2003-05-06
Queensbury Recreation Commission
Minutes of the May 6, 2003 regular meeting held in the Conference Room, Town of
Queensbury Office Building
Chairman Doug Irish called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.
Present: Commissioners Etu, Fusco, Goedert, Irish, LaBombard, Maine
Staff Present: Director Hansen, Assistant Director Lovering
Also attending: R.Boor, Town Board Member/Liaison, Dan Luciano of Open Space
Institute
Aooroval of Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Maine, seconded by Commissioner Goedert to approve the
minutes of the April 1, 2003 regular meeting. All members present approved,
Unfinished Business
Moved by Commissioner Fusco, seconded by Commissioner Maine to approve the
revised Mission Statement and submit it to the Town Board for their meeting on May
19th. All members present approved. Chairman Irish will give the Board a presentation
on the proposed Recreation Center.
Park Project Status Report was distributed by Director Hansen and reviewed. Chairman
Irish asked for a breakdown of the figures shown for the Hiland Park Area. Director
Hansen provided this. There was a great deal of discussion on this property and the
stream access and use. Some residents and Girl Scouts oppose canoe usage on the stream
that crosses their property. It was anticipated these residents would be at a meeting this
evening on Open Space to discuss their concerns.
Director Hansen reported he and Deb Roberts of Roberts Environmental Consulting
walked the Meadowbrook property and determined there was a good deal of wetlands
present. A wetlands report will be completed and submitted to the Army Corp of
Engineers. This property continues to be an option for the proposed new Recreation
Center. The Commission agreed to formally hire an environmental consultant to inspect
and prepare an environmental report on the Meadowbrook property.
The Town Board approved purchase of a thermal pool cover for the Gurney Lane Pool on
Monday May 5, 2003 at a cost of $9,728.60.
The Highway Department will pave the two park roadways and parking lot at
Ridge/Jenkinsville for a cost of $25,000,
Discussion on the use ofthe launch on Glen Lake for Jet Skis. This is not allowed
according to the current guidelines.
Chairman Irish noted the Hudson River Park was heavily used this past weekend.
Commission Goedert asked the proposed ski trails project with City of Glens Falls be part
ofthe park project report, This led to the discussion on the meeting with officials of
Glens Falls on the proposed Cross-Country ski trails off Dixon Road. Chairman Irish
indicated that, in accordance with Recreation Commission by-laws, any and all such
future meetings should include the Chairman of the Recreation Commission and that no
one should speak for, or represent the Commission but the Chair, Vice Chair or
Secretary. Director Hansen indicated the meetings were for gathering information and
not intended to by-pass the Commission.
Communications
Dan Luciano rrom the Open Space Institute, Inc. (OSI) was introduced. Mr. Luciano
attended at the request of the Commission to clarify some concerns regarding the
Management Agreement on the former Faith Bible Church Property. Chairman Irish
reviewed two (2) concerns: First, the approval by OSI of any construction plans prior to
construction, and second the need for the Town to invest in the property in order to
support the donation of the property,
Mr, Luciano reviewed the intent ofthe Management Agreement wording assuring
everyone it was not the intent of OSI to limit the Town or Recreation Commission in the
construction of park and recreation facilities. There was further discussion on OSI
purpose, philosophy and funding. It was the general feeling that Mr. Luciano had
addressed everyone's concerns, New members on the Commission especially
appreciated his attending and explanations.
Committee Reports
Motion made by Chairman Irish, seconded by Commissioner Fusco to approve the hiring
of Greg Ferentino as a consultant for the proposed Recreation Center at a cost not to
exceed $19,000 for the remainder of the year. All members approved. Chairman Irish
instructed Director Hansen to arrange for the appropriations to be set up with the Town
Controllers office and the Town Board,
Commissioner Etu distributed a copy of his notes on the April 29th meeting between the
Recreation Commission and representative of Adirondack Community College. He
briefly reviewed the high points ofthe meeting. (See File)
Director Hansen reviewed a memo from Henry Hess, Town Controller regarding the
Robert Bolen property on Lake George. Some discussion took place and it was agreed to
hold our next meeting June 1 st at the site of this property. (See Memo dated 4.29.03)
Chairman Irish requested copies of the Master plan dated March 15, 1991 are made
available by the next meeting.
Director Hansen reported:
Pool usage at Ramada Inn for summer adult swim
Earth day celebration yesterday for students very successful
Softball leagues to begin play on Monday
Program and Activity Brochure being worked on
Commissioner LaBombard asked about the vacant seat on the Commission. Chairman
Irish responded by indicating the Town will be advertising, however interested parties
should write a letter of interest to the Town Supervisor.
Motion to Adjourn by Commissioner Maine, seconded by Commissioner LaBombard at
9:25 a.m. All members approved.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday June 1, 2003 at the Robert Bolen property on
Lake George.
Respectfully submitted,
~Û¿)
Jose~co
Commission Secretary