NOVEMBER 2002 BOARD MINUTES

Attending: Board Members: Bunky Bernstein, Len Lamoureux, Dale Critchlow, Bruce Cunningham, Bob Atchinson, David Jacobowitz, Kathy Davidow, Rick Good; Recently Nominated Board Members: Kasie (Wallace) Enman, Amy Verner, Sam Osborne;
Visitor: John McConnell
Exec Director: Becka Roolf

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

Minutes for September, 2002, Board Meeting: Approval postponed

President's Report:  Greg Marston, President of VBT, Bunky, and Becka met to discuss support of VBPC. Greg would like to see a statewide effort to improve driver courtesy toward bicyclists, work with the state tourism board to promote bicycle vacations, and publicity on the VBPC website. In addition, Bunky reported that he applied for a $1500 grant from Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to fund media announcements.

Executive Director’s Report:  See attached. Becka also reported that she has been actively engaging in outreach with individuals/groups from parts of the state beyond Chittenden County.  She mentioned speaking with Bevan Quinn of Putney.

Treasurer’s Report:  See attached Draft Budget. It appears we are both taking in less and spending less this year so we should end up at least even by the year’s end.  All present agree that this is an accomplishment to be proud of considering we put a lot of money into hiring Becka this year.  Becka gave credit to Bunky for playing such a large role in recruiting more VBPC members.  It was noted that some money for computer software should be added to the proposed budget.

VTrans Report:  Neither Amy nor Jon was present, so this section of the agenda was covered by Becka. Becka gave us the update that it is still unknown who will be appointed Secretary of Transportation (it was noted that there may be a listing of these appointments in the Burlington Free Press) and that since the recent elections resulted in the first change of administration in state government since ISTEA was passed so it’s hard to guess what changes might take place as a result.

OLD BUSINESS:

Workplan: see attached

SUGGESTION: To set a norm for how many projects board members should be involved in.  Suggested minimum of 2-3 (numbers depending on how time-consuming a particular project may be).  Board agreed to make this an understood norm.

MOTION: To accept the list of prioritized projects that Becka laid out (attached) as a part of the work plan.  Discussion of project specifics and time/energy constraints. Motion APPROVED (w/below amendments).
  *It was decided that the Summit is a low priority for VBPC this year.
  *Dave J. will talk to Ben Rose, VT Trails & Greenways about the possibility of VBPC and GMC taking turns planning the summit if there is interest.
  *It was also decided that the Drivers' Ed Manual can be left as a lower priority, but is something we should keep an eye on - to make sure it is accurate and bike-friendliest.

Project Committee Sign-Up:
Share the Road: Kathy, Dave J., Kasie
Law Enforcement:  [Ian Carleton, attorney], Sam - project coordinator, (Dave J?), Bob
Safe Routes to School:  no team needed yet
Newsletter: Becka
Legislative Agenda 2003-2004: Dave, John, Rick, Dale, Bruce
  *each committed is to "meet" monthly over e-mail or otherwise
  *new rule: instead of every project committee giving a report every meeting, only bring to the board issues that need to be passed by the board
Bike Month Committee: Bunky (to coordinate share the road PSA'S and talk show appearances during bike month)

Officer Elections:
Nominations:
President - Bunky
Vice President - Kathy
Treasurer - Dave
Secretary - Kasie
Slate APPROVED
*Think about who might make a good President Elect

Membership Recruitment:
What works: sending brochures with a personalized letter; stating incentives such as bumper stickers, share the road flyer, etc.; write article in local paper; look up address of people who write in bike friendly letters to the editor, etc.
What doesn't work:  E-mailing, handouts to people while they are biking (instead, get their name and address)
SUGGESTION: offer a member discount at bike shops - discuss later w/in committee

NEW BUSINESS:
New Board Member Appointments:
Nominations: Kasie, Amy, Sam - APPROVED

Rivers and Trails $5000 contract:  Discussion.  MOTION to move forward with Becka's possible acceptance of contract APPROVED.

Draft 2003 Budget:  see attached.  Becka said that she has not heard from the Gov. Highway Safety Grant representative.  Shift in government may effect our chances.  She will call them soon to check up on things.
* Board members were asked to e-mail Becka w/comments on the draft budget between now and January when it may be up for final approval.  Rick reminded Becka to add computer software costs onto the budget.  It was also suggested that membership dues be broken down to bike shops and touring groups or possibly break down gifts and donations.

America Bikes Agenda:  Rick's MOTION to reconsider approval DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. Bunky and Becka offered some comments and suggestions for Rick.

TEA-3 and Legislative Agenda:  see attached.  Becka suggested that due to the shift in government, we shift our focus more toward issues on a state level.
John offered some good insights into the State Legislative process including: bills vs. amendments; suggestion to set up a booth at the Capital cafeteria where we could talk directly to Legislators; present one overall idea (as opposed to a complex agenda).  It was also suggested that we talk to Jim McCullough.  It was decided that these issues and more should be discussed in greater detail during a meeting of the Legislative Committee.

Lake Champlain Bikeways:  see attached.  Discussion.
The board voiced concerns along with support of Becka's creative merging of cross-organization forces.  Becka stated that if she is offered and accepts this position, she may have to hire another VBPC staff person to work some of her hours.

Bridge over the Winooski:  It is suggested that we should not do any extensive lobbying for this cause at this point.  Becka and Chapin Spencer will keep us up to date if any changes should occur.

NEXT MEETING:
Board of Directors: Tuesday, January 21st, 2003;
Committees: TBA (at least monthly e-mail "meetings")

ADJOURNED:  8:15 pm

Submitted by Kasie Enman, Secretary