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1987-03-09 QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MEETING MARCH 9, 1987 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Queensbury, held Monday, March 9, 1987, at the Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury, New York. Acting Chairman Granger called the meeting to order at 7:38 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioners Bly, Granger, LaBombard, Lemery, Lettus, Martin, Teti, and Director Hansen ABSENT: None VISITORS: Bradford Hague, James Martin, Gary Bowen, Elaine Wilson, Greg Moran (Post-Star) Acting Chairman Granger introduced and welcomed Commissioner James Lettus to the Recreation Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Bly moved to approve the minutes of the February 9, 1987 meeting. Commissioner Lemery seconded the motion and after polling those Commissioners present, the motion was unanimously approved. COMMUNICATIONS/REMARKS FROM VISITORS Mr. Bradford Hague was introduced and spoke to the Commission regarding the need for an outdoor learning and recreation center. Mr. Hague mentioned that such a facility might be jointly under- taken by the Town and the Queensbury School District and would serve many community groups including Trout Unlimited, Sierra Club, Audubon Society, etc. Mr. Hague also pointed out that he had spoken with the Town Supervisor and it was mentioned that the Gurney Lane recreation area might be an ideal location for such a facility. Mr. Hague next introduced James Martin as a resource individual who specializes in grant writing for recreation projects such as this. The 1986 Environmental Quality Bond Act, as a possible source of funding for this project, was discussed and it was agreed that more information on the whole project was necessary. Commissioner Martin reminded the group that the -2- upcoming joint meeting of the Recreation Commission and the School Board, on March 16th, would provide a good forum to discuss such a project. Acting Chairman Granger suggested that Mr. Hague investigate this project more thoroughly and plan on attending the April meeting. Mr. Gary Bowen, representing the Hiland Park Project, spoke to the Commission and presented the plans for his 713 acre project. The project includes 299 multiple-family dwellings, 188 single- family home sites, a large retirement village/technical park, an l8-hole golf course and numerous indoor/outdoor recreation facilities. Mr. Bowen explained that the project is still in the planning stages and that approvals from the necessary organizations i.e. Planning/Zoning Boards, Town Board, etc. are anticipated shortly. Mr. Bowen further explained that his project would be phased over the next 3-4 years and that his intention tonight was to explain some of the details about the project especially those which might benefit the Town's Recreation Department. The 70 acre parcel (buffer area around Halfway Brook) in the southeast portion of the project was discussed and Mr. Bowen explained that he might consider gifting this to the Town for public usage. Acting Chairman Granger, on behalf of the Commission, thanked Mr. Bowen for his presentation. 1987 RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING DATES The 1987 Recreation Commission meeting dates schedule was reviewed and it was decided that due to conflicts, that the regular monthly meeting date be changed to the third Monday of every month. Commissioner Lemery made the motion to officially change the remaining 1987 meeting date schedule and Commissioner Martin seconded the motion. Those Commission members present were polled and the motion was unanimously approved. The Director will make up a new schedule and distribute copies to the appropriate Town Board members, the press, and post a copy at the Town Office Building. JOINT SCHOOL/COMMISSION MEETING Acting Chairman Granger reminded Commissioners Martin, Lemery, Bly, and the Director about the upcoming joint meeting with Queensbury School personnel on Monday, March 16th. Commissioner Martin pointed out that the meeting had been arranged as a first step in opening the lines of communication between the two organizations. The Commission discussed a number of future project areas which the committee could discuss at the meeting including lighting school facilities and a reciprocating pool usage agreement. -3- RECREATION/TOWN PLANNER REPORT Commissioner LaBombard reported on a recent meeting with Town Planner, S. Messinger, and the Director presented a current map of Town-owned property and subdivision projects within the Town. The map was extremely beneficial in that the Commission was able to visually understand the possible relationship between future subdivision projects and possible Town parks. Acting Chairman Granger pointed out that based on the subdivision development in the West Mountain/Peggy Ann Road area, that the Commission might begin to consider developing a neighborhood park location to meet the needs of these future residents. The map will be updated by the Planning Department on a monthly basis and available to the Commission for their monthly meetingl Commissioner Lemery moved to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:50 P.M. to discuss possible land acquisition and Commissioner Martin seconded the motion. Those Commission members present were polled and the motion was unanimously approved. Returning to open session at 9:02, the Commission began a discussion of new business. SOUTH QUEENSBURY FIREHOUSE PARK PROJECT Commissioner Lettus and the Director relayed the specifics of the recent joint neighborhood park project meeting at the S. Queensbury Firehouse. Overall, Fire Company personnel were pleased with the Department's tentative park diagram and the "shopping list" of possible park equipment. Commissioner Lettus expressed concerns regarding the pole barn, lighting, and future land utilization by the fire company for its own purposes. The Director pointed out that Councilman Montesi, at a previous meeting, had offered Highway Department equipment and manpower for some of the construction work at the site. The project fund has approximately $8700.00 and the cost for the majority of construction work and equipment purchases will be paid for out of this fund. No specific time schedule has been set but it is anticipated that work will begin sometime this Spring. QUEENSBURY ASSOCIATION DISCUSSION Commissioner Lemery requested to know information about the Queensbury Association and the recent civil action taken by this group regarding the Town and the Round Pond property. The Commission briefly discussed the situation and the Director explained that, to the best of his knowledge, this organization had not been sanctioned by the Town Board. The Commission wondered why this group had not contacted the Commission recently and no one had an explanation. -4- TITLE CHANGE (DEPARTMENT AND DIRECTOR) Commissioner Martin circulated material suggesting a title change for the Recreation Department and the Director. Inasmuch as the Department has recently accumulated large quantities of park property, it was recommended that the title Recreation Department be changed to that of Department of Parks and Recreation. In addition, because of the increased responsibility, it was also recommended that the title of Recreation Director be changed to Director of Parks and Recreation. Such a change might give the Department "an edge" when applying for project funding and would undoubtedly give the Department a new image in the eyes of the community. After further discussion, Commissioner Lemery made a motion to formally request that the Town Board consider title changes for both the Recreation Department and the Director. Commissioner LaBombard seconded the motion and after polling all Commission members, the motion was unanimously approved. The Director was instructed to include the recommendations in the form of a letter from the Commission, and submit it to the Town Board as soon as possible. PRESS COVERAGE CONCERN Commissioner Martin distributed two pieces of correspondence dealing with the media coverage of the February 9th Recreation Commission meeting. The Commission discussed the correspondence and agreed that the Post-Star reporter, that evening, had committed an obvious transgression and therefore violated a privilege which is entrusted to the media. The reporter's decision to listen "at the keyhole" during an Executive Session was extremely unprofessional and it was decided that Commissioner Martin's editorial letter to the Post-Star be sent in response/ protest. After making some minor changes in grammar, the letter was signed by Commissioners Martin, Granger, Lemery, Lettus, LaBombard, and Teti and given to Greg Moran to deliver to the editor. DIRECTOR'S REPORT The Director's report and the attached Department monthly budget update were reviewed and there were questions concerning the Environmental Quality Bond Act meeting and how it might relate to Department recreation project funding. The Director explained the specific funding eligibility requirements and pointed out that applications will not be available until late April. It is anticipated that the Department will seek as much project funding as possible. -5- The Ridge Road Park project was updated and the most recent diagram was displayed. It is anticipated that the project's first phase will go out for bid some time in late March. The Commission questioned some of the line items as shown on the Department's monthly budget update. RECREATION COMMISSION SECRETARY APPOINTED Acting Chairman Granger noted that the time had come for the Commission to consider appointing a secretary to record the official minutes of all meetings. Inasmuch as Elaine Wilson, Recreation Department Secretary, will be in attendance at all monthly meetings, it would seem logical that she be considered for the position of secretary to the Recreation Commission. Commissioner Martin made the motion to appoint Elaine as secretary to the Commission. Acting Chairman Granger seconded the motion and after polling all Commission members, the motion was unanimously approved. Commissioner Bly questioned whether the Commission had the power or the right to appoint such a position. After a brief discussion it was pointed out that based on Section #243 of the General Municipal Law, that "a Town Recreation Commission has power over the appointment and dismissal of officers and employees of the Commission...." There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:36 P.M. The next meeting will be held on April 13th at 7:30 P.M.