1989-07-17
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QUEENSBUR Y RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
JULY 17, 1989
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of
Queensbury, held Monday, July 17, 1989, at the Gurney Lane Recreation Area Pavilion,
Queensbury, New York. Chairman Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Bly, Labatore, LaBombard (7:48 p.m.), Simmonds, and
Sperry
ALSO
PRESENT:
Councilmembers Montesi and Potenza, Director Hansen, and Recording
Secretary Wilson
ABSENT:
Commissioner Teti (Ex.)
VISITORS:
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Sperry moved to approve the minutes of both the May 15 and June
19, 1989 meetings. Chairman Simmonds seconded the motion and after polling all Commissioners,
the motion was unanimously approved.
COMMUNICA TIONS
The Director reviewed the 2 items of correspondence which were included in the
monthly packet and there was some discussion on the letter of resignation submitted
by Commissioner Lettus. Chairman Simmonds mentioned that she had spoken with
Commissioner Lettus earlier in the day and, at that time, had been advised by Commissioner
Lettus' of his resignation.
The second item of correspondence was the Supervisor's note (7/14/89) which
had requested that Town Board members consider possible representatives to the Master
Plan Steering Committee. The Director mentioned that only one Town Board member
had responded to the Supervisor's initial request (6/15/89). It was pointed out that Murman
Associates had already begun work on the Master Plan and was in the process of collecting
park and recreation field data for the plan. Hopefully, the steering committee will
be in place shortly and can assist in this aspect of the Department's Master Plan development.
RECREA TION COMMISSION RESPONSIBILITIES DISCUSSION
The Director circulated a list of all Recreation Commissioners which included
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information on their terms of office, and Chairman Simmonds commented on the Commission~
task and responsibility as an advisory group. She briefly reviewed some of the highlights
of her meeting with the Town Supervisor and pointed out that the Commission's role
in terms of pertinent park and recreation related input to the Town Board is both vital
and viable. Chairman Simmonds also mentioned other topics of discussion at the meeting
and these included personnel evaluation, Commission representation and more involvement
by the Commission in the Department's plan of work.
Councilman Montesi questioned how the Commission desires to become involved
in the personnel process. Chairman Simmonds responded that the Commission would
hope to be able to provide input relative to the evaluation of full time employees especially
as a part of the budget procedure. There was additional discussion regarding the timetable
for the Department's 1990 budget including the problems which the Department had
experienced this past year attempting to use funds from the subdivision reserve account.
The subject of Commissioners terms of office was discussed further and Councilwoman
Potenza suggested that in the future, that a Commissioner should automatically submit
a letter of resignation when his term of office expires. She pointed out that this was
SOP at the Federal level and should be something that the Town consider for all advisory
boards/commissions in the future. The Director pointed out that the appointment/dismissal
to the Recreation Commission was solely a Town Board function, however, it was the
consensus that the "automatic letter of resignation" might be a worthwhile improvement
to the present procedure.
There was subsequent discussion on the appointment to fill Commissioner Lettus'
vacancy and it was mentioned that the Town Board would undoubtedly be seeking recommendations
from the Commission. A number of specific names were mentioned and it was explained
that these individuals should write a letter or complete an application and submit it
to the Supervisor as soon as possible. In addition, the Board will also announce the vacancy
at the next Town Board meeting and place an ad in the Post Star.
HILAND PARK PROPERTY DISCUSSION
Commissioner Bly expressed concern with regard to the Town's ownership of the
60+ acre parcel, which Hiland Park deeded in 1988. He mentioned that the deed had
never officially been filed and recorded at the Warren County Clerk's Office, and therefore,
because of Hiland Park's rumored financial problems, that the Town stood the chance
of losing this property. The Director responded that he was in possession of a copy
of the deed and map which indicated by the stamp that it had legally been filed at the
Clerk's Office. However, he assured the Commission that he would check these items
tomorrow to insure that our position with regard to ownership of this property was valid.
There was further discussion on this parcel including the DEC easement and the 3 year
moratorium on development which the Town had agreed to in the 4/88 letter.
Chairman Simmonds asked for Committee reports and there 'were none.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
The Director presented a verbal report and stated that all o~ the programs which
had been advertised in the summer brochure were ongoing at this time. He circulated
a number of program flyers and praised both Pat, the Summer Y04th Pl"ogram Coordinator,
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and Amanda, who supervised the swim lesson program. Overall, the Director expressed
his satisfaction with the Department's variety of programs and activities and requested
comments, either positive or negative, from the Commission.
The Director was questioned with regard to personnel and the situation at the
South Queensbury Park i.e. new facility construction. There were also comments by
the Director on the 4 new programs (Aquaerobicise, Adult Swim, Synchronized Swim,
and Junior Basketball) which will begin shortly and the difficulty with getting these
activities advertised in the Post Star. There was also some discussion by a number
of Commissioners on the subject of program fees and nonresident usage of facilities,
and the Director pointed out that this topic will be addressed in detail in the Master
Plan.
Commissioner Simmonds again mentioned that if anyone knew of an individual
to fill the present Commission vacancy, that they contact the Supervisor/Town Board
as soon as possible. In addition, she reminded everyone that the August 21st meeting
had been scheduled at the South Queensbury Firehouse and the Director promised to
include a reminder notice in the monthly packet.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. The
next meeting will be held on August 21, 1989 at 7:30 p.m., at the South Queensbury
Firehouse.
The Commission and the Town Board members accompanied the Director on a
short walking tour of the park including inspecting the pool/bathhouse facility, the proposed
amphitheater area and the recently completed NatUl"e Trail.
JMIUltI¡;{ J~u¡d<L/
, Sharron Simmonds, Chairman
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Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen, Director