Associate Planner Maria Harris and Clerk Derek Severson were present.

David Young called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.

The minutes of February 15^th, 2001 were approved as presented.

No one came forward.

Richard Stanley introduced himself and Brad Carrier. Stanley noted that he runs a non-profit dealing with sustainable energy issues. He explained that they hope to introduce electric vehicles to Ashland proactively, and stated that given the city's budget and the upcoming renewal of the boulevard, there are resources available. He suggested that many residents would bicycle if they had some electrical assistance.

Stanley stated that if 3/4 of residents biked instead of driving, they could save money, and charging stations for electric bikes could be placed around town to generate income while providing a service. Stanley stated that the savings would be as much as $800,000 in 7-8 months, while saving fuel and generating profit for the city.

There was discussion of the variety of electric-assisted vehicles available, and of the potential danger created by their potential for speed. Young recognized that there are some gray areas relative to where these vehicles belong, given that they are between a bike and a car in terms of speed and infrastructure is not in place.

Stanley suggested that their proposal has three components: 1) a demonstration or exhibit at the community center or bandshell; 2) a race or parade; and 3) a panel discussion.

Carrier noted that they have drafted a letter to the Traffic Safety Commission, and are proposing a "sideride" next to the sidewalk on Siskiyou Boulevard. He suggested that a creative, concerned town can address the issues raised. He emphasized the inherent wastefulness and danger in the current trend toward SUV's, and cited skateboards as a counter trend. He stated that he and Stanley would like the town to proactively welcome smaller vehicles.

Carrier continued by suggesting that the future would bring a trend toward a two vehicle system, with one vehicle for moving and long distance travel, and a second, smaller and more efficient vehicle for urban travel. He stated that Ashland could become the model for other communities in the state, and asked that the city consider providing special access to downtown for smaller vehicles. He requested that the commission help to organize these changes.

Rogers suggested an exhibit at the Car Free event in September, and also suggested that Stanley and Carrier look at participating in the Fourth of July parade. Young noted that electric vehicles had been present at both of these events last year.

Hartzell noted that she had previously suggested an alternative vehicle fair, and stated that a number of people have expressed interest in this concept. She stated that she would prefer that this occur in May or June, before the summer, to capture the enthusiasm of young people. She suggested that this could be coordinated with the kick-off for Car Free Day, with e-bikes, recumbents, the Gizmo, and hybrid vehicles. She stated that this sort of event might not require any additional funds. She also agreed that a panel discussion with users, regulators, technology people, and any other interested parties would be valuable.

Powell suggested that these vehicles could have a presence at the Earth Day and Health Day fairs as well. Rewcastle noted that the commission will have a table at the Bike and Boat Swap where these vehicles might be appropriate for exhibit. Young agreed with Powell that the Earth Day fair was an appropriate venue.

Green questioned whether the commission supports this idea in concept, and also suggested that support be sought from the Traffic Safety Commission, the Conservation Commission and the Conservation Division. She briefly discussed the Eugene Water and Electric Board's (EWEB) support of the Gizmo alternative vehicle, and suggested that Carrier and Stanley might contact EWEB and the City of Eugene to gauge their experience.

Hartzell clarified that Carrier and Stanley were present to seek the commission's support. Green stated that they need to clarify what sort of support is being sought. She stated that the commission can provide support in concept, but at this stage cannot provide any financial commitment.

After discussion, it was agreed that a more specific proposal would be prepared for presentation to the commission, and Young expressed his willingness to serve as liaison to the group.

Harris noted that a chair, vice chair and secretary needed to be selected. She also stated that Morris was absent, but had contacted her to let her know that she was unwilling to serve as chair. Green stated that she would be willing to serve as chair.

Harris questioned the time remaining to address this item, and noted that the US Department of Transportation had provided an approximately five minute video about pedestrian safety issues. She stated that the Traffic Safety Commission had asked that this commission view the video and consider joint efforts to this end. It was agreed that this video would be viewed at the end of the meeting if time was available.

Harris stated that she had prepared the budget request as discussed, and submitted it in a memo to the Director of Community Development for submission as part of the Planning Division budget.

Harris noted that the signs for Car Free Day are prohibited under the city sign code, and stated that the signs for the last event were complained about by two citizens and the state. She explained that this may have an effect on the commission's plans to purchase signs for the upcoming event. Harris clarified that the only temporary signs permitted are for real estate, construction or elections. She stated that a banner was a possibility, along with signs in business windows for seven days prior to the event. She also stated that signs carried by a person are allowed. After discussion, the commission agreed to leave the budget request as is and to further discuss possible options next month. Harris clarified that no variances to the sign code are allowed.

Harris stated that she had spoken to the City Administrator, and $400 was available for further activities during this fiscal year. Hartzell stated that if no Car Free event was held in May, this money might not be needed.

Green suggested that this item be moved to the end of the meeting, as time allows.

Young stated that the statement of where bicycles belong is clear, but other vehicles are less clear, especially in light of the increasing use of electric scooters. Young also noted that Police Officer Teri DeSilva has express concern over the difficulty in enforcing the ban on using sidewalks downtown given the specificity of the stencils, which only exclude "bikes and skateboards" on the sidewalks.

Young discussed that it is recommended that bikes ride in the street, and stated that scooters and skateboards are legal in the bike lane with helmets. He noted that non-powered vehicles are allowed on the sidewalks, and suggested that he would recommend wording that they use the sidewalk except where prohibited.

Powell questioned the police concerns over the stencils. Young suggested that they could be changed to read, "Pedestrians and wheelchairs only."

There was discussion of the difficulty with stating where hybrid vehicles belong, and it was noted that gas powered scooters are illegal on sidewalks and electric scooters cannot be used in electric mode on the sidewalk.

Green suggested that the intent of these statements is to clarify things, and she recommended that the statements be made where the commission can provide some clarity. Young noted that this could require some changes to the municipal code, and noted that he had spoken with City Administrator Greg Scoles about this prospect. Scoles indicated that code changes can be initiated by citizens. Young stated that he would like to have these changes in place this spring for the benefit of the Police Department in enforcing the prohibition on use of sidewalks this spring and summer. He noted that the commission could then prepare print materials for an education campaign.

Young recommended that a subcommittee work to gather information and pursue the revision of this ordinance. Young clarified that the state laws are written in negative language, and stated that the police feel that the Oregon Revised Statutes are nebulous in this area. He restated that the police would like language to clarify things, including specific prohibitions.

There was discussion of where electric bikes belong, and whether they should be allowed on bike paths. Young stated that the distinction could be electric versus gas, and Green suggested that the issue could be closed versus enclosed, or the distinction could be tied to speed. Young pointed out that some states make 18 miles per hour a cut-off distinction.

Young reiterated his belief that a subcommittee was needed to pursue this further, and stated that Officer Teri DeSilva would work with the subcommittee. Harris stated that this would help to build a connection and improve communications between the Police Department, City, Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission and the alternative vehicle users. Young suggested that the Traffic Safety Commission could also be asked to help with the ordinance changes.

Hartzell stated that educational brochures should be prepared as soon as possible, and noted that Communications and Marketing Manager Ann Seltzer might be utilized to prepare these materials.

After discussion, it was agreed that Spear and Hartzell would work on the subcommittee; Rogers would consider it; Young would serve as chair; and Ashland Police Department and the Traffic Safety Commission would be invited to participate.

 CAR FREE/WALK YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL DAY UPDATE/DISCUSSION

Rewcastle noted that the subcommittee had met and considered the magnitude of this undertaking. As such, they recommend that the event be postponed until September, in order to give the subcommittee time to further identify allies within the schools. The subcommittee recognized that an event in May or June might dilute the long-term chances of success, while beginning with events in September and October would get the ball rolling.

Hartzell expressed her disappointment with this delay, but agreed that there was a need to strongly establish the events from the outset to build momentum. She suggested, and Rewcastle concurred, that some promotion of the fall events could begin in May.

Young and Green pointed out that there is still a need to lay the groundwork in the schools now, before school gets out this year, to be ready for a fall kick-off.

Hartzell suggested that the commission work to promote the event with Darex, SOU, OSF and others, and encourage them to offer incentives to employees who participate.

Young expressed his support for the subcommittee's recommendation.

Hartzell noted that the $400 available this fiscal year could be spent in laying the groundwork for the fall event.

Rewcastle stated that she would like to have a table for the commission at the Bike and Boat Swap, but emphasized the need to establish a focus for this presence. She noted that educational materials, new laws, and electric bikes were all potential issues to be presented. Rogers suggested a brochure be prepared for distribution, possibly to accompany the reflectors provided by RVTD. Green suggested that this brochure could include a statement of the commission goals and activities, along with contact information.

Young suggested focusing on bike safety and health, and suggested doing helmet fittings at the Bike and Boat Swap.

There was discussion of what to include in a brochure, with suggestions including: safety, laws, education, resource conservation, health, infrastructure, livability and the Car Free and Walk Your Child to School Day events. Green agreed to put together some information for a brochure and get it to Ann Seltzer. Young and Rewcastle agreed to be present at the Bike and Boat Swap and offer helmet fittings.

Rewcastle read a sample letter by the subcommittee to introduce the idea of a monthly event to the schools. Hartzell suggested that this be sent to the site councils. Rewcastle asked for full commission approval of the letter, and that it be sent on city letterhead.

Young suggested that the use of "monthly" to be emphasized in some way in the letter. He also stated that "end-up" did not require a hyphen. Spear asked that the paragraphs be indented and spaced correctly. The commission approved the letter with these changes, and it was noted that the letter would be signed by subcommittee members for each school.

Rogers stated that her efforts have gone well, and she noted the BTA information in the packet. She discussed the Bicycle Bill Relay in Salem in April, to reach Ashland April 11th. She explained the itinerary of the event in the Rogue Valley, noting a press conference on the plaza April 12th, to be followed by a ride to Medford. She explained that this is being done in recognition of thirty years of the Bicycle Bill's passage, and stated that everyone interested should try to show their support. She agreed to e-mail details to members.

Hartzell noted that the Traffic Safety Commission will be conducting a retreat for goal setting, and suggested the Bike Commission could make an appearance to discuss joint efforts.

Hartzell also suggested showing the US DOT video on RVTV.

Young stated that he would try to attend the next regular meeting of the Traffic Safety Commission. He also stated that he would attend the Downtown Plan Phase II Technical Advisory Committee meetings, working with Rogers to see that one of them was in attendance. Rogers stated that she would attend the first meeting, on March 19th from 2-4 p.m. at Pioneer Hall.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.