1999-11-02
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
NOVEMBER 2, 1999
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of
Queensbury held Tuesday, November 2, 1999 at the Queensbury Town Office Building,
Queensbury, New York. Vice-Chairman Carusone called the meeting to order at 7:00
pm.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Auer, Carusone, Hersh, LaBombard, Maine
ALSO
PRESENT:
Doug Irish, Pliney Tucker, Aquatic Supervisor Herald, Asst.
Director Lovering and Director Hansen
ABSENT:
Commissioner Schachner (ex) and Simmonds (ex)
VISITORS:
John Cozzens and Doug Miller (Queensbury Little League),
Dave Michaels (Michael's Group)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Hersh made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Maine to approve the
minutes of the September 7, 1999 meeting. Commissioner Hersh also moved to approve
the minutes of October 5, 1999, and this was seconded by Commissioner laBombard.
After noting a grammatical error, in the September 7, 1999 minutes (to be corrected in
the file copy), both sets of minutes were unanimously approved by voice vote.
REMARKS FROM VISITORS
Vice Chairman Carusone welcomed John Cozzens, Queensbury Little League (QLL)
President who spoke to the commission on the Little League's situation. He briefly
explained the little league's status in terms of operating expenditures and income,
registration, equipment, facility capital improvement and maintenance. He relayed that
the league had earlier this fall, requested and been granted funding ($15,000.) from the
Town Board (2000 budget year). He outlined the Little League's operation and
indicated that he was hopeful of having the commission/department assist the league
with future maintenance and/or league registration.
A number of commissioners inquired with regard to the league's fee structure, future
development, expansion internet e-mail/web site information and discussion continued
on field maintenance (mowing) and safety. Possibly assisting the league with
registration this coming spring was discussed and the staff was asked to research the
feasibility and report back at the December meeting. Vice Chairman Carusone thanked
the Little League representatives for their information and relayed that the subject
(league assistance) would be discussed in detail at the next monthly meeting.
Thereafter, the department would be in contact with Mr. Cozzens regarding possible
assistance.
COMMUNICATIONS
The director briefly reviewed the items of correspondence included in the monthly
packet and there were comments on the Post Star article and the swim lesson "thank
you" e-mail.
Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve (HRNP) Conservation Easement
The director summarized the HRNP conservation easement document which had been
received from the Open Space Institute (OSI) in September. He pointed out that the
document seemed to be quite restrictive and as such might curtail or limit possible
future development of the site as a town park. He expressed the department's concern
and requested that the commission examine and analyze the conservation easement in
preparation for discussing the document, at the December meeting. He reiterated that
he had spoken with Joe Martens, OSI and mentioned that the commission would be
reviewing the easement document prior to Town Board approval. He (J. Martens) had
no objection and mentioned that the conservation easement was a standard form
document that was modified occasionally, based on the specific parcel being conveyed.
The commission was in agreement and the director was instructed to include this item
on the December meeting agenda.
MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REP9RT
Aquatics Supervisor Herald reported on a variety of swim program information and was
questioned on specific program registration (resident vs. non-resident). The feasibility
of repainting the racing lines on the bottom of Gurney Lane pool was discussed and
Commissioner LaBombard requested that this be completed for the upcoming season.
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The Director distributed copies of the 11/1/99 reply letter to OSI (Faith Bible Church).
He also reported that in a subsequent phone conversation with J. Martens this morning,
that he (J. Martens) was now somewhat less positive that OSI and the church would
consummate the property purchase agreement. In brief the church and OSI were in
disagreement over the cost of and responsibility for the property's clean-up. He (J.
Martens) was less than optimistic, however, the two parties were still negotiating and he
would keep the department apprised of any and all progress.
MICHAEL'S GROUP (MG1 PRESENTATION
Dave Michaels (Michael's Group) arrived, was introduced and presented his
organizations proposal with regard to the development of the 72 acre parcel off
Meadowbrook Road. He distributed two copies of area maps and outlined his
organization's tentative plans for the property. He indicated that the MG would only be
developing approximately 1/2 the property and that a portion of the site, approximately
40 acres, was under consideration for use as a recreational facility (to be donated to the
town). He pointed out that the MG had discussed a similar usage with ACC
representative and they were hopeful the town and ACC could work cooperatively to
develop the site. In addition, he mentioned that the MG was in the process of
developing a more specific concept site plan including extensive market research for the
buildable area.
The commission directed numerous questions at Mr. Michaels including how the MG
might convey the parcel (donation, in exchange for, sale, etc.) a general time frame for
the conveyance, any restrictions or easements the MG might attach to the donation, etc.
Mr. Michaels also inquired if the commission had any possible future plans for the site
and a variety of options were suggested (combination office building/gym facility, pole
barn for ice skating rink, swimming pool, athletic facilities, etc.)
After further discussion it was the consensus, that the offer by the Michael's Group had
tremendous potential as a future park and recreation area. Furthermore, the
commission agreed to continue dialogue with ACC representatives once the MG has
completed the concept plan. Mr. Michaels pointed out that he expected to have
preliminary plans ready for the town planning board by January/February. The
commission thanked Mr. Michaels for his presentation.
MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORT - continued
The director briefed the commission on a number of important matters including;
possible problems/major repairs to the Gurney Lane pool facility and the upcoming
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Administrative Tribunal Hearing (Gurney Lane Pool, N.Y.S. Department of Health
infraction).
There being no further business, the commission meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
The next meeting will be held on December 7, 1999, beginning at 7:00 pm, in the
Supervisor's Conference Room #37 at the Queensbury Town Office Building.
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John Carusone, Vice-Chairman
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen, Director
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