2003-01-07
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
January 7,2003
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of
Queensbury held Tuesday, January 7, 2003 at the Queensbury Town Office building, in
the Supervisor's Conference Room (#37). Chairman Simmonds called the meeting to
order at 7:30 a.m. '
Present:
Commissioners Etu, Fusco, Goedert, Irish, LaBombard, and Simmonds
Absent:
Commissioner Maine
Also
Present:
Aquatic Supervisor Carr and Director Hansen
Guests:
Councilman Boor
INTRODUCTIONS
Commissioner Simmonds introduced the two new Commissioners, Connie Goedert and
Joe Fusco and the department's new Aquatic Supervisor, Elise Carr.
Commissioner Simmonds inquired if 7:30 am was satisfactory to everyone as the
regular meeting time and all agreed. The 2003 commission meeting schedule was
reviewed and adopted.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The director explained, because there was no meeting in December that he had
forgotten to include the November 2002 meeting minutes in this month's packet, but
will include them in the packet for the February meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS FROM VISITORS
The director reviewed the correspondence included in the monthly packet and reminded
commissioners about their individual mail boxes at the department offices.
The commission expressed concern with two items (additional requirements) in the
letter from Dan Luciano, OSI, and requested clarification before having the director
submit the Faith Bible Church property management plan to the Town Board. Having
OSI "sign off" on actual construction plans was not acceptable to some of the
commission. There was further discussion and the director was instructed to contact
Dan Luciano and report back as soon as possible.
The copies of the Post Star articles included in the monthly packet were also reviewed
and there was discussion on the school construction project (update by Commissioner
LaBombard) and the affect on the department's seasonal ice rink program. The
commission suggested that the department investigate the rental of portable lights for
the Hovey Pond rink and, if feasible, arrange for said lights as quickly as possible.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Park Proiects - Discussion
Chairman Simmonds reviewed the 12/03/02 Ridge/Jenkinsville Park neighborhood
meeting in terms of where the commission/department should go regarding park facility
development. She reiterated that the neighborhood group that evening had expressed
their desire to expand, at this time, the facilities proposed at the site to include
basketball court, tennis court, nature trails, controlled access and other things. She also
pointed out that the Post Star article primarily only addressed the issue of lights on the
softball fields with headlines that the lights were not going to happen. Councilman Boor
also mentioned that he had received numerous comments from his area constituency,
who were opposeq to the lights. The director briefly explained the original LA Group
conceptual plan drawing and there was discussion on the need for additional athletic
field facilities (soccer field, basketball and tennis courts and softball fields). There was
discussion on access/egress to the park and if the park could be gated, fenced or in
some way closed off at night. The department's temporary remedies (berms, wood
barricades, etc.) were detailed and it was the consensus that other alternatives to
"close off the park more adequately" should be investigated this spring.
With regard to moving forward on park facilities at this time, it was moved, seconded
and unanimously approved that the director proceed with the field expansion/fencing
portion of the R/J Park project as quickly as possible. The decision on lights as well as
other park facilities will be discussed at a later date.
ACC/Town Recreation Facility Proiect
Chairman Simmonds reported on the Adirondack Community College (ACC) presentation
and explained that the Facilities Superintendent, Mr. Palangi would be forming a task
group to investigate the project further. The director was instructed to "stay in contact"
with this individual to keep the project moving.
There was discussion on the need for a project manager for this project and at what
point in the process this individual was needed. Further discussion among
commissioners continued and no decision (project manager) was made.
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Glen Lake Proøertv Acauisition
The director circulated copies of the Glen Lake property appraisal recently completed by
Beaty Appraisals. Mr. Beaty feels the lake property has considerable value and has
appraised the .2-acre parcel with 49 feet of lakefront, at $162,000 ($85,000 for land
and the remainder for the two story structure).
The commission reviewed the appraisal figures and after discussion a motion was
made, seconded and unanimously approved to offer the owner up to $162,000,
preferably without going through a realtor.
Hiland Park Area Project Status
The director relayed that he had been in telephone contact with Mr. Dave Lee (Klaff
Realty-Chicago, IL) regarding the possible purchase of the 55-acre vacant parcel off
Meadowbrook Road. He explained that the owner did not want to subdivide the parcel
and that the acreage was assessed at $196,000. He mentioned although the
department did not need or want the entire parcel, that some of the area was
necessary in order for the public to adequately be able to access and use the 75-150
acre Hiland/Reed property (surrounding Halfway Brook). There was further discussion
about adequate parking, accessibility from the Reed property and the need for an
appraisal. It was the consensus, at this time that the latter was not necessary and the
director was instructed to stay in touch with the owner and "make him an offer of
$50,000-60,000 and see what he says".
MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORT
The director presented a short verbal monthly department report and there were no
comments.
There being no further business, the commission adjourned at 9:10 a.m. The next
meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2003 in the Supervisor's Conference
Room (#37) at the Queensbury Town Office Building.
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen, Director
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