1999-01-05
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
JANUARY 5, 1999
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of
Queensbury held Tuesday, January 5, 1999 at the Queensbury Town Office Building,
Queensbury, New York. Chairman Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Auer, Carusone, Hersh, LaBombard, Maine,
Schachner and Simmonds
ALSO
PRESENT:
Director Hansen
ABSENT:
None
VISITORS:
None
APPROVAL pF MINUTES
Commissioner Carusone made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Schachner to
approve the minutes of the December 1, 1998 meeting. Commissioner Auer requested
the minutes be changed to reflect his comments regarding a Hudson River Park gate
sign and/or flashing lights. The motion, as amended, was unanimously approved by
voice vote and the director will review and change the December minutes.
ANNUAL ORGANIAT¡ONAL M~mfiG - ~,LEctION OF OFFICERS
In order to conduct the election of officers, the director temporarily assumed
chairmanship of the meeting. He requested nominations for the position of chairman,
vice chairman and secretary. It was moved and seconded (Hersh/LaBombard) that
Commissioner Simmonds be re-elected chairman and that Commissioner Carusone
remain vice chairman (LaBombard/Schachner). Commissioner LaBombard was also re-
elected secretary (Hersh/Carusone) and the three nominations were all approved
unanimously by voice vote.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS FROM VISITORS
The commission briefly reviewed the list of member information/committee
appointments and there were corrections.
The remaining items of correspondence were reviewed by the director and there were
comments on the Hudson River park vandalism and the gate closing letter and
information.
The commission also discussed the letter from Joe Martens on the Hudson Pointe
Nature Preserve proposition. It was pointed out that based on the original management
agreement adopted 3 years earlier, that at this point, the town has no option
(ownership of 90 acre parcel). The director displayed a map of the Hudson Pointe
Planned Unit Development and it was the consensus that the commission schedule a
site visit in the spring. Thereafter, the commission would be better able to evaluate the
area and make a recommendation to the board.
The commission reviewed the chairman's letter to the supervisor/board with respect to
the Freedom Park project and there were no further comments.
NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Schachner advised the Director regarding the misuse of
Ridge/Jenkinsville park by unauthorized motorized vehicle users (snowmobiles) and the
Director agreed to the necessary action to reinforce the park signs (no motorized
vehicles allowed) already in place at the site.
The director advised the commission on the status of the Recreation Commission survey
and explained that completed surveys should begin coming back by the end of the
week. Thereafter, the department will tabulate the results and compile a summary
analysis of the total survey responses.
COMMITTEE REPORT
Personnel Committee Chairman Carusone reported that the typist position vacancy had
been filled and that Simone Ramsey would begin employment with the department, in
that capacity on January 11th.
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The commission inquired as to the progress of the hiring of the aquatic supervisor's
position. The director explained that the department was proceeding cautiously due to
the uncertainty regarding new town employees and CSEA union status. The director
relayed that the position had been approved as administration-management by the
Warren County Department of Personnel. He also mentioned that the
commission/department would have to request in writing the Town Board's support of
that viewpoint (management vs. union) to the town union. There was additional
discussion on the aquatic supervisor's employment including job description, revenue
producing responsibility and weekly work schedule.
MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORT
The director presented a short verbal monthly update and highlighted a number of
ongoing winter programs.
There was discussion on the plans for the Hudson River park (HRP) official dedication
ceremony and Commissioner Hersh agreed to coordinate the schedule of activities and
events.
The director indicated that he had been in contact with Chris Round, Town Community
Development Director sometime ago regarding the secondary means of access to HRP.
He agreed to follow-up and pursue this opportunity as quickly as possible.
The director explained that the town had consummated by resolution, the acquisition of
the 8 acre parcel adjacent to HRP, donated for park and recreational purposes by Mr.
and Mrs. DeSantis. Commissioner Auer suggested that the DeSantis's as well as the
Warren County Department of Parks and Recreation be recognized (park sign) for their
cooperation in the development of HRP. After some discussion, it was agreed that
before doing anything that the director contact Mr. DeSantis to determine his
receptiveness in this regard.
There being no further business, the commission meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
The next meeting will be held on February 2, 1999, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the
Supervisor's Conference Room (#37), at the Queensbury Town Office Building.
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen, Director
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