10-04-2016 Queensbury Parks and Recreation Commission, Queensbury,NY 12804
Minutes of the October 4,2016 regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Queensbury
Chairman Eicher called the meeting to order at 7:03PM
1.)Roll Call:
• Present—Judy Goralski,Wendy Matthews,Todd Eicher,Fran Cabana
• Excused:Amanda Mohr,Greg Hewlett
• Staff—Steve Lovering—Director,Lori O'Shaughnessy-Assistant Director,Jennifer Baertschi-Program
Coordinator, Gary Crossman-Aquatic Director
• Guests: 3 Queensbury High School students and citizen Michael Scott
2.) Approval of Minutes:
Commissioner Matthews motioned to approve the September 6,2016 minutes,seconded by Commissioner
Cabana,all members approved.
3.) Communications and Remarks from Visitors: (see file for copies)
a.) Monthly Correspondence:
1.) An email from citizen about the Gurney Lane mountain bike trails,positive comments but also made
some suggestions.
2.) An email about the sighting of a rattlesnake at Rush Pond,it was not a rattlesnake but a black rat snake.
3.) Complaints about horseback riding at Rush Pond and the suggestion that it should be prohibited at that
park.A sign will be posted.
b.) Budget Control:
Director Lovering stated at this point the budget funds are holding up well.
4.) Unfinished Business
a.)2017 Budget meeting—meeting went well,setting revenue projection for 2017 at$315,000,occupancy
tax will remain the same at 2016;$35,000.
b.)Queensbury School Programing: Met with administrators and will continue programs from previous
years at William H.Barton Intermediate School and Queensbury Elementary School to promote student
participation in an extracurricular activity.
c.)Parks and Marketing Update—
• Director Lovering reviewed marketing plan from last year;continuing a presence on Facebook,and
developing an APP for the department as well.Press releases for media relations are written and
released by department personnel.Banners will be hug over Glen Street in Downtown Glens Falls to
promote programs.New resident outreach programs are being discussed.
• Mascot for the Recreation department unveiled;Ranger Rec.Assistant Director O'Shaughnessy
explained how Ranger Rec will be displayed in various places,there is a story and a coloring book to
accompany the life sized cut mascot.
5.)New Business
a) Strides Against Sarcoma 5K Race:The race is scheduled for November 121'2016,Queensbury
Recreation department is helping to sponsor the race.
b) Gurney Lane STATs from 2016 season: Season passes increased 30%over last year.Increases over
last year in the flowing areas;daily pass,swim lessons,and the pavilion.Exceptional summer,all
went smooth,the renovations of the facility were well received.
c) Gurney Lane Parking:Looking to find a person who will open the gates on the weekends for usage
of trails and mountain biking.
d) Hudson River Park:Discussed removing the under-utilized basketball hoop from Hudson River Park
and replacing with Pickle Ball court.
e) Hovey Pond Park: Director Lovering is working on a proposal to repair the marshland walkways.
f) Meadow Brooke Preserve: Director Lovering is working on a proposal to build a 20 foot walkway
out into Halfway Brook
g) Nature Walk Series:New program very well received.Walks lead by Beth Bidwell exploring various
Queensbury Recreation parks.
6.) Committee Reports—None at this time
7.)Additional Information and Reports(see file for copies)none at this time.
8.)Adjournment—A motion was made by Commissioner Matthews,seconded by Commissioner Cabana to
adjourn at 8:1OPM. All members present approved.
9.) Executive Session—A motion was made by Commissioner Eicher,seconded by Commissioner
Matthews to go into executive session at 8:1 OPM. All members present approved.
10.)Adjournment of Executive Session—A motion was made by Commissioner Eicher,seconded by
Commissioner Matthews to adjourn Executive Session at 8:21PM. All members present approved.
Respectfully submitted Approved by:
Judith GoralsId,Commissioner Todd Eicher,Chairman