2001-10-02
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 2, 2001
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of
Queensbury held Tuesday, October 2, 2001 at the Queensbury Town Office Building.
Chairman Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.
Present:
Commissioners Auer, Hersh, laBombard, Irish and Simmonds
Also
Present:
Asst. Director Lovering and Director Hansen
Absent:
Commissioners Maine (ex) and Carusone
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
At the request of Commissioner laBombard the September 4, 2001 minutes were
amended as follows: Commissioner laBombard reported, based on the meeting he
attended, that the new tennis courts would be built behind the present courts. A final
decision has yet to be made. Also a final decision has yet to be determined regarding
the construction of a field house. Commissioner Hersh moved to approve the amended
minutes of the September 4, 2001 meeting and after a second by Commissioner Irish
the motion was approved unanimously by voice vote.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS FROM VISITORS
The items of correspondence included in the monthly packet were reviewed and there
was discussion on the following:
The copy of a letter sent to the department regarding the summer yoga classes,
requesting that more classes at various times be offered during the year.
A copy of the second letter received by Supervisor Brower from the Hudson Pointe
homeowner complaining of horseback riding at the nature preserve site. The letter was
copied to the Director, Councilman TIm Brewer and The Post Star. The Director pointed
out that, as of now, the management plan between the Town and the Open Space
Institute (OSI) allows for horseback riding (in the nature preserve). He mentioned that
this could be changed by the consent of both parties. After a lengthy discussion it was
suggested that the department take pictures of the slopes and trail for future reference.
The department will also monitor the situation on a periodic basis and the Director will
advise the Supervisor of the commission's discussions (itemizing the information). The
director will ask the supervisor if he would like him to draft a letter of response to the
complainant. The director was also asked to check with Warren County regarding their
regulations for equestrian usage of the snowmobile trails and bike trail. There was also
discussion of imposing a weight limit on the nature preserve bridge, fixing the slope by
adding a type of stair system and designating equestrian trails in other parts of the
town. No additional action followed.
The letter regarding the Ridge- Jenkinsville Park upgrade proposal has been forwarded
to the Town Board. They have had two meetings since receiving the letter and we are
still awaiting their response.
NEW BU$INESS
Commissioner Simmonds relayed information regarding an ambitious project (pool,
community center facility) in the Moreau area. The project group has the land and plans
to build a multi purpose facility with an indoor swimming pool and an ice rink.
COMMI1TEE I\EPORTS
None
MQ'fTHL y D~PARTMENT REPØRTS
The Director reported that Jim Miller, Miller Associates, has requested the commission's
input in naming the Faith Bible Church property. The Director researched the history
behind the undeveloped parcel to the east of the church property and determined it
was to be developed and named "Riverside Park". Dan Luciano (051) added "nature
preserve" and at this point the park to be is being called "Riverside Park and Nature
Preserve". This is only tentative and further discussion by some commissioners
suggested that the new park name include JADAMADA, after John Beale's day camp
facility that he operated as this site years ago. A final decision does not have to be
made for some time.
The Director circulated a picture of the playground apparatus that was recently
completed adjacent to the picnic area at Hovey Pond Park. The apparatus was designed
and constructed as the final requirement for Adam Baertschi's Eagle Scout merit badge.
Another eagle scout candidate also completed his final project (wooden bike racks) and
these 2 items have been located at Hudson River and Hovey Pond Parks respectively.
The Hudson River Park floating dock (4 sections) has been completed and is ready for
installation. We have been unable to find a contractor who will put in the concrete
abutment for a reasonable price. The lowest bid we have right now came in yesterday
after a month and a half of telephone calls and meetings. That bid is $10,300 which is
much more than the department should be paying for approximately 6 yards of
concrete. The director hopes to negotiate with the contractor and get the dock finished
and in, yet this year.
The Director displayed a draft map of the Gurney Lane Recreation Area cross country
ski trails that will be on the back of the winter brochure and available to skiers at the
site.
The Director relayed that he had received a call from David Michaels (The Michaels
Group) regarding the status of their donation of the ten-acre (10) parcel adjacent to
Adirondack Community College (ACC). Mr. Michael's indicated that he would be happy
to work with us (Town & ACC) to develop a recreational facility at the site. The Director
said he would like to call the President of ACC to set up a meeting with the commission
and discuss the possibility of building a multi-purpose facility with gym, swimming pool,
classrooms and offices. Commissioner laBombard said this could possibly be the site for
a field house, rather than the Indian Ridge/school site. It was mentioned that initial
discussions with former ACC President Jane Harmon indicated that the college was
supportive of a therapeutic swimming facility and if built cooperatively (Town & ACC),
that the project could receive up to 700/0 funding from NYS. It was agreed that the
commission should put their ideas together first before discussing the proposal with
ACC and Queensbury School personnel.
The director briefly outlined some of the fall programs already underway and there
were no further comments.
There being no further business, the commission was adjourned at 8:37 am. The next
meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2001, beginning at 7:30 am in the
Supervisor's Conference Room (#37) at the Queensbury Town Office Building.
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen, Director