Joan Spear, Keri Green, Guy Nutter, and Beverly Morris were present. Hartzell arrived late.

Chief of Police Scott Fleuter, Associate Planner Maria Harris and Clerk Derek Severson were present.

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

Morris asked that the last sentence of the first paragraph dealing with Car Free Day ("She stated that the morning portion of the event seemed to be the biggest success.") be stricken from the minutes.

Green asked that the minutes of the ad-hoc meeting with the Traffic Safety Commission not be included in the record.

No speakers came forward.

Green introduced Chief of Police Scott Fleuter.

Fleuter explained that he had looked into the "Where Wheeled Vehicles Belong" issue, and stated that many of the new vehicle types are probably covered under existing laws and ordinances. He noted that he began looking at this issue by studying Ashland's "Skateboard Ordinance," and he showed the city's skateboard tri-fold flyer and a draft sample of a proposed "Wheels" flyer that followed the form of the skateboard flyer and addressed other types of wheeled vehicles. He emphasized that "Wheels" is a working title.

Fleuter noted that the original skateboard ordinance handout defines skateboards as including "any similar device," and suggested that this needs to be modified to encompass more territory and prevent any potential confusion.

Fleuter noted that he and Officer Kevin Flynn have gone through the state's traffic laws, and he stated that they have determined that a skateboard or scooter with an engine is still considered a skateboard or scooter rather than a motor vehicle. He also pointed out that there are specific state laws addressing electric bikes.

Fleuter went on to note that bikes are considered vehicles when on the road, but stated that cyclists must behave as pedestrians when using sidewalks. Green and Harris noted that the Commission had arrived at this conclusion in its "Where Bikes Belong" statement. Fleuter emphasized that there is a need to separate bikes and other wheeled vehicles, as well as electric bikes.

Fleuter clarified that electric bikes fall under bicycles under the state motor vehicle code, but he noted that a moped is defined as having power of 50cc or less with various other requirements. He discussed the fact that laws are not keeping up with changes in technology, and stated that he would like to see the city's Skateboard Ordinance modified to cover "wheeled vehicles." He also noted that there was a need to begin educating the public.

Fleuter pointed out that an electric bike on the road operating at speed is considered to be a vehicle and is subject to the rules of the road, and noted that at over thirty miles per hour it would likely be considered a moped under the law. He emphasized that all rules and laws that were reviewed prohibit careless or dangerous behavior.

Green noted that the commission's concerns have to do with the fast pace of change in technology and with perceptions of safety given that different types of vehicles operate at considerably different speeds. She stated that the commission would like a recommendation from Fleuter and the Police Department. Fleuter suggested that distinctions could be made by: 1) looking at vehicle braking systems; and 2) whether they are intended for use as transportation versus recreation.

Fleuter clarified for Nutter that a "scooter" is a skateboard under the definitions of the ordinance, and is thus prohibited downtown. He also stated that Yamaha and Honda brand motorized "scooters" are more appropriately referred to as motorcycles.

Fleuter confirmed for Harris that he would like to see the city look at modifications of the Skateboard Ordinance to better address recent alternative modes of transportation.

Green noted that the major distinction is whether a vehicle is motorized, and she suggested that an agreement on where motorized and non-motorized vehicles belong is needed. She stated that it may be decided that the Central Ashland Bikepath (CAB) is off limits to motorized vehicles of any sort. She emphasized that a policy for the CAB needs to be looked into further.

Fleuter noted that there is also an issue with electric bikes in that they can operate either in a motorized or non-motorized mode. He emphasized that state law requires electric bikes to use bike lanes if they are provided.

Nutter stated that he has difficulty encouraging the use of bike lanes when motor vehicles can exceed the posted speed limit by 10 miles per hour before even being warned (as indicated in a June 7^th Ashland Daily Tidings article titled, "Ashland Police Chief Promises More Warnings For Speeders."). Nutter stated that if the commission is going to encourage bikes to use bike lanes, speed limits need to be enforced in a matter that keeps cyclists safe.

Fleuter noted that he had not spoken to the press on this matter, and he explained that officers have discretion to issue warnings. He also noted that the Department is trying to track warnings for future recurrences. Fleuter reiterated that he was uncertain where the statements in the press had come from.

Nutter suggested that a zero tolerance was needed for speeding, and he noted his personal experiences. Nutter suggested that if there is not going to be a zero-tolerance policy, then the city needs to prohibit cycling in areas where speeds are over a certain level. He clarified his belief that all bikes and wheeled vehicles should be prohibited where speeds are thirty miles per hour or more.

Fleuter questioned whether this would be possible unless there were alternative routes available.

Harris emphasized that this would be inconsistent with the city's adopted goals and policies, and stated that such a change would require that the city change its long range goals in addition to altering traffic laws.

Fleuter pointed out that another traffic officer has been approved in the budget, and he emphasized that officers are writing a lot more tickets.

Green stated that the commission wants to advocate for greater usage of bicycles and find ways to make cyclists more comfortable on the streets. She acknowledged Nutter's recommendation, and suggested moving on with the agenda.

Fleuter stated that he disagreed with the idea of a zero tolerance policy that would take away the ability of his officers to make judgements in the field. He also noted that state laws regulate speeds. Hartzell noted that this issue came up before the council, and suggested that she would like to see minutes from the June 6^th study session relative to this issue. She also noted that this ties in with work that is underway on the Downtown Plan.

Green commended Fleuter for his efforts. Fleuter stated that work continues to prepare a flyer, with a new title, and they are still looking into the possibility of allowing other non-polluting modes of transport in the downtown area. Hartzell suggested calling the flyer/brochure "Where Do I Ride." Fleuter suggested "Human Powered," and stated that he will look into what other cities have done. Hartzell asked that Fleuter specifically look at what has been done in Eugene.

Green recapped that a brochure, with a more accurate title and better graphics, is to come, with further consideration to be given to the issue of enforcement and a divergent policy for the Central Ashland Bikepath (CAB). It was noted that volunteers patrol and provide enforcement on the CAB, and the suggestion was made that more visibility would aid their efforts. Fleuter stated that they can be made more visible, and also noted that Community Service Officers could be used for patrols if needed.

Green asked that Item C "Reports" be moved up in the agenda for discussion now.

Green noted that Di Chiro had suggested that the subcommittee look for support school-by-school and that supporters be asked to map safe routes over the summer, and launch event preparations to a greater degree at "Back to School Night in September. Green indicated that there should not be great concern over a citywide launch, as other schools can come on board with the program as it progresses. She reiterated that school-by-school volunteer support would be needed for a launch in September. She stated that subcommittee members may also go back to individual school PTAs/PTOs to seek support. Green stated that a large amount of behind-the-scenes work will be needed.

Hartzell noted that the idea of an e-mail list server had come up as a means to communicate issues within these two groups. Hartzell stated that Communications and Marketing Director Ann Seltzer can set up the list server when needed, and stated that there needs to be a decision as to whether that is wanted by the commissioners. Hartzell suggested that this might serve to bridge any disconnect that exist. Nutter stated that he would prefer to wait and not be added to a list at this time. Green, Spear, and Morris stated that they would like to be added to the list.

Green noted that new commission appointee John Baxter would be attending the July meeting.

Nutter noted that he had a copy of the map prepared by Jackson County, and stated that the price for signs would be $17-$25. Nutter stated that he would like to have maps and/or signs to encourage cyclists away from busier streets, even if this runs counter to the city's plans. Harris provided 8.5 x 11 maps prepared by city staff showing bike routes in Ashland.

Green clarified that the intent was to try to make it obvious how to use the Central Ashland Bikeway (CAB) and to get from the CAB to shopping and other services. Nutter questioned whether the city would oppose such signage. Green stated that the commission had decided at its last meeting to post directional maps along the CAB.

Nutter questioned whether the city was opposed to limiting cyclist access to busier streets. Harris stated that access limitations were a new issue. Hartzell stated that she thought that the intent of this discussion had more to do with the posting of directional and/or informational signs relative to routes.

Harris noted that the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has prepared sign standards, which she passed around to provide a guideline. Hartzell stated that participants in the downtown plan meetings have requested consistent signage around town. Harris noted that the standards are for signs that are more intended to show connections.

Harris clarified that there are no signs like this right now, and noted that the state does not identify "bike routes" as it is intended that will use all streets. She stated that the state does put stencils on dedicated bike lanes, but emphasized that identifying routes would be inconsistent with policy. Harris stated that under the ODOT standards, a directional sign would simply say something along the lines of "You have reached the end of the bikeway, take Helman to the Downtown."

Green stated that she would like to see a comprehensive proposal from the commission dealing with these issues, but she recognized that this might mean a delay until there are people available to work on a proposal. She suggested that signage along the CAB would be one issue, and stated that another had to do with identifying strategic, safe routes through the city that would or would not have signage, but that would be incorporated into the maps posted on the bikeway. She suggested that there may be no one available to work on these issues, as efforts are presently focused on the Car Free Day event and conducting neighborhood surveys.

Harris confirmed for Hartzell that the CAB falls under city jurisdiction. Hartzell stated that she would like to place some signs on the CAB.

Green stated that she would prefer an integrated approach that includes directional maps and signage. She questioned the possibility of contracting this project out. Harris stated that there would need to be a sense of the time and money that would be involved, as well as a determination of whether similar work has been done elsewhere. Green stated that she would like to have the commission look into this. Green emphasized that the commission would hope to employ a local consultant, and that some commissioners might be able to do some of the legwork to reduce costs.

Nutter suggested getting some idea of the budget available before going further. Harris stated that some clarification is needed, as preparing a map is one project in itself, and preparing a map that can be posted along the CAB is another, and signage yet another. She suggested that the commission prioritize these elements.

Green proposed looking at this item further in the near future.

Harris emphasized the need to consider the priority of signs versus maps, and noted that maps have been put off in the past due to the lack of bike lanes on Siskiyou Boulevard.

It was noted that discussion at the last meeting had concluded that the commission would either need to apply for a conditional use permit or rely on the use of exempt signs.

It was noted that exempt signs could be used if they were no more than two square feet, and if no more than two signs were placed on a property. Harris explained that this would not require a conditional use permit, but she emphasized that signs would need to be kept out of the right-of-way. She also pointed out that only two signs would be allowed per school. Harris suggested that this would allow for similar sign coverage to what was done last year. Spear stated that this should be more than adequate.

Nutter provided members with copies of the CATS membership application, and explained that Bob Taber has donated this program to the commission. Green explained that the commission had previously agreed that this would be a good program to take over, and suggested that it could be incorporated into Car Free Day. Green stated that one member would need to be willing to shepherd the CATS program.

Green noted that there was an issue that came up last time related to taking money for the CATS program. Harris stated that she had since found out that the commission could not take in money, but that it could be brought to city staff, as the city is a "legal entity" while the commission is not.

Morris noted that she had joined the original CATS and she received no value for her donation. She stated that she felt this was redundant and duplicated what was already being done by the commission. Hartzell stated that it might be better for the high school, and she suggested that some sort of incentive might work better than a fee.

Green suggested that any member could take on the CATS program personally, as a private citizen. None of those present expressed any interest in doing so. Nutter stated that he would hold onto the materials until some decision was made.

Green noted that in going through the Car Free reports from last year, she had noticed that a separate Car Free "launch meeting" was held. She suggested that this be done again to begin set up and organization for the upcoming event.

Barnes stated that the Rogue Valley Transportation District will probably have free bus service again, and pointed out that they will be trying to get employers involved in this year's event. He suggested that RVTD would like to work with the commission. Green stated that RVTD's efforts to involve employers would mesh well with what the commission has in mind.

Morris noted that the comment sheets collected from participants last year would be valuable. Harris stated that she would look for these.

Hartzell asked about checking into a new banner. Harris explained that a design and funding would be needed. Hartzell noted that a new banner had been included in the coming budget. Spear agreed to check further into the banner issue.

After discussion, it was agreed that a special Car Free Kick-Off meeting would be held on July 5^th, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at a location to be announced.

It was noted that David Young had requested that a new commission liaison be appointed to replace him as liaison to the Downtown Design group. Nutter agreed to attend the next meeting, 7:00 p.m. on June 26^th in the Hillah Temple.

Hartzell questioned the lockers located downtown near Copeland Lumber. Harris gave brief background, and Hartzell suggested placing key locks, setting up a system for their use, and distributing promotional flyers. Harris noted that the location is also a problem. Hartzell asked that the lockers be placed on the next agenda for further discussion.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.