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1994-05-11 QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MEETING MAY 11, 1994 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Queensbury, held Wednesday, May 11, 1994, at the Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury, New York. Chairman Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners Auer, Carusone, Hersh, LaBombard, Maine, Schachner and Simmonds ALSO PRESENT: Councilwomen Pulver, Director Hansen and Ass' t. Director Lovering ABSENT: None VISITORS: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Hersh moved to approve the minutes of the March 9, 1994 meeting. Commissioner Schachner seconded the motion and after polling all commissioners, the motion was unanimously approved. COMMUNICATIONS/REMARKS FROM VISITORS Commissioner Schachner mentioned that to date neither he nor Commissioner Maine had received verification of their request to be reappointed to the Commission. Councilwomen Pulver said, she thought it had been done sometime ago, and assured both Commissioners that the Board had every intention of reappointing them. The Director reviewed the swim pool/lesson fee recommendation memo which had been submitted on behalf of the Commission/Department, to the Town Board at their meeting on May 2nd. He explained that the Board had chosen to eliminate non- residents fees and make one fee for all (tokens and daily admissions). In terms of swim lessons, here again, the Department was instructed to offer lessons to both residents and non-residents at the same rate in 1994 as was available to residents only in 1993. This was considerably different than had been recommended (Commission & Department), and even though the Director and some of the Commissioners voiced opinions to the contrary, the revised fee schedule (one fee for all) was approved. There was further discussion and comments from a number of -2- commissioners including whether the fee changes would negatively affect the budget revenue proj ections for pool operation. The Director will publicize the fee schedule (new fees) in the summer brochure as well as through other media. SUBDIVISION SITE VISIT REPORT Commissioner Auer briefly summarized the recent subdivision site visit excursion (Clendon Brook and Bay Road), by a number of commissioners and there was considerable discussion on the potential of the two sites for future recreational use. The size of the parcels as well as the "fee in lieu of" amounts were also discussed and it was the consensus that the Potvin site (29+ acres), be accepted and that Passarelli site (6.1 acres) be rejected. The recommendation was unanimously approved and the Director was instructed to draft the appropriate formal reply to the Planning Board. RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD DISCUSSION A number of commissioners questioned Councilwoman Pulver regarding the reason behind changing the Commissioner's status and she briefly summarized the Town Board's position. It was explained that the change to advisory would not change what the Commission did or effect the Department/Director in terms of name and/or civil service status. She reiterated that she was not present to defend or explain the proposed change, but rather to get input from the Commission and take it back to the Board. Furthermore, it was mentioned that a public hearing would be set to outline the proposed law and that the Commission could also speak on the matter at that time. However, the proposed law would not take any powers away from the Commission and was not being considered because of the Commission having done something wrong. A number of commissioners inquired whether the Commission's recommendations on acceptance/rejection of subdivision lands would be overruled and Councilwoman Pulver explained that the Board had that prerogative, anyway. With regard to commission members having their terms of appointment reduced to two years, the consensus was that this would ruin the Commission's continuity and might make it (the Commission) political. Councilwoman Pulver, again pointed out that she was not here to debate the issue, but rather to get the Commission's input and relay it to the entire Board. After further discussion, the Commission explained that this was their first meeting since the change was proposed and presented to the Commission. Therefore, more time to discuss it among themselves would be necessary before responding formally to the Town Board. It was agreed that the Commission should meet at a "workshop meeting" at a time and day other than the regular meeting night and Councilwoman Pulver agreed. The Commission decided on a -3- 5:00 p.m., May 17th meeting and the Director was asked to notify all commissioners by mail. HOVEY POND GAZEBO The plans of the gazebo proposed by the Friends of Hovey Pond group were examined and there was discussion as to where the structure would be located at the park. In addition, it was pointed out that the park map with the gazebo shown was not the FHP'S map, but in fact, the Department's original project map which had been embellished by the group (FHP). The Commission questioned how the structure was going to be funded and built and it was explained (Pulver) that much of the material and labor, hopefully, would be donated. In any case, the project would probably not be undertaken this year and Councilwoman Pulver assured the Commission that the FHP group would coordinate with the Department before doing anything. The Commission thanked her and vowed to work with the Friends of Hovey Pond in completing the park. MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORT The monthly department report was reviewed and there were no comments. A number of commissioners mentioned that due to unexpected conflicts, that they would be unable to attend the upcoming commission meeting on the regularly scheduled evening. It was also pointed out that the June meeting usually kicked off the series of "on the road" summer commission meetings. Therefore, it was unanimously decided to reschedule the June meeting for Wednesday, the 15th at Hovey Pond Park. The Director will notify all concerned and send a notice to the Post Star. There being no further business, the Commission meeting was adjourned at 9:16 p.m. The next meeting will be held on June 15, 1994, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the Hovey Pond Park site. ~~~~ arron L. Simmonds, Chairman Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen