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Advocacy Meeting Notes – 5/14/08

Attending: Sharon Hermach, Steve Sinderson, David Hegland (Village Trustee – Villa Park), and Bob Hoel

This meeting was shorter than previous meetings as events have slowed somewhat and there were fewer attendees.

The summary document titled “Charter for a Bike and Ped. Task Force” was prepared by Bob Hoel and edited by Ed Barsotti (ok, Ed did enough editing to make him the primary author) and presented to the committee. This document (attached) was passed to Mark Mulliner, Alderman and Chair of the Public Affairs and Safety Committee, during a meeting this past month. As a result of that meeting, 3 Elmhurst Alderman (Rose, Mulliner and Morley) sent a letter to the Mayor urging that bike safety been taken up by the Safety Committee with the consideration of forming a “limited period” group to study bike safety. Bob will follow up with Ald. Mulliner to learn what the process is and how we might help.

One of our next steps will be the “assessment” bike ride with city officials. It is not clear if we have a sponsor for this on the Council but there will be follow up on that as well. Bob will meet with David Gleason, Chicago DOT, on May 30 to identify a ride route. This route will contain both good and bad elements of biking in downtown Elmhurst. The last two Fridays of June (20th and 27th) have been identified as candidates for the ride. The ride will be open to officials of the city, Park District and District 205 as well as our Advocacy Committee.

Based on a meeting the previous month with John Quigley, president of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce, it was recommended to the Club Board that the Club become a not-for-profit member of the Chamber. The Board agreed and a membership application will be submitted by George Pastorino, the Club treasurer.

The discussion next turned to possible bike advocacy efforts in Villa Park. With Dave Hegland’s help we identified city officials that will be key in this work.

• Joyce Stupegia – Village president
• Bob Niemann – Village manager
• Vydas Juskelis – Public Works Director

Villa Park has 6 elected Trustees (as opposed to 14 Alderman in Elmhurst). Dave will research what plans the Village has for the Salt Creek Greenway Trail through Villa Park. The route is unclear as the trail heads north out of Elmhurst and runs into Addison.

To assist in our efforts, we identified Club members who are residents of Villa Park. These people will be asked to help strategize on what and how to approach the Village.

Dave pointed out that a Villa Park resident put together a map of bike routes through Villa Park. This map is posted on the Village website at www.invillapark.com.

Upcoming events:

• May 17: Elmhurst Park District’s annual Family Bike-a-thon. The Club will have a table at the event and assist will bike safety and trail information. Right now we have 3 Club volunteers for the event.
• June 12: Bike to Metra Day at the Elmhurst Metra Station. Part of the larger “Bike to Work” Week. Club members will be asked to volunteer at the greeting stations that will be set up in 10 locations through out the week. Pamela Brookstein, CBF, is coordinating this effort. You might think of this as a “Show and Go.” J. Posters are available that will promote this event. A listserv note will be put out on a weekly basis reminding the members. (Since the meeting, we have been asked by Deborah Fagan to attend an upcoming County Board meeting to receive the County’s proclamation of “Bike to Work” Week. Ray D. will work with a ride leader to organize an early evening ride to the meeting.)
• Aug. 9: Cool Cities Green Fest. We have been asked to design and lead a bike ride as part of the event. It is not clear if the Club is interested. Bob will work with Ray Dal Lago to find a Club member to lead this effort.
• ???: Salt Creek Greenway Trail Opening. As soon as we have a date for this from the Elmhurst Park District it will be announced to the Club and hopefully a Club ride can be organize as part of the ceremony.

Next Meeting: June 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Bob Hoel
(bob.hoel_at_comcast.net)

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