Attendees: Brigid Acuña, Harry Chomsky, Ellen Heile, Preston Jordan, Ken McCroskey, Nick Pilch, Amy Smolens, Gjergji Zyba
Quick recap
The group discussed strategies to improve traffic safety on Masonic Ave. and the compliance of commissioners with the Brown Act. They also discussed the development of a new housing project and the ATP Update. Lastly, they discussed the planned installation of bike racks and air kit pumps, the potential for bike-sharing programs, and the need for a parking study.
Next steps
- Ken and Amy to engage with Robin López via email about his proposal for Bike to Work Day Energizer Station.
- Harry to remove Sarah from the core group Google group and add Ellen.
- Amy to reflect the core group membership change on AS&R website.
- Ken to start with $300 budget for locks, cables, and helmets for SAHA development residents and report back.
- Amy to bring bike bells to Saha development.
- Ken and Amy to have a conversation about reflective bands.
- Amy to order pump parts, excluding those for new pumps.
- Nick to pass the NACTO Bikeway Design Guide to Ken by next Thursday.
- Ken to review the NACTO guide and then pass it to Ellen.
Summary
Improving Masonic Street Traffic Safety
The group discussed strategies to improve traffic safety on the 900 block of Masonic Ave, where high-speed traffic poses a threat to families and children. They noted that the street had the highest volume of speeding above 25 miles per hour in the area. The group advised Brigid, who raised the issue, to contact City Staff, specifically Justin, for more information on prioritization and implementation of speed calming measures. They also suggested that Brigid could involve City Council members in prioritizing the street. There was a discussion about the city’s transition from old to new speed criteria and how it might affect the timeline for implementing speed calming measures. The group also mentioned that the city only dedicates $50,000 a year to this work, which might explain the delay in prioritizing Brigid’s street.
Brown Act Compliance and Commissioner Communication
The group discussed Brown Act compliance for commissioners, focusing on best practices to avoid violations. Ken advises starting conversations with “Can we talk about X?” to avoid inadvertently creating serial conversations. Nick introduces the concept of a “Brown Act bubble” where a set group of commissioners agree to discuss a particular topic exclusively among themselves. Amy emphasizes that discussions unrelated to upcoming agenda items (such as bike bells, walking school buses, etc) are generally permissible. Preston and others reassure that while caution is important, the risk of serious consequences for minor missteps is low. Harry suggests considering a permanent “bubble” for core group members, but Preston notes that with seven commissioners, maintaining flexibility in communication could be advantageous.
Roster Update
The group discussed the composition of the Core Group, deciding to remove Sarah and add Ellen to maintain separation between Commissioners. They agree that Gjergji will need to be cautious about discussing commission matters with Sarah, and Harry offers to update the Google group roster accordingly. Amy will update website.
Bike Bike Rack/AirKit Installation Update Discussion
Amy provided an update on the planned installation of 6 Bike Bike Racks and 3 AirKit pumps at various locations in the city. She reports that the paperwork for the order has been submitted to the city but hasn’t been signed yet by the City Manager. The total cost for the bike racks and pumps is estimated to be around $10,000, with some businesses contributing $300 each. The group discusses the enthusiasm from local businesses and residents for the bike racks, and considers adding signage for the air pumps, suggested by City Staff.
We also discussed two missing BBRs, at Royal Café (taken by EBMUD) and at Kumon (undetermined who removed it.) We are working with City Staff to get those replaced.
City is also aware of missing bollards at Kains @ Portland, which weren’t replaced by EBMUD after their work.
Supporting SAHA Low-Income Housing Residents
Amy, Ken, Preston, Ellen, and Gjergji discussed the development of the new SAHA housing project at Washington and Cleveland, known as Verana Hill, Discussion focused on the challenges faced by residents, particularly those with low income. They considered ways to support these residents, such as providing bicycles and bike-related accessories. The group agreed to explore options for subsidizing bike purchases or providing bike-related items like locks, helmets and bells. They also raised the possibility of targeted sponsorship by AS&R members. They also discussed the potential of bike-sharing programs and the possibility of redesignating some sidewalks for cycling. The group decided to further investigate these ideas and report back with more information.
NACTO Bike Guide Discussion and Sharing
Ken initiated a discussion about the NACTO Bike guide, which Harry had ordered for AS&R. The guide is now at Nick’s house and is available for any member who wants to refer to it. Preston expressed interest in the guide, particularly in its relevance to the development of the ATP. Nick agreed to look at the guide and pass it on to the next person after a week. Ken suggested that he could take the guide at the end of next week and pass it on to Ellen. The group agreed to keep the guide moving, make notes in it and on post-its, and to use it as a resource when relevant situations arise.
Active Transportation Update
Discussions of the ATP Update and Solano Avenue at a recent City Council meeting were reviewed. Various ideas came up. City staff has been directed to return to Council with more developed plans for Council review.
Bike to Work Day (Thursday, May 15)
They discussed the potential for an Energizer Station for Bike to Work Day, with Ken and Amy agreeing to discuss this further with Robin López, who has expressed interest in supporting.
