1997-10-07
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QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
OCTOBER 7, 1997
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the
Town of Queensbury held Tuesday, October 7, 1997 at the Queensbury
Town Office Building, Queensbury, New York. Chairman Simmonds
called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Auer, Carusone, Hersh, LaBombard, and
Simmonds
ALSO
PRESENT:
Director Hansen
ABSENT:
Commissioners Maine (ex) and Schachner (ex)
VISITORS:
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Hersh made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Auer to
approve the minutes of the June 3, 1997 meeting. There were no
corrections and the minutes were unanimously approved by voice
vote. A motion to approve the minutes of the September 2, 1997
meeting was also made by Commissioner Hersh, seconded by
Commissioner LaBombard and subsequently approved unanimously by
voice vote with no corrections.
COMMUNICATIONS .AND REMARKS FROM VISITORS
The commission reviewed the items of correspondence included in the
monthly packet and there was discussion on the upcoming joint
skateboard meeting in October (Glens Falls City Hall). The
director relayed that commission members were invited and
Commissioners Auer, LaBombard and Simmonds agreed to attend.
Hudson River Park Project Report #9 was briefly reviewed and it was
pointed out that there are a few items at the facility which still
do not meet specifications. The director also reported that a
number of project vendors/subcontractors had contacted the
department regarding not being reimbursed by Nutech for work
completed. Based on this information as well as the park project
work which is yet to be completed (punch list items), the Town
Counsel has recommended that the contractor not receive further
reimbursement until the situation is remedied (memo, 10/2/97). The
amount of contract retainage being withheld was reviewed and there
was considerable discussion on the Town's obligation as it relates
to payment of subcontractors/vendors by the project contractor.
The commission was split on this question and how much, if any, the
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contractor should be paid for work completed to this point. The
director explained that he and the landscape architect were in
agreement that the contractor should be reimbursed for all work
satisfactorily completed. Furthermore, he reiterated that Jim
Miller was confident that the 10% retainage figure being withheld
($14,332.) was more than adequate to remedy the softball field
problems in the spring (only remaining questionable work) .
SKATEBOARD FACILITY DISCUSSION
The director displayed pictures of the Saratoga skateboard facility
and explained the different ramps, half pipes, jumps, etc. The
commission requested additional information on construction
materials, supervision/security, admission income and cost of
operation. There was also discussion on liability insurance and
facility usage in the winter months and the director briefly
summarized the present/future park options available in terms of
possibly constructing such a facility wi thin the Town. He also
reminded them (the commission) that the 10/22/97· joìnt meeting
would undoubtedly be beneficial in terms of providing information
on other area communities and their skateboard park plans, if any.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT PRESENTATION
The director briefly outlined the department's 1997 park equipment
budget line item which included approximately $9500. for the
purchase of replacement/new play apparatus at five Town parks. He
explained that the 1996 st. Paul Insurance Company evaluation of
all park facilities had recommended that much of the current park-
play apparatus was in need of being upgraded. A pictorial display
of the equipment suggested was presented and there were questions
on a number of items. The director also reviewed the park sites
scheduled to receive the different play apparatus. He also pointed
out that the $1000. donation given as a result of the Great Escape
Fun Park's Memorial Weekend fund-raiser was included in the total
amount (purchase of two new ~spring things" at Hudson River Park).
The director reported that he would be requesting quotes (RFQ) from
play equipment vendors/firms in order to get the most equipment and
the best price available.
OSI-FAITH BIBLE CHURCH PROPERTY
The director distributed copies of the recent news article
detailing the OSI-Faith Bible Church property contact and reported
that the Board had adopted through resolution last evening, a
management agreement with OSI to develop the site as a recreational
facility. He mentioned that this is the site on the Hudson ~iver
between the Hudson Pointe Preserve and the 35 acre Town parcel just
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south of the new Native Textiles facility. A number of
commissioners had questions regarding the management agreement and
when park development might begin.
DEPARTMENT BUDGET COMPARISON
The director handed out a 3 year budget comparison sheet and
advised the commission that the Supervisor's proposed budget had
reduced the department's request by almost $39,000. He outlined
the specifics of the proposed cuts and explained the consequences
if the budget is adopted as proposed. A budget workshop meeting to
"discuss the proposed Park and Recreation Department budget" was
scheduled for October 15th and the director requested commission
support at that meeting. Chairman Simmonds volunteered to be in
attendance.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Commissioner Carusone mentioned that the personnel committee issue
of hiring individuals who are related to members of the commission
or related to someone who works full time for the department had
never been resolved. After some discussion it was agreed that the
topic would again be discussed and resolved one way or another at a
future meeting when all seven commissioners were in attendance.
Chairman Simmonds suggested to Commissioner LaBombard (Joint
School-Commission Committee Chairman) that he contact School
Superintendent Dr. Gee to arrange a meeting to discuss issues which
may impact both organizations in the future. Commissioner
LaBombard agreed and will set a date/time and then contact the
members of his committee.
The commission briefly discussed the upcoming November meeting and
it was the consensus that the meeting should not be postponed
because it was election day.
MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORT
The director gave a short verbal report and responded to the parent
of the soccer participant who had previously expressed concern
about non-resident registration. He explained that -no one (either
resident or non-resident) desiring to participate in the soccer
program had been turned away. Furthermore, he pointed out
that of the 500+ participants registered for the soccer program,
only 17 were non-residents. After further discussion, it was the
consensus that the department will in the future, allow residents
to register first before non-residents sign up.
There being no further business, the commission meeting was
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adjourned at 8:34 p.m. The next meeting will be held on November
4, 1997, beginning at 7: 00 p.m., in the Supervisor's conference
room (#37), at the Queensbury Town Office Building.
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/ Sharron L. Simmonds, Chairman
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen