HomeMy WebLinkAbout040924-03.5 David Williams letterDate: April 8, 2024
To: The Danville Town Council
From: David Williams, Danville resident and currently serving on the Bicycle Advisory
Commission (term expiring June 30, 2024)
Re: Agenda item 3.5 of the Town Council Study Session, Tuesday April 9, "Discussion
of appointments to, and status of, the Bicycle Advisory Commission"
It has been my pleasure to serve on the Bicycle Advisory Commission for these past 2
years. However, I will not be applying for a new term.
As you consider the future status of the BAC, you should remove Al Kalin. He is very
knowledgeable and passionate about cycling and bicycle safety, but he would be better in
an advocacy role outside of the commission. Far too many meetings have been
sidetracked by his passionate advocacy. The BAC is not an advocacy group. We were
formed to provide input and to assist with the implementation of currently adopted Bicycle
Master Plan. The BAC should be helpful to the town not a source of angst.
The recent rotation of the chair appears to show some promise, but it is not sufficient.
My seat and the other seats being vacated (possibly to include Al's) will allow the Town
Council to seek a large slate of better replacements. Hopefully it will be enough to make a
fresh start.
I do believe a well-functioning Bicycle Advisory Commission has value to the town, staff,
and town council. Beyond providing input, the BAC support can be helpful competing for
grant funding, which is often the critical part of many bicycle related projects. The Council
should consider if the elimination of the formal commission could negatively impact these
efforts.
I thank the Town Council for the opportunity to serve these last 2 years.
Best regards,
David Williams
Commissioner
Town of Danville Bicycle Advisory Commission