1996-01-09
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
JANUARY 9, 1996
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Queensbury
held Tuesday, January 9, 1996, at the Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury, New
York. Chairman Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioners Auer, Carusone, Hersh, LaBombard, Maine, Schachner and
Simmonds
ALSO
PRESENT: Director Hansen
ABSENT: None
VISITORS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Schachner made the motion to approve the minutes of the November 14,
1995 meeting. Commissioner Carusone seconded the motion and after polling all
commissioners, the motion was unanimously approved.
COMMUNICATION AND REMARKS FROM VISITORS
The Commission briefly reviewed the Town Board committee appointment list and the
Director relayed that Councilwoman Goedert wished to remain on the Recreation Committee
even though she would miss the first couple of monthly meetings due to a previous
commitment (class obligation).
The Director explained the remaining items of correspondence included in the monthly
packet and there were comments regarding the Department's workday schedule
recommendations. It was pointed out that even though the Department's union employees
might not be totally in favor of the proposed alternatives, this was a "cost saving" measure
which was certainly viable, especially in today's tight economy.
The Director briefly reported on the remaining items of correspondence and there were
no further comments.
HUDSON RIVER P ARK STATUS REPORT
The Chairman apprised the Commission on the status of the park project at the Big Bay
Road-Hudson River site and the Director relayed the specifics of his recent communications
with the firm that was hired to complete the archeological investigation (Hartgen
Archeological Associates). It was anticipated that the archeological review/report would
be finished shortly and, thereafter, the Town could move forward to the next stage that
is, complete the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) and allocate the funding.
Commissioner Schachner provided background information regarding the State Environmental
Quality Review Act (SEQRA)/Environmental Impact Statement (BlS) documents and there
was discussion with regard to the Town Board's options at the upcoming public meeting
(EAF review). Commissioner Schachner pointed out that the Town Board routinely makes
this type of environmental determination (negative declaration). He explained that as
long as the EAF is completed properly that the Board would be on "safe ground" in making
a determination to proceed with the project.
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COMMITTEE REPORT - BYLAWS
Commissioner Auer briefly reviewed the draft commission bylaws document which had
been included in their packets. It was pointed out how this was an "internal" guide for
commissioners while the other document (Rules and Guidelines - 10/94) was prepared by
the Commission to explain and clarify their (the Commission) function/mission with regard
to parks and recreation in Queensbury.
Commissioner Schachner remarked on a number of minor grammatical corrections and
questioned the procedure for reappointment. There was discussion on the latter and the
Director was instructed to verify the correct process (request for .reappointment or
resignation) and report back. There was further discussion on Article V (Powers, Duties
and Responsibilities) and Article VIII (Procedures of Meetings) and the committee was
directed to present the final bylaws draft at the February meeting.
MONTHL Y DEPARTMENT REPORT
The Director briefed the commission on the status of the Department's efforts to update
the employment application and he also reported on winter program activities/enrollment.
The Commission reviewed the list of winter employees and there were comments on the
Men's Open Gym Night Supervisors and the Mat Rat wrestling program.
The Director relayed details about the request from Carolyn Cyr, Adirondack Girl Scouts
Program Director (joint lifeguard training program) and the Commission agreed with the
Director and was in favor of co-sponsoring this training class.
The Director reminded the Commission with regard to the upcoming Comprehensive Land
Use Committee Meeting (1/11/96) which had been rescheduled and Commissioner Auer
agreed to accompany the Director that evening.
Commissioner LaBombard requested information on the land dedication in 1988 as part
of the Hiland Park Planned Unit Development (PUD) and there was discussion on Department
use of other recreational facilities located on the premises. The Director was reminded
that he was to have researched this situation and report back at a later meeting. He
apologized and will have that information at the February meeting. The 75 acre parcel
which adjoins the golf course (Hiland Park) on either side of Halfway Brook is ideal for
fishing, hiking and X-country skiing/ snowshoeing. Commissioners Carusone and Schachner
requested maps of the area, so they could visit the site.
There being no further business, the Commission meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m. The
next meeting will be held on February 13, 1996, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the Supervisor's
conference room (#37), at the Queensbury Town Office Building.
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Sharron L. Simmonds, Chairman
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen