1992-04-08
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
APRIL 8. 1992
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Queensbury,
held Wednesday, April 8, 1992, at the Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury, New
York. Chairman Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Hersh, Labatore, LaBombard, Simmonds, Sperry and
Teti
ALSO
PRESENT:
Director Hansen and Ass't. Director Lovering
ABSENT:
Commissioner Carusone (ex)
VISITORS:
Charlie Maine
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Sperry moved to approve the minutes of the September 9th, October 9th,
November 13th and December 11, 1991 and February 12, 1992 meetings. Commissioner
Labatore seconded the motion and after polling all commissioners, the motion was
unanimously approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
The Commission briefly reviewed and discussed the Director's response to Mr. D. Bernstein's
letter about the Hovey Pond Park project.
HOVEY POND PARK PRESENT A TION - C. MAINE
Mr. Charlie Maine was introduced and welcomed by the Commission and then proceeded
to outline the park proposal which he had recently presented to the Town Board. Mr. Maine
briefly reviewed his background (Soil Conservation Service technician) and reiterated his
past involvement including his design proposal for the pond. He explained (opinion) that
the Town had three options with regard to completing this project.
The first and most expensive was to finish the dredging, construct a dam and landscape
the total park area. This was basically the original plan and would undoubtedly be the most
costly to complete. Much of what would need to be done would be dictated by ENCON
and other regulatory agencies. The other two proposals involve a dugout and semi-dugout
pond, neither of which would require the construction of a dam and subsequently the cost
to complete the project would be substantially lower. The raceway which extends down
the Glenwood Avenue side of the pond would remain intact in all three scenarios and function
as both a cold water supply and as an emergency runoff channel. Mr. Maine explained further
specifics about his plan including storm water runoff, sedimentation control, the value
of supplemental dredging, concern over the slope of the pond and other project
necessities/amenities.
The Commission questioned Mr. Maine about a dugout pond and he responded that such
a structure was not only simple and quick to construct, but relatively inexpensive when
compared to building a pond with a dam. In addition, the Commission noted that this proposal
-2-
is essentially the same plan which they had discussed, agreed on and recommended earlier
this year. The discussion shifted to ENCON and how they would perceive the "Maine Plan"
and it was mentioned that a meeting with the appropriate regulatory agencies (ENCON/Dam
Safety), were already scheduled. Mr. Maine was confident that ENCON would have no
major objections to the dugout out plan as shown.
The Director briefly outlined and explained the other park proposal (map and accompanying
information) which had been designed by a local engineering firm at no cost. There were
numerous questions concerning specific items depicted in the second plan and there was
considerable discussion on which proposal, or combination would be approved. The Director
explained that he anticipate the Town Board would, because of cost and time, choose a
dugout pond without a dam. Furthermore, the Board would undoubtedly select the best
elements of both plans for the amenities (footbridge, historical time line, etc.), to be included
in the park.
The Commission's overall reaction to both plans was favorable and the consensus was to
move ahead as quickly as possible, regardless of which plan was finally chosen.
DIRECTORI ASS'T. DIRECTOR REPORT
The Ass't. Director highlighted the Monthly Department Report which was included in the
packet of materials. He explained that preparations were underway with regard to most
summer programs including the adult softball leagues which would begin the first week
of May.
Commissioner Teti mentioned that this would be his last meeting (his term expires 4/27/92)
and Chairman Simmonds, on behalf of the Commission thanked him for his past effort and
years of service.
The Director again reminded all commissioners of the upcoming Hovey Pond informational
meeting (4/9/92).
There being no further business, the Commission meeting was adjourned at 8: 17 p.m. The
next meeting will be held on May 13, 1992, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the Supervisor's meeting
room (#37), at the Town Office Building.
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen