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1997-04-29 ~.. QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MEETING APRIL 29, 1997 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Queensbury held Tuesday April 29, 1997 at the Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury, New York. Acting Chairman LaBombard called the meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners Auer, Hersh, LaBombard, Maine and Schachner ALSO PRESENT: Director Hansen and Ass't. Director Lovering ABSENT: Commissioners Carusone and Simmonds (ex) VISITORS: Janet Blagbrough and Lori Dickinson APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Schachner made a motion seconded by Commissioner Maine to approve the minutes of April 1, 1997. There were no corrections and the minutes were unanimously approved by voice vote. COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS Janet Blagbrough and Lori Dickinson introduced themselves and relayed that they were present to speak about skateboarding and the need for a skateboard park. They provided information about this type of activity and the individuals who participate. It was mentioned that there seemed to be no place in the area where young adults could enjoy this sport. In addition, Mrs. Blagbrough mentioned that the City of Glens Falls has now passed an ordinance against skateboarding. There was further discussion on both the activity as well as the facility needed to accommodate skateboard enthusiasts. Commissioner Hersh mentioned that the Commission was in the process of completing a community wide park and recreation survey, the result of which might help to determine and justify the need for a skateboard area. Possible methods of funding were considered and facility size/cost of construction were also discussed. A number of commissioners commented on the logistics of using a "hard surfaced" area at a town park as a temporarily skateboarding facility. Adequate notification as well as supervision were mentioned as concerns and Commissioner Schachner explained that he believed the Commission's actions needed to be "somewhat more formal" . Commissioner Hersh agreed and suggested that the department designate -2- certain times and days for skateboard usage and publicize this information in the summer brochure. The Director agreed and will, through the brochure, alert the community with regard to creating a temporary skateboarding area (specified times and dates) as soon as possible this summer. The visitors thanked the Commission for their time and there were no further comments. The Director briefly reviewed the items of correspondence included in the monthly packet and there was discussion on the Planning Board's memo (Schemerhorn/Crossroads Park land dedication). Most of the Commissioners relayed that they had toured the site and after discussion about buildability/passive usage, Commissioner Auer moved to reject the land dedication offer (request fee instead). Commissioner Hersh seconded the motion which was approved by majority vote (Commissioner Hersh abstained). RECREATION COMMISSION SURVEY-DISCUSSION The Commission reviewed the revised sample of the survey draft and an additional information sheet (survey cost estimates) was distributed by the Director. The survey cost data was reviewed and it was suggested that other area printers (Creative Printing & Brennan's) be contacted to bid on the survey printing. The question of requesting funding for the project from the Town Board was discussed and it was agreed that a final decision would be made at the next meeting. HUDSON RIVER PARK UPDATE The Director updated the Commission on the status of the Hudson River Park project and displayed a pictorial representation of the play apparatus chosen for the park. He also showed an example of the reinforced polyethylene molded materials which will be used in the place of the traditional tubular steel support structure. Handicapped access to the apparatus was also mentioned and is included as part of the structure. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION The personnel committee's recommendation was briefly-reviewed and the Director distributed a copy of the chairman's memo regarding the present situation was well as the Girl Scouts organization's position on nepotism. There was brief discussion on the recommendation including a recap of the events/circumstances leading up to the present by Commissioner Auer. After further discussion on the question of nepotism it was the consensus that considering the time and absence of two Commissioners (Simmonds and Carusone) that the Commission should postpone any vote on the personnel committee's recommendation until the June meeting. The staff explained that the hiring of summer employees would not be adversely affected, if a decision on the recommendation were not made until June. Following additional -3- discussion on the topic, a motion was made (Commissioner Auer) and seconded (Commissioner LaBombard) to adopt the alternative proposal presented by Commissioner Schachner sometime ago. The Commission was polled and the motion was defeated (2-yes and 3-no's). The Director was instructed to ensure that the topic was again on the Commission's agenda for the June meeting. MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORT A number of Department activities were briefly highlighted by the Director and there were no further comments. There being no further business, the Commission meeting was adjourned at 9:31 p.m. The next meeting will he held on June 3, 1997, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the Supervisor's conference room (#37), at the Queensbury Town Office Building. ~x~~ Sharron L. S1mmonds, Chairman Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen