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1987-07-20 ." QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MEETING JULY 20, 1987 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Queensbury, held Monday, July 20, 1987, at the Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury, New York. Chairman Granger called the meeting to order at 7:46 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioners Granger, LaBombard, Lettus and Simmonds, Councilmen Monahan and Montesi, Director Hansen and Secretary Wilson ABSENT: Commissioners Bly (Ex.), Lemery (Ex.), and Teti (Ex.) VISITORS: Mr. Patrick Tierney, Greg Moran (Post-Star) COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS FROM VISITORS Mr. Patrick Tierney, who resides on Ridge Road, adjacent to the new park facility, was present and requested an update on the park's construction. Mr. Tierney expressed a number of concerns including whether a 100' buffer zone between the park and individual homeowners was planned, softball field lighting and extending Old Cronin Road to Ridge Road. Mr. Tierney mentioned a recent softball related article in the Chronicle and questioned the Director and the Commission regarding the lack of communication between the Town and area residents during the construction phase. Chairman Granger assured Mr. Tierney that the Town is very sensitive to the concerns of area residents and that the project will do nothing to disrupt the quality of life for the neighbors in this area. He pointed out that while the park is under construction that it is under the supervision of the Town Board. Once completed, the park then becomes the responsibility of the Recreation Department. In regard to notifying area residents about upcoming Commission meetings dealing with Ridge Road Park, Council-, woman Monahan requested that the Director take the responsibility to notify these individuals. Chairman Granger welcomed Mrs. Sharon Simmonds to the Recreation Commission and introduced her to the other members present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner LaBombard moved to approve the minutes of the June 15, 1987 meeting. Commissioner Lettus seconded the motion and after polling all Commissioners the motion was unanimously approved. -2- PARK PROJECTS UPDATE The Director briefed the Commission on the status of Ridge Road Park and displayed the engineer's design drawing of the park restroom/maintenance facility. A second roof repair bid for the Ridge Road Park barn was also discussed, however, it was explained that the LA Group (engineering division) was in the process of evaluating the stability of the entire structure, and therefore accepting or rejecting a roof repair bid was premature. Councilwoman Monahan updated the Commission regarding the Town's discussion with the adjoining landowner at Hovey Pond and she reported that negotiations were proceeding. Councilwoman Monahan displayed a number of historical documents regarding Hovey Pond and agreed to make these items available to Commissioner Teti who is chairman of the Hovey Pond Historical Committee. Councilman Montesi pointed out that considering the amount of development in the West Mountain Road area, that the Commission might want to consider the purchase of property for park use in this area. Councilman Montesi mentioned that the Old Ashton Cement property might be a location that the Commission might consider for such usage. Commissioner LaBombard pointed out that this would be a promising area except that West Mountain Road was a major thorough- fare with fairly heavy traffic. Commissioner LaBombard mentioned that the Commission and the previous Town Planner had discussed and looked at the areas of growth within the Town and how this might affect the Recreation Department in terms of developing additional park areas. The West Mountain Road area was earmarked as an area that warranted further consideration. Councilman Montesi relayed information on the City of Glens Falls newest neighborhood park, behind the Broad Street Plaza, and suggested that the Director contact the Recreation Department to determine additional information on this project including construction and land acquisition costs. Commissioner LaBombard suggested that because the Commission meets regularly, on a monthly basis, that in the future, Commissioners might be compensated for (similar to the Planning and Zoning Boards) . Councilman Montesi stated that if the Commission was to decide in favor of compensation, that an amount should be incorporated in the 1988 Recreation Department Budget. Councilman Montesi commented on the title, Department of Parks and Recreation, and questioned when a large department became 2 separate entities (i.e. Department of Parks and Department of Recreation). Chairman Granger responded that the primary reason for the combined titles (new name) for the Department was to expand and acknowledge the increased role of the Department. -3- COMMITTEE REPORTS Chairman Granger pointed out that ex-Commissioner Martin was the chairman of 2 committees (Joint Commission/School and Hovey Pond Committees) and requested volunteers to fill the vacancies created by his departure. Commissioner LaBombard agreed to the chairmanship of the Joint Commission/School Committee and also reported, that because there is no. Town Planner on board, that there was no activity this month from the Planning Committee. In regard to the last Joint Commission/School Committee meeting in June, Chairman Granger reported that he will be talking to Town Council, Wilson Mathias, (after obtaining Town Board permission) , with respect to the execution of a formal agreement between the Town and the School. Commissioner Lettus volunteered to replace Commissioner Martin and be chairman of the Hovey Pond Committee. The Hovey Pond Historical Committee and the Summer Program Review Committee Chairmen were not present and therefore, there were no committee reports. Commissioner Simmonds was asked to assist Historical Committee Chairman Teti and agreed to do so. DIRECTOR'S REPORT The Director briefly reviewed his monthly report and highlighted the attendance figures for the Gurney Lane pool facility. The Commission requested additional information on a number of line items in the monthly budget update and the Director responded. Commissioner LaBombard requested an Executive Session on the topic of land acquisition at 8:43 P.M. Commissioner Lettus seconded the motion and after polling the Commission the motion was unanimously approved. Returning to open session at 9:24 P.M., and there being no further business the Commission adjourned at 9:25 P.M. The next meeting will be held on Monday, August 17, 1987 at 7:30 P.M. J44i · Dale T. Granger, Chairman Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen, Director