1990-04-09
"
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
APRIL 9, 1990
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town
of Queensbury, held Monday, April 9, 1990, at the Queensbury Town Office
Building, Queensbury, New York. Chairman Simmonds called the meeting to
order at 7:35 P.M.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Carusone, LaBombard, Simmonds and Teti
ALSO
PRESENT:
Councilmem bers Monahan and Potenza, Director Hansen, and
Recording Secretary Schaefer
ABSENT:
Commissioners Hersh (Ex.), Labatore, and Sperry (Ex.)
VISITORS:
Mr. David Hodgson (Environmental Advisory Committee - Bike
Trail Network)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Teti moved to approve the minutes of the March l2, 1990 meeting.
Commissioner Carusone seconded the motion and after polling all Commissioners,
the motion was unanimously approved.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS FROM VISITORS
The Director briefly reviewed Mr. Todd Gordon's letter inquiring about the
possibility of a skateboarding park in Queensbury. He mentioned that he had
not had a chance to contact the Glens Falls Recreation Department and subsequently
had also not responded to the young man. A number of Commissioners mentioned
the liability factor for such a recreational activity/facility and it was the consensus
that more information was needed before a decision could be made. Commissioner
LaBombard mentioned his previous experience with a homemade skateboarding
ramp and this generated additional discussion with regard to who had the responsibility
to construct such a facility. The Director summed up the discussion and explained
that he would answer Mr. Gordon and, in addition, would invite him and some
of his enthusiasts to a Commission meeting later this fall.
Mr. Dave Hodgson was welcomed by Chairman Simmonds and he explained that,
based on the comments/discussion at the February Commission meeting, he
was back to outline, in more detail, a prioritized plan of action. He indicated
out that his group hoped to create a trail system and thus connect the many
small/isolated pockets of population in Queensbury. He mentioned the wagon
wheel principle and pointed out on a map how different areas of population
would all be connected via these newly created bike trails. Dave spent considerable
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time indicating his group's list of proposed bike trails and also mentioned that
a tentative cost estimate of approximately $5 - $10,000. per mile was a ballpark
figure for construction.
A number of Commissioners questioned Mr. Hodgson regarding coordination
between the adjoining municipalities· and other public/private corporations (NIMO)
who would need to be included in such a project, and Dave mentioned there
had been none. He did indicate that he had been in contact with the Feeder
Canal Alliance (Jeremy Franco) and they were receptive to the project (bike
trail). There was additional discussion and Dave pointed out that the total trail
system was estimated at approximately 36 miles in length. The material surface
for the trails was also discussed and Dave mentioned that ideally a macadam
surface would be best. Furthermore, he explained that the previous per mile
cost estimate was based on the use of that material (macadam) and therefore,
if a different surface material were to be used, the cost would undoubtedly
be less. There was additional discussion about erosion control, landscaping,
and how and where the bike trail might cross the Exit 20/Municipal Center/Miracle
Half Mile area. Dave mentioned that this area was still a matter of concern
which had neither been discussed or resolved at this point.
Mr. Hodgson was questioned regarding his group's next step and how the Commission
could assist. Chairman Simmonds pointed out that Dave's group had done a
lot of work and that overall the Commission was interested in lending its support
to this project. Dave explained that ideally he was seeking financial assistance
from the Recreation Commission to help underwrite the project. If that were
not the case, then his hope was that the Recreation Commission would undertake
the leadership for this project. Dave pointed out that basically he was a committee
of one with a few friends who were also interested in this type of recreational
activity.
There was further discussion and the Commission pointed out that at the last
meeting, after receiving approval from the Commission, that Dave had indicated
his next step would be to talk to the Town Board. There was some disagreement
regarding this point and the discussion shifted to the matter of a financial commitment
by the Commission. As a suggestion, a number of Commissioners mentioned
that there is strength in numbers and therefore Dave should endeavor to seek
additional support and assistance from other organizations including the Adirondack
Runner's Club, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, etc., who might also be interested
in this type of project.
Chairman Simmonds summed up the discussion and mentioned that this was
a viable project which seemed to lack only more involvement and support from
other organizations. Furthermore, she pointed out that this type of recreational
activity had the blessing of the Commission and she thanked Dave Hodgson
for his presentation.
The Director briefly reviewed the 2 letters of correspondence (Ridge/ J enkinsville
Park dedication and Planning Department meeting notice) and there was discussion
on the exact date and time with regard to the park dedication ceremony. The
Director mentioned that he was still awaiting input from the Supervisor's Office,
inasmuch as this type of activity (park dedication) was a Town function and
should be organized at that level. After additional discussion, Councilwoman
Potenza and Chairman Simmonds volunteered to organize and make all the
arrangements for the park dedication, and this was agreed on. The Director
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mentioned that the Department would also help and a meeting to finalize all
the arrangements was set.
WEST MOUNTAIN PARK DISCUSSION
Chairman Simmonds distributed copies of a letter which she received from
the Supervisor regarding the West Mountain Project. She explained that it was
important that the Commission follow through with the Supervisor's offer/suggestion
of a meeting to discuss development of a park and the emergency road access
situation. There was considerable discussion among those present with regard
to the 20 acre parcel, which West Mountain Corp. intended to deed to the Town
as a future park site. The Director reviewed the sequence of events pertaining
to this site and he explained that if the Town intended to construct a macadam
road, for emergency access use through this 20 acre park parcel, that he would
not be in favor of accepting the land for park purposes.
,
;f
The Commission had numerous questions and comments about the West Mountain
Project including total acreage, the APA's involvement from a regulatory standpoint,
and the possibility of using Cormus Road as an emergency access route. It
was the consensus that the question of the emergency road access was the key
to the whole dilemma. There was also concern with regard to the Adirondack
Park and blacktopping this road, however, Councilwoman Potenza relayed that
West Mountain's attorney, who once worked for the APA, explained that this
(the macadam road) would not be a problem. As a matter of fact, the road
predated the creation of the APA and, therefore, improving the road by blacktopping
would not be a problem.
Additional discussion about a joint park with the Town of Luzerne followed
and overall, the Commission expressed apprehension about this park project.
It is the consensus that the Commission may have either misunderstood or been
incorrectly informed with regard to the development of a passive park area
within the West Mountain P.U.D. In summary, the Chairman reiterated that
it was imperative that a meeting of all parties concerned (West Mountain personnel,
Town Board, and Recreation Commission) be held, as soon as possible, in order
to clarify the situation. Chairman Simmonds and the Director agreed to organize
the meeting and notices, regarding the time and date, would follow.
NEW PROGRAM REQUESTS
The Director briefly outlined a number of new programs which are being considered
as part of this summer's activities. He detailed the jazzercise and scuba diving
program and also talked about the Merry Mohicans (Square/Round Dance Club)
who have asked to come under the Department's umbrella of sponsorship for
the coming year.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
The Director highlighted his monthly report including the 2 new positions (Laborer
and Recreation Program Specialist) which the Department is seeking to fill.
The summer intern/field work program was explained by the Director and he
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mentioned that an individual from Green Mountain College would be starting
with the Department this coming summer. Brian Bearor, a former student at
Queensbury School, is the individual who will complete his 12 week practical
work experience towards his degree in parks and recreation. This is the Department's
first attempt in this type of program and if everything works out, it undoubtedly
will not be the last.
The Director indicated that Pat Borgos would be back on board this summer
as the Youth Program Coordinator and that Amanda Maine has requested to
return as the Aquatics Director.
The Chairman mentioned that David Hersh was appointed to the Commission
by the Board on April 2nd to fill Commissioner Bly's vacancy. She explained
that Mr. Hersh was unable to attend this evening and requested that the Director
forward him a packet of materials (reports, minutes, etc.).
There being no further business, the Commission adjourned at 9:04 P.M. The
next meeting will be held on May 14, 1990, at 7:30 P.M., at the Supervisor's
meeting room (upstairs) in the Town Office Building.
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Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen