchester Bike/Ped Bridge

Becka suggested that the board revise their position on the Burlington-Colchester Bike/Ped Bridge (SEE ATTACHED positions). The Board made a Motion to reconsider position. Approved. A Motion was made to approve position #3. No second. A Motion was made that “VBPC supports a safe, viable, economical bridge across the Winooski River. Approved.

H. 192 – Riding Single File (SEE ATTACHED)

The proposed legislation was discussed and it was noted that as a result of the Killington-Pico bike club’s letters to their legislators, Adams of Hartland and Duffy of Rutland are no longer sponsoring the bill. Dave J. encouraged others to write to their legislators. The Motion was made that VBPC take the position of opposing the proposed changes to H.192. Approved.

Sidepath Repeal.

David J. wrote a letter concerning the Sidepath. It is currently posted on our new website.

Advocacy Policy (SEE ATTACHMENT)

Motion to adopt this document as VBPC’s official “Advocacy Position Development Policy”.

Edits to document:

  1. Change title to “Advocacy Position Development Policy”
  2. Write “DRAFT” on all documents intended to be sent internally to members/member orgs only
  3. Under “Emergency Positions…” section 3. – change phrase “…as appointed by the Director” to “…as designated by the Director”
  4. Under “Not Legal for 501(c)(3)…” the board requested that Becka periodically report lobbying percentages

Approved.

From the Workplan

Redesigned Website

Rick told the board that the website can be reviewed until February 20th at www.vtbikeped.org/beta. Motion to go live with the website on February 20th. Approved.

Share the Road Team

Bunky reported on the issues discussed at the Share the Road committee meeting including the various efforts that are scheduled and in the works ‚ tv, radio, funds. Comments: try going to bike shops for underwriter funding (Mark Johnson, Charlie & Ernie)

NEXT MEETING:
Board of Directors: Monday, March 24, 2003 at 6:00 PM at Stanley Hall, Waterbury Complex, Waterbury, VT.

ADJOURNED:  8:15 pm

Submitted by Kasie Wallace, Secretary and Rick Good