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1998-03-03 QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MEETING MARCH 3, 1998 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Queensbury held Tuesday, March 3, 1998, at the Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury, New York. Chairman Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners Carusone, Hersh, Maine, Schachner and Simmonds ALSO PRESENT: Director Hansen and Ass't. Director Lovering ABSENT: VISITORS: Commissioners Auer and LaBombard (ex) None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Carusone made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Maine to approve the minutes of the February 3, 1998 meeting. There were no corrections and the minutes were unanimously approved by voice vote. COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS The director briefly reviewed the monthly correspondence which included; a thank you letter to Charles Mellon (fire chief-Bay Ridge Fire Co.) for assisting in the creation of an ice- skating rink at Ridge/Jenkinsville Park, Bob Eddy's note concerning the blossom festival and craft show at the Glens Falls Armory and finally, a letter from Dave Miele (president- Glens Falls Flyers) regarding additional pool time. Commissioner Hersh commented about concerns the commission expressed following the flyers request in the fall of 1996 for additional pool time. The director mentioned that the department had scheduled a meeting with Mr. Miele for March 5th to discuss scheduling of pool time, as well as other topics. RECREATION COMMISSION SURVEY A copy of all survey questions was presented in a formal layout. The director pointed out that the updated copy included all changes and comments that 11ave been made. Chairman Simmonds suggested the need for clip art or graphics within the text. The director reiterated that the commission must take time to fully review the survey questions and layout with a critical eye. After discussing the importance of presenting a survey with clear and concise questions, it was decided that all commissioners should be given adequate time to critique the information (at which time a meeting would be scheduled to review it) before finalization. At this time it was agreed that the commission should meet one half hour before its regularly scheduled meeting on April ih to discuss the survey -2- information. Commissioner Hersh agreed to preside as committee chairman in Commissioner Carusone's absence. NAMING OF NEW PARK The assistant director was commended for his work on the contest to name the new town park (115 children in grades K-12 responded to the contest). The commission reviewed all entries and chose three names for town board consideration. Finalist selected were: "Big Boom Park", "Hudson River Park" and "Northway Park". It was also agreed that the winner(s) would be allowed to register, free of charge, for any and all programs offered for the period of one year (June 1st-June 1st). COMMITTEE REPORTS Commissioner Carusone briefly explained the subject of the personnel committee's recommendation (issue: whether to hire the children of commission members or department employees) and conveyed his desire to defer discussion until all seven members were able to express their opinions (Commissioners Auer and . LaBombard absent, Commissioner Schachner a late arrival). After weighing the need to hear all opinions versus the need to finally vote on the personnel committee's recommendation, the commission decided that a special meeting would be held at 8:00 a.m., on March 11th to review, discuss and vote on this recommendation. During a second report, Commissioner Carusone stated that the personnel committee was asked to investigate concerns Commissioner Auer had presented during executive session at the January meeting relative to âifficulties he had with the director. The committee made a written report (provided in each commissioners packet) which included a recommendation to the commission. The recommendation made was that no action be taken on Commissioner Auer's complaint. Commissioner Maine made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Hersh, to approve the personnel committee's recommendation and the motion was unanimously approved by voice vote. The personnel committee also made an aside to this recommendation which stated that whenever a commissioner involves themselves in the daily activities of the department, it would be better if conclusions of such involvement were brought directly to the commission at one of its meetings. By doing this the entire commission can be informed and any necessary decisions be made, thereby allowing the commission to act as it was created to do. After considerable discussion concerning topics ranging from the role of the commission and its individual members to the daily operation of the department, the commission agreed with the importance that they, the commission, must operate as an informed group and not as individuals. -3- MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORT The assistant director presented a verbal monthly report highlighting the new indoor soccer program (grades 1-4) and its initial successes. He also reported that the request from the flyers swim club (additional pool time) would be handled at the staff level before involving the commission. A report of the March 5th discussion would be "made at the April commission meeting. A proposal presented by Jeff Varmet (Supra Fitness and Skate Park) to the town board was distributed. The proposal calls for the town to pay $1,140 per month (for 2 months) in exchange for free admittance of all Queensbury children ages 10-20. The town board asked the commission to consider this proposal and after reading and briefly discussing it, the commission agreed that the facility should be visited before any formal consideration or recommendation is given. There being no further business, the Commission meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.rn. The next meeting will be held on April 7, 1998, beginning at 6:30 p.m., in the Supervisor's conference room (#37), at the Queensbury Town Office Building. Sharron L. Simmonds, Chairman Minutes prepared by Steven M. Lovering, Ass't. Director