2005-06-07
Queensbury Recreation Commission
Queensbury, NY 12804
Minutes of the June 7, 2005 regular meeting held at the Town of Queensbury Office
Complex Conference Room.
Chairman Jack LaBombard called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Commissioners Etu, Fusco, LaBombard, Maine, and Mott.
Staff Present: Director Hansen, Assistant Director Lovering, Aquatic Director Carr
Guests Present: Councilman John Strough, Consultant Farentino, Student Meredith
Clynes
Approval of the Minutes:
Moved by Commissioner Maine, seconded by Commissioner Etu to approve the minutes
of the May 3, 2005 meeting and place on file. All members present approved.
Communications and Remarks from Visitors: (see file for copies)
. Copies of memo from Warren County Dept. of Public works regarding West
Mountain Road and Corinth Road Shoulder Widening for Bike Lanes was
distributed and briefly discussed.
. Final article in Post Star on Community Center "grinding to a halt."
. Letter from Town attorney to School attorney on tennis court agreement
distributed and briefly discussed.
. Budget Control Report distributed
Unfinished Business
. Queensbury Community Center--Chairman LaBombard asked for discussion to
begin concerning future direction. Commissioner Fusco began by stating two
points of serious concern. First, the lack of support from the Town Board in not
accepting our recommendation to submit project to the voters. This is not the first
time they have taken a major decision out of the hands of the Commission. He
asked a question, why have a Commission? Why not have the Town Board make
all major decisions for the Recreation Commission since all we seem to be
dealing with is the "fluff." Second, Commissioner Fusco stated that in his 40 plus
years of public service concerning budget hearings, referendum hearings and such
he has never experienced a populace as nasty, rude and vindictive as was
evidenced during the four public informational meetings. Isn't it possible for
these attendees to disagree without being so disagreeable? To treat volunteers in
this manner is uncalled for and does not reflect favorably on the people of
Queensbury, if in fact they represent the people of Queensbury.
o Further discussion continued on the lack of support from the Town Board.
There was also discussion on our future direction in terms of architect
services. JMZ is paid in full to date with instruction from Director Hansen
to not do anything further without notice from the Commission.
o Downsizing the project was discussed in terms of how much to downsize
and what target figure to use. Director Hansen recommended we wait
until after the elections since Town Board support is critical. Also critical
is an advisory committee made up of various factions of the community
such as the YMCA, Senior Citizens, School personnel, hospital personnel
and others. Commissioner Mott suggested the committee begin
discussions in September.
o In Summary it was the general consensus of the Commission to begin
revisiting a downsized project with broad community representation in the
fall.
. Park Project Status (see report dated 06-01-05)
o Ridge/Jenkinsville Park is about complete and ready for use. Interesting
to note the project was completed $14,000 under the bid amount. Ribbon
cutting ceremony being planned in conjunction with the Commission
meeting of July 5th at 6:30 pm.
o Hovey Pond final rendering by Jim Miller of Master Plan was reviewed.
Phase 1 of this renovation to begin and will include the entrance, parking
lot, and Veterans Memorial Monument.
o Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve-river conditions and wet areas still do not
allow for the new bridge to be installed.
New Business
Discussion on possible locations of a Skateboard Park. Chairman LaBombard sees this
as a high priority for future discussions along with a dog park.
Committee Reports
· Budget-no report
· Bylaws-no report
· School Liaison-no report
· Personnel-no report
· Planning-Commissioner Etu is having a planning committee meeting on June 21 st.
· Program Review-no report
Monthly Department Report
Department brochures distributed along with summer program flyer for which the staff is
to be commended. It is a quality product reflecting favorably on the Department.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Mott, seconded by Commissioner Maine
at 8:30 p.m. All members present approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Approved by,
Joseph Fusco, Secretary
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