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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-19 Bicycle & Pedestrian_PACKETCITY OF ASHLAND BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION Agenda Thursday, June 19th, 2008 @ 5:15 P.M. Siskiyou Room @ 51 Winburn Way Community Development & Engineering Services Building I. CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 15th, 2008 III. PUBLIC FORUM - Business from the audience not included on the agenda. (Limited to 5 minutes per speaker and 15 minutes total.) IV. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Subcommittee & Liaison Reports V. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Bike Swap Debriefing Transportation Commission Top 10 & Near -Miss Lists Bicycle Friendly Community Status, Signage & Council Presentation On -Going Discussion of Commission Goals New Business Agenda Items for Next Month VI. ADJOURNMENT Upcoming Meetings Next Regular Meeting - Thursday, July I r, 2008 at 5:15 P.M. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1- 800-735-2900). Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1). City of Ashland Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission Membership Roster (Updated June 12t", 2008) 1. 4.30.2011 Steve Ryan 657 C Street 951-1409 Apt. 1 resolutionvideoCcDyahoo.com 2. 4.30.2011 David Young 747 Oak Street 488-4188 Chair dyounaQieffnet.orQ 3. 430.2009 Julia Sommer 1158 Village Sq. Dr. 552-1942 Vice Chair iuliasommer@vahoo.com 4. 4.30.2009 VACANT (formerly Selene Aitken's position) 5. 4.30.2010 VACANT (formerly Michael Church's position) 6. 4.30.2010 VACANT (formerly Matthew Seiler's position) 7. 4.30.2010 Jim Olney 361 Wiley Street 482-1057 Secretary olneyit@mind.net 8. 4.30.2010 Tom Burnham 1344 Apple Way 482-4467 ntburnham@Qmail.com 9. City Council Kate Jackson 359 Kearney St. 482-2612 Liaison kate@council.ashland.or.us RVTD Liaison Paige Townsend 3200 Crater Lake Ave Senior Planner Medford, OR 97504 Planning Staff Liaison Derek Severson Associate Planner Police Dept. Liaison Steve MacLennan Police Officer Traffic Safety Liaison Colin Swales Youth Liaison (SOU) Eve C. Woods 51 Winburn Wy. 552.2040 seversod @ ash land. or. us 1155 E. Main St. 552-2809 (voicemail) maclenns@ashland.or.us 461 Allison St 488-0939 colinswales@Qmail.com 920 W. 11th St., Unit #3 773-8515 Medford, OR 97501 eve woods@hotmaii.com Youth Liaison (AHS) Vacant (The nine voting members are shown in bold. Four constitutes a quorum per AMC 2.22.030) Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission May 15th, 2008 Regular Minutes Roll Call: Chair David Young, Vice Chair Julia Sommer (absent), Secretary Jim Olney, Steve Ryan, Tom Burnham Council Liaison: David Chapman Staff: Steve McLennan, Police Officer Derek Severson, Associate Planner (absent) RVTD liaisons: Paige Townsend, RVTD Senior Planner (absent) High school liaison: Vacant SOU liaison: Eve Woods (absent) Call to Order Chair Young called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. Approval of Minutes — April 17th, 2008 The minutes were approved as presented. Top 10 & Near -Miss Lists Dubois questioned why the bike lane from B Street to East Main on North Mountain Avenue had disappeared. Kidical Mass Dubois explained that Kidical Mass was developed by Shane Rhodes in Eugene, and was designed to work like Critical Mass but was based on polite and courteous ridership with the intention of educating families on sharing the road. He noted that the route was a 1-hour loop, beginning at Evo's and ending at Mix Sweet Shop on the plaza. Car Free Dav Ryan discussed efforts of the organizers, including developing a survey for the Employer Challenge to track participation, having promotional coffee mugs and how to coordinate the event incentive logistics. Ryan asked for verification of the process for spending commission money in support of Car Free Day for advertising and promotion. Ryan suggested that those interested should attend the event organizing committee, and he would communicate the next meeting time. Mappinp/Trails Members discussed mapping, and Burnham indicated that he would work with the subcommittee to put together proposals and come back for Commission support. Chapman exited the meeting. 2008-0515 Bike & Ped minutes Page I of 2 On-Goin Discussion of Commission Goals Young recapped on -going efforts in reaching commission goals. New Business Burnham noted that he would be absent next month. Burnham noted that the Bicycle Friendly Community status had been renewed, and requested that the Commission should consider placing an additional sign or sign in better locations. Warshawsky noted that the permitting cost through ODOT is considerable and that it is not as easy as it seems. There was unanimous consent to schedule an award ceremony before the Ashland City Council. Agenda Items for Next Month None mentioned. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Upcoming Meetings: Regular Meeting — June 19t , 2008 at 5:15 p.m. in the Siskiyou Room 2008-0515 Bike & Ped minutes Page 2 of 2 City of Ashland, Oregon - CC Transportation Commission Page 1 of 5 City of Ashland, Oregon / City Recorder / City Council Information / Packet Archives / Year 2008 / 06/03 / CC Transportation Commission CC Transportation Commission Council Communication Formation of the Transportation Commission Meeting Date: June 3, 2008 Primary Staff Contact: Jim Olson 552-2412 Department: Public Works Engineering E-mail: olsonj@ashland.or.us Secondary Dept.: Finance/Legal Secondary Contact: Paula Brown 488-5587 Approval: Martha Bennett, City Administrator Estimate Time: 30 minutes Question: Does Council wish to schedule first reading of an Ordinance to form a Transportation Commission and disband the Traffic Safety Commission and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission? Does Council have any revisions to the attached Ordinance prior to the first reading? Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends Council review and comment on the proposed purpose, mission and duties of the new Transportation Commission and further direct staff to write and place Ordinance amendments on the next Council meeting agenda for first reading. Background: The idea to combine the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission with the Traffic Safety Commission was one that was originally discussed in 2003. In October 2007, Council approved several recommendations of the Transportation Financing Task Force, one of which was to form a standing Transportation Commission to address transportation planning, public transit and parking issues. As discussed by the Council, the commission's goal would be to look at the broader picture of transportation issues, recognizing that there are specific bike/ped and traffic safety issues, but to provide the missing link with overall transportation and transportation planning. As a result, staff liaisons from public works and planning have worked with both the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission and the Traffic Safety Commission to insure that the key issues, goals and concerns relating to each commission are not lost. Recognizing safety, planning, advocacy and funding as key components of transportation issues, staff is proposing that the new Transportation Commission be formed with specific purpose, mission, powers and duties as described below: Proposed Purpose, Mission and Duties of the new Transportation Commission The Transportation Commission advises the City Council on transportation related issues specifically as they relate to safety, planning, funding, parking and advocacy for all modes of transportation. Members are responsible for reviews, studies, analysis and reports as required for the City's transportation network, or as requested by the City Council. Mission: The need for a Transportation Commission is emphasized in the Transportation Element: "Ashland has a vision - to retain our small-town character even while we grow. To achieve this vision, we must proactively plan for a transportation system that is integrated into the community and enhances Ashland's livability, character and natural environment. ...The focus must be on people being able to move easily through the city http://www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=11086&Print=True 6/12/2008 City of Ashland, Oregon - CC Transportation Commission Page 2 of 5 in all modes of travel. Modal equity then is more than just a phase. It is a planning concept that does not necessarily imply equal financial commitment or equal percentage use of each mode, but rather ensures that we will have the opportunity to conveniently and safely use the transportation mode of our choice, and allow us to move toward a less auto -dependent community. " Powers and Duties. Generally: Commissioners will review and make recommendations on the following topics: ■ Safety: One of the most important and primary purposes of the Transportation Commission is to develop, coordinate and promote transportation safety programs; ■ Planning: From a long term viability to the City's overall planning, the link between land use and transportation is vital. As such, the Transportation Commission will provide review and make general recommendations to the City's long-range transportation plans; ■ Funding: To ensure viability of the transportation program and ensure needed system improvements are adequately prioritized, the Transportation Commission will make recommendations regarding the allocation of transportation funds within the City; ■ Advocacy: The City of Ashland is committed to making modal equity a reality and this remains a focus for the Transportation Commission. ■ Parking: Parking for all modes of transportation is a key element of the City's transportation system. The Transportation Commission will provide a public venue for addressing issues relating to parking. Membership: The Transportation Commission shall consist of nine voting members as designated by the Mayor and confirmed by the council. Voting members will all be members of the community at large and will represent a balance of interest in all modes of transportation, including bicycle, pedestrian and transit. The chair will be elected annually. A vice -chair will also be elected to serve in the chairs absence and who will succeed to the chair on April 30 following the chairs term expiration. The Director of Public Works shall serve as the primary staff liaison and serve as the Secretary of the Commission. There will be thirteen total non -voting ex officio members including one member of the Council that would participate on the Transportation Commission as needed. Non -voting members would include a member from each of the following: ■ Council ■ Public Works / City Engineer ■ Planning & Community Development ■ Police ■ Fire - ■ City Attorney ■ Municipal Judge ■ Southern Oregon University ■ Ashland Schools ■ Oregon Department of Transportation ■ Rogue Valley Transportation District ■ Ashland Parks and Recreation ■ Jackson County Roads Term and Vacancies: The term for each voting member shall be three years, expiring on April 30th. Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council, for the unexpired portion of the term. Any commissioner who is absent from four or more meetings in a 12 month period shall be considered no longer active and the position will be deemed vacant. Quorum, Rules and Regulations: Five voting members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. The Commission shall meet monthly and http://www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=l 1086&Print=True 6/12/2008 City of Ashland, Oregon - CC Transportation Commission Page 3 of 5 at least ten times per calendar year. The Commission may make rules and regulations for its government and procedure, consistent with the laws of the State and the City Charter and ordinances. Traffic Hearings Sub -Committee: The purpose of the Traffic Hearings Sub -Committee is to enable the Transportation Commission to focus on broad transportation concerns by reducing the number of routine and non -routine traffic items that come before the full Commission; and to insure the Commission will have sufficient time to devote their full attention to the overall transportation matters at issue. The Traffic Hearings Sub -Committee consists of three regular members of the Transportation Commission who sit concurrently on the full Commission. Terms are for six-month intervals and members may only sit for two consecutive terms at any one time. The Public Works Director or engineering division designee will serve as Staff Advisor and recorder for these meetings. The Traffic Hearings Sub -Committee shall consider the following matters: Hear and make determinations to the Transportation Commission on routine and non -routine traffic concerns with regard to traffic impacts, speed, markings, signage, etc. Review and submit pre -application comments when appropriate on routine subdivisions and site review applications with respect to transportation impacts, as well as where the Public Works Engineering Advisor to the Transportation Commission determines that the item before the Sub - Committee contains significant items of discretion relating to overall transportation policies or impacts on surrounding areas. Such other minor transportation matters as the Transportation Commission deems appropriate to the Traffic Hearings Sub -Committee format. The Traffic Hearings Sub -Committee or Public Works Staff Advisor may refer any matter before the Sub - Committee to the Transportation Commission when it becomes apparent the matter involves major policy concerns or potential serious impacts on surrounding areas. Action minutes will be reviewed and accepted at the next full Transportation Commission meeting. Reports The commission shall submit copies of its minutes to the city council and shall prepare and submit such reports as from time to time may be requested of them by the city council or planning commission. Compensation Voting members of the commission shall receive no compensation for services rendered. Related City Policies: AMC 2.22 Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission AMC 2.26 Traffic Safety Commission Proposed Ordinance Council Options: The discussion of forming a new Transportation Commission has had some controversy, however this is in keeping with Council's direction and with the initial comments from the Council on this action. Both the Traffic Safety Commission and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission have been kept abreast of staffs discussion and although there is concern of losing some of the advocacy or some of the notoriety of the current commissions, both are reluctantly supportive of this change. It is suggested that the Transportation Commission be formed from the current membership of the Traffic Safety and Bicycle and Pedestrian Commissions. Those existing commissioners who wish to serve on the Transportation committee would submit applications from which the Mayor could select and appoint Transportation Commissioners. Council options include: 1) Review and comment on the proposed purpose, mission and duties of the new http://www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=l 1086&Print=True 6/12/2008 City of Ashland, Oregon - CC Transportation Commission Page 4 of 5 Transportation Commission and further direct staff to write and place Ordinance amendments on the next Council meeting agenda for first reading. 2) Recommend staff develop significant changes and complete additional research on the proposed purpose, mission and duties of the new Transportation Commission and schedule a study session to further discuss the draft prior to placing this item on a future Council agenda. 3) Recommend that there be a significant rewrite on the proposed purpose, mission and duties of the new Transportation Commission and ask that a separate Ad Hoc committee be named, and chaired by a Council Liaison to assist with developing the new Commission. 4) Recommend that staff retain both the current Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission and the Traffic Safety Commission and not make any changes to form a Transportation Commission. Potential Motions: Council's options following the logic above are as follows: 1) Council horeviewed the proposed purpose, mission and duties of the new Transportation Commission and further directs staff to write and place Ordinance amendments on the next Council meeting agenda for first reading. 2) Council has reviewed the draft proposal and recommends staff develop significant changes and complete additional research on the proposed purpose, mission and duties of the new Transportation Commission. Council further directs staff to schedule a study session to discuss the draft prior to placing this item on the Council's future agenda for formal actions. 3) Council has reviewed the draft proposal and recommends a significant rewrite. Council requests that the Mayor, with Council concurrence, appoint a separate Ad Hoc committee, chaired by a Council Liaison to develop the purpose, mission and duties of the new Transportation Commission. 4) Council has reviewed the draft proposal and recommends the current Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission and the Traffic Safety Commission be retained and not form a new and separate Transportation Commission. Attachments: Click on the PDF file below to view the following attachments: 1. AMC 2.22 Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission 2. AMC 2.26 Traffic Safety Commission 3. Proposed DRAFT ordinance ;,:I Attachme..nts Transportation Commission pdf (181.9KB) The above document(s) are Adobe@ Acrobat@ PDF files and may be viewed using the free Adobe@ Acrobat@ Reader"'. Most newer web browsers already contain the Adobe@ FJ God Acrobat@ Reader TM plug-in. However, if you need it, click on the "Get Acrobat@ Reader TM � u � �� icon to download it now. http://www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=11086&Print=True 6/12/2008 AMC 2.22 Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission 2.22.010 Established Membership The Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission is established and shall consist of nine voting embers, one of which shall be a city councilor, and four non -voting members including a representative from Rogue Valley Transportation District, the Director of Community Development, the Director of Public Works and the Chief of Police. 2.22.020 Term Vacancies The term of the voting members shall be for three years, expiring on April 30 of each year. Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the mayor, with confirmation by the city council, for the unexpired portion of the term. The seven commission members currently serving as of the date of this 1998 amendment shall serve their remaining terms. For the two members to be appointed to the commission as a result of this 1998 amendment, one shall be appointed to a term expiring April 30, 2000, and one member to a term expiring April 30, 2001. The successors shall be appointed to three-year terms. Any member who is absent for four or more meetings in a one-year period shall be considered no longer active and the position vacant, and a new member shall be appointed to fill the vacancy. 2.22.030 Quorum Rules and Regulations Four voting members of the commission shall constitute a quorum. At its first meeting of the year, the commission shall elect a chair, vice -chair and a secretary, who shall hold office at the pleasure of the commission. The commission may make rules and regulations for its meetings, consistent with the laws of the state and city charter and ordinances, and shall meet at least once every month. 2.22.040 Powers and Duties - Generally The primary purpose of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission shall be to advocate the equal opportunity to use non -automotive forms of travel and to ensure the development of bicycle and pedestrian facilities into a well -designed, integrated transportation network for all Ashland citizens. In doing so, the powers, duties and responsibilities of the commission shall be as follows: ■ To promote bicycling and walking in Ashland. ■ To review and make recommendations on the long-range transportation plans as related to bicycle and pedestrian issues of the city. ■ To promote bicycle safety programs. ■ To serve in a liaison capacity between the city and Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee in developing the statewide bicycle and pedestrian program, and in meeting the goals of the State of Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. ■ To serve in a liaison capacity between the city and the Jackson County Bicycle Committee in developing overall coordinated plans for bicycle facilities and bicycle safety programs. ■ On a yearly basis, to review and make recommendations on transportation projects as related to bicycle and pedestrian issues in the city. ■ To review and recommend transportation project prioritization and funding as related to bicycle and pedestrian issues in the city. ■ To advise the planning commission in the administration of the site review process with respect to bicycle and pedestrian facilities and parking. ■ To assist in the implementation of the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. ■ To develop and recommend to the city council and planning commission adoption of ordinances and policies for the planning and maintenance of bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout the city. ■ To advise the city administrator and city departments regarding bicycle and pedestrian issues in the city. 2.22.050 Reports The commission shall submit copies of its minutes to the city council and shall prepare and submit such reports as from time to time may be requested of them by the city council or planning commission. 2.22.060 Compensation Voting members of the commission shall receive no compensation for services rendered. AMC 2.26 Traffic Safety Commission 2.26.010 Established - Membership There is established a Traffic Safety Commission which shall consist of nine voting members and eleven non- voting ex officio members including the City Administrator, Director of Public Works, Chief of Police, City Attorney, Fire Chief, Municipal Judge, Superintendent of Schools, a representative from the Bike and Pedestrian Commission, Southern Oregon University, Oregon Department of Transportation and Jackson County. The voting members shall consist of one member from the City Council, and eight members from the community at large; all of whom shall be appointed by the Mayor, with confirmation by the City Council. Chair shall be elected from among the eight citizen members of the Commission. The Director of Public Works shall serve as Secretary to the Commission. 2.26.020 Term - Vacancies The term of the voting members shall be for three years, expiring on April 30 of each year. Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the Mayor, with confirmation by the City Council, for the unexpired portion of the term. Any Commissioner who is absent from four or more meetings in a year shall be considered no longer active and the position vacant. 2.26.030 Quorum - Rules and Regulations Five voting members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. The Commission may make rules and regulations for its government and procedure, consistent with the laws of the state and the City Charter and ordinances, and shall meet monthly, at least ten times per year. 2.26.040 Powers and Duties - Generally The powers and duties of the Traffic Safety Commission shall be as follows: A. To develop and coordinate traffic safety programs; B. To recommend traffic safety priorities and actions for the City; C. To hear public comment and advise Public Works on non -routine traffic engineering problems and actions which require pubic hearings; D. To advise the City Council and the City Administrator in the implementation of official traffic safety activities; E. To coordinate common safety concerns with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission and other Commissions; F. To promote public acceptance of official City traffic programs, traffic law enforcement, and traffic engineering needs; G. To produce and present safety education programs to the public; and H. To cooperate with the public and private school systems in promoting traffic safety education program 2.26.050 Reports The Commission shall submit copies of its minutes to the City Council, and shall, in January of each year, make and file an annual report of its activities with the City Council, and such other reports as from time to time may be requested of them by the Mayor and City Council 2.26.060 Compensation Voting members of the Commission shall receive no compensation for services rendered. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION, ADDING SECTION 2.13 TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION; REPEALING SECTION 2.22 BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION AND REPEALING SECTION 2.26 TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Annotated to show de'Q�.na and additions to the code sections being modified. Deletions are bold +h and additions are in boldunderline. WHEREAS, the City of Ashland wishes to modify its Code with regard to Administration by adding a Transportation Commission ordinance to more closely coordinate transportation related issues specifically as they relate to safety, planning, funding and advocacy for all modes of transportation; and WHEREAS, the City of Ashland wishes to reduce duplication by repealing in total sections 2.22 Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission and Section 2.26 Traffic Safety Commission; THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Section 2.13 is hereby added to read as follows: 2.13 Transportation Commission 2.13.010 Established - Generally. A. Role. The Transportation Commission advises the City Council on transportation related issues specifically as they relate to safety, planninz funding, parking and advocacy for all modes of transportation. Members are responsible for reviews, studies, analysis and reports as required for the City's transportation network, or as requested by the City Council. B. Mission. The need for a Transportation Commission is emphasized in the Transportation Element: "Ashland has a vision — to retain our small-town character even while we prow. To achieve this vision, we must proactively plan for a transportation system that is integrated into the community and enhances Ashland's livability, character and natural environment.... The focus must be on people bein_g able to move easily through the city in all modes of travel. Modal equity then is more than iust a phase. It is a planning concept that does not necessarily imply equal financial commitment or equal percentage use of each mode, but rather ensures that we will have the opportunity to conveniently and safely use the transportation mode of our choice, and allow us to move toward a less auto -dependent community." Ordinance No. Page 1 of 4 C. Powers and Duties. Generally. Commissioners will review and make recommendations on the following topics: 1. Safety: One of the most important and primary purposes of the Transportation Commission is to develop, coordinate and promote transportation safety proarams; 2. Planning: From a Iona term viability to the City's overall planning, the link between land use and transportation is vital. As such, the Transportation Commission will provide review and make general recommendations to the City's long-range transportation plans: 3. Funding: To ensure viability of the transportation proaram and ensure needed system improvements are adequately prioritized, the Transportation Commission will make recommendations reaardina the allocation of transportation funds within the City: 4. Advocacy: The City of Ashland is committed to makina modal equity a reality and this remains a focus for the Transportation Commission. 5. Parking: Parkina for all modes of transportation is a key element of the City's transportation system. The Transportation Commission will provide a public venue for addressing issues relating to parking. 2.13.020 Established — Membership. A. Votina Members. The Transportation Commission shall consist of nine voting members as designated by the Mayor and confirmed by the council. Voting members will all be members of the community at larae and will represent a balance of interest in all modes of transportation including bicycle, pedestrian and transit. The chair will be elected annually. A vice -chair will also be elected to serve in the chairs absence and who will succeed to the chair on April 30 followina the chairs term expiration. B. Non-votina Ex Officio Membership. The Director of Public Works shall serve as the primary staff liaison and serve as the Secretary of the Commission. There will be thirteen total non-votina ex officio members including one member of the _Council that would participate on the Transportation Commission as needed. Non -voting members would include a member from each of the following: Ashland City Council, Public Works / City Engineer, Planning & Community Development, Police, Fire, City Attorney, Municipal Judae, Southern Oreaon University, Ashland Schools, Oreaon Department of Transportation, Roque Valley Transportation District, Ashland Parks and Recreation, Jackson County Roads. 2.13.030 Term and Vacancies. The term for each voting member shall be three years, expiring on April 30th. Anv member may serve up to two consecutive terms. No member may serve more Ordinance No. Page 2 of 4 than two consecutive terms, provided a person appointed to fill a vacant unexpired term is eligible to serve two full successive three-year terms. Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council, for the unexpired portion of the term. Any commissioner who is absent from four or more meetings in a 12 month period shall be considered no longer active and the position will be deemed vacant. 2.13.040 Quorum, Rules and Regulations. Five voting members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. The Commission shall meet monthly and at least ten times per calendar year. The Commission may make rules and regulations for its government and procedure, consistent with the laws of the State and the City Charter and ordinances. 2.13.050 Traffic Hearings Sub -Committee. A. Purpose. The purpose of the Traffic Hearings Sub -Committee is to enable the Transportation Commission to focus on broad transportation concerns by reducing the number of routine and non -routine traffic items that come before the full Commission: and to insure the Commission will have sufficient time to devote their full attention to the overall transportation matters at issue. B. Membership. The Traffic Hearings Sub -Committee consists of three regular members of the Transportation Commission who sit concurrently on the full Commission. Terms are for six-month intervals and members may oniv sit for two consecutive terms at any one time. The Public Works Director or engineering division designee will serve as Staff Advisor and recorder for these meetings. C. Duties. The Traffic Hearings Sub -Committee shall consider the following matters: 1. Hear and make determinations to the Transportation Commission on routine and non -routine traffic concerns with regard to traffic impacts, speed, markings, signage, etc. 2. Review and submit pre -application comments when appropriate on routine subdivisions and site review applications with respect to transportation impacts, as well as where the Public Works Engineering Advisor to the Transportation Commission determines that the item before the Sub - Committee contains significant items of discretion relating to overall transportation policies or impacts on surrounding areas. 3. Such other minor transportation matters as the Transportation Commission deems appropriate to the Traffic Hearings Sub -Committee format. 4. The Traffic Hearings Sub -Committee or Public Works Staff Advisor may refer any matter before the Sub -Committee to the Transportation Commission when it becomes apparent the matter involves manor policy concerns or potential serious impacts on surrounding areas. Ordinance No. Page 3 of 4 a M.. « Transportation mm. 1L#1 r w • « WSH W w Eli• 0Compensation. The foregoing ordinance was first read by title only in accordance with Article X, Section 2(C) of the City Charter on the day of , 2008, and duly PASSED and ADOPTED this day of , 2008. Barbara M. Christensen, City Recorder SIGNED and APPROVED this day of , 2008 John W. Morrison, Mayor Reviewed as to form: Richard Appicello, City Attorney Ordinance No. Page 4 of 4 Fixable Bike/Ped Danger Spots Needs re-striping/painting: - bike lane on North Mountain going uphill to RR tracks - portions of bike lane on Tolman between 66 and Siskiyou, especially downhill side at 66/Tolman intersection. (Contact: Carl Johnson, 552-2415) Street/sidewalk maintenance: - Depression in bike lane on Siskiyou going south just before Morton Street. Does not drain properly. - Gravel/debris on East Main bike lanes between Tolman Creek and Highway 66. - Siskiyou flooding/spring runoff freezing: Beach, Morton, Union, all flood the sidewalks on the south side when there's a heavy rain. Central Bike Path maintenance (Parks Dept.): - bumps/cracks/disintegration between Clay and Tolman Creek. - high curb where it crosses Normal by cemetery, forcing dismount. New signage: 4-way stop signs where bike path crosses E. Main and N. Mountain at RR crossings. These intersections are very busy and confusing, and cars often don't stop for bikers/walkers on the path. Need signs directing cyclists from the north end (A Street) of the Central Bike Path to the Bear Creek Bike Path (Dog Park). - Unregulated railroad crossing underneath overpass at Clay St. Need for new radar speed board: Currently the city only has one, and only for Ashland School District. We need at least one more, for places like Siskiyou Blvd. and N. Mountain between Hersey and B St. Cost: 5K More complicated needs: - Audio signals for vision -impaired at major intersections. Traffic Safety Commission will discuss this at their next meeting. - Bikers are forced onto sidewalk on N. Mountain between E. Main and Siskiyou (along high school). Sidewalk on only one side. Cut into playing field verge for bike lane and/or sidewalk? - Clay St. blind curve at bottom: needs curb & sidewalk. Question: Do pedestrian walk buttons make any difference in timing of lights? Page 1 of 1 Derek Severson - Mirror for Bike Path off of Takelma Way r r�d�ii✓a��i�iw�rri�nrr,�rtu�ru�iarm��ve,�Ar�a��am„m�����2ia��rtr,��irrrr���nm����rytr����raa�rr��ireica�,rr��i�l7ni� From: "Mary Rogan" <maryjrogan@gmail.com> To: "seversod@ashland.or.us" <seversod@ashland.or.us> Date: 6/9/2008 7:19 AM Subject: Mirror for Bike Path off of Takelma Way Hi, I am trying to find out how to go to with my suggestions, so you are the lucky recipient! We live in the Clay Creek Subdivision on Takelma Way and we have access to the bike path from Takelma way down a flag driveway. The fence in the yard on the north east side of the entry has a high fence which creates a blind corner. Is it possible to install one of those round mirrors that gives that bubble view to that you can see if anyone is coming before you enter the bike path? If you poke your nose out to check for traffic, you could already be in someone's way or flattened. Thanks so much. I'm happy to provide more info if this is not clear. Mary Rogan 482-5653 file://C:\Documents and Settings\seversod\Local Settings\Temp\GW}000O1.HTM 6/9/2008 Page 1 of 1 Derek Severson - Bicycle Friendly Community Award awwmr�r'�mv�m�av�rupmr�'uw�nrcn�r�mr�oo��..: ��m� ...mom From: "Bill Nesper" <BillNesper@bikeleague.org> To: <seversod@ashland.or.us> Date: 4/24/2008 2:43 PM Subject: Bicycle Friendly Community Award Dear Derek, Congratulations! The League has designated Ashland a Bicycle Friendly Community once again at the Bronze level. This decision involved careful review of your application and consultation with local cyclists. As you know, this award is presented only to communities with remarkable commitments to bicycling. You should be very proud of this accomplishment. Please share this with your partners in the city and advocacy community. The League will be releasing a national press release on this on May 1st and looks to work with you to help promote this accomplishment. Please hold your announcement of the award until May 1st. You will also be receiving specific feedback from the review in a few weeks from the League of American Bicyclists on what you can do to help Ashland become more bicycle -friendly as well as your BFC road sign, decal, and award certificate. Your designation will be due for renewal in May of 2012. At that point your community will be reevaluated so we urge you to make as many improvements as possible in the meantime! Of course, if you wish to renew sooner than that please do. We look forward to seeing the community's progress. If you would like to do an award ceremony, please let us know. We would love to work together to promote this great achievement. Please contact BFC program specialist Alison Dewey for more details on setting up an award ceremony and updating your community webpage: Also, thanks to REI and Bikes Belong there are special grants that are now available to communities that apply for the BFC designation and receive an honorable mention or higher. There will be more information coming in the next few days on how your community can apply for one of these. Once again, accept our congratulations on your tremendous efforts to create a truly Bicycle Friendly Community. Sincerely, Bill Nesper Director, Bicycle Friendly Community Program League of American Bicyclists P: 202-822-1333 bill &blkeleague.ora seversod@ashland.or.us file://C:\Documents and Settings\seversod\Local Settings\Temp\GW}00001.HTM 4/24/2008 Memo Date: April 15, 2008 From: James H. Olson To: Traffic Safety Commission CITY OF ASH LAN D Re: CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE & DEVELOPMENT REVIEW (TRANSPORTATION) The following capital projects are ongoing. If you would like additional information on any of these projects, please let me know as quickly as possible and I will provide it at the next meeting: 1. Possible closure of Glenn Street Rail Crossing (crossing will remain open) 2. Railroad Crossing Improvements @ Hersey/Laurel (to start in 2009) 3. C Street / Eureka Street Improvement (to start this spring) 4. Miscellaneous Concrete Project (curb repair on B St., Second and Fourth) (ongoing) 5. Oak Street Rail Crossing Improvement (2008) 6. East Main Street Railroad Crossing Improvement (Construction to begin in spring, 2008) 7. Plaza Avenue LID (submitted for CMAQ grant funding) 8. Schofield Street LID (delayed by lawsuit) 9. Liberty Street LID (LID formed by Council on 2/5/08) 10. `A' Street Reconstruction (complete) 11. Alley — Harrison to Morton LID (not approved by Council) 12. Laurel Street Sidewalks (submitted for Transportation Enhancement Grant funding) 13. `B' Street Reconstruction (Oak to Fifth Street) (bid in June, 2008) 14. Granite Street Reconstruction (Nutley St to Pioneer St) (bid in July, 2008) 15. Hersey Street Sidewalk Reconstruction (Oak to Ann St) (2008) The following subdivisions are under construction or will soon be started. 1. Julian Square II (N Mountain Av improvements south of Fair Oaks Drive) (complete) 2. Fordyce Street Co -housing (complete) 3. Helman Springs Subdivision — Otis Street (begin 2008) 4. Terrace Court Subdivision — 1849 Siskiyou By (25% complete) 5. Willowbrook Subdivision — 380 Clay Street (begin 2008 or later) 6. Matisse Cottages Subdivision — Mountain Av (begin 2008 or later) 7. Verde Village Subdivision — Almeda Drive / Helman Street (begin 2008) 8. Aleph Springs Subdivision — off N Mountain Avenue (begin 2008) ENGINEERING DIVISION Tel: 541/488-5347 20 E, Main Street Fax: 541/488-6006 Ashland OR 97520 TTY: 800f735-2900 www ashland,or us (;-Iniih-writclannlriPnt_arimin\TPAPC'.nnital Prniort Paviow A nA AAmmn rimer A MAY 2008 CY iER FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION ALLIANCE BTA Wins National Health Award US Surgeon General Steven Galson visited Portland on April 9th and awarded the BTA's Bike Safety Edu- cation (BSE) program the Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future Champion Award, even calling the program "a model for the rest of the country." The BSE program is a key component in the effort to combat childhood obesity. The award ceremony took place at Portland's Harriet Tubman Young Women's Leadership Academy, and highlighted its bicycle safety program. Dr. Galson praised the school, teacher Kathy Smith, community leaders, and advocates who help make efforts like this possible. The BTA's bike safety education curriculum was developed by Execu- tive Director Scott Bricker with input from many community partners and experts, and has been used to teach over 40,000 students throughout Oregon and southwest Washington Surgeon General Dr. Steven Galson and BTA Executive Director Scott Bricker. over the past nine years. The curriculum was previously recognized for its outstanding contri- bution to bicycling with the National Bicycle Education Leadership Award by the League of American Bicyclists. The bike safety curriculum is being implemented in over 15 cities in 2008, reaching an estimated 6,000 children. May is Walk + Bike Challenge Month! If you enjoy the BTA's Bike Commute Challenge (BCC) and have children in elementary school, or if you attend Portland State University (PSU), we invite you to be part of the excitement again in May with Walk + Bike to School Challenge Month! For the first time ever, the BTA is hosting Walk + Bike Challenge Month, focusing on elementary and middle school students. In the style of BCC, students from all over the Portland metro area are being chal- lenged to walk or bike to school as much as they can durii the month of May. Walk + Bike Challenge Month kicked off with a party on the Eastbank Esplanade on May 3rd featuring Greasy Kid Stuff, described as "the best kid's radio show of all time," Officer Robert Pickett from the Portland Police Bureau's bike patrol, stiltwalkers, and cheerleaders from PSU. Elementary schools are teaming up in a challenge against PSU. For the whole month, PSU students will try to walk and bike more than their younger counterparts. And in a no -holds - barred match, an elementary school student and PSU student duked it out on the KBOO bike show on May 5th, promising an exciting month ahead. conjunction with the Walk Re Challenge, the BTA 1 hold family bike com- ting workshops through- t Portland. Common chal- nges will be addressed uch as route planning, helmet fitting, time Kelly GROW Program Develops Active Youth Acoalition of gardening and bicycling advocates has launched a new after -school program that promotes active, healthy lifestyles through walk- ing, biking, and gardening. The Kelly GROW program —growing active, healthy school communities —provides students at Kelly Elementary School in Portland's Lents neighborhood with bicycles, pedometers, and gardening materials. Staff and volunteers work to create experiences for kids to develop lifelong healthy eating and exercise habits. Project elements include Growing Gardens, Community Cycling Center's Bike Club/Earn- a-Bike program, and BTA's Neighbor- hood Navigators. The Neighborhood Navigators curriculum uses neighborhood walks continued on other side management, safety, and rain (of course!). Workshop attendees will receive free bike maps and a list of community resources. Visit walknbike. org for a list of workshops. On June 8th, participants will join together for a party at PSU where we'll announce the schools and stu- dents that walked and/or biked the most, award raffle prizes, and hold slow bike races and other fun events. It's not too late to sign up! If you'd like your elementary school to participate, visit walknbike.org. PSU students, faculty, and staff should visit biketoPSUchallenge.com. If you are interested in seeing Walk + Bike Challenge Month at your school or learning more about the event, contact Lillian Karabaic at lillian@bta4bikes.org. continued n rn 503),226 0676" r19. MAY 1-31 WALK + BIKE CHALLENGE MONTH. See walknblke.org for a JUNE B WALK + BIKE CHALLENGE MONTH CELEBRATION. Challenge complete list of workshops and events. 10AM winners will he announced, prizes will he drawn, fun will he had. MAY 28 'BIKE COMMUTE WORKSHOP. Learn about hike commuting or Park blocks at Portland State University, Portland. NOON trade tips with others! Topics Include route planning, riding safely, JUNE 16-20 TOWARDS CARFREE CITIES CONFERENCE. Professionals, and carrying all your stuff. Central Library, 801 SW loth, Portland. advocates, and community leaders converge to focus on RSVP to Info@bta4blkes.org. sustainable transportation systems and creating more livable JUNE 6 PINK MARTINI FUND FEST. BTA is one of four organizations to cities. Visit carfreeportland.org for more Information. BPM benefit from this concert series. Purchase tickets at the Crystal JUNE 22 SUNDAY PARKWAYS. A six -mile loop of streets in North Portland Ballroom box office or through Ticketmaster. Crystal Ballroom, will he carfree! Visit gettingaroundportland.com for complete 1332 W Burnside, Portland. route. Peninsula Park, N Ainsworth and N Kerby, Portland. JUNE 7 VOLUNTEER SATURDAY. Don't have time during the week to JUNE 28 GREENER HORIZONS DISC GOLF TOURNAMENT. The sixth annual 9:30AM volunteer? Pitch in and help send out Important mallings. Meet 1PM tournament, which benefits the BTA! For more information, contact new friends and get treats! BTA office, 233 NW Fifth, Portland. Phil Richman at philrichman@coloradoalum.org. �i- BTA Recommendations for Columbia River ist� Crossing Project �. me- irta- < Gail en-' . rour,or, s, bicy- rn- The Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project has raised considerable debate within the community. The current I-5 bridge that connects Oregon and Washington is dangerous and congested for car and freight traf- fic, not up to seismic standards, has poor public transportation options, and has substandard bicycle and pedestrian facilities. However, the plan to build a new 10- to 12-lane bridge has drawn criticism from many groups who are concerned about the economic and environmental impacts of the project. The BTA has issued a series of rec- ommendations for the project, which can be read in detail on our Web site, bta4bikes.org. We recommend bike facilities that are 20 feet wide on both sides of the new bridge, fewer lanes of Kelly GROW, cont'd. and creative lessons to teach the rela- tionship between healthy eating, active living, and personal and environmental responsibility. Lessons include setting achievable goals for physical health and active transportation, discovering the effects of different types of transporta- tion, the advantages and disadvantages of buying locally grown food, pedestri- an safety laws, and practicing it all during long walks. auto traffic than are proposed, that the State of Washington and the Federal government supply the majority of funds for the project, and that funds not be diverted from other projects to pay for CRC. CRC recently released its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for public review and comment, available at columbiarivercrossing.org. The public comment period runs through July 1st, and we encourage you to provide comment. Public hear- ings and open houses will be held on May 28th in Vancouver and May 29th in Portland. We hope you are able to attend one of these events to discuss the project with staff. Additional infor- mation for both events is available at the project's Web site. Program coordinator LeeAnne Fergason says the students found these lessons both challenging and fun. On the walks, they formed tight friend- ships by simply walking side by side and talking with each other. In the classroom, they enjoyed creating, learning, and sharing all their ideas, discoveries and projects. This curricu- lum has undoubtedly made an impact on these students and the whole community. Grants The Building Safer Communities and Bicycle Safety Mini -Grant applications for next year are available in June. As soon as they are posted notification will be sent out. Currently a grantee that has had many years of traffic safety success still continues on this year with the assistance of a Building Safer Communities Mini -Grant. Independence Police Department consistently seeks unique ways to approach traffic safety issues in their community. One way in which they have done this is by reaching out to the Hispanic community by way of radio. A portion of their grant funds are dedicated towards the personnel time for one of their Spanish speaking officers. He utilizes a segment of radio time on a Spanish radio station to discuss traffic issues. Recently at the 2008 Lifesavers Conference Martin Moreno a presenter, spoke about effective ways to reach Latinos with traffic safety messages. He emphasized the use of radio to target this community. Independence PD is doing an excellent job. ETY Connecting Oregon's Community Traffic Safety Advocates Oregon Transportation Safety Awards Oregon Transportation Safety Awards provide the opportunity to recognize leaders in traffic safety —people and organizations that are making a positive difference in the lives of Oregonians. You are encouraged to nominate traffic safety advocates, both professional and volunteer, who are "Enriching Our Communities With Tradition and Technology." Please consider nominating an individual and organization that demonstrated Volume 6, Number 6 innovation and exceptional service in either 2007 or 2008. Nomination forms are available on www. actsoregon.org or by contacting ACTS Oregon at 503-643-5620 or 800-772-1315. Nominations must be received by August 15, 2008. Award recipients will be recognized at the Oregon Transportation Safety Conference Awards Luncheon on Tuesday October 21st at Seven Feathers Conference Center in Canyonville. Onegon Ir TansPortation Call for Presentations SAFETY (90NFEKENCE The Oregon Transportation Safety Conference is seeking presenters for workshops and intensive training sessions. In keeping with the theme "Enriching Communities With Tradition and Technology" we are seeking presentations on the latest technologies and approaches to make transportation safer in Oregon. Workshop ideas that focus on helping those who attend learn how to implement programs in their own communities or access resources to address local issues. There are 18 available times for workshop sessions. Individual and panel presentations are welcome. Please visit www.actsoregon.org and download the Call for Presentations Information Form. The deadline to submit your ideas is May 30, 2008. May Is Transportation Safety Awareness Month Governor Ted Kulongoski has once again proclaimed May as "Transportation Safety Awareness" month in Oregon, and whether you are walking, bicycling, riding or driving, you'll most likely see some reminder to be safe. It might be orange cones indicating a work zone; it might be a new sign about Oregon's Move Over law; or it might be someone on the radio saying, "Slow down. Better roads ahead." Whatever the message, the goal is the same: improve safety for Oregonians and visitors to our state. "It takes a team approach to improve safety in our transportation system," Kulongoski said. "The Oregon Department of Transportation and its partners, along with thousands of volunteers around the state, are helping people understand how important it is to do the right thing, whether it's putting your child in a booster seat or taking the car keys from a friend who has had too much to drink." The Governor's proclamation offers support for safety programs that are helping reduce property damage, injuries and fatalities. In 2008, Oregon is experiencing vehicle fatalities at the slowest rate in 12 years. Because everyone agrees the best rate would be no rate at all, safety advocates continue to raise awareness and call for action in a variety of areas, such as using safety belts and child restraints, controlling speed, driving courteously, avoiding impaired driving, and slowing down in work zones. A "silent memorial" for work zone victims took place at the Capitol in Salem on Monday, May 5 from 10:00 A.M. until noon. ODOT workers handed out educational information as they stood with 192 orange cones on the Capitol steps —one for each person who has been killed in a work zone since ODOT began keeping records in 1985. In downtown Portland, banners were visible in the Pioneer Courthouse Square reminding passers by of the need to slow down In work zones. Continued on Page 2 Traffic Safety Connection • May....................................................For information call 503-643-5620 or 1-800-772-1315.......................................................... 1 ACTS Oregon STAFF Ruth Harshfield Executive Director ruthh@actsoregon.org Gayle Watts Child Passenger Safety Program Coordinator gayiew@actsoregon.org Sandy Holt Child Passenger Safety Technician Coordinator sandyh@actsoregon.org Kate Murphy Community Traffic Safety Coordinator katem@actsoregon.org BOARD MEMBERS Tammy Franks, President Hillsboro TFranks@LHS.ORC Stephen J. Manning Vice President Keizer stephen687@earthlink.net Lucie Drum, Secretary Portland lucie-drum@amr-ems.com Daniel Marcisz, Treasurer Medford MarcisDE@jacksoncounty.org Larry Christianson McMinnville dejaceo@msn.com John Naccarato Oregon City johnnac@co.clackamas.or.us Ed Simon Newport simonsez@actionnet. net Mike Stupfel Salem Michael.Stupfel@state. or. us Graphic Design by Melissa Gannon Lifesavers Conference Highlight r This year's conference was a plethora of information. There were sessions for law enforcement, child passenger safety and traffic safety advocates. In addition there were sessions that catered to all groups and how to reach their audience with safety messages. One such session included a presenter by the name of Martin Moreno. He discussed how to effectively target Hispanics with impaired driving education. In addition he addressed this issue with child passenger safety. As with any campaign it is important to define your audience to ensure that the message is appropriate and effective. fl/ ///yl�yllyl i The issue that often arises, however, is that most campaigns are created for the white American and literally translated into Spanish with the hopes that it will have the same affect. Moreno emphasizes that simply translating is not an effective way to communicate to Latin Americans. On one hand some English terminology has no meaning in Spanish and simply translates to gibberish. Also ways that have been found to be effective marketing techniques such as the internet are not necessarily applicable to the Hispanic mar)cet. In fact radio has shown to be the best tool when it comes to advertising events or simply sharing the latest preventative slogan. Moreno continued by discussing the importance of going to their community to spread safety messages, and not expecting them to come to event sites outside of their neighborhood. With much of the Latino community being monolingual it is intimidating to go to a child safety seat check up event for example. Most if not all the May Is Transportation Safety Awareness Month Continued from Page I Other activities during the month include increased safety belt enforcement from May 19 to June 1; child safety seat clinics (see www.acts oregon.o►g/calendar.html for schedule); local safety fairs; and a coordinated motorcycle safety awareness campaign. In addition, public service announcements will remind motorists that Oregon is still in the midst of the busiest highway construction season since the interstates were built 50 years ago. Projects in the Oregon Transportation Investment Act alone are creating more than 40 work zones on Interstate 84 and on Interstate 5 between Washington and California, there will be 83 bridges with active construction zones. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and be patient. "Individuals can take some simple actions to improve their own safety," Troy E. Costales, technicians are solely English speakers, and often times law enforcement is present in uniform. For someone new to this u)YJ9JTY>p/,Il'r�rYnDN91JL%/l"i30JYluulr�)7r11 m711n1rM�nn�Evw/ country and its customs this can be a very scary environment. Therefore if the ultimate goal is to reach this population with a safety message it is vital to go where they are going to be comfortable and receptive. It was brought to the attention of the audience that the Hispanic population has grown 57.9% from 1990 to 2000. This emphasized even further the need to adapt safety efforts to include this ever growing community. In addition Moreno sited that Latinos are 13.3% of the current population and growing seven times faster due to a high birth rate. Many Hispanics have never owned a car and purchase their first vehicle when they move to the United States. With this being the case motor vehicle crash statistics are high among this community. In fact motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among Latino males ages 1-44. Latino children ages 5-12 are 72% more likely to die in motor vehicle crashes than non -Latino children. These statistics not only let traffic safety advocates know that there is a need for education; but also that the education available is not reaching this group. The information presented here was from just two sessions at the Lifesavers conference. Handouts and presentations are available at lifesaversconference.org. ACTS Oregon used the Lifesavers conference not only to expand their traffic safety knowledge but to help cultivate ideas for the 2008 Transportation Safety Conference in Canyonville. We hope to see you there. ODOT Transportation Safety Division administrator said. "We encourage people to pay attention to the driving task, follow speed limits, watch out for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles, wear safety belts and use the proper child safety seats, and make sure children wear helmets when they ride bikes, scooters and skateboards." Other areas of focus include underage drinking, where a new law allows judges to suspend licenses of minors in possession, even if they don't have a license yet or aren't driving when they are cited. Truck safety is also being emphasized with a yearlong effort to reduce truck crashes coordinated by ODOT's Motor Carrier Transportation Division. Just in time for Oregon's driving, riding, walking, cycling, highway construction season, ODOT and its partners around the state are reminding everyone to be aware of what's going on around them and take action to stay safe. Traffic Safety Connection a May ............................................Click on www.actsoregon.org for Traffic Safety Information in Oregon..........................................2 Madras Technician Class April 25-27 There was an excellent turnout for this class with twenty students. This was the first time that ACTS Oregon has taught a class over a weekend. The class was Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Sunday the students not only completed their final exam but participated in a check up event. Although it was a bit of a whirlwind schedule all twenty students passed and are now certified technicians. The newest additions to the technician community are: Trinie Young—DHS Child Welfare Services; Shaun Bush, Alan Hume, Mark Johnson, Emily McCoy, Ian Nelson, Dan Pettersen, Nick Ryan, Sam Scheideman, and Tom Jaca— Jefferson County Fire District No. 1; Brad Robertson —Jefferson County EMS; Vivian Kimbol, Amanda Mellentine, Ben Mitchell Jr., and Lester Robinson —Klamath Tribal Health and Family Services; Steven Webb —Madras Police Department; Lindsey Abendshcein, and Marian Portland Pedals to Platinum IR The mix of attendees at a press conference for the platinum award illustrated one of the main reasons Portland has catapulted above all other American cities on its way to achieving this status. One of the reasons Portland has been able to attain this success is by creating a diverse coalition of activists, agencies, companies, advocates and organizations all working together to move biking forward. Speakers at the event credited a rich legacy of political and civic leadership for getting us to this point. A press release on the award by PDOT city bicycle program coordinator Roger Geller said, "We're celebrating three decades of consistently applying policies that promote bicycling and our third consecutive year of double-digit growth in bicycle ridership in the city. Portland is doing everything we can with our limited resources to create safer conditions for cyclists. The job isn't done." Operation Educate, Enhance and Expand ACTS Oregon is pleased to announce the receipt of $24,000.00 from State Farm Insurance's Good Neighbor Citizenship Philanthropy Program. Our new project, Operation Educate, Enhance and Expand will enhance community and parental awareness of child passenger safety in three ways. Education —we will coordinate eight Child Safety Day events in May and September 2008; conduct National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Training Courses; and host a "Safe Travel for All Children: Transporting Children with Special Health Care Needs" course. Morris Ervin —Mt. View Hospital; and Maia Thornton —Norco Medical. In addition ACTS Oregon would like to thank the instructor team for all their hard work and support. The Madras instructor team included: Betty Groshong—Resolutions Creative Conflict Management; Sandy Holt —ACTS Oregon; Brandon Meyer —Rogue Valley Safe Communities; and Robert Tibbetts —la Grande Fire Department. Thank you and congratulations to all. Portland's work is clearly unfinished, but this award is meant to recognize how far we've come and what it took to get here. League of American Bicyclists, Andy Clarke put it this way, "Portland has had the courage to lead, to innovate, and to pursue a vision of their community that emphasizes choice, equity, and quality of life. Platinum status isn't forever. We recognize that compared to other world -class cities for cycling, Portland still has a long way to go." And with that, the League offered these recommendations for Portland to maintain its coveted Platinum ranking: • Ensure better access to city parks and recreation areas for off -road riding; • Strengthen ties to the police and enforcement community to ensure motorists and cyclists are following the rules of the road and held accountable for their behavior; • Increase investments in the city's bikeway network, particularly bike boulevards and signature projects that overcome major barriers, to open up the city to cyclists of all abilities; and • Continue to innovate and demonstrate leadership with projects such as the new bike boxes, colored bike lanes, and Sunday parkways program. While infrastructure projects and city -backed programs tend to get most of the limelight, we can't forget the tremendously active, creative, and effective grassroots activism and culture that has sprung up around bicycling in Portland. Enhancement —we will work to support two county car seat distribution programs; work to retain Child Passenger Safety (CPS)Technicians through recognition; and purchase additional equipment to improve the National Standardized CPS Training Courses and the "Safe Travel for All Children: Transporting Children with Special Health Care Needs" course. Expansion —we will participate in the 2008 Mega Conference sponsored by ARC of Oregon; host a check up event for families who's children have disabilities; and conduct research into the development of a child safety seat distribution program for special needs transportation devices. We want to thank Jeff Aeschliman and Amanda Heck, Public Affairs Specialists with State Farm Insurance for their continued support of ACTS Oregon. Traffic Safety Connection • May ............................................Click on www.childsafetyseat.org for clinics scheduled in Oregon..............................................3 iwiif�iy �ti Check Up Clinics and Fitting Stations Call for Board Please check www.childsafetyseat.org under Child Passenger Safety/Calendar Member for current list, specific dates, locations and times. Nominations Date City Location Address Time 05/15/08 Molalla Fire Department 320 N Molalla Avenue 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. The strength of ACTS Oregon 05/21/08 Corvallis Fire Department 8400 NW Harrison Street 8:00 A.M. to 11:30 P.M. depends on members actively 05/21/08 McMinnville Fire Department Please Call: 503434-5800 nominating leaders to take part 05/22/08 La Grande Fire Department 1806 Cove Avenue 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. in directing the future of the 05/24/08 Beaverton Police Department 4755 SW Griffith Drive 9:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. organization. There are 05/24/08 Portland Legacy Good 1015 NW 22nd Street 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. currently five board positions Samaritan Hospital open for election. Two current 05/24/08 Keizer Fire Department 661 Chemewa Road NE 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. board members are seeking re- 05/29/08 La Grande Fire Department 1806 Cove Avenue 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. election. The nomination 06/04/08 McMinnville Fire Department Please Call: 503-434-5800 committee seeks nominees for 06/05/08 La Grande Fire Department 1806 Cove Avenue 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. positions with skills in Legal or 06/05/08 Redmond Fire Department 341 Dogwood Avenue 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Financial, Traffic Safety 06/12/08 La Grande Fire Department 1806 Cove Avenue 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Committee or Citizen Advocate 06/12/08 Beaverton Kuni Cadillac 3725 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. (2), Engineering and At Large 06/14/08 Beaverton Police Department 4755 SW Griffith Drive 9:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. •t• W posy ions. a encourage .anyone interested in serving to run for election. Nominees must be members of ACTS Oregon upon accepting a nomination. Only ACTS Oregon members can make nominations to the Board. Applications are due by July 25, 2008. Please visit the ACTS Oregon website, www.actsoregon.org to learn more about this process and download nomination form. 01reoI X1 ur, Lteiltvu 6c: AFE-r,Lc L I Save These Dates! October 20 to 22 Seven Feathers Conference Center in Canyonville, OR Traffic Safety Connection • May ..........................................,..Click on www.childsafetyseat.org for clinics scheduled in Oregon..............................................4