1994-09-14
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the
Town of Queensbury, held Wednesday, September l4, 1994 in the
Supervisor's conference room, Town Office Building, Queensbury, New
York. Chairman Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioners Auer, Hersh, LaBombard, Maine,
Schachner and Simmonds
ALSO
PRESENT: Councilwomen Monahan, Pulver and Ass't. Director
Lovering
ABSENT: Commissioner Carusone
VISITORS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Maine made the motion to approve the minutes of the
June 7 and July 13, 1994 meetings. Commissioner Schachner seconded
the motion and after polling all commissioners, the motion was
unanimously approved.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS
The Ass't. Director reviewed Chairman Simmonds' thank you letter
(dated 8/16/94), to the North Queensbury Volunteer Fire Company.
The letter was written in appreciation of the Commission being able
to hold their August meeting on site and also for the tour of the
new facility. There was a brief discussion of the facility and the
Recreation Commission agreed to discuss, over the winter, the
future recreational opportunities that exist at this site and how
best to utilize them.
A memo (dated 8/19/94) from Paul Naylor, Highway Superintendent to
Harry thanking the Parks & Recreation Department for use of the
Department's Case tractor/spreader was discussed. There was some
question as to the purpose of the memo and Councilwoman Pulver
explained that the memo was a way of documenting to the Town that
sharing of equipment is taking place and also that it was a
demonstration of courtesy.
The Director's letter (dated 9/7/94), to Mr. Eichin, President of
the Glens Falls Kiwanis Club, thanking them for their donation of
the ice-skating warming shed and trailer, previously used by Glens
Falls Recreation Department at Crandall Park. The Commission
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inquired if Glens Falls was no longer using the trailer because of
liability reasons. They also questioned what is considered safe
ice (thickness), how this is determined and how the ice surface was
cleared and maintained. The Ass't. Director explained that he was
unaware of the specific reasons why Glens Falls declined to use the
trailer, but would investigate. As far as safe ice thicknesses, he
mentioned that the Department followed guidelines received from
N.Y. State and thickness were checked in several different areas on
the pond before skating was allowed. It was also relayed that the
Department would make some repairs to the shed and use it this
coming winter at either the Hovey Pond or the Queensbury School
location.
The final piece of correspondence presented was a thank you card
from WWARC's Steve Lapham to the Director for their organizations
allowed use of Ridge/Jenkinsville Park for an end of the summer
picnic.
MONTHLY DEPARTMENT kEPORT
Ass't. Director Lovering presented a verbal monthly report which
highlighted the successfulness of the summer program as a whole.
He also mentioned that registration for fall programs was ongoing
and that a recap of all programs would be available at next month's
meeting. There a number of questions concerning the amount of kids
playing soccer and football as well as the number of coaches
necessary. The Ass't. Director explained that there was a large
increase in the number of youths participating (World Cup exposure
and larger elementary school enrollment), coupled with the
Department's attempt not to turn children away. He also explained
that the coaches who volunteered and were selected all attended a
clinic conducted by the Department with technical assistance from
Pete Croty, Queensbury boys vars i ty soccer coach. A coaches
handbook was given out to help prepare each coach.
DISCUSSION-RECREATION PROGRAMS
Councilwomen Pulver and Monahan had a number of questions for the
Recreation Commission concerning whether the Commission decided
what programs the Department would run before they are offered to
the community. Specifically, Councilwoman Pulver questioned
whether those wishing to participate in scuba diving or rock
climbing could just as easily take the course through the private
sector and, in essence, cut out the Department as a "middle man".
The Ass't. Director and Commissioner Schachner explained that in
the case of rock climbing, that the Department's program involves
a substantial discount, thereby, making the program both affordable
and more accessible. The Commission was also questioned why those
enrolled in golf on one occasion went to Exit 17 Golf to
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participate. Councilwoman Pulver mentioned that Department
programs should utilize Queensbury businesses only. Concern over
the cost of purchasing snorkeling equipment was also expressed and
it was explained (Ass't. Director) that the masks and snorkels
purchased were made of silicone and, if properly cared for should
last approximately 10 or 12 years. He also explained that all
masks and snorkels were treated with a water and chlorox solution
(per guidelines of the N.Y.S. Department of Health), after each use
to ensure that germs would not be spread. The Ass't. Director
mentioned that the instructor for scuba diving also taught
snorkeling and had volunteered his time. The interest level for
the program was so high that a waiting list was necessary. There
was considerable discussion between the Commission and the Board
members (Pulver and Monahan) with regard to the decision making
process and how programs were approved. The consensus was that
the Commission should be careful not to show favoritism towards a
particular Town business when co-sponsoring activities or programs.
There was additional discussion on the fact that recreation
programs and the Department itself has experienced tremendous
growth over the years and that the Commission needs to take a
bigger role than perhaps they have previously.
A short discussion ensued with regard to ski lessons at West
Mountain and the Ass't. Director attempted to clarify the
situation. He explained that the Department's K-4 lesson and lift
program was different from the program run by Queensbury School
(grades 5-8 only).
Councilwomen Monahan/Pulver briefed the Commission on the status of
the project to update the Town Master Plan and explained that input
from individual commissioners was welcomed. Development of the
area behind the West Glens Falls firehouse as a possible ball field
was discussed and J. Martin's, 9/12/94 letter to the fire company
president (G. Gregory) was read and distributed. Both Councilwomen
were concerned and surprised at the letter's contents, especially
with regard to the quantity of facilities which were being
proposed. Their (Monahan and Pulver) recollection of the Town
Board workshop meeting attended by West Glens Falls fire company
personnel, J. Martin and the Director was somewhat different
(development on a smaller less expensive scale) than the letter was
indicating. After further discussion it was agreed that the
project was still in the discussion stage and input from the
Commission was certainly needed.
At this point of the meeting (8:57 p.m.), Ass't. Director Lovering,
Councilwomen Monahan and Pulver excused themselves in order for the
Commission to discuss their proposed new rules, bylaws and
guidelines. The Commission reviewed the draft proposal of rules,
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bylaws and guidelines and made some changes in the appearance and
flow of the document. Changes were done in order to make the
document easier to follow. The Commission voted unanimously to
accept the revised edition (2-9.94), as the final draft
Recreation Commission Rules, Bylaws and Guidelines.
There being no further business, the Commission meeting was
adjourned at 9:14 p.m. The next meeting will be held on October
12, 1994 beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the Supervisor's conference
room (#37), at the Queensbury Town Office Building.
s
Minutes Prepared by Steve M. Lovering