1996-09-03
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
SEPTEMBER 3, 1996
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the
Town of Queensbury held Tuesday, September 3, 1996, at the
Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury, New York. Chairman
Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Auer, Hersh, LaBombard, Maine and
Simmonds
ALSO
PRESENT:
Director Hansen
ABSENT:
Commissioner Carusone and Schachner (ex)
VISITORS:
Jim Miller
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Auer made a motion to approve the minutes of the May
14 and June 11, 1996 meetings, it was seconded by Commissioner
Maine and unanimously approved by voice vote.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS FROM VISITORS
The Chairman welcomed Jim Miller who updated the Commission on the
status of the Hudson River Park project. He briefly reviewed the
permit process with both the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and the
Department of Environmental Conservation (ENCON) and explained that
the latter regulatory agency would only be interested in wetland
incursion. He relayed that the ACOE would be more interested in
the boat launch and its effect on the river and less interested on
any possible wetland disturbance. Jim displayed a set of
preliminary project/construction drawings and his remarks generated
considerable discussion regarding the boat launch and some of the
other park facilities. Jim reviewed and outlined the boat launch
detail sheet and explained how the river because of (high/low water
levels) would affect the design of the structure considerably. He
relayed information about the Niagara Mohawk Power Co. dams as well
as other pertinent river data and there was further discussion. He
reiterated that the launch, because of certain factors would be
longer, but was exactly the same width as the old ramp and that the
structure could not be limited or restricted by the design of the
ramp. There was discussion on handicapped accessibility and
fishing access and Jim explained that these items would be part of
the bid packages as "alternates." Therefore, based on the cost
estimate when bids are opened, these alternates could either be
included at that point (phase I), or rejected until a later phase.
-2-
There was discussion on boat launch restrictions including, how,
who and, if necessary, or even warranted? The Director reminded
the Commission that the Town Board was expecting some form of
recommendation on the subject and that a number of experts would be
attending the Commission's October meeting to speak on the topic.
Based on the information gathered from that meeting the Commission
would then be better able to evaluate the situation and advise the
Board. There was continued discussion on the river/boat launch
facility including; erosion from boat wakes, enforcement and
regulatory responsibilities of water craft, facility liability,
other boat launch options as well as the Commission's obligations
to provide public recreation opportunities. Jim Miller also
pointed out that the boat launch parking was limited to 6 vehicles
and that the river by its very length and width was a
limiting factor (boat size and horsepower). The Director also
mentioned that both ENCON and Warren County Parks and Recreation
officials would be in attendance at the October meeting to provide
additional information. This data/input should help the Commission
arrive at a viable solution to the question of need to regulate the
boat launch.
The Director briefly reviewed the items of correspondence included
in the monthly packet and the Commission requested additional
information on the Warren County Board resolution (23 year
revocable license). The Gurney Lane Pool incident report was also
discussed and the entire pool staff, especially Albert Faller, were
commended for their actions that day. Two Commissioners suggested
that the Department investigate the possibility of adding a new
full time aquatics position. Discussion followed and it was
decided that the proposal should be evaluated in more detail by the
personnel committee. Thereafter, the committee will submit a
subsequent recommendation to the Commission.
The Commission reviewed the 1995-97 Department budget comparison
chart and the Director explained the timetable with regard to the
Town Board's budget review process and subsequent adoption. There
were comments on the revenue figures and the Director explained
that the Comptroller was increasing the Department's projection by
$20,000. This would mean analyzing all park and recreation
programs/activities and revising the present fee structure to
include non-resident fees as well as new program fees. It was
explained that the Department would, undoubtedly, have to re-
evaluate all programs and facilities in order to meet the projected
revenue figure.
There were no committee reports and Commissioner Auer distributed
a 3 year attendance synopsis for all Commissioners.
-3-
There being no further business, the Commission meeting was
adjourned at 8:55 p.m. The next meeting will be held on October 1,
1996, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the Supervisor's conference room
(#37), at the Queensbury Town Office Building.
~~
arron L. immonds, Chairman
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen