P.O. Box 1234
Montpelier, Vermont
05601

802.279.7545

info@vtbikeped.org

MARCH 2002 BOARD MINUTES

Richmond: Monday, March 18, 2002

Attending: George Plumb, Bunky Bernstein, Dave Jacobowitz, Kathy Davidow, Kasie Wallace, Jon Kaplan, Chapin Spencer, Amy Bell, Bruce Cunningham, Mrs Bruce Cunningham, Richard First, Kathy Keating, Bud Haas

Meeting called to order by President, Bunky at 6:00 pm.

Minutes for February 11, 2002, Board Meeting: Approved.

Guest: Kathy Keating: From SafeKids Program, described recent VTRANS $21k Enhancement Grant for Bicycle Safety Training (Rodeos). Grant allows for $4-5k for project administration (director). Ms Keating solicited VBPC participation in the implementation of the project.

President’s Report: Bunky reported no news to report, and no positive responses to fundraising efforts to date.

Executive Director’s Report: George reported that he has received 41 membership renewals out of some 80 sent out.

Treasurer’s Report: Dave distributed a written report with a balance of $3532.97 as of 2/28/02.

Committee Reports:

Publicity Committee: Dave reported that the VBPC online calendar is just about ready to  post on the VBPC website. Dave also reported on an upcoming event: An Alternative Transportation Expo at UVM on Sat. Nov. 2. More on that later.

 Legislative Action: Bruce reported on only one bill in the legislative session relative to bike-ped, that clarifies that Highway Funds can be used to maintain bikepaths, and it looks like it will pass. Bud asked about the VT House action to end the Lake Champlain Flyer. Discussion. MOTION to authorize Bunky to write to Rep Schiavone, copy to the media, supporting continuing the train.

Special Events: No Report.

Education: See report on Safety Training Grant below.

Membership: None.

Fundraising: No report.

Bike Safety Training Grant aka Childrens Bicycle Safety Training Program: Kasie reported that 12 names have been sent to the LAB, and a waiting list of 6 has been established. George reported that anyone who wanted could attend the course as an Þobserver­.

Spring Summit: Kathy reported that speakers are confirmed for the day. Ben Rose, of the Green Mtn Club will be the MC. The Committee has one more meeting scheduled before the event. Kathy also asked for volunteers to get there early to help set up. George advised that he has made reservations at the 3 Stallion Inn for dinner with Adam Spey, after the summit

VTRANS: Jon Kaplan:

  1. Passed around a copy of the January 2002 VTRANS Long Range Transportation Plan, with a section on biking and walking written by Jon and Amy,
  2. Reported that hearings are scheduled April 11 through June 17th to accept comments on the draft Bike Facilities Design Manual.
  3. Attended a meeting hosted by the VT Health Commissioner to get support for the HD grant application for school based, work based, and home based cardio-vascular exercise programs.

Chapin's Proposal: Chapin wants to revisit it soon.

New Business:

VANPO: George made a MOTION: To join the Vermont Association of Non Profit Organizations ($30). Approved.

Blinking Bike Light: Dave exhibited a sample small flashing bike light and made a MOTION: To authorize purchase of $200 worth of BBL's for free distribution. Discussion. Motion NOT Approved.

Bike to Work Day: Discussion of BWD May 17, and BWWeek May 13-19.

Website: Bud presented a copy of Guide to Road Bicycle Touring Resources in Vermont he developed, which Dave has put up on the VBPC Website.

http://www.vtbikeped.org/links/bicycle_touring_in_vt.html ( Feb. 2003 moved.)

The resource guide offers linked lists of Organizations offering Bicycle Tours in Vermont, Inns offering Bicycle Touring Support, Other Bicycle Ride information sources, Charity Rides, Books, and the Vermont Tourism and Travel Information Link. Bud feels it is the most complete list of these types of resources compiled about Vermont. He has offered to update the listing monthly through Dave.

BikePed Organizations and VBPC: A discussion followed with Richard First, operator of the bicycle touring company POMG (Peace of Mind Guides) regarding what support and what benefits he thought VBPC could provide and receive from an business like his. He suggested that he would be willing to join (membership fee) an organization like VBPC, but would need to think about whether something like a Þbuck-a-bike­ would be worthwhile. He saw VBPC as a way Þto improve safety on the Vermont Roads for his customers, and a way to help get them their moneyçs worth for a Vermont experience.­ He also liked anything that would get his name out there, and liked support for bikepath development.

Executive Director: George made a MOTION: To appoint three people to develop business plan for the hiring of a paid Executive Director, and to present it at the next Board Meeting. Discussion. Motion Approved. Bunky appointed Dave, George and himself to that committee.

Workplan Development List (cumulative):

  1. National Walk to School Day, September-October 2003.
  2. Annual VBPC Bike Ride, Summer or Fall 2003.
  3. National Bike Month: 2003.
  4. Spring Summit 2003
  5. Legislative Action Plan for 2004.
  6. DriverÎs Ed Curriculum.
  7. $25 Million Grant Proposal.

NEXT MEETING:
Board of Directors: Dinner with Adam Spey, following the Summit, Saturday, April 20, 2002, at the Three Stallion Inn in Randolph, VT. Next Regular Meeting TBA.

Agenda Items:

  1. VT SafeKids Training Grant.
  2. Drivers' Ed Curriculum
  3. Executive Director Job Description and Hiring Project.
  4. Online Newsletter.
  5. VTRANS Design Manual.
  6. VT CDL Manual.
  7. Review of Summit.
  8. ChapinÎs Proposal.
  9. Maine Trainings.
  10. LAB Safety Training Grant.
  11. GCHS Meetings.
  12. 2002-3 Workplan.

ADJOURNED: 8:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted
Bud Haas, Secretary