1996-05-14
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
MAY 14, 1996
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the
Town of Queensbury held Tuesday, May 14, 1996, at the Queensbury
Town Office Building, Queensbury, New York. Chairman Simmonds
called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Auer, Carusone, Hersh, LaBombard,
Maine, Schachner and Simmonds
ALSO
PRESENT:
Director Hansen
ABSENT:
None
VISITORS:
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner LaBombard made a motion to approve the minutes of the
March 12, 1996 meeting, it was seconded by Commissioner Auer and
unanimously approved by voice vote.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS FROM VISITORS
The Director reviewed the items of correspondence included in the
monthly packet. The Commission expressed their approval of the
informational Hudson River Park article authored by the Chairman/
Director and after reviewing the remaining correspondence there
were no further comments.
HUDSON RIVER PARK UPDATE
The Director presented a brief status report on the Hudson River
park project and mentioned that the 30 day permissive referendum
period would end shortly. It was explained that, if there was no
dissenting petition submitted before the 30 day deadline (regarding
project funding) then the project could proceed to the next phase
(hire landscape architect and design park). The Commission
discussed the design of the project and it was mentioned that a
full scale request for proposal (RFP) because of time constraints,
might not be necessary. There was considerable discussion and a
number of commissioners were uncomfortable with respect to choosing
a consultant without soliciting either written or verbal proposals
first. The Director explained that this was not his intention, but
hoped that the RFP process could be shortened somewhat. After
further discussion, the Chairman and the Director were instructed
to schedule a meeting with the Supervisor to discuss the options
and proceed as expeditiously as possible.
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WISWALL PROPERTY DISCUSSION
Chairman Simmonds highlighted the status of the Wiswall property
donation and there was discussion regarding how the Commission/Town
should proceed. The Director distributed copies of the projected
cost estimates for the park facilities which have been suggested
and there was discussion. It was mentioned that the site would be
ideal as a "centrally located II town park facility that could offer
residents a variety of active as well as passive recreational
opportunities. There was considerable discussion on funding for
the park and it was agreed that the Commission should not be
involved, at least at this point, in making a fiscal
recommendation. All in attendance concurred and Commissioner
Schachner also mentioned that the site was a "terrific location II
for a town park. Chairman Simmonds summarized the discussion and
following a motion (Commissioner LaBombard) and a second
(Commissioner Auer) , the Commission voted unanimously to accept the
parcel. Chairman Simmonds agreed to contact Dr. Wiswall and
Supervisor Champagne and relay the Commission's position.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT REPORT
The St. Paul Insurance Playground Equipment Report which was
included in the monthly packet was reviewed. The Director
explained how the insurance company interfaced with the Town and
why the analysis had been undertaken initially. He pointed out
that M. Glickman had surveyed and evaluated all park-play apparatus
as a first step in order to help reduce the Town's potential
liability. He also mentioned that the comments by Mr.
Glickman were only suggestions so that the Town could better plan,
design, develop and maintain park facilities. There was discussion
on the Department's plan for implementing the recommendations, the
projected cost of replacement apparatus and the Director outlined
his tentative schedule for implementing the suggestions.
MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORT
The Director presented a verbal report and outlined the New York
State Society conference which he recently attended. He also
distributed a number of sheets which outlined the new summer
program proposals which were being suggested by the staff for 1996.
A number of commissioners had concerns about the teen basketball
camp and the staff was instructed to have more information
available at the next meeting.
The Director relayed information from Councilwoman Pulver regarding
the possible Diehl property donation which had been discussed by
the Commission in 1992, but was never officially proposed. It was
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explained that until the Planning Board officially notifies the
Commission of the dedication, that no formal action was necessary.
The Chairman reminded the Commission that summer meetings were
usually on the road and it was decided that the June meeting should
be a field trip to the 75 acre Hiland Park site. The group will
initially meet in the Meadowbrook Girl Scout Camp parking lot and
proceed to the site.
There being no further business, the Commission meeting was
adjourned at 8:31 p.m. The next meeting will be held on June 11,
1996, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the parking area of the
Meadowbrook Girl Scout Camp.
~:frtk~
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen