1987-04-13
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
APRIL 13, 1987
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission
of the Town of Queensbury, held Monday, April 13, 1987, at the
Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury, New York. Acting
Chairman Granger called the meeting to order at 7:31 P.M.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Granger, LaBombard, Lemery, Lettus,
Martin, Teti, Councilwoman Monahan, Director Hansen, and
Secretary Wilson
ABSENT:
Commissioner Bly
VISITORS:
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilwoman Monahan pointed out that the typed copy of the
March 17th Recreation Commission minutes did not reflect, verbatum,
the motions made by Commissioners Lemery and Teti. The motion
in the March 17th minutes stated that the Commission was recommending
accepting the 70+ acre parcel of property in lieu of the $250. per
unit recreational fee as specified in Local Law #6. Councilwoman
Monahan explained that inasmuch as Commissioner Lemery's motion did
not mention "in lieu of fees," therefore stating that in the minutes
was technically incorrect. There was discussion on the subject and
a number of Commissioners agreed that the intent of the motion was
to recommend to the Town Board that they accept the land in lieu of
fees. Councilwoman Monahan reminded the Commission and pointed out
that the Town Board has the prerogative and is the Town entity that
would negotiate with any land owner regarding Local Law #6 (i.e. land
or fees). Furthermore, she pointed out that the Hiland Park project
is a Planned Unit Development (P.U.D.) which, in the first place,
requires Town Board approval, and therefore, only the Board has the
option to negotiate in these matters. The Commission continued to
discuss the Hiland Park development situation including additional
area land acquisition, future recreational opportunities and the
possible revenue and employment opportunities which this project may
generate. It was pointed out that Commissioner Teti's amendment
regarding the Town's being able to negotiate with the Hiland Park
Corporation in regard to future recreation matters, had been inad-
vertently omitted in the actual March 17th minutes. However, after
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further discussion, it was agreed that even though this amendment
was important, nonetheless, this was a Town Board function and
would undoubtedly be considered by both parties in future negotiations.
After further discussion, Commissioner Teti moved to approve the
minutes of the March 9th and 17th, 1987 meetings. Commissioner
Lemery seconded the motion and after polling all Commissioners, the
motion was unanimously approved.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The Director temporarily assumed the position of Chairman and
requested nominations for the positions of Chairman and Vice-Chairman
of the Recreation Commission for the one year period, April 1987 -
March 1988. Commissioner Lemery nominated Commissioner Granger as
Chairman and it was seconded by Commissioner Martin. There being
no further nominations, the nominations were closed and Commissioner
Granger was unanimously elected by voice vote.
Commissioner LaBombard nominated Commissioner Lemery for the
position of Vice-Chairman and it was seconded by Commissioner Granger
and unanimously approved after no further nominations.
Elaine Wilson was nominated and unanimously appointed as secretary
to the Recreation Commission for the same 12 month period.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS FROM VISITORS
Brad Hague's correspondence was read to the Commission and it
was suggested that he be contacted in regard to attending a future
meeting.
Commissioner Martin explained his correspondence which was
included in the monthly packet and spoke on the need to update the
Department's Master Plan in light of the rapid growth within the
community. The Commission discussed the possibility of an outside
professional organization updating the plan and Councilwoman
Monahan mentioned that Town Planner, S. Mesinger, was advocating
updating the Town-wide Master Plan by the end of the year. The Town
Master Plan would most certainly have an impact on the Recreation
Department's future direction. After further discussion, Commissioner
LaBombard moved to direct Commissioner Martin to draft a letter on
behalf of the Commission, to S. Mesinger and the Town Board, that the
Commission,
"...Support in writing, S. Mesinger's plan for Inventories,
Data Collection and Projections, etc., in order to prepare
a new Master Plan. II
Commissioner Teti seconded the motion and after polling all Commissioners
it was unanrnmously approved.
The Director briefly reviewed the correspondence which had been
received from the Adirondack Gymnastics Academy regarding a possible
joint summer program. The Commission questioned the cost involved
with this type of specialized activity. Following discussion, the
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Commission suggested that rather than exchanging services, i.e.
gymnastics lessons for swimming lessons, that the Department consider
offering free summer gymnastics clinics as part of the playground
program. The Director agreed to discuss the possibility of offering
these summer type clinics with the Adirondack Gymnastics Academy.
The Director distributed a copy of Dick Morse's Hovey Pond
project correspondence and Chairman Granger explained the specifics
of the testing procedure for the dam. The engineer is again working
on the project and will report back to the Commission with more
specific information at a later date.
Chairman Granger read a copy of a letter which he received from
the Albany law firm of Bond, Schoeneck and King, which reiterated
that, based of the information supplied by the Post· Star , the
Commission had erred in regard to certain matters which were dis-
cussed in Executive Session at the February 9th meeting.
HILAND PARK MOTION - Discussion
Commissioner Lemery commented that after reading the March 17th
Hiland Park Subdivision Recommendation that he wished to both clarify
and inform the Town Board in regard to the intent of the Commission's
motion made that evening. After much discussion, the Commission
was recommending to the Town Board that they accept the parcel of
property in lieu of fees. It was pointed out that Local Law #6/
Section 10 of the Town's Zoning Ordinance specified an either/or
situation (Town Board option) in regard to the land or a per unit fee.
Therefore, Commissioner Lemery moved to amend the March 17th motion
as follows,
"...The Town Recreation Commission recommend that the Town
Board accept the 70+ acre parcel of property which the Hiland
Corporation is offering to the Town. We recommend that
they do accept this property in lieu of the recreation fees
that have been established by the Town in Local Law #6/
Section 10, of the zoning Ordinance. And at the same time,
to include the seconded part of the motion that Commissioner
Teti added to it where we would be able to, in the future,
to negotiate with the Hiland Park Corporation with regard
to any other recreational opportunities that the Park (Corp.)
may provide to our community. II
Commissioner Teti seconded the motion and there was discussion re-
garding other recreational opportunities and possible land acquisition
between the Hiland Park Corporation and the Town of Queensbury.
There being no further discussion, the, Commission was polled and the
motion was unanimously accepted. The Director was instructed to have
the new motion/resolution re-typed and submitted to the Town Board
as soon as possible.
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CHANGE OF TITLE - Discussion
The Commission questioned Councilwoman Monahan in regard to
the status of the change of title for both the Department and the
Director which had been submitted to the Town Board some time ago.
Initially, it was anticipated that a title change would be beneficial
in helping the Department to enhance its image within the community.
In a related matter, it was reported that the Queensbury Association,
a group not associated with the Town, was out soliciting funds
supposedly to help defray attorney fees (land acquisition matter).
Both the Commission and Councilwoman Monahan were concerned and
feared that this organization might be considered a recognized arm
of the Town Government. The Commission again reiterated their desire
to have the Town Board consider the change of titles and Council-
woman Monahan, after explaining the reason for the delay (possible
legal ramifications), agreed to again broach the subject with the
Town Board. Chairman Granger also requested that the Director alert
him should no action be taken within the next 2 weeks.
SCHOOL/COMMISSION REPORT
Commissioner Martin briefly reviewed the recent events of the
March 16th joint meeting between School and Recreation Commission
personnel. He explained some of the possible joint projects which
included a youth center, the outdoor learning/recreational center
and the lighting of outdoør school athletic facilities. Commissioner
Lemery questioned whether the Committee and the Director were in a
position to actually negotiate with the School District on behalf
of the Town Board, and it was pointed out that, in fact, they were
not. Commissioner Martin reminded the Commission that this was an
initial meeting for the express purpose of having both organizations
get to know one another. Subsequent meetings will hopefully generate
additional topics of concern and a course of action can be formulated
by both the School Board and the Town Board towards possible joint
recreation projects. Commissioner Martin pointed out the next
joint meeting had been scheduled for May 12th and Chairman Granger
suggested that both groups work towards formulating long-range
goals and objectives.
RIDGE ROAD PROJECT UPDATE
The Director distributed a 2-page bid tabulation sheet and up-
dated the Commission regarding the status of the Ridge Road Park
project. It was pointed out that the sealed bids for the earthwork,
fine grading and seeding of the softball fields/parking ,lot, had been
opened on Tuesday, April 7th. The engineer and the Town Attorney
are reviewing the bids and should make a recommendation to the Town
Board by the April 14th meeting. The Director also reported that
the Woodcock Brothers Drilling firm had almost completed drilling a
water well at the site. Both soil and water test samples were taken
and are presently being analyzed by an Albany-based testing lab.
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Chairman Granger commented on the condition of the barn structure
which was included with the acquisition of the Ridge Road property.
He pointed out that roof repairs are definitely necessary and based
on an informal estimate, the projected cost will be high. Further
action and discussion on possible barn roof repairs were deferred
until a later date.
SUMMER PROGRAM REPORT - Discussion
Chairman Granger suggested that inasmuch as the summer season
is right around the corner, that the playground/program review
committee be reformed to analyze and make recommendations regarding
the 1987 summer playground program. Commissioner Lemery agreed to
chair the committee which would include Commissioners Lettus,
LaBombard and the Director, and it was agreed that they would meet
as soon as possible.
The Director also pointed out that the swimming pool report
would be completed and mailed out within the next few weeks and
requested an informal meeting of the Commission to discuss recommen-
dations for the upcoming swimming pool season. Chairman Granger
suggested that the program review committee meet with the Director
initially, and thereafter, an informal meeting of the entire Commission,
be called before the next regular scheduled meeting, to discuss
specific program recommendations.
POSSIBLE LAND ACQUISITION
The Commission briefly discussed the availability of property
adjacent to the proposed Hiland Park development. Councilwoman
Monahan was questioned regarding her ideas and after a brief
discussion, Chairman Granger volunteered on behalf of the Commission
to draft a letter to the Town Board requesting them to actively
pursue this matter. Commissioner Lemery moved to accept the Chairman's
offer and Commissioner Lettus seconded the motion and after all
Commission members were polled, it was unanimously approved.
Former Supervisor Mike Brandt's recent editorial in the Post Star,
which recommended a possible cooperative agreement (watershed
property usage in exchange for water) between the City and the Town
was discussed. After some discussion, it was suggested that a
joint meeting between the Recreation Commissions of both Queensbury
and Glens Falls might be a first step towards a possible cooperative
venture. In light of the quantity of business before the Commission
that evening, it was suggested that any further discussion on this
topic be deferred until the next regularly scheduled meeting.
FUTURE TOPICS FOR CONSIDERATION
Chairman Granger complimented Commission members on their
increased interest in both Town-wide and Department recreation
matters but pointed out that attendance by all Commissioners on a
regular basis was crucial to the future expansion of recreation
services in the Town of Queensbury. He suggested that in the
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near future, that the Commission should think about setting up
internal rules and regulations to govern and help guide the conduct
of Commission members.
In regard to the recording of all Recreation Commission
minutes, it was recommended and approved that minutes of Execut~ve
Session not be officially recorded.
Commissioner Lemery requested to know if the Commission had
given any consideration to the Queensbury Central Fire Company's
request regarding use of the Hovey Pond property. Chairman Granger
explained that any decision by the Recreation Commission would be
somewhat premature considering that the engineer's study regarding
possible recreational use of the pond, had not yet been completed.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
The Director briefly reviewed his enclosed monthly report and
he and Commissioner Martin elaborated on some of the educational
sessions which they attended at the recent State Conference. Both
agreed that the Conference was extremely worthwhile and informative.
Commissioner Martin outlined much of the information he received at
the Conference including; the danger of insufficient municipal
liability coverage and the importance of contractual agreements.
Commissioner Martin emphasized that these were areas of concern
and importance to both the School and the Town and that they should
be investigated in more detail in the near future.
The Director updated the Commission regarding the Environmental
Quality Bond Act information and relayed that the application packets
should be available shortly.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at
9:53 P.M. The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 18th at 7:30 P.M.