2000-08-01
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
AUGUST 1, 2000
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of
Queensbury held Tuesday, August 1, 2000 at Hovey Pond Park, Queensbury,
New York. Chainnan Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioners Auer, LaBombard, Maine, Schachner and
Simmonds
ALSO
PRESENT: Director Hansen
ABSENT: Commissioners Carusone (ex) and Hersh (ex)
VISITORS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None
COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS FROM VISITORS
The director reviewed the items of correspondence included in the monthly
packet and the materials mailed previously. The latter included letters to; The
Michaels Group, the response to the land being dedicated by John Austin and
the Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve acceptance memo. There was no further
discussion.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve (HPNP) Status
The commission was advised regarding the status of the HPNP Conservation
Easement and it was explained that the Town Board would fonnally accept the
83.S-acre parcel at their meeting on August 7th. Dan Luciano, OSI
representative, will be there, and any interested commissioner who would wish
to attend can contact the director, who will also be there.
NEW BUSINESS
Hovev Pond - Eagle Scout Protect
The director reviewed Adam M. Baertschi's Eagle Scout Badge project (play
apparatus structure) information included in the monthly packet. The project
includes the purchase and construction of a 10WxI6'Lxl0'H play apparatus
kit at Hovey Pond Park (28'x40' area adjacent to the small picnic grove - off the
southwest corner of the pond). A picture of the apparatus was distributed and
there was discussion on the size of the structure, color, fall-zone material to be
used and how the structure would be curbed.
The director was in favor of the project but reminded the commission that at
the previous meeting, the Friends of Hovey Pond (FHP) representatives had
expressed concern with the idea. They were apprehensive that such a structure
would not be suitable with the "nature of the park" as they envisioned the site.
Mter further discussion, the commission agreed to continue with the project
provided their concerns regarding; safety of the structure, slide color change if
possible and method of anchoring the structure more securely were confirmed
by the director. The director will discuss the commission's comments with
Eagle Scout candidate Baertschi and, if necessary also make the department's
resources available.
As an aside, the director pointed out that the department had assisted with the
FHP park cleanup project and was in the process of contacting a local tree
specialist to evaluate the trees at this park site (per 7 / 11/00 meeting).
Hudson River Park - Floating Boat Dock
The director mentioned that he had been approached by the Town Supervisor
to purchase and install a floating boat dock at Hudson River Park (HRP). He
reminded the commission that this structure had been included in the original
park plans, but due to a lack of funding, this item was excluded from the final
contract. He briefly explained the need for such a dock and described the L-
shaped floating dock system and small concrete ramp. He advised the
commission that J. Miller; HRP project landscape architect had supplied the
name of a New York firm (Sullivan Flotation Systems) that specialized in the
construction/installation of this type of structure. Although the director had
made initial contact with this firm, he had no specifics and only a general cost
estimate of $3,000 - $5,000. Furthermore, the 3-year Army Corps Of Engineers
(ACOE) permits for this portion of the project had just expired.
2
A number of commissioners requested additional information and were
opposed to proceeding with the project unless a new or extended ACOE permit
was in place. In addition, the commission had concems regarding funding and
the design of the structure. The director was instructed to investigate further
and report back as soon as possible.
MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORT
The director presented a short verbal monthly department report and
highlighted a number of ongoing summer programs and events. There were
questions on the status of the pool repair project at Gurney Lane and it was
suggested that the September commission meeting be scheduled as a
combination tour and picnic cookout for the commission and staff at this site.
This was agreed and all concemed will be contacted in advance.
The director reminded the commissioner's of their pledge to investigate a wheel
chair accessible drinking fountain at Hovey Pond Park. This suggestion was
proposed by B. Monahan and M.L. Gosline at the July commission meeting and
the director relayed the information (cost, size, etc.) he had obtained. He
mentioned that inasmuch as the drinking fountain at the Queensbury School
tennis courts needed to be replaced, that a possible trade might be effectuated.
He suggested that the present "handicapped accessible" fountain be removed
and reinstalled at the school site. In its place a new "wheelchair accessible"
drinking fountain be purchased and installed for next season. The commission
concurred and authorized the director to proceed.
There being no further business, the commission meeting was adjoumed at
7:46 p.m. The next meeting will be held on September 5,2000 beginning at
approximately 6:00 p.m. at the Gumey Lane Recreation Area pavilion.
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen, Director
3