2007-09-04 Queensbury Parks and Recreation Commission
Queensbury, NY 12804
Minutes of the September 4, 2007 regular meeting held at the Town of
Queensbury Supervisor's Conference Room
Chairman LaBombard called the meeting to order at 7: 02pm
Roll Call:
• Present— Commissioners Conboy, Fusco, LaBombard, Mott, Smith
• Excused—Commissioners Irish, Maine
• Staff—Director Lovering, Recreation Program Assistant Baertschi,
Program Specialist O'Shaughnessy, Aquatics Supervisor Brennan
• Guests—none
Approval of Minutes:
It was moved by Commissioner Mott, seconded by Commissioner Smith, to
approve the minutes from the August 7, 2007 meeting. All members present
approved.
Communications and Remarks from Visitors: (see file for copies)
Introduction of Recreation Aquatics Supervisor—Deirdre Brennan
Chairman LaBombard reiterated to Ms. Brennan the charge to develop and
increase aquatics programs within the Town. Discussion took place on the
school informing us of not being able to use the pool extensively due to
neighboring schools using the Queensbury school pool, causing scheduling
conflicts. This threw our aquatics program for a loop with many planned and
advertised programs being cancelled.
Monthly Correspondence
• Newspaper article in Post Star about Construction at
Ridge/Jenkinsville. A very positive article and pictures.
• Letter from resident near Faith Bible Church concerned about
dumping. Explanation from Director Lovering as to what is being
done to resolve this problem.
• Letter from the Chapman's complimenting the Q Club program and
Counselors.
Budget Control Report and briefly discussed.
Unfinished Business
Ridge/Jenkinsville Project Update—Director Lovering distributed progress
reports with pictures of work being completed. Sprinkler system to be tested
by September 7th with seeding to follow. Field house is being "buttoned up"
with work on interior to continue. Pump equipment is being installed.
Fourth field is being completed along with other three. Any delay earlier
has not affected the progress.
Request for a Dog Park—Discussion on whether the Commission should
support, or not, the concept of a Town Dog Park. A dog park does not seem
to be a priority on the Commission's list of areas needing attention. Director
Lovering will respond, with this position of the Commission, to the two
individuals who would like a dog park. Copies to go to Supervisor Stec.
New Business
2008 Requested Budget—Discussion - Copies of the proposed budget
distributed. Director Lovering reviewed the meeting with Supervisor Stec.
The Supervisor would expect "cuts" to be made to this budget. The cost of a
new mower caused the percent increase to be high. This mower is a priority
for the new R/J Park. Other small cuts were made to bring the percent of
increase down. Chairman LaBombard expressed concern about the
recommendations to adjust certain salaries to be in line with the
responsibilities of the individual and the lack of support from Supervisor
Stec. The point needs to be made with the entire Town Board that a quality
program which affects many children and adults in the community requires
quality people who should be compensated at a quality rate of pay.
Discussion took place on alternative sources of funding with the pros and
cons of this type of funding.
Committee Reposts
• Budget Review
• By-Laws
• School Liaison
• Personnel
• Planning
• Program Review
Monthly Parks and Program Report
Summer has gone smooth even though the project took a great deal of
Director Lovering's time. Programs were successful with attendance in
most programs up (some down). A full report on summer programs will be
forth coming at the October meeting.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned by motion by Commissioner Mott, seconded by
Commissioner Conboy at 8:37 pm.
Respectfully submitted Approved by
Joseph Fusco Jack LaBombard
Secretary Chairman