BACA MEETING MINUTES 2009

Minutes of December 3, 2009 BACA Meeting

Board met December 3, 5:30 p.m., at the Oyster Bar.  Attendence: James Gaston, Tom Ezell, Don Bearden, Willa Williams, Claibanne Williamson, Judy McDowall, Jim Britt, Ken Gould, Michael Erwin

 Willa Williams presides over meeting in Coreen’s absence.  (Note for future officers: Need to call Oyster Bar a couple of days ahead of time to confirm that BACA will be meeting there, so they can arrange for extra help.)

 1. Claibanne Williamson suggests changing the focus of the Close the Loop task force from the Rock Island Bridge to completing the trail on the Little Rock side of the river.

 2. James Gaston is organizing a Yield to Life ride and discussed joining it to both the ABC new years ride and the annual bike to work ride. 

 3. Don Bearden to announce a $15.00 membership and a $50.00 advocate level membership starting in January with detail still to be worked out.

 4. Willa Williams has been offered a job in Ft. Collins, Colorado and may be leaving us.

 5. Tom Ezell reported on his visit with Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists, including riding section of the North Little Rock bike trails and touring Orbea and Competitive Cycling.

 6. It was voted to renew the $100.00 membership in The Alliance For Biking and Walking.

 7. Ken Gould announces the Little Rock Bike Friendly committee to become active again with Ken and Claibanne Williamson to be co-chairs.

 8. Treasurers report: $10,210.00 in account.

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Minutes of November 5, 2009 BACA Meeting

Board met November 5, 2009, 5:30 p.m. at the Oyster Bar.  Present: Michael Erwin, Coreen Frasier, Jim Britt, Tom Ezell, Claibanne Williamson, Don Bearden, Steve Bentley, Jennifer Shaw, Judy McDowell, Clayton Bell, Gordon Fisher, Charlie Hight, and Judy Lansky.

Coreen opened the meeting, introducing Ken Gould’s letter cautioning about taking any demonstration for the Rock Island Bridge (e.g., the “Coins in the Fountain” event conceived at the Alliance workshop) until after November 18, when President Clinton is expected to make an announcement concerning the Foundation’s intent for the bridge.  Coreen & Steve B. will be attending that luncheon.  After discussion a consensus was reached that any demonstrations against the Clinton Foundation will be held off until after the November 18 presentation by Clinton. Tentatively rescheduled for Nov. 21, but that is the Spa Run Weekend in Hot Springs, so event postponed indefinitely pending an announcement by the Clinton Foundation.

Jennifer Shaw, Outreach Committee, and Joy Rockenbach, AR Dept. of Education and chair of the AR Coalition for Obesity Prevention (ACOP) made a presentation on three grant opportunities coming within the next month.  They represent the Built Environment subcommittee of ACOP, which is hosted in the Department of Education.

BACA provided a letter of support for a Year 3 grant to get Safe Routes to School (SRTS) into the classroom.  Application was due October 30, decisions for awards are due in March 2010.

SRTS also announced a grant opportunity to establish a State Network which would fund a half-time staff position for one year ($23,000).  Grant & the staff coordinator would start assembling a community network (statewide) for SRTS, as well as hold 5 regional summits to explain and promote SRTS.  Idea was that Julie Hendrix, BACA temp executive director, could be that staff position, housed in Joy’s division of ADE.  Grant would also support building relationships with the Municipal League, and a statewide SRTS coalition and network.  Grant requires a 501(c)(3) non-profit to house the grant, BACA was proposed to do this.  Regional summits would focus on bikeability and walkability in communities; complete streets policies and related legislation, school & parks siting, pressure on AHTD to provide better support & recognition for walking & biking; and wellness policies & programs.

3rd grant on implementing walkability & bikeability surveys; funded by AR Dept. of Health using stimulus funds.  Includes $250,000 from the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation to introduce obesity prevention and health intervention in regional summits.  Looks at implementing Health Impact Analysis (HIA), assessing impacts of and promoting active healthy lifestyles into community planning.  BACA role would be to train & provide personnel to go to communities to do these assessments, provide educational resources, advocate for zoning and local bike laws.

AHTD closed its third round for SRTS grant applications for 2010.  Received a total of 39 applications; 6 educational; 3 start-up; the rest for infrastructure.  Brief discussion on getting more LCIs trained in Little Rock, however we need qualified & motivated candidates first.

One issue stemming from the strategic planning sessions is the need to provide some sort of sustainable funding for BACA’s activities, specifically a formal dues structure.  Currently donations are irregular, and way down from previous levels.  Board will make a year-end appeal, but also need to look hard at establishing membership dues.

How much?  ABC is currently $15 per year.  Alliance for Biking & Walking recommends $25 per year as the average cost to an organization for each member.  Should dues be annual, or should there be an option to pay for multiple years?  What sort of perks should there be (if any) for higher levels of membership (if any)?

Steve Bentley suggested a simple structure:  $15/year for paid members; “associate” membership would still be free.  Associate members would be retained on the BACA e-mail list, but that would be the only perk.  Paid members could take advantage of several BACA privileges, such as expanded access to the Thunderhead Alliance website as a BACA member.  Some suggested discounted fees for bike education classes held by BACA.  Could collect membership dues (via PayPal) from the BACA web site, once this is set up.

After a vote, dues assessments ($15/year paid membership; $50/year for “advocate” level with perks as yet undetermined) will begin with the January 2010 fiscal year.  BACA should also look at providing “sponsorships” from local bike shops and related businesses.

Julie Hendrix applied for a $5,000 grant from New Belgium Brewing which would fund general operating costs and infrastructure for a non-profit advocacy group like BACA.

Coreen and Janice Peters have started a committee to paint directional arrows marking the River Trail Route through the downtown Little Rock area once past the end of the trail at Murray Park.

Little Rock announced a curtailment of its 311 services due to city budget cuts, 311 will now operate only Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  One can still call (501) 371-4829 to report problems outside these hours, but response will not be as fast.

Coreen will be out of town for Festivelo during the December meeting, so Willa will preside over the Board and general meetings; Tom will come up with a program on supporting the Safe Routes grants.

Due to darkness and low participation, Critical Manners rides are being put on hold until Daylight Savings Time returns.  If there’s sufficient interest and participation at that time, Tom will consider starting the rides up again.

Traffic Skills 101 classes are being offered in Hot Springs on November 14; in North Little Rock on November 20-21, and in Conway on November 20 & 22.

Treasurer’s Report: current bank balance is $9,955.58

Meeting adjourned, and began general membership meeting.

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Minutes of October 1, 2009 BACA Meeting

Board met September 29, 2009 at the Whole Hog Café on Cantrell to continue strategic planning and come up with three projects for the upcoming “Winning Campaigns” training on October 18.  Present:  Willa Williams, Michael Erwin, Coreen Frasier, Jim Britt, Tom Ezell, Don Bearden, Claibanne Williamson, Julie Hendrix, Judy McDowell. 

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Minutes of September 3, 2009 BACA Meeting

Board met September 3, 5:30 p.m. at the Oyster Bar.  Attendance: Coreen Frasier, Julie Hendrix, Tom Ezell, Willa Williams, Don Bearden, Gordon Fisher, Jennifer Shaw, Judy McDowall, Steve Bentley, Claibanne Williamson, Jim Britt

1. Tom Ezell is donating money to BACA (from the LAB Smart Cycling class fees) to help keep the web site up.

2. Tom and Willa are working to get a survey included in the next newsletter to get a better handle on the concerns of members.

3. The second strategic planning work shop was scheduled for Sept. 29 at 6:00 pm and will double as the October board meeting.

4. Tom reports on Alliance for Biking and Walking workshop scheduled for Oct. 16-18. Needs catering for 35-40 people, needs volunteers for registration, hike and bike leaders, etc. as well as audio visual aides.

 5. Coreen has asked Brad Joseph to be the web master.

 6. Treasurers report: $10,178.44 in account

 7.Coreen to read portions of mayors response to suggestions for improvements to existing river trail on the south side of river. The entire letter is available on e-mail.

 8. Steve Bentley's Close the Loop report: 2.3 million dollars of stimulus money has been earmarked for bridge but only if funding for the entire project is found. Steve has a meeting with the Clinton Foundation on 9-17. They plead for no negative press. Bottom line, no real progress. Steve feels Mayor Stodola could be the key to resolving stalemate

 9. Coreen says the bridge over Little Maumelle creek to start within 30 days and be completed in around 120 days. 

 10. Discussion of ideas for future events:

  •    Design and sell a jersey displaying map of river trail.

  •    Progressive dinner

  •    Poker run

  •    Take a kid mountain biking

  •    Being part of a Sept. 12 welcome home event for vets at War Memorial Stadium.

 11. Steve says CARP plans a mountain bike race at Camp Robinson for Oct. 18.

 12. North Little Rock has turned in its application for Bike Friendly City.

 Meeting adjourned

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Minutes of June 4,  2009

BACA board meeting 6-4-09; 5:30 p.m. at the Oyster Bar.  Attendance: Judy McDowall, Don Bearden, Tom Ezell, Coreen Frasier, Jennifer Shaw, Willa Williams, Claibanne Williamson, Jim Britt, Steve Bentley, Ken Gould and Michael Erwin

 1. Willa Williams report on the bike to work rally hosted by BACA: Between 60 and 70 people participated, $250.00 donation from North Little Rock covered almost all of the expenses, Willa agreed to head up next years event.

2. Julie Hendrix to attend the July 2 board meeting to talk about a paid position with BACA. She has a background in fundraising and grants.

3. Coreen has scheduled a lunch with Lindsey East to discuss his $1,500.00 donation to BACA. His interest is urban trails specifically in the stifft station area.

4.Treasurer report:

  • New account opened at Region Bank

  • Crystal Honeycutt paid for work on web site.

  • Account Balance $9,747.87

5.Harper Loop Ride: Judy Lansky suggested by e-mail that BACA sponser a ride to publicize this new route.  North Little Rock may be willing to participate. Tom says it could be included in a training program for the Hotter Than Hell. Jim Britt suggests that for insurance reason possibly the ABC should handle it.

6.Sunday downtown shutdowns, closing designated streets on Sundays only are popular in some towns.  Ken Gould suggested Kavanaugh as a better location. It was decided to bring it up with the mayor.

7. It was agreed to give both the bike racks at the Science Center and the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement an appreciation award. 

8.Judy Lansky was nominated to be emeritus member of the board of directors and will be asked to accept.

9.It was reported that 437 people had signed up for Tour de Rock to date.

10. Coreen has a brochure, to be put out by Parks and Tourism, of road and mountain bike trails and needs corrections and comments sent to Jennifer Morgan at 975-7209.

11.Rumble strips have been cut on the shoulder of highway 5 going to Hot Springs and are apparently planed for most state highways. Tom says the state gets additional federal money for putting in the rumble strips. It was agreed we need to file a protest with either the highway commission or district engineers.

12.It was agreed not to join the NLR Chamber of Commerce.

 Next board meeting set for July 2 with no public meeting until Sept.

 Michael Erwin, Secretary

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 Minutes of May 7, 2009 BACA Meeting

Present: Coreen Frasier, Claibanne Williamson, Jim Britt, Tom Ezell, Judy McDowall, Don Bearden, Steve Bentley, Michael Erwin, Willa Williams.

1. Discussion of next of next few meetings: Mayor Stodola to talk at June 4th meeting and the need for a large turnout. No meetings scheduled for July or August, but a board meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 2 at 5:30 p.m. for evaluation of new board and officers. Representatives of Clinton Foundation suggested by Steve for Sept. meeting.

2. Tom Ezell nominated for program director with the duty of organizing the programs for meetings.

3. Steve Bentley spoke on the progress of the Close the Loop initiative. He feels the bridge at the Clinton Library is finally on the way to being started with federal money available in July and the next big concern being a trail from the medical mile to Rebsamen Park rd.

4. Treasurers report: It was agreed to move the BACA bank account to Regions Bank for the convenience of Don and for possible sponsorship money.

5. BACA received a $1,000.00 donation earmarked to be spent on urban trails with a stipulation that a report be sent to his secretary. Tom said that IMBA would donate matching funds if they approved the project.

 6. New web site to be up and running some time this month. Ron Rizzardi is the web master. A meeting with Ron, Claibanne, Coreen and Michael Erwin is to be set for the coming week. The paid consultant helping to set up the web site submitted a bill for $800.00 and needs a check cut. Her work was agreed to be capped at $1,000.00.

7. New mailing address

  • BACA

  • P.O. Box 55677

  • Little Rock, AR 72215

 8.Willa Williams report:

a. May 15- National Bike to Work Day- BACA encourages people to ride their bikes to work on their own and send pictures to be posted on face book. Also Ken Gould has decided to lead his 1st Friday bike to work ride on the 15th .

b. May 29-BACA will sponsor a breakfast between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. for riders who will take their own routes and meet at the River Market.

c. The Arkansan Bike Club has agreed to handle the Ride of Silence on May 20.

d. Willa agreed to either head the Ride to Work in 2010 or train a replacement immediately after this years event.

9. Tom Ezell submitted a written report on completed and future projects of the education committee. Date for The   Alliance for Biking and Walking “Winning Campaigns” training seminar was confirmed for Oct. 16-18.

Ron King is repairing bikes for disadvantaged kids and needs volunteers on June 6.

 Coreen adjourns meeting.

 Michael Erwin, Secretary, BACA

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Minutes of April 2, 2009 BACA meeting

BACA Meeting - April 2, 2009

Ron Rizzardi called the meeting to order.

(1) The proposed slate of new officers and Board members was unanimously approved by the BACA members. Our new officers are Coreen Frasier, President; Willa Williams, Vice President; Mike Erwin, Secretary, and Don Bearden, Treasurer. Claibanne Williamson and Gordon Fisher were elected to two year terms as at-large Board members.

Coreen then took over meeting and thanked Ron for service as President of BACA.

Shannon Geiger reported on the Cycle for Sight Ride to be held on May 16, 2009, starting at the Soccer Fields at Burns Park. The Ride includes loops around the River Trail of 7 times, 4 times, 2 times, and a children’s ride. After the event, t here were be a band a noon. The even starts at 8:00 a.m., and will be $35.00. Jerseys are available for $45.00. The ride benefits the Jones Eye Institute.

Program: Coreen, Tom Ezell and Gordon Fisher reported on the National Bike Summit. Five people from Arkansas attended. Matt from Fayetteville, as well as Terri Eastin, who represented the Mississippi River Trail. This year there were coordinators from each state to who were responsible for making appointments with the state delegation. Our delegates spoke to all representatives - the 4 Congresspeople, and the 2 Senators. Tom noted that the bike summit is about advocacy. The whole purpose is to put 500 plus advocates on Capitol Hill at same time.

Over the two days of meetings, the summit discussed the bills that are coming up in congress. One of the big problems is that the highway trust fund is basically broke. About $80 million will have to be put into it to keep same level of service. President Obama talks of is liveable communities, which is basically a “complete streets” idea. Ray LaHood, the Secretary of Transportation spoke at one of the Sessions. He is very supportive of bicycles as part of transportation.

America Bikes Agenda: (1) Complete Streets Act - ensure that we have livable communities and that everyone is equally served; (2) Complete connected Active Transportation Systems - connect trails from community to community; (3) Invest in Safety - about 13% of those killed or injured are bicyclists or pedestrians, but get less than 1% of funding for safety. Increase Safe Routes to Schools funding; (4) Promote Biking & walking as means of Transportation

Lobbying Points:

Complete Streets Act of 2009 - filed in House, & Senate - HR 1338, S584. Spend money on roads to accommodate everyone living in community. Requires states to enact statewide policy within 2 years and ties federally funded money to enactment

Clean Low-Emission, Affordable New Transportation Efficiency Act (CLEAN TEA) - taxes carbon emissions. Takes 10% of funding for low emission, sustainable means of transportation. Bills have been introduced < br>
Safe Routes to Schools - ask for $ 3 billion over next 5 years. Expand to serve grandes K-12

Multi-Modal Commuter Benefit Act - allows employers and commuters to take advantage of tax benefits for both bike transit and parking assistance

There were 580 registered attendees; 47 states represented

Goals for BACA: Reinvolve the mountain bikers in BACA; get a chairperson for Bike to Work month; get more active volunteers in BACA ; more kids’ events & education (jump parks & skill courses; take a kid mountain biking day; bike program for Boys & Girls Clubs); Continue local work including complete streets, safe routes to school, Close the Loop, Bike Friendly Community Committees. Need Mayor Stodola and Clinton Foundation people to speak here.

Bud Laumer announced that Chainwheel applied for bicycle friendly business from LAB and received the bronze award from the League for bicycle friendly business; Honorable mention went to Garver Engineers

Announcements.

Meeting adjourned, Judy Lansky, secretary

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Minutes of March 5, 2009 Meeting

Ron Rizzardi called the meeting to order - About 45 people present

(1)Ron reported that we need to obtain updated information. Forms were passed out to get new information. (2) Elections for new officers and Board Members will be at the April meeting. (3) Next Monday the North Little Rock City Council will vote on accepting complete streets ordinance . BACA members are urged to show up, 6:00 p.m. NLR City Hall . Wear BACA shirt

(1(4) National Bike Summit will be held this next week. Tom Ezell, Coreen Frasier and Gordon Fisher are going as BACA delegates.

(5) April 18th - Arkansas Trails Day (6) April 26th - Arkansas Earth Day - BACA will have booth there

(7) North Little Rock has 37 miles of new Trail. There is Harper’s Loop from North Little Rock to Keo to Scott. Construction has started on connecting the Northshore Business Park to the River Trail. We need to send a letter to the Alderperson for the Third Ward (Gaines) to support the bicycle routes.

(8) Ron King is starting program to refurbish bicycles to provide to kids who are needy. HE had 400 bicycles, refurbished & has redistributed 300 bicycles. He has about 130 bicycles now. He needs more bicycles & needs help repairing bicycles. He will hook up with Central Arkansas Boys and Girls Club to repair and give away bicycles. He wants to coordinate a work day to refurbish the bicycle. Anyone interested should contact him at 952-4581, rop@aristotle.net

(9) Steve Bentley reported on the Close the Loop Task Force. It is planning a rally ride to include trail users to end at the Clinton Library. Want to plan it for the end of October.

(10) Ken Gould announced that Judge Villines has secured $5 million to build bridge across Little Maumelle River.

Program on Self-Contained Bicycle Touring and Camping: Ken Gould spoke first. He has been bicycle-camping since 1981. He described it as an “incredibly liberating experience.” You can sustain yourself indefinitely on the bicycle. Best Mattress is thermarest mattress. Need Petzel light to see at night. He recommended a down sleeping bag. compression sacks,. ortlieb panniers, old bicycle tubes instead of bungee cords. .

Jim Britt reported on a 4 day trip on Katy Trail, including a slide show of the trip. He ate at restaurants; but made coffee;

Coreen Frasier , a veteran bicycle camper, reported on her experiences going cross country for 3 months. She described the clothes she brought including 2 pairs shoes; (she ran 1 day a week ) 3 pair underwear, 3 pair biking shorts, 2 biking jerseys.

Jim Britt, John Linck, Celia Storey and some others are planning a bicycle camping trip around in Northern Arkansas including Heber Springs, Mountain Home, Jasper. The trip is planned for the week after Easter.

Meeting adjourned, Judy Lansky, Secretary

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Minutes of February 5, 2009 BACA Meeting:

About 50 people present.

Ron Rizzardi called the meeting to order.

Ken Gould: Little Rock Bicycle Friendly Community Committee needs BACA Board as well as individual members to write in support of Mayor Stodola's efforts to get the Clinton Foundation to work on renovating the Rock Island bridge. Can provide sample letter and contact info. The BACA Board has voted in favor of a resolution in support of Mayor Stodola’s efforts.

Ron recognized Peter Mehl & Chad Files from Conway Advocates for Bicycling (CAB). They stated that Conway has dedicated their income from local natural gas exploration toward bicycling/pedestrian infrastructure and alternative transportation. Ron also recognized Jason and Sharon Broadaway from Jonesboro, who are starting a northeastern bicycle coalition. Jonesboro has a 3-phase plan for a greenway running through/around Jonesboro. In addition, Texarkana is also organizing a cycling advocacy group, Texarkana Cyclists.

Speaker: Laura Kelly, of Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks (BCO). -- Started up in 1999 -- Started with youth education classes/bike rodeos to educate/expose youth in Fayetteville to bikes -- Major need now is for adult bike education. They now have 1 LCI in Fayetteville (Paul Leblanc), have done 2 road I classes so far in Bentonville, have another class scheduled in April. -- BCO covers Benton & Washington County communities. Most activities are community-centered, very local in nature. -- BCO vision is local, grassroots advocacy and activities. -- Looking for ways to market the Smart Cycling education program -- Use the state Bike-pedestrian google group to share ideas statewide -- Take part in Mutual Aid conference calls hosted by Thunderhead Alliance. -- They use John Allen's "Bicycling Street Skills" handbook and locally-produced flyers for educational outreach. Sample copies available here after meeting; also available in PDF. -- BCO has one annual fundraiser, the "Highway 71 Classic" bike ride held March 1 -- BCO has no formal dues structure. They have ~ 100 members who have contributed financially in some way, and about ~400 members on an e-mail interest list. -- Primarily supported by the local road cycling community. $15 Hwy 71 Classic ride fee goes directly toward paying for BCO activities. 71 Classis logistics are supported mostly by local in-kind donations. -- They offer a membership card to contributing members, card holders get a 10% discount at most of the local bike shops. Can sign up/register on-line at the BCO web site. -- ~ 100 to 150 riders at the Classic each year, so BCO annual budget ranges from $1500 to $2000 per year. This allows BCO to pay a paid staffer ~10 hours per week to pursue grants, raise funds, do outreach, etc. -- Laura is car-free. Basic need is to find inexpensive housing close to downtown. Location, location, location is key to this lifestyle. 5 miles radius is about the max for regular bike utility riding/commuting for local shopping. -- BCO doesn't hold monthly membership meetings. Their Board meets periodically; and holds an annual meeting for the general membership. -- BCO periodically sponsors a bike maintenance workshop; now doing youth events in cooperation with the local Boys & Girls Club. Teachers get approximately $300/week for teaching youth bike workshops for 2 weeks during the summer. -- Advocacy = political education of membership and community/locals. Very grassroots in nature. BCO works closely with city government in Fayetteville/Bentonville. Both cities applied for BFC status in 2008; Fayetteville got designated as an honorable mention. -- developers in Fayetteville are required to construct facilities pursuant to the community bike plan. -- Currently have very poor liaison with the health care community; this is still an untapped source of support. -- BCO advocates for/is very big on unstriped traffic lanes. Lane maintenance (e.g., the lack thereof) is a very big issue there, plus Fayetteville has a mandatory bike lane ordinance. -- BCO has tried several strategies on promoting a Bike-to-Work event; still looking for something that works. -- BCO offers an optional dues rate of $12 per year; but most income comes from the annual Highway 71 Classic bike ride. They have ~ 100 dues-paying members at this rate. They pay their part-time staff at the rate of $12.50 per hour. -- Offices. BCO keeps a post office box as a stable mailing address. They have no real office space; they have a hard-enough time finding a place to hold their periodic meetings. -- BCO Board meetings are open to the general membership and the public. -- BCO runs a lot of public service announcements on local radio stations about bicycling, as well as articles in the local and UofA campus newspapers; use the UA bulletin boards a lot to get their messages out. Also, small handbills stuck on bikes at campus and local bike racks work well.

Conway Advocates for Bicycling (CAB) noted that they are currently working on a community-wide bike plan as part of that city's efforts to be designated as BFC. -- Gave away 60 bicycles during their "Bikes for Tykes" drive in November-December. -- Now have a bike collective starting up, took over the stock from AR Sustainability Network when those folks shut down their ReCycles operation in January '09. Hendrix College already has a bike share program, and CAB will absorb that operation as well.

Ron Rizzardi announced that BACA will have its annual elections at the April meeting, all elected positions are open if anyone is interested in joining the BACA board.

Gordon Fisher: St. Patrick's Day Parade is coming up on March 14, needs to get some volunteers committed now; he was the only one to show up last month for the LR Christmas parade.

Meeting adjourned at ~8:30 p.m. Judy Lansky, Secretary

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