BILL ANALYSIS �
SENATE TRANSPORTATION & HOUSING COMMITTEE BILL NO: scr 113
SENATOR MARK DESAULNIER, CHAIRMAN AUTHOR: evans
VERSION: 4/21/14
Analysis by: Mark Stivers FISCAL: yes
Hearing date: May 6, 2014
SUBJECT:
Bicyclist John Mello Memorial Bridge
DESCRIPTION:
This resolution designates the bridges over the Mad River on
State Route 101 in Humboldt County as the Bicyclist John Mello
Memorial Bridge.
ANALYSIS:
The committee has adopted a policy regarding the naming of state
highways or structures. Under the policy, the committee will
consider only those resolutions that meet all of the following
criteria:
The person being honored must have provided extraordinary
public service or some exemplary contribution to the public
good and have a connection to the community where the highway
is located.
The person being honored must be deceased.
The naming must be done without cost to the state. Costs for
signs and plaques must be paid by local or private sources.
The author or co-author of the measure must represent the
district in which the facility is located, and the measure
must identify the specific highway segment or structure being
named.
If the segment of highway is being named for a specific
individual or individuals, it must not exceed five miles in
length.
The proposed designation must reflect a community consensus
and be without local opposition.
The proposed designation may not supersede an existing
designation unless the sponsor can document that a good faith
effort has uncovered no opposition to rescinding the prior
designation.
SCR 113 (EVANS) Page 2
This resolution designates the bridges in each direction over
the Mad River on State Route 101 in Humboldt County as the
Bicyclist John Mello Memorial Bridge. The resolution further
requests that the Department of Transportation erect appropriate
signs upon receiving donations from non-state sources to cover
the costs.
COMMENTS:
1.Purpose of the resolution . The author introduced this
resolution to memorialize the tragic death of John Mello in a
bicycle accident on State Route 101 north of Trinidad. On
February 23, 2013, Mr. Mello was pursuing one of his many
interests, long-distance bicycling, when he was fatally struck
by a county-owned truck that made an unsafe turn. Mr. Mello
was an enthusiastic cyclist known for his careful adherence to
the rules of the road. Mr. Mello was also a skilled heavy
equipment mechanic and known for his integrity, knowledge,
loyalty, humor, compassion, thoughtfulness, and unselfish
generosity.
2.Consistent with committee's policy . This resolution is
consistent with all the provisions of the committee's policy
on highway designations.
POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on
Wednesday, April 30,
2014.)
SUPPORT: County of Humboldt (sponsor)
OPPOSED: None received.