1994-07-13
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
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MINUTES OF MEETING
JULY 13, 1994
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the
Town of Queensbury, held Wednesday, July 13, 1994, at the West End
Park shelter, Luzerne Road, Queensbury, New York. Chairman
Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Auer, Carusone, Maine, Schachner and
Simmonds
ALSO
PRESENT:
Director Hansen and Ass't. Director Lovering
ABSENT:
Commissioners Hersh (ex) and LaBombard (ex)
VISITORS:
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None
COMMUNICATIONS/REMARKS FROM VISITORS
The Director briefly reviewed the items of correspondence included
in the monthly packet and there were comments on the Chairman's
letter (Commission's concern regarding advisory status) to the
Board. A subsequent joint meeting, to discuss this topic, will be
scheduled shortly.
The letter from J. Martin and T. Brewer advocating the acquisition
of "Fireman's Field" was also discussed at length and a number of
commissioners requested additional information regarding ownership,
usage, Mr. Brewer's reasons for being involved and an estimate of
the cost to upgrade. The Director relayed specifics about the site
and pointed out that he and J. Martin had toured the parcel
recently. He mentioned that they could all see and walk the areas
later that evening, however, the field behind the firehouse seemed
to be the better site in terms of present condition and
suitability. The old "Fireman Field" across the street from the
firehouse has for many years been used as the city's dump site for
snow. The end result is a softball field which is littered with
debris including glass, metal, etc. As such, the top 3"-5" of
soil would either have to be replaced or at least peeled off,
screened and then re-seeded. In both cases, there would be an
expense to reclaim either site. However, the Director:suggested
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that the Commission wait until their site visit before formulating
an opinion.
Mr. Rahill's letter to the Town Planning Board was also discussed
and the Director explained that the land referred to is the 40 acre
DeSantis parcel at the end of Big Boom Road (Hudson River Park
grant site). It was pointed out that no action by the Commission
would be necessary or warranted until and unless the grant was
funded.
The correspondence to the Supervisor from the North Queensbury
Volunteer Fire Company was reviewed and the Director distributed
copies of letters which he had previously received (1993). He
explained and detailed his actions in this matter and Ass' ~.
Director Lovering also relayed his past involvement with fire
company personnel. A meeting with the Supervisor, Director and
Fire Company personnel is scheduled later this week and should be
the first step in remedying any past misunderstandings. The
Department has used a small (outside) portion of the old firehouse
site and, hopefully, this can continue in the future, possibly
somewhere on the grounds of the new firehouse. In any case, a
"face to face" meeting to discuss concerns and the present
situation is necessary!
MONTHLY DBPARTMENT REPORT
A verbal monthly report was given and Ass' t. Director Lovering
updated the commissioners on the status of Department programs and
activities. After approximately 2 weeks, most programs are going
well and registration/attendance is good. Comments regarding the
elimination of non-resident fees for pool admission and lessons
seems to be the one item of displeasure voiced by more than a few
resident pool patrons. Many of the residents who registered for
lessons were "miffed" that a non-resident could take advantage of
a service provided partially by Town taxes and pay the same rate as
a resident.
The Ass't. Director reviewed other program regulations and
attendance figures and there were questions with regard to the
staff to child ratio which the Department adheres to.
The "Q-Club" special event/trip brochure was also distributed and
the Commission was pleased with the variety of items offered.
There being no further business, the Commission meeting was
adjourned at 7:50 p.m. The next meeting will be held on August 10,
1994 beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the North Queensbury Firehouse site
on Route 9L. The Commission proceeded to the West Glens Falls
Firehou~e (Luzerne Avenue and Veterans Road), in order .tp see and
"
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assess the two softball field areas which were under consideration
as possible future park facilities. The tour lasted approximately
15 minutes.
¿fMPÆX~
Sfiarron L. Simmonds, Chairman
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen