Spear, Baxter, Beaudoin and Chapman were present. Nutter and Hartzell were absent. Matthew Barnes from RVTD and City Councilor Kate Jackson were present.

Chapman called the meeting to order at 5:07 p.m.

Councilor Kate Jackson introduced herself, and explained that she was visiting all of the commissions.

Malena Marvin of the Ashland Community Bike Program (ACBP) explained the difficulty in finding a space for ACBP. She explained that ACBP needs to find a free space so that they will not have to write grants to cover rent. She stated that they would like to find a two car garage. Baxter asked if she knew what sort of square footage they required. Marvin stated that they were flexible and did not have a specific number in mind. Baxter suggested looking at the industrial spaces on Hersey Street. Marvin added that it would be nice to find something that would be accessible to kids.

Harris explained how the city deals with its miscellaneous concrete projects. The plans will be reviewed at the September meeting.

Barnes suggested that the street be closed since it was motor vehicles that had caused the problem here. Harris explained that when Michael Ronkin, the ODOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Director, was in Ashland, he said this would be "punishing the pedestrian." Baxter stated that he thought this closure would simply be moving the problem.

There was discussion of the barrier on North Main Street, and Harris noted that Public Works Director Paula Brown had noted that there was discussion of the possibility of lowering the speed limit so that the barrier would not be necessary.

Marvin suggested that the Commission make a recommendation for a car-free downtown.

It was noted that a grant application would not be submitted.

Chapman noted that the mayor would not be making any appointments until September, but he added that the applicant pool was excellent.

Chapman nominated Spear. Spear stated that she already had a job, but after consideration she stated that she would accept the nomination. She noted that her term is up in April of 2003. Baxter stated that he would be willing to fill this role if Spear did not want to. Chapman nominated Baxter, and after discussion it was agreed that Baxter would be the new vice chair.

Baxter emphasized the need to address this item, and he noted that he has gone on record in support of the project. He suggested waiting until the next meeting to see if the new members are willing to take on the project. Baxter suggested that he would like to see the project from a new perspective. Baxter noted that getting underway would require a firm plan and the staffing to go along with it. He added that this commission needs to fill the role of catalyst to get the program going.

Chapman noted that he had been thinking about developing a handout map showing walking routes as well as biking routes. He noted that he would also like to include access to hiking trails. Spear questioned how a walking map would differ from a biking map. She also pointed out that getting to the trails is different than walking around town.

Baxter noticed that ODOT was re-striping bike lanes on Ashland Street, and he stated that he believed these were supposed to be widened to 6 feet. He suggested that it was wasteful to do this now if further work will be taking place in the fall.

Beudoin volunteered to make a presentation to the high school driver's education group.

Barnes noted that RVTD would be observing Car Free Day on the last Friday in September (the 27^th).

It was agreed that light distribution would be addressed at the next meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.