1993-10-13
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QUEENS BURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
OCTOBER 13, 1993
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the
Town of Queensbury, held Wednesday, October 13, 1993, at the
Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury, New York. Chairman
Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Auer, Hersh and Simmonds
ALSO
PRESENT:
Director Hansen and Ass't. Director Lovering
ABSENT:
Commissioners Carusone (ex), LaBombard & Maine (ex)
VISITORS:
Clark R. Wilkinson (Haanen Eng.) & Jack Lebowitz
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Postponed until the November meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS/REMARKS FROM VISITORS
The Chairman welcomed Clark Wilkinson and Jack Lebowitz who were
both present to discuss the possible relocation of the Warren
County Bike Trail in the Round Pond vicinity. C. Wilkinson
(project engineer) briefly explained that his firm (Haanan
Engineering), was in the process of developing the Passarelli
subdivision adjacent to Birdsall Road. He mentioned that the
subdivision would undoubtedly increase the traffic on the road,
which in this area was also used as the bike trail. Therefore, a
tentative plan had been developed which would relocate the bike
trail approximately 100 feet to the east on a Niagara Mohawk power
line right-of-way (easement) also located on G. Passarelli's land).
Both Mr. Wilkinson and Mr. Lebowitz were present to suggest that
the Commission consider allocating the subdivision revenue, which
this project would generate ($500. per lot x 23 lots or $11,500.),
towards the cost of the bike trail relocation.
Mr. Lebowitz representing the New York Bicycling Coalition outlined
additional information about the bike trail, other sources of
possible revenue (grants and donations), the
advantages/disadvantages of the present situation and mentioned
that the county would also be willing to help financially with the
relocation. He explained that Pat Beland (W.C. Parks & Recreation
Director) was in favor of the relocation and that his organization
would also assist from a financial standpoint (funds or labor).
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C. Wilkinson indicated that he thought Mr. Passarelli would also be
willing to donate construction services towards the relocation
project.
The Director briefly explained the subdivision recreation fee/land
local law and pointed out that the Commission was not empowered to
recommend the use of subdivision revenues. Only the Town Board was
authorized to expend funds from the special reserve account which
was set up as a depository account for all subdivision fees.
Whether all or a portion of Mr. Passarelli's subdivision fee could
be used on the project (bike trail relocation) was a legal question
and certainly a Town Board matter.
C. Wilkinson also mentioned that in order to complete the proposed
new bike trail, that a small portion of private property (J. Whelan
parcel #36-2-4-1) would have to be purchased. This would be an
added expense which had not been foreseen or included in the
initial estimate which was approximately $15,000. In summary, he
understood there were still questions unanswered but was here
tonight to explain the project and to see if the Commission was in
favor of the concept.
Chairman Simmonds requested input from Commissioners Auer and Hersh
and after further discussion it was the consensus that relocation
of the bike path was a worthwhile endeavor that should be
undertaken jointly by the County, Town and the subdivision property
owner equally. However, additional information including a more
detailed cost estimate was needed before a final decision and
recommendation could be proposed.
C. Wilkinson agreed and will draft a more detailed cost estimate
including, the SEQA analysis for the Commission's review at their
November meeting. Chairman Simmonds, on behalf of the Commission
thanked both visitors for their input.
The Director displayed the Garth Allen/Cronin Road Subdivision
property map and relayed information about the proposal which D.
Morse (project engineer) had previously outlined. The subdivision
(90 units), is proposed on the north side of Cronin Road adjacent
to the Bay Meadows Golf Course. The owner (G. Allen) is proposing
to have a portion of the subdivision recreation fee ($5000.-$7000.)
be used to develop a creative play area within the subdivision.
The structure would be constructed within the housing area complex
for use by subdivision residents only. The remaining subdivision
fee ($40,000.) would be deposited in the revenue account as per the
local law.
After considerable discussion, the Commission agreed that, like the
previous project (bike trail), the local law at that time did not
allow for the subdivision funds received from a particular project
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to be expended directly on that same project without a number of
intermediate steps. Furthermore, the Commission questioned the
legality of using subdivision funds to purchase equipment and
construct a "private playground." The Commission instructed the
Director to relay their comments (D. Morse) and to investigate
other possibilities (land acquisition).
The Commission briefly discussed the question of meeting bylaws and
attendance including the vacancy which has existed on the
Commission since Mr. Labatore resigned in August. The Director
will research the Commission bylaws for any definitive information
on attendance.
Hovey Pond Park Uodate
The Director updated those present on the status of the park and
there was discussion on the items of correspondence (letters from
Gosline and Eddy) which followed the Commission letter (9/9/93).
It was pointed out that the group (Friends of Hovey Pond) could not
be in attendance tonight, but will be present at the November
meeting to outline and explain their ideas for the park.
The Director also distributed photos of a number of items within
the park and there was discussion on the park benches which the FHP
group has purchased and is proposing be used at the site. Pictures
of the benches were examined and it was explained that the benches,
though nice were not constructed for use at a public park. The FHP
benches are portable, using 2" x 3" lumber which is stained, but
not pressure treated lumber. This is a "homeowner" bench rather
than a commercial heavy duty bench which will be required in order
to be able to withstand daily usage, weather, vandalism, etc.
Furthermore, the Commission pointed out that the FHP group had been
directed (July Commission meeting) through the Chairman that more
information, i.e size, cost, materials, etc. were necessary before
the Commission could approve their bench design. This information
was never presented and the FHP group purchased 12-6' portable
benches on their own volition. After further discussion it was
suggested that this item as well as the gazebo structure needed to
be addressed with the FHP group at the November meeting.
There being no further business, the Commission meeting was
adjourned at 8:07 p.m. The next meeting will be held on November
10, 1993, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the Supervisor's conference
room (#37), at the Queensbury Town Office Building.
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S arron M. Simmonds, Chairman
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen